Take a day sail to see the famous sea arch and look for whales just off the coast of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.

We chose this two-and-a-half-hour shore excursion as our main activity in Cabo San Lucas.

This was a one-day adventure during our Norwegian Cruise on the Joy, which sailed from Los Angeles and stopped in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, Mexico.

Taking a Tender to the Port

The cruise ship stopped just outside Cabo San Lucas because the port isn’t big enough for large ships. Instead, the ship anchored offshore and we took small tender boats to reach the port.

I noticed a large yacht anchored near Cabo, reminding me of the reality series about people working on them called Below Deck.

As the tender pulled in, we saw pelicans on boats and briefly spotted a sea lion.

When we reached the dock and walked along the pier, my son spotted some large crabs on the nearby boulders.

At the port, there are gift shops and restaurants you can stop at on the way to and from town. The downside of this walk is the haggling of people offering services. We breezed past them to find the sign our tour operator was holding, which led us to the sailboat.

Start of Sailboat Cruise

It is not a large sailboat and can accommodate only around ten people. People sit on cushions on the boat’s bow. Our son was a little afraid, so we sat on the benches towards the front.

Next, we passed along the rocky shoreline south of Cabo San Lucas. You can see the small Playa Coral Negro beach among the stony points.

Then, Playa el Balconcito is separated from the main beach by a large rock monolith and can be reached by boat taxi.

Lastly, Playa de los Amantes, or Lover’s Beach, with its calm waters on the Sea of Cortez side, and behind it, Playa del Divorcio, or Divorce Beach, which faces the Pacific Ocean. Its name comes from the rough waves and strong currents, and is seen as a metaphor for troubled marriages. These two beaches can be reached on foot and by boat taxi.

El Arco

We then arrived at El Arco, or “the arch” in Spanish, also known as Land’s End at the tip of the Baja California peninsula. This three-story natural arch is nearly 80 million years old. Tall rock pinnacles stand next to the arch.

Behind Divorce Beach, you can see Mt. Solmar.

Out on the Pacific

We sailed past the Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort and Spa.

The sailboat slowed, and we had lunch, which included adult drinks, seafood salad, fresh fruit, guacamole, salsa, and chips. It was filling and refreshing.

Next, the crew put up the sail and the boat tilted a bit to the side. We were truly sailing on the Pacific Ocean. David and I enjoyed it, but our son didn’t like it as much.

Then our captain noticed several boats gathered in one spot. Humpback whales were breaking the surface there.

He took some time to watch them breach the surface. This was the closest I have ever come to a whale.

We also saw dolphins swimming nearby.

The captain raised the sail one last time before we headed back to the port.

As we came into the port, a sea lion came right at us before turning. After we got off the boat, we took a moment to look at the other ships and landscape before boarding the tender to return to our cruise ship.

Back on the Cruise Ship

I had read that you can see dolphins and possibly whales as the cruise ship goes out to sea. As we left port, I saw a sea turtle. The ocean didn’t disappoint—I saw dolphins swimming around a school of fish.

Final Thoughts

We enjoyed the sailing, but our son didn’t as much. If you like sailing and want to see the whales, this is a worthwhile activity.

If you have kids, I would make sure to note what the activity entails before booking.

We also did this through Norwegian Cruise Line, which ensures you can return in time for the ship to depart.

MORE CRUISING TOURS

Taking a Norwegian Breakaway Cruise

We took a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway with plenty of activities for kids from water slides to games and sports competitions in Splash Academy.

Taking a Norwegian Escape Cruise

Cruise out of Port Canaveral on the Norwegian Escape and visit Caribbean Islands and onboard activities like a ropes course, mini-golf, and water park.