A shoreline with condos and hotels on it. There is writing on that says "best things to do in Cabo San Lucas" over the image.

11 Best Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas

ByJoseph Duff Hours

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – often referred to as Los Cabos alongside the nearby San Jose del Cabo – is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Baja California Sur state. Renowned for its luxurious resorts, amazing and rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, Cabo San Lucas promises an escape unlike any other.

An aerial view of the arch in Cabo San Lucas. There are boats sailing around it in the blue water.
(Photo courtesy of cabo.villadelpalmar.com)

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a beach lover, or someone simply looking to sip on margaritas while watching the sun sink into the horizon, there are Cabo San Lucas activities to check every box.

An aerial view of a beach at Cabo San Lucas. There is water and sand to the right and the city to the left.
(Photo courtesy of celebritycruises.com)

So without further ado, here are my tips for the 11 best things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Vamos!

1. Hit the Beach!

No visit to Cabo San Lucas would be complete without spending some quality time on its pristine beaches. The Los Cabos area boasts some of the most incredible stretches of sand you will ever set foot on, but some of my personal favorites include:

Santa Maria Bay

A view of the Santa Maria Bay. There is people on the beach and swimming in the blue transparent water.
(Photo courtesy of myuvci.com)

Nestled between rock formations and exuding an air of tranquility, Santa Maria Bay is a crescent-shaped cove. This is a hugely popular beach in Cabo San Lucas among tourists and locals alike with powdery white sands that contrast beautifully with its turquoise waters. A favorite for snorkelers, the bay boasts an underwater world teeming with the diverse marine life that Los Cabos is famous for.

Lover’s Beach

A view of Lover's Beach. There are a lot of people on the beach and in the water.
(Photo courtesy of Expedia)

Accessible only by boat (or a romantic kayak paddle), Lover’s Beach, also known as Playa Del Amor, is a secluded gem. With the Pacific on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other, it offers unparalleled views, making it a romantic hotspot in Cabo San Lucas. The serene environment, clear waters, and iconic rock formations provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day with your love!

Divorce Beach

A view of Divorce Beach in Cabo San Lucas. There are people kayaking and in boats in the water and in the distance there is sand. There is a rock structure on each side.
(Photo courtesy of trip.com)

A stone’s throw away from Lover’s Beach, Divorce Beach, or Playa del Divorcio, tells a different tale (hence the name). With its powerful waves and rugged beauty, it is definitely a spot for relaxing and taking in the scenery from the sands rather than swimming. The breathtaking sunsets from this part of Cabo San Lucas are truly a sight to behold and it is a popular evening spot.

Medano Beach

A view of Medano Beach. There are people on the beach with umbrellas and two rows of recliners. There is water and boats in the distance.
(Photo courtesy of cabo.villalaestancia.com)

Spanning several miles, Medano Beach stands as Cabo San Lucas’ primary hub of activity with loads of fun things to do for the whole family. Lined with beachfront restaurants, bars, and resorts, this beach is one of the best spots to try out various water sports, enjoy local delicacies, or simply lay back on a lounger with a cocktail in hand. Medano Beach also has a number of safe swimming zones making it a perfect spot to take the kids.

2. Take a Whale Watching Tour

One of the most awe-inspiring sights in nature, whale watching in Cabo San Lucas is an experience you will never forget. There are a number of tours available and they are a great way to see these majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat.

A picture of a whale jumping out of the water with the arch of Cabo San Lucas in the background.
(Photo courtesy of visitloscabos.travel)

Whale watching is one of the top activities in Cabo San Lucas for couples and families so make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment. Humpback whales are the most common species but if you’re super lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a blue whale’s tail breaching the waves. Real bucket list stuff!

3. Swim with Whale Sharks in Cabo

As well as the awesome whale watching, the Bahia de La Paz off the coast of Cabo San Lucas is one of the best places on the planet to see whale sharks. The Cabo whale sharks are mostly juveniles, offering a safe experience for swimmers, and floating alongside these gentle giants is both exhilarating and deeply humbling.

