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Plan Your Trip to Cabo San Lucas: Best of Cabo San Lucas Tourism

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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

When R&R is at the top of your to-do list, Cabo delivers. From family-friendly all-inclusives to luxury stays with infinity pools perched above the Sea of Cortez, there’s about a thousand ways to kick back. But venture away from the polished resorts and you’ll see Cabo’s adventurous side—it’s a place where the desert meets the sea meets the mountains, and local flavors come alive. Hike to a waterfall in the desert at Canyon of the Fox, take a dip in the El Chorro hot springs, or discover some of the best marine life at Cabo Pulmo. And when you need a break from thrill-seeking, head downtown to fuel up on Bajan specialties like chocolate clams, fresh seafood tostadas, and ridiculously good fish tacos. Whether you want to chill out or go all out, we’ve got ideas on how to do it below.

Travel Advice

The perfect three days in Los Cabos

From beach to nearby natural wonders
Read on

Adrenaline-revving adventures in Los Cabos

I’m a total adrenaline junkie, so my idea of a good time is jumping out of a plane, swimming with sharks, and off-roading wherever (and whenever possible). Basically, any activity that gets my heart rate up and lets me experience a destination from a unique angle, I’m in. And Los Cabos has tons of options as I’ve discovered from my many trips there over the years.
  • Monster Ziplines Adventure in Los Cabos
    252
    I’ve been ziplining all over the world, and what I like about doing it here is that it’s one of the largest courses in all of Baja Mexico. I especially love the aerial views of the canyons and the Sea of Cortez.
  • Half Day Cabo Snorkel Adventure with Lunch and Open Bar
    597
    You can’t go to Los Cabos and not get in the water. This half day snorkel tour is great for kids to get out and explore the crystal clear sea, too. (My two middle-school-age boys are decent swimmers, but there were other families with beginners when we tried this, and they enjoyed it, too).
  • Outdoor Ziplining and UTV Adventure from Los Cabos
    3,148
    As a New Yorker, I don’t often get to go off-roading, so I love going on UTV tours when I travel. I love that I can go as fast (or slow) as I want while taking in the dramatic curves of desert canyons on these rugged four-wheel all-terrain adventures.
  • Bonanza Horseback Riding
    115
    Trotting on my horseback ride on a sandy trail along the beach is one of my favorite ways to take in nature while still being active. I especially love being able to see the stark sand and cacti landscape roll down into the turquoise water from my elevated perch.
  • Cabo Pulmo Divers
    22
    I got certified in diving two years ago and now scuba diving is one of my most favorite adventure activities, especially in Los Cabos which has some great underwater experiences. We went diving in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park and spotted myriad marine life including sea turtles.
  • Ozean Dreamer Fleet
    28
    I swam with the whale sharks in Belize years ago and it was one of the best experiences of my life. When I found out these gentle giants migrate to the Los Cabos region during certain times of the year, I had to sign up for a whale shark tour. Experiencing their immense size and grace up close is definitely a life highlight.
  • Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Apetizers and Open Bar
    1,473
    Okay, so normally a relaxing sunset sail is not technically considered an adventure activity, but this was still one of my favorite activities of a recent Los Cabos trip. Watching the sun dip below the area’s iconic stone arch while sipping a chilled glass of wine is a great way to unwind after a heart-pounding day.
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Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Cabo San Lucas

hutchie69

Bring lots of small bills. It's not necessary to convert your dollars to pesos. Just bring plenty of $1, $5 and $10 bills so you can bargain better and pay with exact change.

Dave_in_Cabo

The fishing is fantastic year-round but especially good in the fall. In the late winter, you can catch tuna and dorado and watch the gray and humpback whale migration.

IndySig

Walk around and just get lost and remember: A taco a day will make you very happy.

Michael Mattos

I have never been to a place where every resort is so breathtakingly beautiful. I have visited many places in the world, but Cabo San Lucas is by far the best resort lifestyle living — period!!! There are places to visit for vacation, and there are places to live, Los Cabos offers both…

D Viaje

Cabo San Lucas is a safe and beautiful beach destination in Mexico. However, there is more than beaches for you to enjoy. "Los Cabos" downtown has very good restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Julio G

Cabo is where I go with my wife to relax, enjoy the warm sun during the day and delight on the local food at night. It is a true relaxation vacation.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) has more than 250 flights to/from many destinations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Nearby Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL) is smaller and mostly for private planes.

Do I need a visa?

Americans do not need a visa to visit Mexico, just their passports, but citizens of certain countries may. Find more information on visas.

All visitors need a tourist permit (FMM) from the Mexican government, which is easily obtained upon arrival in Los Cabos.

When is the best time to visit?

May and June: For the ideal mix of quiet beaches and warm, sunny days, head to Cabo San Lucas in May or June, when wintertime crowds have dispersed and the summertime storms are yet to descend. You can expect average daily temperatures this time of year to be highs around 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) and lows of 66 Fahrenheit (19 Celsius).

Get around

walking

Both Cabo San Lucas and nearby San Jose del Cabo — collectively known as Los Cabos — are very walkable.

taxis

Taxis are everywhere in Los Cabos, but rates can be high, especially when jaunting to/from Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

bus

A cheaper option is buses, which run along the tourist corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo frequently and will stop pretty much anywhere you ask unless they’re express buses, which will stop at designated areas.

water taxis

Water taxis are readily available around the marina to take you to most beach destinations. Rates are typically $10-$12 per person.

ridesharing

Uber is available in Los Cabos and can be booked via its app on your smartphone.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Mexican Pacific Standard Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

As in the U.S., the standard voltage in Cabo San Lucas is 110V to 115V, 60Hz AC. Outlets accommodate two-prong flat (not grounded) plugs or grounded three-prong plugs.

What is the currency?

Peso, but USD are widely accepted, too.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

Is it easy to find a bank?

Somewhat.

How much do I tip?

Tipping in Cabo San Lucas is similar to that of the U.S., and it’s acceptable to tip in U.S. dollars (only bills, no coins) or pesos, which is usually preferred.

Bar

At least $1 or 24 pesos per drink.

Restaurant

10-20% of your bill is sufficient, more if you were particularly pleased or well taken care of.

Hotel

Between 30-50 pesos is customary for bellhops who assist with your bags, while 25 to 50 pesos per day of your stay is standard for the housekeeping staff.

Spa

It’s standard to tip between 15 and 20% of your treatment.

Taxis

It’s not standard to tip cabbies unless they help with your bags. In that case, 10 pesos per bag will suffice.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The legal drinking age in Cabo San Lucas is 18.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in Mexico.

Greetings

“Hola” (hello), “Buenos dias” (good morning), “buenas tardes/noches” (good afternoon/evening), “adios” (goodbye).

Timeshares

Keep an eye out for timeshare hawkers near the airport’s taxi area.

Water

Though bottled water is widely available, many resorts, hotels, and restaurants provide purified water.

Cabo San Lucas travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Recommended Resorts for Various Needs

Some travelers recommended the Breathless resort for adults seeking a lively atmosphere with good music, food, and proximity to downtown activities. The Pueblo Bonito resorts, particularly the Sunset Beach, Rose, and Blanco on Medano Beach, are favored for family-friendly amenities and swimmable beaches.

Resort Characteristics

According to forum posts, the ME Cabo and Casa Dorada on Medano Beach are suggested for those who want proximity to downtown and a swimmable beach but are not all-inclusive. Villa Del Palmar and Villa Del Arco also received mentions for being suitable for families and offering various activities.

All-Inclusive Options

For travelers interested in all-inclusive options, RIU properties were discussed, with the RIU Palace Baja California being highlighted as an adult-only option. However, it was noted that these properties are not on the swimmable part of Medano Beach.

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Car Rental Companies

According to forum posts, travelers have several options for car rentals in Cabo San Lucas, including Alamo, Cactus Car, and Cabo SUV Rentals. These companies are frequently recommended for their transparency in pricing and reliable service.

Rental Costs and Insurance

For many users, the cost of car rentals can vary, with some finding rates as low as $200 per week. However, it's crucial to factor in insurance costs, which can significantly increase the overall price. Mexican law requires purchasing local car insurance, which can triple the rental cost. Some travelers mentioned being fully insured to avoid potential high costs from accidents.

Long-Term Rentals

Some travelers inquired about long-term rental options, particularly for stays extending over a month. Companies like Mex Rent A Car and local agencies often offer discounts for long-term rentals, with prices being more negotiable directly through local companies than online platforms.

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Shared Shuttle Services

Some travelers recommended using shared shuttle services as a cost-effective way to travel from the airport to various destinations in Cabo San Marcos. Services like CaboSanLucasTours and FunLosCabos were mentioned, with pre-booking generally required.

