20 Adventurous Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas (2024)
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Cabo San Lucas is the capital of adventure in Baja California where you can hike, scuba dive, snorkel, mountain, bike and do so many cool things!
Although Cabo San Lucas is known for its luxurious resorts and big parties, it’s also a getaway to some of the best things to do in Baja California. From hiking in the desert to swimming with whale sharks, paddle boarding, and diving, this town is a getaway to adventure!
Disclaimer
When doing your research on adventurous activities in Cabo, you might come across tours that involve animals in captivity or animals being used for human entertainment (think dolphins, camels and even lions) Yikes.
Explore Baja California stands strongly against these practices, and we encourage you to not to book them, because you will only contribute to animal suffering in many cases.
If any tour allows you to touch, pet or otherwise get close to a wild animal, there’s a good chance you will only support a cruel enterprise run by unscruplous people looking to capitalize on unsuspecting tourists seeking wildife encounters.
The activities mentioned in this article will help you to have fun, explore the region, and support local tour companies that don’t exploit any animals.
Adventurous things to do in Cabo San Lucas: overview
1. Take a boat to El Arco
Taking a trip to El Arco (aka Land’s End) is one of most popular activities in Cabo San Lucas. After all, this landmark has become a signature image of Cabo.
“The Arch” is a natural rock formation at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Here you can wave hello to dozens of sea lions and snap a photo for the ‘gram.
You can catch water to Los Arcos from the Cabo Marina at any time of the day, but before you do that, there are a couple of things I want to tell you.
The moment you step on the Cabo San Lucas promenade, you will be bombarded with dozens of boat ride offers.
A water taxi to Los Arcos costs between 300-500 Pesos per person. But if you appear as a typical American/Canadian tourist who doesn’t speak Spanish, you will likely pay the premium rate, which is 500 Pesos and up.
That’s why learning Spanish before visiting Cabo San Lucas is one of my top Mexico travel tips!
If you speak the language, you can negotiate the rate and also take a boat with tourists from Mexico, which is cheaper than a boat for American or Canadian tourists, who make up the majority of visitors in Cabo.
You can also book a boat tour to Los Arcos online to avoid having to negotiate the price.
What’s the best time to visit Los Arcos?
The best time to visit Los Arcos is early morning when the water is nice and calm, or during the sunset when you can see the spectacular beaches in the golden color. Mid-day is the busiest time when the beaches are more crowded and the sun can be really strong.
A water taxi will drop you off at one of the beaches and pick you up an hour or two later, but a tour will provide more activities.
2. Hang out on Playa Del Amor
After you pay for your ticket, your boat will take you on a quick tour which includes some of the main highlights of Los Arcos like the Scooby Doo Rock and Horse Head Rock. If you want to add extras like kayaking, or snorkeling, you should book a tour.
Playa Del Amor is a popular beach where your boat can drop you off for a couple of hours. Since it’s more difficult to drop people off at Playa Del Amor due to currents, not many boat drivers want to go there, so you should ask ahead of time.
This tour includes a stop at Playa Del Amor as well as a kayaking option.
3. Don’t forget about Playa Divorcio
Right across from Playa Del Amor sits Playa Divorcio (Divorce Beach) where you can take a quick walk.
Unlike Playa Del Amor which is facing the Sea of Cortez with relatively calm waters, Playa Divorcio sits along the Pacific. It’s not suitable for swimming due to dangerous currents.
Instead, grab your camera and spend some time taking photos and enjoying the views. It’s also a popular place to fly a drone as you can get an overview of the famous Cabo arch.
4. Take a sailing tour
Taking a sailing tour to Los Arcos is the ultimate adventure and you can easily book a sailing tour online. You can choose from many different options like a sunset tour, a luxury tour, or a party sailing tour with plenty of food and drinks.
Best sailing tours in Cabo
5. Go Diving in Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo is one of the best places in all of Baja to see the marine animals.
Many tour companies in Cabo take tourists to Cabo Pulmo National Park, home to Baja’s most incredible coral reef that is teetering with marine wildlife.
