Our BEST Cabo Day Yet? Los Arcos, Glass Blowing & Cabo Wabo | Norwegian Bliss #norwegiancruiseline
The morning sunlight poured into our room as we sat on the balcony, enjoying breakfast and watching dolphins leap through the waves below. The calm sea and warm air reminded us that Cabo San Lucas has its own kind of rhythm. Even before setting out, we could already feel the energy of the place—wildlife in motion, ships nearby, and the sound of the ocean carrying through the breeze.
Later, we joined others heading toward the shore, prepared to see more of Cabo’s famous sights. From quiet beaches to lively coastal views, every stop offered something new. The day felt full of small discoveries, whether spotting sea life, exploring landmarks, or simply sharing good food and laughter while soaking in the sun.
Key Takeaways
- We started the day surrounded by warm ocean views and friendly energy.
- We explored the coast, spotting sea life and scenic landmarks.
- We enjoyed local experiences filled with food, fun, and memorable moments.
Waking Up in Paradise
Morning Meal Delivery
We started the morning waiting for our food to arrive. The sun felt strong, but the view from the balcony made up for it. When the food came, it was worth the wait.
| Christina’s Plate | My Plate |
|---|---|
| French toast | Ham and cheese omelet |
| Danishes | Breakfast potatoes |
| Fresh fruit | Orange juice and coffee |
We set everything out on the small table and ate while watching the waves hit the shore. It was quiet except for the sound of the sea and a few passing boats.
Spotting Dolphins
Before breakfast, something splashed in the water. We leaned over the railing and saw dolphins jumping nearby. Two of them leaped almost in sync, bright in the morning light.
We laughed because at first, we weren’t sure if we had really seen them. Seeing the dolphins so close made the day feel special before it even began.
Enjoying the Balcony
After eating, we stayed on the balcony for a while. The air was hot and sticky, but the ocean breeze helped a little. We could see the Holland America ship nearby and joked about how big our ship looked next to it.
We talked about sea life we might spot later—stingrays, turtles, even whales. It felt peaceful sitting there together, watching the busy harbor and knowing the day ahead was full of new things to see.
Cruise Adventures in Cabo San Lucas
Getting to Cabo San Lucas
We woke up to a bright and warm morning with dolphins jumping in the distance. Breakfast arrived on the balcony—French toast, fresh fruit, and a ham and cheese omelet with OJ and coffee. The sun was already strong, and the air felt humid. When we looked out, we saw we had reached Cabo San Lucas.
The heat hit us the moment we stepped outside. People were already heading to the tenders for shore. We spotted the Holland America New Amsterdam anchored nearby. We joked about spotting stingrays, whales, turtles, and even the “majestic flat flaps,” our nickname for manta rays.
First Views and Local Sights
Once ashore, we walked through the busy area lined with vendors and signs for Señor Frog’s. The sun made everything shimmer. From the boat, we could see Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach—two sides of the same rock formation. Lover’s Beach looked peaceful, while the other side had rough waves and strong surf.
We cruised past The Arch, the famous landmark at the point where the Pacific meets the Gulf of California. The guide talked about a deep canyon below the surface shaped by the San Andreas Fault. Sand flows down its edge like an underwater waterfall. We spotted pelicans, sea lions, and even heard stories of divers who once swam beside hammerhead sharks.
| Sight | Description |
|---|---|
| The Arch | Natural rock formation at the tip of Cabo |
| Lover’s Beach | Calm water and soft sand |
| Divorce Beach | Strong waves; not safe for swimming |
| Sea Lions | Resting near the rocks |
| Pelicans | Gliding overhead and diving for fish |
The Holland America New Amsterdam
The Holland America New Amsterdam sat nearby, a smaller ship compared to the ones we had cruised on before. We talked about how it usually sails from San Diego. We haven’t tried that line yet, but it’s on our list.
Later, we joined our group for a bus ride to Sunset Mona Lisa, a hilltop spot with wide views of the bay and both ships in the background. It was beautiful but not the safest, with uneven steps and few railings. Still, the breeze felt nice after the heat on deck.
Before returning, we stopped for snacks—quesadillas, chips and salsa, and cold margaritas. It was a perfect break before heading back to the tender and returning to the ship for the evening.
Wildlife Watching and Ocean Wonders
Seeing Dolphins and Sea Turtles
We ate breakfast out on the balcony and spotted a few dolphins jumping just off the shore. It felt like the best kind of start to the day. Later, we kept an eye out for sea turtles gliding near the surface. Cabo waters stay full of life, and you never know what might rise out of the waves next.
| Animal | Where We Saw Them | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphins | From the balcony | Jumping in pairs |
| Sea Turtles | Near the boat | Calm and slow-moving |
Looking for Rays and Hammerheads
Once we reached the harbor, we searched for what we call flat flaps—stingrays gliding close to the sand. Every now and then, someone spots a manta ray, which feels even larger and more graceful. We also heard about divers who saw a whole line of hammerhead sharks, so many it took minutes for them all to pass.
- Flat flaps (stingrays): Glide near shallow sandbars
- Manta rays: Larger and slower, sometimes called “majestic”
- Hammerhead sharks: Travel in schools near deeper canyons
The Hidden Sandfall Beneath the Waves
As our boat moved toward the arch, the guide pointed out something special below the surface—a sandfall that looks like sand pouring off a cliff. It happens where the canyon edge drops away under the water near the San Andreas fault line. This moving sand creates a steady flow into the deep sea, a quiet feature many call an underwater wonder.
The mix of nutrient-rich water and sandy movement makes this area thrive with marine life, from sea lions to schools of fish circling along the canyon floor.
