Los Cabo’s Iconic Natural Wonder

At the tip of Baja California Sur, the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, and a land mass that stretches from Alaska to what is aptly known as Land’s End rises dramatically from the sea. This spot—where geologic history, cultural lore, and the wonders of nature converge—offers visitors an experience as grand as the rocks themselves. Imagine gazing out from the strip of Médano Beach just in front of Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos and Pueblo Bonito Rosé and seeing the sunset paint the rocks in ever-changing hues as day becomes night.

To experience Land’s End is to take in millions of years of history shaped by the elements. These rock formations, sculpted over eons by wind and waves, are the geological marvels that are now emblematic of Los Cabos, starting with El Arco. Of all the formations at Land’s End, El Arco, or “The Arch,” is the most widely recognized. Towering three stories above the ocean, this stone archway marks the very end of the 800-mile-long Baja California peninsula, a spot where you could draw an invisible line straight down to the South Pole. El Arco is especially mesmerizing at sunrise and sunset, and in certain years when the tides are low, you can even walk directly beneath it.

The sight of El Arco is unforgettable, as are the sights and sounds around it. Nearby, Neptune’s Finger is a slender, slightly bent formation that juts proudly out of the water. It’s a favorite among divers, who enjoy visiting the corals, sponges, and sea fans that thrive below the surface. As you continue to explore Land’s End, you’ll start seeing shapes and figures emerge from the rocks. It’s a bit like cloud-gazing, as each formation seems to play with your imagination. El Arco itself is said to resemble a dragon sipping from the ocean. To the southwest of El Arco lies a beloved formation locals call Scooby Doo Rock, as the ears and nose of the famous cartoon canine seem to emerge from the rock face.

Just beyond El Arco, is one of the most scenic and remote spots in Cabo San Lucas: The Lookout. This prominent rock’s strategic vantage point offers sweeping views of the horizon. Historically, it was a lookout point for pirates, who used it to spot incoming ships long before they reached the shore.

One of the best ways to take in all these rock formations is by hopping onto a glass-bottom boat. Enjoy close-up views of each one and see into the clear waters below. Glass-bottom boat tours, often setting off from Medano Beach or the Cabo San Lucas Marina, are a perfect choice if you want to observe the diverse marine life without getting wet. Spot schools of angelfish, parrotfish, and even the occasional sea turtle or playful dolphin darting by just beneath the boat. Approaching El Arco you can see the towering towers known as The Friars, or Los Frailes. So called because they resemble hooded monks, their dramatic presence inspired author John Steinbeck to describe Land’s End as “enough to stop any man's heart” in his 1962 travelogue Travels with Charley: In Search of America.

Lover’s Beach, located on the rock side facing the Sea of Cortez, is a popular water taxi destination.It’s a beautiful place to swim and sunbathe, and its tranquil, protected waters make it ideal for snorkeling. At the end of the beach is the large, granite monolith known as Pelican Rock. The imposing stone resembles its namesake bird and is also a magnet for all kinds of sea birds. Below the waves, it’s the starting point for some excellent snorkeling and diving adventures.

The rock formations themselves are only part of the natural wonder on this rugged bit of land. Just on the other side of the rocks, Divorce Beach, opens up to the powerful beauty of the Pacific, with waves crashing against its jagged shores. While it’s too dangerous to get in the water, this beach’s breathtaking views make it a stunning spot for photos or a romantic stroll.

The area also teems with wildlife, both above and below the water. Whether on a sunset sail, a fishing charter, or a snorkeling excursion, keep an eye out for The Rookery, a large flat rock that’s home to a resident colony of sea lions you can hear long before you see. Watch the rambunctious marine mammals sunbathe, playfully push each other off the rocks, and dive gracefully into the waves as pelicans and other seabirds circle the skies.

Behind The Rookery—locally known as La Lobera—lies the Point. This special spot is easy to recognize by the single sea lion that can usually be found standing sentinel there. Just below The Point and Pelican Rock, reefs become visible at 10 feet, revealing a diverse marine ecosystem where snorkelers often see anything from colorful coral formations and tropical fish to sea turtles and rays. The sea gradually slopes to 70 feet before dropping off a deep wall down to 500 feet, marking an area only accessible to scuba divers, who are rewarded with the sight of underwater sand cascades at about 90 feet. Formed by tectonic friction between the North American and Pacific plates and the combination of warm and cold waters, it’s an incredible sight that only occurs in a handful of places around the world, and it’s not far from your hotel room.

It’s easy to lose yourself in a moment of whimsy, discovering figures coined by locals or picturing new ones as part of your day out at sea. After your adventure, unwind while keeping Land’s End in view with an outdoor meal at Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos or Pueblo Bonito Rosé. Indulge in fresh seafood or a vibrant cocktail at Cilantro’s or watch the cruise ships come in from the open-terrace rooftop at Fellini’s.

There’s something timeless about Land’s End. Its rocky peaks and silent presence pull you in, inviting you to connect with something larger than yourself. Locals say no trip to Los Cabos is complete without a visit to Land’s End, and it’s easy to see why. This is a place where every rock has character, every wave is part of a larger story, and every platform, perch, and crevice is a place some wildly beautiful animal calls home.