You can also book your diving experience online, if you travel during the busy seaosn when spots get sold out quickly.
The renowned French naturalist Jacque Yves-Cousteau nicknamed the Sea Of Cortez “A World Aquarium,” because of the abundance of aquatic animals that can be found here.
Diving is one of the most adventurous things to do in Cabo that will alow you to see the colorful marine world and enjoy a fun water sport.
Best diving tours in Cabo Pulmo
6. Snorkel at Santa Maria Bay
If you aren’t scuba certified, but still want to see the incredible fish and other marine creatures, join a snorkeling tour to Santa Maria Bay.
This shallow bay with calm waters is a perfect snorkeling place and can be visited on a sailing catamaran cruise that departs from Cabo. It’s also a popular kayaking spot.
If you want to have the place to yourself, drive to Santa Maria Beach early morning to beat the crowds.
Best snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas
7. Swim with whale sharks
Cabo San Lucas is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can spot whale sharks, the largest fish that grow up to 65 feet long!
The whale shark season in Cabo is roughly from octobet through February. I’m yet to do it, but I’ve heard many friends rave about it, saying that it’s once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whale shark tours from Cabo take you to La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur state where you can swim with these gentle giants in the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. These tours last all day.
Best whale shark tours in Cabo San Lucas
How to find whale shark tours in Cabo?
When looking for best whale shark tours in Cabo, remember that not every tour is sustainable and animal friendly. Do your research before booking a tour, and read reviews from fellow travelers to make sure you book an ethical tour.
✅ If you read reviews about too many people, or people following the sharks too closely or even bothering them, do NOT book it.
Many tour companies in Cabo sell whale shark tours on the spot. Brush up on your Spanish so you can talk to local tour operators and ask questions. Always check a tour operator online and read reviews before booking a tour!
8. Go zip lining
If you are ready for some adrenaline, zip-lining is one of the best things to do in Cabo. This is one of the most popular tours in the area that involves a fun trip to the dramatic lush canyons just outside of Los Cabos.
Best zip-lining tours in Cabo
After gliding above the dramatic canyons and enjoying the unspoiled scenery, you will take a trip through ecological habitats in the middle of the Boca De Sierra National Park.
✅ LOS CABOS ADVENTURE PARK IS A POPULAR PLACE FOR ZIP-LINING
9. Check out Isla Espíritu Santo
Isla Espíritu Santo is a UNESCO-designated nature reserve in the sea of Cortez where you can swim with adorable sea lions.
You can join one of day tours to Isla Espiritu Santo from Cabo San Lucas, and enjoy your adventure to this incredible protected area where you will visit the beach and go snorkeling with sea lions. During my tour I also saw star fish, and manta rays.
As we were coming back, there was a pod of dolphins following the boat.
10. Take a sunset cruise
There’s nothing like taking a sunset cruise from Cabo San Lucas to see the incredible colors light up the skyline.
Cabo sailing tours offer a yummy dinner and have an English-speaking crew. This is one of the most popular things to do in Cabo San Lucas, and for a good reason – there’s nothing like Cabo sunsets when the sky glows in many shades of red, orange, and pink.
Best sunset cruises in Cabo
11. Take a day trip to Todos Santos
Todos Santos is one of the three pueblos magicos in Baja California. It’s also one of the most popular day trips from Cabo San Lucas.
Todos Santos is a charming town with a relaxed atmosphere and great surfing beaches like Cerritos. It’s perfect if you want to take a break from all the partying in Cabo San Lucas.
You can take guided tour of Todos Santos from Cabo or rent a car, which will give you more freedom to see amazing places in Baja that aren’t always accessible by tours or public transportation.
12. Explore the best beaches near Cabo San Lucas
There are many cool beaches near Cabo San Lucas just a short drive away. Although it’s easier to visit them when you have a car rental, you can take an Uber from Cabo San Lucas and back.
I recommend renting a car to enjoy some of the best beaches near Cabo, and have more freedom to explore scenic areas and take day trips to places like San Jose Del Cabo, La Paz and Loreto.
