Cabo San Lucas’ most distinctive landmark is El Arco (The Arch), a rugged, taffy-colored rock formation rising from the Baja Peninsula. This is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. El Arco, also known as Land’s End, is a tourist attraction that has been the focal point of many vacation photos.
A popular attraction
Undoubtedly, Land’s End is one of Cabo San Lucas’ most popular attractions for tourists and celebrities alike. It is easy to get there. You can either view the famous golden arch from your boat or ask the captain to drop you off and return at a pre-arranged pick-up time. You will even get to see lazy sea lions resting on the rocks along the way.
Due to its beauty and recognizability, this area is used extensively in hotel advertisements in the Los Cabos Corridor. This area is a popular spot for tourists taking selfies to post on social media. It stands three stories high and was created from natural erosion millions of years ago.
The location of El Arco
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas can be found adjacent to Lovers Beach (Sea of Cortez) and Divorce Beach (Pacific Ocean). El Arco can even be reached by land as it is the very tip of the Baja California peninsula. It is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean on the West and the Sea of Cortez on the East.
How was the arch formed
The Baja California Peninsula once belonged to the North American Plate around 12-15 million years ago. Through plate tectonics the peninsula was formed. That means that El Arco and other nearby rock formations are millions of years old. Erosion over the last several million years is what formed the iconic arch that is now recognized all over the world.
How to get to El Arco
One way to get to the Arch of Cabo is to book a Cabo San Lucas Marina water taxi. You can also rent a kayak from Cabo to paddle to Land’s End if you are feeling fit. The facilities at El Arco are very limited which contributes to its natural, quiet feel.
On busy days, beach vendors will rent sun umbrellas or sell snacks. However, you can bring your own supplies. The currents on the Pacific Ocean side of Land’s End’s are often too strong to swim in, so be very cautious.
The Cabo Arch is the number 1 spot for social media posts
The Arch of Cabo is unique, beautiful, and surrounded by amazing clear ocean water. So, naturally, the area has become the “go-to” place for instagram photos and other social media posts.
A trip to Cabo San Lucas wouldn’t be complete without a selfie in front of the iconic arch.
A simple hashtag search of #CaboSanLucas or #ElArco will return an endless number of photos of the Arch of Cabo.
Here are some recent ones:
Whale watching near the Cabo Arch
The Pacific Ocean mingles with the Sea of Cortez nin Los Cabos, harboring a variety of aquatic animals that flourish beneath the surface, including humpback whales, gray whales and whale sharks. Whale watching experiences begin around December 15. While it’s likely that you’ll spot one or more of these magnificent creatures between November and April, January through March is the best time to improve your odds.
Head to the Cabo San Lucas Marina to select the right whale watching tour for you. Your hotel or resort can also help arrange a whale watching tour that fits your needs. There are a variety of tours to choose from including a group or private tour, a zodiac boat or a catamaran, and times throughout the day that work with any schedule.
The 5 best ways to visit The Arch of Cabo San Lucas
Having so mant options for things to do is just one of the reasons that Cabo San Lucas is considered one of the best places to buy property in Mexico. And there is no lack of options when deciding how to visit the Land’s End.
There are many amazing ways to enjoy El Arco. Each activity will have its own benefits and will highlight the experience in a unique way. Here are thea 5 best ways to enjoy The Arch..
1. Luxury yacht tour of Los Cabos
You can enjoy a relaxing ride on a luxury sailing yacht, complete with hors-d’oeuvres. Enjoy a close-up view of the Cabo Arch, the sea lion colony and Lover’s Beach. You might spot dolphins, rays or whales as you sail. Before heading back to the boat, you can stop at a quiet cove for a swim or snorkel.
2. Cabo sorkel adventure
Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular places to snorkel. The clear water is home to many marine species, including corals and tropical fish. Enjoy a cruise along the coast to see the Cabo Arch, sea-lions, and Lover’s Beach. Then dive in for the snorkeling experience of your dreams. If you wish, you can even rent a paddleboard or kayak.
3. Flyboarding
One of the most thrilling activities that you can do in Cabo is to fly over the water on a Flyboard. After celebrities and other influencers began to do it, Flyboarding became a popular social media trend. Although anyone can flyboard, it takes practice to master the skills. Having the Arch of Cabo as your backdrop will make the adventure that much more memorable.
4. Scuba diving at Land’s End & the arch
There are many local experts that can take you scuba diving in one of the most beautiful scuba diving spots. Neptune’s Finger is accessible from both the surface and the underwater. You can also swim through the Arch and explore an underwater canyon that is thousands of feet deep. There will be plenty of tropical fish to join you on your adventure, and you may even encounter dolphins or sea turtles if you are lucky. It is best to visit between June and December, when the water temperature is higher, the weather is more calm, and the visibility is better.
5. Los Cabos luxury sunset sailing
Mexico is home to some of the most stunning sunsets anywhere in the world. Taking a luxurious sunset cruise will help you enjoy the best views. You will also be able to view some of the most beautiful sights along the Cabo coastline. Some cruises are for adults only, if you’d like to avoid noise kids on the boat. You will have the opportunity to take beautiful photos with your loved one in front of stunning sunset backgrounds. So whether you are staying in on of Cabo’s many luxurious hotels or you have access to one of the exclusive condos in Cabo San Lucas, make sure that the famous Arch of Cabo is high on your list of things to see and do during your stay in Los Cabos.
