Explore Land’s End Cabo San Lucas, A Complete Guide

Land’s End is one of the most well-known, popular, and visited areas in Cabo San Lucas. Located at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Sur peninsula, Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas is a natural wonder with many sites that capture the essence of the Baja California Peninsula. Land’s End is known for its dramatic rock formations that rise from the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. This natural wonder features the distinctive Arch, a towering arch-shaped rock formation shaped by the forces of the wind and the ocean. Many visitors flock to Land’s End to witness breathtaking sunsets and view the iconic Arch, but there are many other sites to explore at Land’s End, such as secluded beach coves, snorkeling sites with abundant marine life, hidden rock lookouts, and for experienced divers, the incredible sand waterfall. Keep reading to learn about the many sites you can explore at Land’s End. 

How to Visit Land’s End

Land’s End is located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula and is not accessible by land. The only way to explore Land’s End is by boat, kayak, or by stand-up paddle board. 

You Will Start Your Trip From the Cabo San Lucas Marina

Land’s End is close to the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Whether you are exploring by boat excursion, kayak or SUP excursion, or have decided to venture off on your own, you will start your trip from the Cabo San Lucas Marina.

Visiting Land’s End By Boat Excursion or Water Taxi

There are numerous boat excursion operators that offer trips to Land’s End. Boat excursions offer different packages that you can choose from. Some offer a simple cruise along Land’s End, where you will learn about all the points of interest of the southern peninsula. Other boat excursions include snorkeling and a light lunch. You can also take a glass bottom boat or a clear boat that allows you to view the marine life as you cruise Land’s End.

A water taxi is another great way to see Land’s End. You can take a water taxi to one of the beaches on Land’s End, such as Pelican Beach or Lover’s Beach. Taking a water taxi is one of the most affordable ways to visit Land’s End. The water taxi will drop you off at Lover’s Beach, where you can spend a few hours enjoying the beach, swimming, and soaking up the Cabo sun.

Visiting Land’s End By Kayak or SUP

Another popular way of exploring Land’s End is by kayak or by stand-up paddle board. This is one of the best ways to explore this area. You can either join a kayak or SUP excursion or rent the equipment and go on your own. If you go on your own, you can take your time and make stops along the way to explore smaller beaches that you would not otherwise be able to explore. If you go by excursion, you will have a guided tour of the area. Many kayak and SUP excursions have snorkeling included as part of the trip. If you choose a snorkeling kayak/SUP excursion, you will need to be able to get back on your kayak or SUP after you are done snorkeling.

If you kayak or SUP on your own, you will need to keep the ocean conditions in mind. The ocean conditions in this area can make traveling by kayak or SUP dangerous. It is best to start early in the morning when the water is normally the calmest. Also, there are many boats traveling throughout the area, so you will need to be careful as you kayak and SUP. Parts of the area, especially the area past the Arch, should only be accessed by boat as the ocean waves and currents become very strong.

Sites at Land’s End

The most famous site at Land’s End is the iconic and famous Arch. But did you know that there are other sites to visit at Land’s End? Here are the other well-known and a few hidden gems to explore at Land’s End. 

Explore Playa Empacadora / Cannery Beach

One of the first places you will pass when leaving the marina and visiting the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula is Playa Empacadora or Cannery Beach. Cannery Beach got its name because there used to be a tuna packing plant at this location. It is now a popular beach spot for locals and one of the swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas. As you pass Cannery Beach you will notice a large mural painted on a long wall. The mural paintings are contributed by various artists. The paintings depict the various marine life found in the local area. If you are able to visit Cannery Beach, the mural is worth visiting. 

Cannery Beach is a small inlet that makes for calmer water. Changes in the weather can cause the waves to become stronger. As you pass by this area, you will have a fantastic view of Cannery Beach 

Explore Smaller Beaches at Land’s End

As you make your way down the peninsula at Land’s End, you will pass by a couple of small beaches. If you are traveling by kayak or SUP, you can stop at one of these beaches. These small beaches are not a regular stop by excursion boats or taxi boats but they are easily accessible by kayak or SUP. 