An underwater view of a diver and a whale shark.
(Photo courtesy of cabosharkdive.com)

Whale shark season is from November to April, and while there are whale sharks in Los Cabos throughout the year, this is the best time to guarantee an encounter.

4. Visit the Iconic El Arco

A natural rock formation that has become symbolic of Cabo San Lucas, El Arco is a marvel at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Known as Land’s End in English, this is the point where the deep blue Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, creating a spectacular seascape. At low tide you can walk right through the arch while at high tide, it is completely submerged beneath the waves.

A view of a boat near the El Arco in Cabo San Lucas.
(Photo courtesy of Expedia)

Aside from the iconic arch, playful sea lions often lounge on the rocks, and there is excellent snorkeling around El Arco. Various boat tours offer trips to El Arco and allow you to disembark and explore the surrounding beaches.

5. Explore the Ocean

Whether you are a thrill-seeker or prefer a more gentle cruise, Cabo San Lucas offers a myriad of ways to engage with its marine wonders. Here are some of the most popular ways to explore the Los Cabos waters:

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

A picture of a glass bottom boat with life jackets on shallow water.
(Photo courtesy of shoreexcursionsgroup.com)

If you are looking to explore without getting wet, a glass bottom boat is a family-friendly way to see all the incredible sea life. The waters around Cabo San Lucas are crystal clear, and there are hundreds of species of tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and sharks.

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling Tour

An underwater view of a diver with a school of orange fish.
(Photo courtesy of luxmex.com)

If you’re after for a closer look, Cabo San Lucas offers world-beating scuba diving experiences. Some of the most popular spots to scuba dive are Land’s End and Cabo Pulmo which boasts a famous shipwreck, a colony of curious sea lions, and other enchanting marine life. If diving isn’t for you, there are loads of great snorkeling spots which are an easy way to get a front-row seat to this mesmerizing underwater show.

Semi-Submersible

For a unique perspective of Cabo San Lucas, you can also channel your inner Beatles and plunge below the waves in your very own yellow submarine! Semi-submersible tours are available in San Lucas Bay, and offer a dry but immersive view of the deep blue and all the colorful fish and other species.

Sunset Cruise

A boat sailing by El Arco in Cabo San Lucas while the sun is beginning to set.
(Photo courtesy of Expedia)

For a more relaxing, romantic experience, a Cabo San Lucas sunset cruise is a fabulous way to unwind and take in the sights. As you gently sail across the turquoise waters, drink in hand, the setting sun paints the sky in fiery oranges and deep purples, making for a truly unforgettable evening. We did this on the last evening of our trip, and it was the perfect way to finish our stay in Cabo San Lucas.

6. Explore the Baja Desert

The Baja Desert offers a stark contrast to the azure waters of Cabo San Lucas and exploring the expanse of the desert is one of the most fun things to do on your trip.

An aerial view of Baja Desert and Cabo San Lucas. There is water on both sides and mountains in the back.
(Photo courtesy of cntraveler.com)

There are different options depending on how much of an adrenaline junkie you are. You can take a ride on a camel and traverse the rugged landscapes (prepare for a sore backside!) or throttle up on an ATV, and speed up and down the sprawling sand dunes. Both are very popular Cabo San Lucas activities but there are multiple tour options so you should have no problem booking.

7. Wander the Streets of San Jose del Cabo

If you’re seeking a change of pace from the lively rhythm of Cabo San Lucas, then a visit to San José del Cabo is just the remedy. This picturesque town offers a more tranquil experience, embodying the rich cultural essence of Mexico.

An aerial view of Baja Desert and Cabo San Lucas. There is water on both sides and mountains in the back.
(Photo courtesy of visitloscabos.travel)

One of the town’s crowning jewels is the San Jose del Babo Art Walk. Held every Thursday night during the tourist season, the Art Walk turns the town’s main square into an open-air festival where artists from both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo display their work.

The town is also renowned for its art galleries, and as you wander the narrow cobbled streets, you’ll find a plethora of art studios and galleries showcasing both traditional and contemporary Mexican art.

8. Release Baby Sea Turtles

San Jose del Cabo is also home to one experience that you truly won’t want to miss: the chance to participate in the release of baby sea turtles.