- Chileno Beach – is one of the best beaches in Cabo, in my opinion, Chileno Beach is located about 10 minutes north by car and can be accessed by exiting the main highway toward Cabo San Lucas. Spending a couple of hours here is one of the best free things to do in Cabo San Lucas thanks to the calm shallow waters that are perfect for swimming.
- Playa Médano – the most popular beach in Cabo, Playa Medano has plenty of restaurants and places where you can enjoy the sun with a margarita in your hand. This is a busy beach, so be prepared to share it with other travelers.
- Santa Maria Beach – another beach located along the tourist corridor in Los Cabos, Playa Santa Maria offers a quiet atmosphere unlike many of its neighbors where you can relax and spend a lazy afternoon.
13. Go whale watching
Whale watching is one of the most adventurous things to do in Cabo in winter season.
December through April is the best time to spot migratory humpback whales who come to the Pacific during this time of the year. Seeing a whale is never a guarantee, but you can maximize your chances of seeing these marine giants, during specific months.
Your best chance of seeing the whales is during the peak season from January through February.
14. Release baby sea turtles in San Jose Del Cabo
Releasing a baby sea turtle into the sea is one of the most magical experiences you can have while spending time in Cabo San Lucas.
Cabo Outfitters, a local conservation group that operates in San Jose Del Cabo organizes turtles releases from the end of August through early December – the nesting season when thousands of turtles come to Baja California beaches to build nests.
15. Party in El Squid Roe
El Squid Roe is Cabo’s top place to party. It’s a combination of a nightclub, restaurant, and live entertainment venue with plenty of music and shows.
If you are looking for some action after a day of adventures in Cabo, don’t miss this place!
Although the place is open all day, the party begins around 11 p.m., so make sure to stop to have fun. Grab a drink and order some freshly made guacamole to your table to kick off the night.
El Squid Roe is located along Lázaro Cárdenas in downtown Cabo San Lucas.
16. Join a food tour in Cabo
Joining a local food tour is your chance to try famous Baja tacos and other specialties of Mexican cuisine. These tours guided by locals are great if you are a foodie or if you want to sample the best food that Cabos has to offer.
Best food tours in Cabo
17. Hike to Pedregal
You will need some exercise after spending a few days in Cabo and sampling all the local food, hiking to the top of the mountain is one of the best things to do in Cabo if you want to burn off some calories and enjoy the views of the city.
El Pedregal (the rocky point in Spanish) is the name of the hill behind Cabo San Lucas where you will see many spectacular villas.
Climbing to the top is a perfect way to get some cardio and enjoy the views of the marina, the Sea of Cortez on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other side.
Best hiking tours in Cabo San Lucas
18. Ride an ATV tour in the desert
Riding an ATV in the desert is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas for thrill seekers. You get to enjoy the spectacular desert views and visit some of the best beaches in Cabo. You can book your ATV tour in Cabo online since different packages offer various activities like zip-lining and more.
Best ATV tours in Cabo
19. Go paddle boarding
Paddleboarding and kayaking around Cabo are some of the most popular activities with travelers, and for a good reason – you get to enjoy the Sea of Cortez on your terms.
Keep in mind that to enjoy this activity, you will need to start around 6-7 a.m. and get back by 9 a.m. at the latest. The waves pick up by 10 a.m. and it can be downright difficult to paddle back at that time.
20. Go parasailing
Parasailing is one of the most fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas and a perfect way to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from 500 feet.
Happy Flights Cabo is one of the best companies in the region that offers parasailing tours around Cabo. Contact them for a price quote here.
Best parasailing tours in Cabo
How to get to Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo San Lucas is served by dozens of daily flights from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Cabo San Lucas International Airport (code: SJD) is in San Jose Del Cabo about 25 minutes from Cabo San Lucas.
Getting to Cabo San Lucas by car
The most convenient way to get to Cabo San Lucas is by renting a car. This is also a good idea if you want to explore some of the best places in Baja California without relying on public transportation.