Snorkel at Pelican Rock

If you would like a great place to snorkel, Pelican Rock is one of the best snorkel sites at Land’s End. You will definitely notice this as you will see many excursion boats docked in this area for both snorkelers and divers. Pelican Rock is an especially popular spot to snorkel when cruise ships are in town. A great tip for snorkeling at Pelican Rock is to visit this area when there are no cruise ships in town. Although snorkeling in Pelican Rock tends to be busy anyways, it is slightly less busy when there are no cruise ship visitors in town.

The marine life at Pelican rock is absolutely incredible. You will see many fishes in various sizes. The majority of the fish will be larger rather than smaller. You might even see several sea lions in the area. Whether or not the sea lions visit Pelican Rock will depend on how busy the area is. I have noticed that where there is a larger number of boats anchored off of Pelican Rock, there are less sea lions in the area.

Explore Playa Pelicanos / Pelican Beach

Playa Pelicanos, or Pelican Beach, is the sandy beach adjacent to Pelican Rock. You can easily access Pelican Beach by kayak or SUP and spend a few hours sunbathing and snorkeling in the area off of Pelican Beach. If you arrive in this area by excursion boat, you will more than likely just snorkel by Pelican Rock and not go to Pelican Beach unless your excursion boat offers kayaks or another way to reach the beach area. 

Explore Playa del Amor / Lovers Beach

Also known as Lover’s Beach, Playa del Amor is one of the more well-known beaches in Land’s End, along with its counterpart, Playa del Divorcio or Divorce Beach. Playa del Amor, or Lover’s Beach, is one of the swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas. Unfortunately, it is only accessible by boat, kayak, or SUP. This is definitely one of the spots where you should stop as you explore Land’s End. There are no facilities at Lover’s Beach, so you will need to make sure to bring everything you will need, such as sunscreen, water, and snacks. If you arrive at Lover’s Beach by water taxi, it will be easier to bring items with you. However, when you exit the water taxi, you will be exiting in the water, normally about ankle deep. So be sure to bring only the necessary items with you.

Explore Playa del Divorcio / Divorce Beach

Playa del Divorcio, or Divorce Beach, is actually on the other side of the peninsula. However, Playa del Divorcio or Divorce Beach does merit a mention. If you stop at Lover’s Beach, you will be able to cross the sand from Lover’s Beach to the other side of the Peninsula and reach Divorce Beach. While Lover’s Beach is a swimmable beach, Divorce Beach is not. I can’t stress that enough. Divorce Beach is a dangerous beach. You should never enter the water at Divorce Beach.

View the Entrance to Magic Cave

As you make your way down Land’s End, you will come to Magic Cave. The urban legend of Magic Cave is that two people enter Magic Cave, but three people exit the cave. You will have to use your imagination for that one. Magic Cave is located near Lover’s Beach. However, due to the recent storms and hurricanes in Cabo, the sandy entrance to Magic Cave is underwater.  

Land’s End Rock Formations The Lion’s Head and The Snake Head

There are several popular rock formations in Land’s End. Two rock formations that are part of the same large rock structure are the Lion’s head and the Snake’s head. The Lion’s head is located towards the front part of the rock formation. The Lion’s head makes up the top peak of the front part of the rock formation. The Snake’s head is to the right of the Lion’s head and appears to wrap from the lower part of the rock formation towards the top. I would have to say that I struggled to see both figures in the rock formation. The lion’s head is probably easier to find than the Snake’s head. 

Land’s End Rock Formations Neptune’s Finger

Another rock formation you will see as you explore Land’s End is Neptune’s Finger. Neptune’s Finger is a very large rock formation that protrudes up from the ocean. Due to its shape, some people refer to Neptune’s Finder as an upside-down map of Baja. When you take a good look at Neptune’s Finger it actually does resemble an upside-down map of the Baja California Peninsula.

Visit the Mirador al Pacifico / Window to the Pacific Ocean

The Mirador al Pacifico, also known as the Window to the Pacific Ocean, is located just past Neptune’s Finger. It is an opening in the rock formation where you can see the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez. The opening in the rock formation is very tall. You will get a great view of the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez. This area does get very busy as the boats need to line up to position themselves near the lookout in order to give their customers a great view. If you kayak or SUP to this area you will need to be very careful. 