A picture of a baby sea turtle in the sand about to enter the water.
(Photo courtesy of visitloscabos.travel)

In a bid to bolster the numbers of these endangered creatures, several conservation programs in San Jose del Cabo work to protect them from the perils they face during their early days. Nesting female turtles lay their eggs on the beaches, and the conservationists carefully collect and incubate the eggs in protected environments to ensure a higher survival rate.

Holding a tiny, flapping baby turtle in my hands, and watching it take its first swim is honestly one of the best experiences of my entire life, and a definite must do in Cabo!

9. Go Deep Sea Fishing

Cabo San Lucas is a haven for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts. The confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Cortez Sea makes the surrounding waters an ideal hotspot for a variety of game fish, including sailfish, and yellowfin tuna.

A view of two fishing rods on a boat cast into the water.
(Photo courtesy of peek.com)

However, it is marlin that attracts anglers from around the world and Cabo is often called the “Marlin Capital of the World.” Head to the Cabo San Lucas Marina where charter boats, ranging from luxury yachts to standard fishing vessels, await to offer an unforgettable fishing adventure.

10. Explore Espiritu Santo Island

Located in the Cortez Sea, a short boat ride from Los Cabos, Espiritu Santo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the best destinations for nature enthusiasts.

A view of Espiritu Santo Island with a beach and water in the background and a cactus in the foreground.
(Photo courtesy of loscabosguide.com)

Espiritu Santo Island is a tapestry of rich biodiversity. From the pristine beaches with their azure waters to the dramatic rock formations, the island is a feast for the eyes. But what truly sets it apart is its thriving marine life with playful sea lions, schools of vibrant fish, and, if you’re lucky, whale sharks.

Apart from underwater explorations, the island offers hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, showcasing panoramic vistas of the surrounding waters and other nearby islands.

11. Go on a Food Walking Tour

A picture of a table of food and drinks including limes, a Corona Light, guacamole, salsa, tacos, and more.
(Photo courtesy of Expedia)

For the culinary adventurer, Cabo San Lucas offers a unique blend of traditional and modern flavors, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is through its food. Cabo food tours are the gateway to discovering the region’s culinary secrets and provide an authentic journey through authentic Mexican cuisine. The Cabo taco tour is particularly popular, giving visitors the chance to get their taste buds tingling and savor the legendary fish tacos that the area is renowned for.

Bonus Tips!

If all that isn’t enough, here are a few more activities to try for extended Cabo adventures:

Hike to the Sol de Mayo Waterfall

A view of Sol de Mayo Waterfall. There is a skinny waterfall in the background and people in the water towards the bottom of the waterfall.
(Photo courtesy of destinoloscabos.com)

Just a short distance from Cabo San Lucas, the Sol de Mayo Waterfall is a hidden oasis in the Baja desert. The tranquil waters and serene surroundings make it the perfect spot for taking a dip, snapping some vacation pics, and indulging in a lazy picnic lunch.

Play a Round of Golf

A picture of a golf course in Cabo San Lucas. It is mostly greenery with some forest areas. There is water in the far back.
(Photo courtesy of diamantecabosanlucas.com)

Cabo San Lucas isn’t just about beaches and seas; it’s also a golfer’s paradise with a number of excellent courses designed by golf legends. The Cabo Real Golf Club is the most famous with its lush greenways and stunning ocean views making it the perfect place to work on your handicap.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

So there you have it! My guide to the 11 best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

A picture of El Arco in Cabo San Lucas. There is a person in a boat on the water.
(Photo courtesy of caboluxx.com)

From the sun-kissed shores of the Los Cabos beaches to the vibrant marine life beneath its waters, Cabo San Lucas has it all.

A picture of a resort in Cabo San Lucas by the water. There are palm trees and recliners set up around pools.
(Photo courtesy of cabo.villadelpalmar.com)

Seriously, every corner of this stunning region reveals something new and fascinating so whether you’re looking for a vacation full of adventure and natural wonders, or just want to get away from it all for a while, the huge range of Cabo San Lucas attractions promises the experience of a lifetime.

Interested in Additional Travels? check out these other locations that you’ll love:

“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay

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