Guided boat tour of the Land's End landmarks like El Arco ("The Arch"), Pelican Rock, Neptune's Finger, Divorce and Lover's Beach.
Right where the Sea of Cortez collides with the Pacific Ocean stands El Arco, the rock formation that is synonymous with Los Cabos. The jagged rock is situated at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula known as Land’s End and is an iconic sight that locals and visitors alike admire for its stunning qualities. Most tours make a stop at the arch and hotels sprawled along the sand in Cabo San Lucas ensure that views of El Arco are never obstructed, inviting you to take in the beauty of the arch’s silhouette.
The History of El Arco: The Baja California Peninsula was once a part of the North American Plate about 12 to 15 million years ago and through plate tectonics, the peninsula was eventually formed, which means that El Arco and the other rock formations scattered nearby are millions of years old. Over time, erosion carved through the rock, forming the arch that is recognized around the world today.
Beaches are year-round attractions in Cabo San Lucas, and two of the Los Cabos area’s most beautiful stretches of golden sands are found amidst the granite rock formations at Land’s End, at the southernmost point of Baja California peninsula.
LOVER'S BEACH
Playa del Amor, or "Lover’s Beach," is the most famous of the two, and certainly worthy of its romantic moniker. Lover’s Beach is a sand-strewn idyll bounded by towering rocks, and the beach offers gorgeous looks across the bay towards the luxury resorts that line the coastline.
Unlike Médano Beach, which is easily accessible from the downtown area, Lover’s Beach requires a bit of effort to reach its shores. Water-based transportation is a must, the easiest and cheapest method being one of the many pangas (or water taxis) that operate out of the Cabo San Lucas Marina.
A view of Baja peninsula's southernmost beaches: Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach — Photo courtesy of Solmar Hotels & Resorts
Kayak and stand-up paddle board tours sometimes include stops at Lover’s Beach, but it is an experience best enjoyed without time limits or scheduling constraints. Pack a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine–plus water, sunscreen, towels and any other essentials you’ll need–and enjoy a relaxing, romantic and unforgettable interlude at one of Baja California Sur’s most majestic settings.
Snorkel gear is also recommended, since the Sea of Cortez offers safe swimming and very good snorkeling conditions.
DIVORCE BEACH
The same, unfortunately, cannot be said of the waters found on the other side, also known as the Pacific Ocean. Strong rip currents make swimming in the Pacific very dangerous, but anyone visiting Lover’s Beach should absolutely walk through the gap in the rocks that separates it from its neighbor, Playa del Divorcio, or "Divorce Beach."
Divorce Beach is five times the size of Lover’s, a fact oft remarked upon by cynical locals. Despite its name, however, Divorce is every bit as beautiful, with soft sand and evocatively eroded rock formations. These provide perfect perches from which to watch waves that have traveled thousands of miles crash upon the shore.
The rocky promontory that stretches to Land’s End begins near the luxurious Grand Solmar resort, and locals and adventurous visitors occasionally access Divorce Beach via a path that requires a bit of rock climbing. This shortcut is not advised, however, and the safest way to reach Divorce Beach is by taking a panga to Lover’s Beach and walking over.