Visit the Famous Arch at Land’s End

Cabo’s iconic Arch is the most well-known of all the sites at Land’s End. You can take a larger catamaran tour to the Arch, however, you will not be able to get a close-up view of the Arch from a larger boat. The advantage of taking a smaller boat, kayak, or SUP to the Arch is the incredible close-up view. Depending on the condition of the ocean, you might find that the water clears below the arch, becoming a nice sandy beach. If you are on a kayak or SUP, you might be tempted to stop at the sandy beach. Stopping and walking below the Arch is not allowed. It is actually illegal to do so. While the rare appearance of the sandy beach looks inviting, stopping is dangerous and against the law in Baja California Sur, and you should not do this.

View Los Frailes / The Friars Rock Formation

Los Frailes rock formation, also known as the Friars, are the two islets that protrude out of the ocean just past the iconic Arch. As you explore Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas, you will notice that there is a large variety of marine life in the area. The Friars rock formations is no exception to this. The Friars is the perfect place to spot sea lions swimming around and basking in the sun.

The Dividing Rock

As you go past the Arch, you will begin to go around the tip of the Baja California Peninsula. In this area, you will come to a rock that protrudes from the ocean. It is a large rock but not a huge monolith. This rock naturally marks the location where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. 

View The Pirate Cave

As you enter into the Pacific Ocean side of the Baja California Peninsula, you will come to the Pirate Cave. The Pirate Cave is located just past the Arch and has a colorful history. The cave is named so because in the late 1500s pirates would hide in the cave waiting to ambush and steal treasures that were on board ships arriving in the area.  

Divorce Beach

Just past the Pirate Cave you will come to Divorce Beach. The waves and the current at Divorce Beach are very strong. There are also strong undertows and a steep drop-off near the shore. Thus, Divorce Beach is best viewed from afar. You should not swim at Divorce Beach because it is dangerous to do so.  

Diving at Land’s End

Land’s End offers spectacular views of marine life, the many reefs in the area, and the incredible underwater topography of the surrounding area. The Baja Peninsula is in the area where the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate meet. Thus there are fault lines that run in this area. The underwater topography makes for incredible one of a kind diving at Land’s End. 

An incredible phenomenon that you can see while diving at Land’s End is the Sand Waterfall. A sand waterfall is essentially a waterfall that is comprised of sand. There are very few places on earth where you can see this phenomenon, Cabo San Lucas is one of these places. 

There are three main walls for diving at Lands End: the North Wall, the Middle Wall, and the South Wall. The above-surface location points are Pelican Rock, Neptune’s Finger, and near the iconic Arch. You can find sand waterfalls in several places along the walls. Diving to the sand waterfall is an advanced dive and only experienced divers should make this dive. You can view the sand waterfall starting at about 90 feet of depth (27.4 meters). At this depth, this dive will more than likely be a decompression dive. You should be an experienced diver if you decide to make this dive. 

Look for Pancho the Sea Lion

While walking around the Marina, Pancho the Sea Lion was also pointed out to us many times. As it turned out, we saw Pancho many times while exploring Land’s End. We soon discovered that just about every Sea Lion you come across in Cabo San Lucas is named Pancho. They are named so after the original Pancho who was recognized by a distinguishing mark on his head. 

Visit The Statute of Pancho, Cabo’s Mascot

While the original Pancho is no longer with us, you can visit a statute dedicated to Pancho, Cabo’s popular mascot. The statute of Pancho is located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas.

Stay Safe While You Explore Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas

The ocean around Land’s end can get rough. Thus, it is very important to stay safe while exploring Land’s End. If the ocean is rough and the waves have picked up, you should not go out on a kayak or SUP. You should also wear a life vest while you are exploring Land’s End. This is true whether you are on a kayak, SUP, or a boat. In fact, most water taxis, glass bottom boats, and smaller vessels will require you to put on a life vest while they transport you around Land’s End. 

Stay safe and enjoy the incredible sites at Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas! And if you are looking for other great places to explore, take a day trip to Todos Santos or La Paz. You can drive to Todos Santos in about an hour from Cabo San Lucas, and La Paz is a two-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas.