Paddle and Snorkel at El Arco: Cabo San Lucas SUP Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; must be comfortable standing and swimming. Good for active beginners and regular exercisers.
Overview
Stand-up paddle to El Arco, glide alongside a sunbathing colony of sea lions, then drop into clear water at Pelican Rock for snorkeling. This three-hour SUP-and-snorkel tour from Cabo San Lucas blends wildlife viewing, easy learning, and ocean access for new and confident paddlers alike.
Paddle and Snorkel at El Arco: Cabo San Lucas SUP Adventure
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The sea here has a way of setting the tempo. You push off from a narrow strip of sand, the paddle chirring through glassy water, and the first thing you notice is how the Pacific and Sea of Cortez argue and then agree at the same place: El Arco. The rock looms ahead—scoured, tilted, and insistently horizontal—while a colony of sea lions sprawls on a sun-warmed ledge, barking like a harbor orchestra that refuses to be hushed.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Choose morning departures
Morning sessions (around 9 a.m.) usually have lighter winds and flatter water, which improves paddling and snorkeling visibility.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Apply reef-safe, waterproof sunscreen before arrival to protect marine life and avoid reapplying in the water.
Bring a waterproof camera or case
The Arch and the sea lion colony are best photographed from a low, water-level perspective—protect your device with a dry bag or case.
Mind personal items
There are no lockers on the beach; leave valuables on the transport vehicle or use the guide’s secure storage.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- California sea lions
- Schools of tropical reef fish (parrotfish, sergeant majors)
History
El Arco is a sculpted granite and volcanic outcrop shaped by tectonics and centuries of wave action; it has been a navigational landmark for local fishers and sailors for generations.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching or standing on coral, and maintain distance from sea lions; operators observe local rules to minimize disturbance and marine impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cabo San Lucas
Recommended Gear
Rash guard or quick-dry shirt
Protects from sun and reduces chafing during paddling and snorkeling.
summer specific
Water shoes
Make launching from rocky sand easier and protect feet on the shoreline.
summer specific
Waterproof phone case or small dry bag
Keeps camera, phone, and small valuables dry during the activity.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the marine environment; apply before arriving.
summer specific