Arch of Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is a magnificent natural rock formation at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula marks the start of Land’s End, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.
At the tip of the Baja Peninsula stands a craggy rock formation, in the shape of an arch, that towers over the ocean. El Arco is like the gateway to the ocean and has a majestic appearance, reminiscent of another world.
This arch has been carved over time, as rough winds and the waters erode the rocks away. This part of the Baja Peninsula, also known as Land’s End, is one of the most popular attractions in Cabo San Lucas.
Pirates roamed this area, hiding behind the rocky walls, waiting to steal gold from the incoming ships. If you come here on a glass-bottom boat tour, you can admire the tropical fish that are so abundant in this area.
Make a day trip and visit Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), which is a secluded stretch of sand. Snorkel or scuba dive out in the water, or laze on the beach. Walk along the shore and watch El Arco change color as the sun sets.
Between December and March, watch whales as they migrate from the cold Arctic to the warm Baja Peninsula. The shallow, warm water makes the bay the perfect spot for whales to give birth and raise their young.
To get to the arch, book a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas Marina. If you feel fit, rent a kayak from Cabo and paddle to Land’s End instead. Facilities at El Arco are limited, which adds to the quiet, natural feel of the place.
The currents on the Pacific Ocean side of Land’s End are often too strong for swimming.
Lightweight boats, some with glass bottoms, visit the beaches of Amor and Divorcio (Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach), located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, next to the landmark El Finisterra (Land’s End).
The soft sand and moderate waves at both beaches make them a good place to swim and snorkel. Cruise boats pass a bit further out, and adventurous spirits with their parachutes appear to graze the cliffs that shelter the shore.
Land’s End – El Finisterra
This rock formation is known as Land’s End because it is here, at Cape Baja, that the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Boats leave Medano Beach every morning for the 30-minute journey to Land’s End.
In October when sea levels drop, visitors can walk under the Arch all the way to the beach.
The trip will take you past good diving spots and a famous sea lion colony, while your guide will introduce you to the history and legends associated with each of the rock formations you encounter along the way.
This formation played an important role in the era when the route of the Manila galleons passed this coast. It was from here that the sentries of pirate ships warned their comrades when they spotted sails in the distance.
This gave the pirate crews time to prepare for an attack.
