Cabo’s Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations

Reviewed · GLASS-BOTTOM & CLEAR KAYAK TOURS

Cabo’s Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations

4.5 · 176 reviews 45 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) From $44 Operated by Best Cabo Tours, LLC · Bookable on Viator
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Cabo looks different through a clear hull. I really like the full clear boat view and how it turns the Sea of Cortes into a floating aquarium with fish and sea lions. The other big plus is the certified guide who points out what you’re seeing near famous landmarks. One thing to consider: the ride is short, and there can be more time spent on onboard passenger photos than you’d expect.

This is a tight, well-paced outing—about 45 minutes to 1 hour—with a small group (up to 12). You get a mobile ticket, safety gear, and a guide in English, plus plenty of photo opportunities if you bring your phone.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

Cabo's Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations - Key Takeaways Before You Go

  • Full clear boat visibility: You can scan beneath you for marine life instead of just looking at the horizon.
  • Sea of Cortes and Pacific mix: You’ll see why Cabo’s coastline looks so dramatic from the water.
  • Most famous stops, fast: The route hits the Arch, Pelican Rock, and two beach areas in a single pass.
  • Guides can be picture-focused: It’s part of the experience, but it may affect how long you feel you’re actually cruising.
  • Value comes from what’s included: Safety equipment, a certified guide, and beach admissions are built in.

Clear Boat 101: What Makes This Sail Feel Special

Cabo's Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations - Clear Boat 101: What Makes This Sail Feel Special
A clear boat tour in Cabo is all about one thing: perspective. Instead of staring at waves from the side of a boat, you’re looking straight down as the water and marine life come into view. If you love photos, this kind of ride practically begs you to keep your phone up and check the hull as you move along.

The route is built around the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortes. That matters because the scenery changes fast—rocky viewpoints, open water, and calmer coves—so even when the total time on the water is under an hour, the trip doesn’t feel repetitive.

Marine life is also a major reason to book. Expect the tour to focus on spotting tropical fish, pelicans, and sea lions during the scenic passes near landmark rocks and coastal formations. In particular, Pelican Rock is the kind of stop where the action is often visible without you having to squint.

Meeting at CaboMarina: Tickets, Check-In, and Real-World Logistics

You’ll start at Envatours CaboMarina Sn Local 15 y 16 A, Centro, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so plan your day around a tight loop instead of needing a second transfer later.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the experience is listed as something most travelers can participate in. That said, there’s one practical note worth taking seriously: getting in and out of the boat is described as a high step over the side. If anyone in your group has mobility limits, it’s smart to show up with extra patience and a plan for help during boarding.

Also, I’d treat this as a bring-your-own-photos moment. You’ll be encouraged to have your phone ready for unlimited shots. If you want professional photos, those are available for an additional fee—so you can choose how much you want to spend at the end.

One timing detail that can trip people up: the posted start time may reflect check-in rather than actual departure. If your schedule is tight, give yourself buffer time so you don’t get nudged into a later slot.

The Quick Route: Arch of Cabo, Pelican Rock, Divorce Beach

Cabo's Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations - The Quick Route: Arch of Cabo, Pelican Rock, Divorce Beach
The tour’s first landmark hit is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. This is the famous rock formation you’ve probably seen in photos and videos, but from the boat it’s much more real. You’ll get time to look up close and take images from an angle most people can’t get easily from shore. The short stop is part of the “see it all” formula, so it helps if you already know you want both wide shots and close-ups.

Next comes Pelican Rock. This is where the boat ride shifts from sightseeing into wildlife spotting mode. The stop is short, but it’s set up for you to scan for colorful tropical fish and for seabirds around the rock—plus the chance to see sea lions depending on conditions.

Then you’ll head to Divorce Beach on the Pacific side. This one is all about mood. Expect dramatic cliffs and strong waves rather than a calm postcard shoreline. It’s a stop that works best if you like moody nature photography—rock textures, rough water, and wind-carved coastal angles.

A subtle planning tip: because each stop is only a few minutes, you’ll get the most out of this tour by deciding your priorities before you board. If you mainly want wildlife under you, keep your attention on the clear hull. If you mainly want landmark photos, be ready to move quickly when the boat slows near each spot.

Playa de los Amantes and the Bay View You’ll Actually Remember

Cabo's Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations - Playa de los Amantes and the Bay View You’ll Actually Remember
After the Pacific-side drama, you’ll shift to a calmer beach scene: Playa de los Amantes. This stop sits where the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean meet, which is why the water and coastline can look different minute to minute. The vibe here is more relaxed than Divorce Beach, and it’s a good contrast so the whole loop feels balanced.