Exploring the Iconic Landmarks
Trip to the Arch
We climbed aboard a small boat and headed toward the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. The sun was intense, but the views made it worth it. On the way, we passed snorkelers near the rocks and watched the waves break against the shore. Beneath that calm surface lies a deep canyon shaped by the San Andreas Fault. Guides told us that sand flows down like an underwater waterfall there, which keeps the area full of sea life.
| Highlight | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Edge of the Baja Peninsula |
| Known for | Unique rock formation and marine canyon |
| Seen Nearby | Dolphins, rays, whales, and turtles |
Lover’s Beach and Breaker’s Side
When we reached the sandy area known as Lover’s Beach, it felt peaceful and quiet. The only way to get there was by water taxi or kayak—no roads led in. Just a short distance away, on the Pacific side, the waves grew rough at what locals call the “breaker’s side.” The surf hit hard and changed quickly, so swimming there was unsafe. We stayed close to the calmer waters, taking pictures with the bright cliffs behind us.
Quick facts:
- Lover’s Beach: calm, swimmable side
- Breaker’s side: rough, unsafe surf
- Access: only by boat or kayak
Encounters with Sea Lions
Near the Arch, sea lions lounged on the rocks and barked loudly as we passed. Some slipped into the water and circled our boat before diving again. Our guide mentioned divers sometimes spot hammerhead sharks nearby and that this bay is protected as an underwater park. The water shimmered with movement—fish, pelicans, and even a few playful sea lions showing off. We just sat back and enjoyed the lively scene all around us.
Onshore Experiences and Local Flavor
Exploring the Heart of Town
Once we stepped off the tender, the heat hit fast, and the sound of street vendors filled the air. Colorful stands lined the walkway, selling everything from hats to cold drinks. We passed familiar spots like Señor Frogs and saw the busy docks where fishing boats came and went. The scene felt alive, full of noise, people bargaining, and music spilling from shop speakers.
Dinner with a View at Sunset Mona Lisa
Our tour stopped at Sunset Mona Lisa, perched high above the water. We could see the ships anchored below and the arch standing out against the horizon. The place looked stunning, though we noticed the steps and edges needed more railings. The food and atmosphere made up for it, and the sea breeze cooled us down as we admired the view.
| Dish | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quesadilla | Fresh tortillas with melted cheese | Great with salsa |
| Chips & Salsa | Crunchy and flavorful | Perfect starter |
| Margarita | Classic lime and salt rim | Refreshing after a hot tour |
Getting Around and Seeing the Sights
Traveling between stops went smoothly thanks to the air‑conditioned buses from our tour company. We passed the famous arch and the beaches known as Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach. The water shimmered in the sun, and we spotted sea lions and pelicans along the rocks. Each stop gave us a glimpse of local life—boats heading out, divers preparing their gear, and restaurants getting ready for evening guests.
Boat Tours and Shore Transfers
Getting to Shore and Onto the Boats
We took one of the first boats heading to shore that morning. The sun was already hot, and the air felt heavy. The ride was short but scenic, giving us clear views of the coast. Once ashore, we joined the group to continue on another boat that took us around the famous Arch and nearby beaches.
Key sights along the way:
- Lover’s Beach — only reachable by water.
- Divorce Beach — beautiful but unsafe for swimming due to rough waves.
- The Arch — home to sea lions and colorful fish.
We also spotted dolphins leaping near the boat and pelicans diving for fish. It felt busy but calm at the same time, with lots of wildlife around.
Meeting Places for Shore Excursions
All shore tour groups met at the same dock area. Staff helped direct each group and handed out stickers for the tours. It made it easy to find where we needed to go.
| Location | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Dock area | Main meeting place for all tours |
| Sunset Mona Lisa hilltop | Viewing spot and photo stop |
| Glass workshop | Excursion stop after the boat tour |
The meeting spots were clearly marked, but some areas had uneven steps and no railings, so we watched our footing while moving around.
Comfort on the Tour Buses
After the boat ride, we boarded air-conditioned buses for the rest of the trip. The A/C felt great after being out in the heat. The ride was comfortable even though the temperature outside stayed hot.
We talked about food most of the time—quesadillas, chips and salsa, and margaritas were on everyone’s mind. The bus ride gave us a nice break before heading back to the pier, where our ship waited in the distance.
Celebrating Special Moments
Marking Years Together
We cheered for a couple marking 47 years of marriage. The crew handed out small tequila shots—one for each year—which made everyone laugh. The view of the ocean behind them made it feel even more special.
| Celebration | Details |
|---|---|
| Years Married | 47 |
| Drink of Choice | Tequila |
| Setting | Onboard, near Cabo San Lucas |
| Mood | Warm, cheerful, and lighthearted |
Enjoying Drinks and Reminiscing
We relaxed with cold drinks while sharing stories from past trips. Some reached for margaritas or Bellinis, others stuck to Jack and Coke. The shade, ocean breeze, and good company made it easy to keep the conversation flowing and the smiles going.
Unique Facts and Travel Tips
Glass Craft Demonstration
We watched local artists shape glowing glass into colorful pieces using only heat and simple tools. The whole process happens quickly, and it’s easy to see how skilled they are. The studio feels warm, but the bright colors and friendly workers make it worth the stop.
Tip:
- Stand a safe distance from the furnaces.
- Bring a camera—photos are allowed in some sections.
| Item | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Very hot near the glass ovens |
| Atmosphere | Small, friendly workshop |
| Souvenirs | Handmade glass art available for sale |
Safety at Local Viewpoints
At the hilltop spot overlooking the arch, the view amazed us but also made us cautious. Many walkways lacked railings, and uneven steps could cause a fall. We loved the scenery but moved slowly and watched where we stepped.
Tip:
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
- Stay alert when walking near edges.
- Avoid leaning or stepping too close to open drops.
Even with the risks, both spots offered amazing moments that made our visit memorable.