There are many car rental companies around San Jose Del Cabo International Airport, but I recommend renting a car with DiscoverCars which offers the most flexible rates and a good inventory of vehicles.
Getting to Cabo San Lucas by private transfer
If you are staying in a resort, and don’t plan on leaving Cabo, you could book a private transfer to Cabo San Lucas from the airport.
Private transfers are great for travelers who want hassle-free, comfortable transportation that can get them straight to their hotel.
A private transfer includes an English-speaking guide, and a big air-conditioned vehicle, so you can relax and enjoy the ride after your flight.
Best private transfers from Cabo San Lucas
Getting to Cabo San Lucas by shuttle
Another option is to book your trip to Cabo San Lucas by shuttle. This is a cheaper option than a private transfer and you will share a van with a group of fellow travelers (normally about 8-10 people). If a private transfer is a bit out of your budget, a shuttle is an excellent alternative!
Getting to Cabo San Lucas by taxi
Taxi is the most expensive way to get from the airport to Cabo San Lucas, which will cost you between $80-100 USD depending on the season and the time of your trip. I don’t recommend taking a taxi just because of how expensive it is unless you are in a hurry and have no other options.
Getting to Cabo San Lucas by bus
Finally, you can also take a bus for 85 Pesos to Cabo San Lucas from the airport. The bus stops right outside the international terminal and although it takes longer, it’s much cheaper than other forms of transportation between Cabo San Lucas and the airport.
Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas
There are many great hotels in Cabo San Lucas, ranging from all-inclusive resorts to more modest options away from the beach.
- Tesoro Los Cabos – This is a perfect hotel for budget travelers that offers all the good things, and none of the high prices that you can find in many Cabo resorts. This sustainable hotel overlooks the marina and offers outstanding breakfast, a rooftop pool, and close walking distance to most things to do in Cabo San Lucas
- The Cape – a Thompson Hotel – A gorgeous property with nice designs and great food overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the Cape provides direct access to the beach and top-notch service with friendly and welcoming staff.
Adventurous things to do Cabo San Lucas: FAQ’s
Where is Cabo San Lucas located?
Cabo San Lucas sits on the southern end of Baja California California Peninsula. Located along the Pacific Coast, it’s the largest state in the state if Baja California Sur.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe to visit?
While Cabo San Lucas is mostly safe to visit the city and the surrounding areas have seen an increase in drug trafficking mostly from the cartels who are battling for the territory frequented by American and Canadian tourists.
That being said, you should be safe, if you stay away from drugs during your trip. The most sketchy thing I’ve seen during my Cabo trip is being offered drugs in the middle of town, and if the same happens to you, all you need to do is say and just keep walking.
Stay away from empty beaches during late hours, especially when it’s dark. Always keep someone posted about your whereabouts, especially if you are traveling alone.
Safety tips for visiting Cabo San Lucas
- Don’t do drugs, plain and simple. It will save you a lot of trouble.
- Make copies of your documents like passports and ID
- Carry around one credit and debit card as well as some cash. Leave your wallet in a safe in your hotel room
- If you are going to a party, be careful about what you drink. Not all alcohol in Mexico is safe for consumption.
- Not all beaches around Cabo San Lucas are safe for swimming. Always check the conditions before getting in the water, especially if you are on the Pacific side where beaches are more suitable for surfing.
How do I get around Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo San Lucas is a compact town that is very walkable, and unless you are staying in the resort area away from town, you can get around on foot.
Is there an Uber in Cabo San Lucas?
if you are staying in one of the Cabo San Lucas resorts away from downtown Cabo San Lucas, you can use Uber to get around. Uber is much cheaper in Mexico than in the United States, so expect a 20-30 minute ride to cost about $10 at the highest. You can always call Uber when you are downtown Cabo San Lucas to get back to your hotel safely.
What is the weather like in Cabo San Lucas?
The weather in Cabo San Lucas is warm and sunny year-round, but there are several reasons that you should know about
What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
You can visit Cabo San Lucas all year long thanks to its gorgeous weather with plenty of sunshine year-round. December through March is the high season in Baja, while June through October is the low season.