Private Transfers

According to forum posts, private transfer services are available and can be booked to meet travelers directly outside the terminal. Companies such as Cabo Premium Logistics and Inside Los Cabos offer reliable services, with some providing additional benefits like a 45-minute stop en route for shopping if requested at the time of booking.

Public Transportation

For budget-conscious travelers, the large purple and orange Ruta Del Desierto bus was highlighted as a cheap option, running frequently from the airport to various points in Cabo. This bus service costs around 80 Pesos per person and is accessible from Terminal 2 at the airport.

Taxis and Ubers

Travelers have indicated that taxis are generally more expensive and recommended using Uber for a more economical option. However, Uber pickups are not allowed directly on airport property, necessitating a short walk to nearby pickup points such as the OXXO convenience store across the street from the airport.

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Romantic Dining

Some travelers have recommended El Farallon for romantic and special occasion dining, highlighting its scenic cliffside location and unique atmosphere. It is often chosen for its superior food quality.

Vibrant and Scenic

Sunset MonaLisa is another popular choice for special occasions, noted for its lively ambiance and stunning sunset views. The restaurant also features live performances, such as tenors singing and sea shell horn blowing at sunset, enhancing the dining experience.

Other Notable Mentions

For those seeking a combination of good food and ambiance, forum posts have mentioned Cocina del Mar and Manta at The Cape as worthy considerations for special occasions. These venues are praised for their impressive interiors and scenic views.

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Recommended Tours

Several travelers recommended Whale Watch Cabo as a top choice for whale watching tours in Cabo San Lucas. This company is praised for having marine biologists on board, providing educational tours, and respecting the whales by maintaining a safe distance. They also offer photography services, allowing guests to focus on the experience without worrying about capturing moments themselves.

Additional Options

Other mentioned tours include Cabo Trek and Eco Cat. Cabo Trek is noted for its variety of boat options, from zodiacs to larger vessels, catering to different preferences. Eco Cat is appreciated for offering catamaran tours, which are preferred by some travelers for comfort and stability.

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Popular Taco Spots

According to forum posts, Tacos Guss is highly recommended by many travelers for its authentic taste and affordability. It's located downtown, making it accessible for those visiting the Marina. Another popular choice is Taqueria El Paisa, known for its shrimp tacos and casual atmosphere.

Authentic Experiences

For those seeking a more local experience, Mariscos Las Palmita and Los Claros are mentioned as spots frequented by locals, offering a genuine taste of the region's seafood and tacos. Additionally, travelers have suggested exploring beyond the main tourist areas to discover lesser-known eateries offering traditional tacos.

Additional Recommendations

Travelers have also enjoyed Gran Pastor for pastor tacos and Las Guacamayas for a variety of local flavors. For those interested in a comprehensive experience, the Juan More Taco Food Tour is recommended to explore multiple taco spots favored by locals.

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Water Activities

According to forum posts, families can enjoy a variety of water activities in Cabo San Lucas. The Grand Solmar Rancho San Lucas resort offers a saltwater lagoon with kayaks, SUP paddle boards, rope swings, and huge water slides, making it a fun destination for children and adults alike.

Resort Entertainment

Travelers have called out the Riu Santa Fe for its extensive family-oriented entertainment, including water slides and a kids' club that caters to younger guests. This resort also provides an entertainment team that organizes activities suitable for families.

Adventure and Exploration

Some users suggest adventure activities like mountain biking and off-road adventures available near Cabo San Lucas, which can be an exciting option for families with older children or teenagers. These activities provide a thrilling experience while exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Beach and Pool Fun

For many users, the beaches, although not all swimmable, offer a place for kids to play in the sand. Resorts like Chileno Bay Resort provide access to swimmable beaches and have pools with fun activities, which are perfect for family enjoyment.

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Charter Services

Some travelers recommend using charter services like Fin Addict, Jessica Sportfishing, and Blue Marlin for deep-sea fishing in Cabo San Lucas. These charters are appreciated for their experienced captains and good-quality equipment.

Marina Locations

According to forum posts, the main area for deep-sea fishing charters is the Cabo Marina, which offers a variety of boats and is known for its active fishing environment. Some charters also operate out of San José, providing options like afternoon tuna charters.

Booking Advice

Travelers have called out the importance of booking early as popular charters like Blue Marlin and Fin Addict can be fully booked months in advance, especially during peak fishing seasons.

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