You’ll also spend time in the Bay of Cabo San Lucas area. This is useful because it rounds out the story of Cabo: rock formations and landmarks are only half the picture. The bay gives you context—how the coastline curves, where boats cluster, and how the city’s waterfront fits into the larger marine landscape.

If you’re traveling with a camera-loving group, this is the stretch where you’ll likely appreciate having a phone charged and ready. The tour is built around quick photo windows, not long scenic pull-offs, so having everything set before you start saves stress.

Wildlife Spotting and the Photo-Time Tradeoff

Cabo's Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations - Wildlife Spotting and the Photo-Time Tradeoff
Here’s the honest tradeoff that shows up in how people talk about this tour: the boat ride includes onboard picture moments. That can be great if you want help framing shots or you like the idea of a guide capturing your group together.

But if you’re the type who wants maximum time cruising and maximum time staring at fish, the photo-focused parts can feel like they take too long. Some people also note that guides may try to take photos from their own camera for purchase at the end. Others say the crew took lots of photos without being pushy.

My practical advice: decide what matters to you and set your expectation before you’re on the water. If your goal is the clear-hull views, keep your attention on what’s below and use the onboard picture time as a break. If your goal is “we need one great group shot,” lean in and let the crew do their thing—just keep your phone ready so you don’t miss the moments between photo prompts.

Also, quick heads-up on comfort: one rider specifically recommended motion sickness prevention if you’re sensitive. A short ride still has movement, and clear boats can make you feel like you’re more “in” the water since you’re visually tracking below. If you’ve had issues on boats before, it’s worth planning ahead.

Price and Value: Why $44.10 Can Make Sense Here

Cabo's Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations - Price and Value: Why $44.10 Can Make Sense Here
At about $44.10 per person for roughly an hour on the water, the price only feels like a deal if the included parts match what you care about. In this case, the built-in value is clear:

  • You get a certified guide.
  • You get the full clear boat experience.
  • Safety equipment is provided.
  • The route covers the Arch area, Pelican Rock, Divorce Beach, Playa de los Amantes, and the Bay of Cabo San Lucas.
  • Admission to beaches is included.

That combo matters because many Cabo excursions charge separately for wildlife or “access” moments, then sell it to you as the main attraction. Here, the main attraction is the clear visibility and the landmark route, and the price covers the ride and the guide.

Your main extra cost risk is optional: professional photos. Those are available upon request for an additional fee. If you’re happy with phone photos, you can keep spending down and still walk away with a solid souvenir set.

One more value angle: the group size is small (maximum 12). That doesn’t mean it’s private, but it usually helps with getting attention from the crew and getting around the boat comfortably during brief photo pauses.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

Cabo's Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations - Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)
This tour is a strong match for:

  • People who love photos but don’t want a full half-day plan.
  • Couples or small families who want a “big highlights” loop in a short window.
  • Anyone who’s curious about marine life viewing from above—especially tropical fish and the chance of sea lions.
  • Travelers who like guided context. Several named guides have been mentioned as friendly and entertaining, including Tomas and Nacho, Lorena, José, Juan, Luis (with Capt. Miguel), Michelle, Alex, Fidel, and Capt. Mikey.

It may be less ideal if:

  • You strongly prefer long, slow cruising over quick stops.
  • You get annoyed when the crew’s attention shifts toward passenger photography for later sales.
  • You have someone in the group who needs easier boat access due to the higher step boarding.

If your day is already packed, this is the kind of tour that helps you “check the Cabo landmarks off” without burning an entire morning or afternoon.

Should You Book Cabo’s Original Clear Boat Tour?

Cabo's Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations - Should You Book Cabo’s Original Clear Boat Tour?
If you want Cabo highlights with a clear-hull view—so you can actually see beneath you—this is an easy yes for most people. The short length is not a weakness when your priority is variety: Arch, Pelican Rock, Pacific-side beach drama, a calmer beach, and bay scenery, all in one loop.

I’d book it if you can do two things: bring your phone and accept that the ride includes photo moments as part of the experience. If you hate any photo-time and only want wildlife viewing, you might feel squeezed by the schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo clear boat tour?

The tour runs about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $44.10 per person.

What does the tour include?

It includes a certified guide, a full clear boat experience, safety equipment, and the tour route covering the Arch, Land’s End, Pelican Rock, Sea of Cortes, both beaches, and the Bay of Cabo San Lucas. Admission to beaches is also included.

Are professional photos included?

Professional photos are not included. They’re available upon request for an additional fee.

Is English offered on this tour?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a cancellation window for a refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.