We just got back from Cabo yesterday and we loved it! It seems that you have to go to a place one time to get the ins and outs, but for the most part we would recommend it. You definately can swim off the beach. Yes it drops off, but once you get past the wave it is great. You have to be swimming though cause you can't touch the bottom. We thought the staff was great. Everyone was very friendly. We were treated like we treated them. Cabo is not the place to go if you are looking for a deal. The food was terrific, but equilvalent to here in the States. We mostly did our own thing in the room for breakfast and lunch and bought beer and put it in our room. Don't use any of the honor bar because that is expensive. We had our shuttle driver stop on the way from the airport at a liquor store and bought beer right away. 22bucks for a case of Pacificos is a great deal we thought. When you do take a cab ride into town only give them 7 bucks or 70 pesos. Don't ask them what the fee is cause they will tell you it's more if they can get away with it. The price is legally set by the government. It is more to go to the marina, however the price is listed at the bellman's desk so you can see for yourself. Share a cab with another couple to go downtown as you pay 7 bucks for up to 4 people! Take advantage of the happy hour from 3:30 to 6. 2 for 1. We went fishing and caught a 140 lb Marlin. Great fun even if we did lose our lunch 2 times!!! You might want to touch base with us personally on how all of this works. It was a little trying at times. The whale slide isn't just for kids! It's fun!!! If you want more information on fishing or the time share part email me . The health club is 8.50 a day if you are not a goldmember, but if you take advantage of any othe the spa specials they waive that fee anyway. We did a 90 minute massage and loved it. We will be going back next year!! Everyone does want a tip there, but keep in mind that the average resort worker makes $10.00 a DAY! Yoice and it also it split up among other workers there.( this is not a mandatory charge and they will waive it if you want) We did not feel that was high as everyday they gave us towels and straightened up and were very very pleasant. As far as the pool towels go, just make sure you get them back to the towel place before they close for the day or you will be charged!!! Stay up at the pool if you don't want the vendors to bug you. At the beach, just get it in your head that you say "no gracias" if you don't want them around. They eventually get the idea. Anyway, write me if you have any questions. Make friends with a few of the key employees when you get there and they will be your friends for life. They take care of you if you are sincere with them. You get what you give!