El Arco and Land's End
The natural arch at the very tip of the peninsula is the symbol of Cabo San Lucas. The granite pinnacles around it shelter a colony of sea lions and attract pelicans and frigatebirds. Most routes begin here.
The destination
Los Cabos from the water
Granite cliffs, a famous arch, two very different seas and wildlife that changes with the seasons. Here is what you will see on a charter from Cabo San Lucas, and when to come.
Where land ends
Two towns, one coastline, two seas
Quick answer
Los Cabos is the municipality at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Baja California Sur, Mexico. It includes Cabo San Lucas, where most charters board beside Land's End and El Arco, and San José del Cabo to the east. Here the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California.
Cabo San Lucas faces a sheltered bay framed by the rocky headland of Land's End. Between the two towns runs a stretch of coastline often called the Tourist Corridor, dotted with coves, resorts and beaches. On the water, the contrast between the two seas is striking: the Sea of Cortez side is usually calmer and clearer, while the Pacific side brings rolling swell and dramatic surf.
That geography makes Cabo one of the most rewarding places in Mexico for a private charter. Within minutes of leaving the marina you are among the rock formations, and a half-day route can take in the arch, a beach or two, a snorkeling cove and open-ocean views. Browse the yacht fleet or the catamaran fleet to choose your vessel, and see our charter experiences for ideas on how to spend the day.
Coastal highlights
What you will see on the water
Your captain chooses the order and the stops based on the wind, the swell and your wishes. These are the landmarks most charters include.
Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach
Playa del Amor faces the calm Sea of Cortez, while Divorce Beach on the far side faces the open Pacific, where strong surf makes swimming dangerous. Seeing both from a boat shows the meeting of two seas in one view.
Snorkeling coves
The rocky reefs near Land's End and the bays along the Tourist Corridor, such as Santa María and Chileno, are popular for snorkeling when the water is calm. Your captain picks the spot with the best conditions on the day.
Médano Beach and the bay
Cabo San Lucas' main beach curves along the bay, with the town and hills behind. It makes a lively backdrop when you cruise back toward the marina at the end of the day.
The open Pacific
Beyond Land's End, the coast faces the full Pacific. It is where the sun sets, and in winter it is often where humpback whales are spotted.
San José del Cabo
The quieter, historic town of Los Cabos lies to the east, near the Puerto Los Cabos marina. If you are staying there, ask us about the most convenient boarding options for your charter.
Marine life
Sea lions, pelicans and seasonal giants
Wildlife is part of almost every charter. Sea lions bask on the rocks around El Arco year-round, brown pelicans patrol the bay and the marina, and schools of tropical fish gather around the rocky reefs. Dolphins are seen at times, always a highlight when they choose to ride the bow wave.
From about mid-December to mid-April, humpback whales arrive in the warm waters off Los Cabos to mate and calve. Seeing a mother and calf, a tail fluke or a full breach from a private boat is unforgettable. Wild animals are never guaranteed, and responsible crews keep a respectful distance.
Seasons at a glance
The best time for a charter
Quick answer
Los Cabos is a year-round charter destination. Winter, roughly December to March, brings humpback whales and comfortable temperatures. Spring is dry and sunny, summer is hot with warm water, and autumn is warm and quieter. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from mid-May to the end of November, with the highest risk typically from August to October.
| Season | On the water | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| December to March | Humpback whale season, pleasant temperatures, peak travel | Book early; rates and demand are typically highest |
| April to June | Dry, sunny and warming; whale season ends around mid-April | A good balance of weather and availability |
| July to September | Hot days and warm water for swimming | Plan shade and hydration; within hurricane season |
| October and November | Warm water, quieter months | Hurricane season continues until the end of November |
Golden hour
Sunsets over the Pacific
Because Cabo San Lucas faces west beyond Land's End, the sun sets over the open Pacific. The hour before sunset turns the granite cliffs gold, and it is the most requested time for anniversaries, proposals and celebrations. Sunset time shifts through the year, so we plan departures for your date.
Questions & answers
The Los Cabos coastline, answered
Common questions about the places and wildlife you will see on a charter in Los Cabos.
Ask us something elseEl Arco is a natural granite arch at Land's End, the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, beside Cabo San Lucas. It is the most famous landmark in Los Cabos and the highlight of most charter routes.
Very often, yes. A colony of sea lions lives on the rocks around El Arco, and boats usually pass close enough to see them basking. Crews keep a respectful distance and guests should never feed or approach the animals.
They meet at Land's End, the rocky headland at Cabo San Lucas. From a boat you can see the calmer Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific swell on the other, best illustrated by Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach.
Lover's Beach faces the calmer Sea of Cortez. Divorce Beach faces the open Pacific, where powerful surf and currents make swimming dangerous. Whether a beach stop is possible depends on the vessel and conditions, so follow your captain's advice.
The rocky reefs near Land's End and the bays along the Tourist Corridor, such as Santa María and Chileno, are popular snorkeling areas. Visibility and sea conditions change daily, so your captain chooses the best spot on the day.
Any time of year works. Choose winter for whale watching, spring for dry sunny weather, summer for warm water and autumn for quieter months. Keep in mind that the hurricane season runs from mid-May to the end of November.
Humpback whales typically visit from about mid-December to mid-April, with many sightings from January to March. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but a private boat lets you watch at your own pace.
Both towns are part of the municipality of Los Cabos. Cabo San Lucas sits beside Land's End and El Arco, with a lively marina and nightlife. San José del Cabo, to the east, is quieter and more historic, near the Puerto Los Cabos marina.
El Arco is close to the Cabo San Lucas marina, so it is usually the first highlight of a charter and can be included on almost any route, even a short one.
Many guests swim throughout the year. The water is at its warmest in late summer and autumn and cooler in winter and spring, when some swimmers prefer a short dip or a wetsuit.
La Paz lies farther north on the Sea of Cortez, and charters there are arranged separately from those in Cabo San Lucas. See our La Paz charters page for vessels and weekly options.
Yes. The waters and rock formations around Land's End are part of a protected natural area, which is why crews follow rules on anchoring, distance from wildlife and behavior around the rocks. Please follow the crew's instructions and leave no trace.