As one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for fun in the sun, Cabo San Lucas is home to countless fabulous sights and activities which will turn any vacation into a memory-filled experience you will cherish forever. One of the most iconic of these attractions in Cabo is El Arco (Land’s End), the stunning stone arches emerging from the sea which have been flawlessly carved by nature and are no doubt the most common image associated with this amazing destination.
Pacific Meets the Sea of Cortez
Situated at the southernmost tip of the Baja peninsula, El Arco marks the dramatic meeting spot of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Due to the striking beauty of the rock formation, it is one of the most treasured landmarks in all of Cabo San Lucas and is a popular highlight of several tourist activities.
Name Origins
While the Spanish name El Arco, which translates to “the Arch”, is quite literal for the arching rock formations of the landmark, the name it is called in English, Land’s End, has an interesting story behind it. Tales of folklore claim that when ships used to take a direct route south, they believed they would not encounter land until reaching the South Pole and this seemed to them like it must be it! Fortunately for anyone with plans to spend time outdoors in the sun, the South Pole is much further away, meaning you can skip the parka and enjoy sunny skies and warm temperatures in Cabo San Lucas.
How to Get There
While swimming isn’t a recommended means of transportation to El Arco, it is a very quick boat ride from the marina of Cabo San Lucas. From there, you can catch a water taxi, a glass-bottom boat to watch the sea life on your short journey, a private yacht or a panga (small fishing boat). After you arrive, you can go straight for the photo opportunities the area is popular for, or get off the boat and get to know the beautiful beaches.
Beaches
While admiring El Arco from afar, you may not realize there are beaches where you can take a dip in the ocean or enjoy the sights and sand for an afternoon. You can begin a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure from right here, where you can explore the underwater beauty of Land’s End. There are two beautiful connected beaches to see, with Lover’s Beach on the Sea of Cortez side which is a safe place to swim, and Divorce Beach on the Pacific Ocean side, where getting into the water is ill-advised.
Activities
The comfortable water temperatures and calm currents make snorkeling and diving a delightful experience at El Arco, and the ocean is sure to impress with its vast collection of sea life including schools of splendid fish, turtles and sea lions. This is also a popular breeding area for pelicans, where they dive into the water in search of tasty snacks.
Photo-Worthy Surroundings
Of course, you won’t want to miss the chance to snap some envy-inducing photographs of this natural wonder so you can share them on social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
