So you’re jetting off to Los Cabos in Mexico for a beach holiday. Lucky you!
There are so many things to do in Los Cabos if you like the water. Maybe you want to learn to surf? Or go on a (non-cheesy) Cabo dinner cruise around Land’s End? And you’ll love walking, swimming and chillin’ on the Los Cabos beaches – we do! This desert-meets-the-sea resort destination is ideal for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
8 Best beachy things to do in Los Cabos
Contents: A guide for Cabo beach lovers
- Water taxi to Land’s End
- Snorkeling in Los Cabos – Best spots and the best snorkel tours
- Whale watching in Cabo San Lucas
- Cabo sunset cruises – Classy yachts, party boats, dinner cruises, etc.
- Scuba diving
- Surfing in Cabo San Lucas – Best surf spots in Cabo San Lucas, surf shops, surf reports, tours and lessons, etc.
- Best beaches in Los Cabos
- Swimming with whale sharks in La Paz
This is an epic post, folks, so feel free to scroll down to what you want to read in particular…
Okay, let’s dive in!
1) Cabo water taxi to Land’s End
In Cabo, you can’t help but notice the magnificent natural rock formations jutting out into the sea. That’s Land’s End, at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula.
And one of the best ways to see Cabo’s signature landmark is by taking a water taxi.
A water taxi ride is the best way to get close-up views of Land’s End
These small wooden boats (some with glass-bottoms) shuttle back and forth between the marina, Lover’s Beach (and Land’s End) and Medano Beach.
Can you walk under the Arch?
We took the photo of the famous rock Arch at Land’s End (shown at the beginning of this post) a few years ago when shifting sands created a beach and you could walk through the Arch. There’s no beach there today, but you never know, with changing sea and weather conditions, a beach could form there again in future!
What you see:
As you pass Lover’s Beach, you get gob-smacking views of the Arch (“El Arco”) – the famous 200-foot rock arch that looks like a donkey drinking from the ocean.
Steller sea lions bask in the sun on a cluster of large nearby rocks and play in the surge. You can smell their strong ammonia stench and hear them barking too.
And you’re sure to see pelicans hovering about the lime-splattered Pelican Rock.
Have your camera ready!
A sea lion sleeps on a rock, oblivious to the boats passing by
What you get:
Typically, the boats take you on a 30- to 45-minute, mini-sightseeing cruise around Land’s End to Divorce Beach, then drop you off at Lover’s Beach. You agree on a pre-arranged time for the boat to pick you up from the beach and take you back to the marina (or Medano Beach).
Cost:
The price is good – between $10 and $12 per person.
Getting out of the water taxi
There are no docks at Lover’s Beach or Medano Beach, so it can be tricky getting out of (or in) the boat. As the boat rides in on the crest of a wave, you have to jump off the boat into the water and wade ashore. A local is usually on hand to help you in exchange for a small tip. But you likely will get wet!
A glass bottom boat is ready to take passengers from Medano Beach
2) Snorkeling in Los Cabos
There’s lots of fun to be had gazing at what’s under the water.
Land’s End is nice and close. Santa Maria Beach and Chileno Beach also offer good snorkeling.
Snorkeling tours by boat typically combine snorkeling at two or more sites.
3) Whale watching in Los Cabos
Whale watching is hugly popular between December and April, when gray and humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
See them up close on a whale watching tour. For adrenalin thrills, go on a high-speed Zodiac. Or if you want something more stable, choose a tour aboard a big catamaran.
A close-up look at at the head of a humpback whale (Credit: Cabo Outfitters)
What a fluke! See here for more on whale watching in Cabo San Lucas
4) Cabo sunset cruises
There’s no better way to take in Cabo’s stunning sunsets than out on the water on a sunset cruise.
You might have seen Land’s End by day, but it’s a whole other experience when the sun starts to drop below the horizon. The golden light shimmers on the water and a fiery glow outlines the stark rocky cliffs. Then when the night turns dusky black, the twinkling lights of Cabo are so romantic, you can’t help but hug the person beside you.
Most cruises are between two and three hours long and offer drinks and appies. Some offer dinner too.
Cabo dinner cruise on the Rissalena:
We’ve been on the Rissalena a couple of times; Laura (the owner/manager) does an excellent job taking guests on dinner cruises on a custom-designed power catamaran.
The size is just right for an intimate experience (maximum 24 guests), and the Rissalena is always spotlessly clean, with white leather banquette seating and additional reclining leather seating areas for couples up front. The music is mellow, perhaps opera in the background as the sun sets. (This isn’t a party boat!)
All the makings for a fresh margarita aboard the Rissalena
Dinner is surprisingly very good (considering you’re on a boat) – home-made finger lickin’ barbecued ribs or chicken, healthy fresh salad, guacamole, fresh fruit, etc.
This is a premium experience and one that consistently gets top reviews year after year, for good reason.
Cabo Sails:
See the sun set from your own private sailboat (well, your own sailboat for a couple of hours at least).
Cabo Sails offers private charters for two to 20 guests on a selection of sailboats ranging in length from 28 to 44 feet. On the 44-foot Espiritu Santi, we lolled about like Romans on plump big cushions scattered on the deck of the bow, as we sipped wine and nibbled on fresh veggies and chicken taquitos.
Pretty decadent!
Heading out from the Cabo San Lucas marina with Cabo Sails
Pez Gato:
If you’re looking for a party cruise, pick Pez Gato (some of the cruise lines book their shore excursions with Pez Gato). It’s fun, reputable and you can’t beat the price. The tour operator has a few different boats, but their “Cabo Booze Cruise” is the one for dancing, drinking, games and high spirits.
Cabo Mar:
Slip on your dancing shoes (blue suede?) for this sunset dinner-and-dancing cruise. It’s not a booze cruise, but a fun 2 ½ hour Cabo dinner cruise suitable for couples and families.
Bonus!
You’re not likely to get seasick on the Cabo Mar – it’s a double-decker catamaran, 65 feet long and 36 feet wide.
5) Scuba diving
You can dive at Land’s End.
But for knock-your-socks-off diving, head to the national marine park of Cabo Pulmo – where the wild things really are (like sharks).
October is an awesome month to go diving in Los Cabos.
Oh, the wonders you’ll see underwater! (Credit: Nautilus Dive Tech)
Read more about scuba diving in Cabo – it’s an underwater world of wonders!
6) Surfing in Cabo San Lucas
Get amped on big barrels and pumping wave action! Los Cabos and beyond boasts some rocking surfing beaches.
Yes, you can surf in Cabo San Lucas! (Credit: Cabo Surfer)
Surf spots in Cabo San Lucas:
On the Sea of Cortez side, the waves are largest in spring and summer (March to October). Check out Playa Acapulquito and Playa Costa Azul.
For winter waves, head to Los Cerritos and Pacific-side beaches near Todos Santos.
Looking for some waves to ride? There are some sweet beaches for surfing in Cabo San Lucas! (Credit: Cabo Surfer)
Baja surf report:
Find free daily Baja Sur surf reports on Surforecast.com.
Tours and surf lessons in Cabo San Lucas:
Check out these surf shops in Cabo San Lucas for lessons and tours:
- Costa Azul Surf Shop – Excellent rental equipment and instructors; they also take small groups on surfing excursions.
- High Tide Sea Expeditions – One of the best tour operators, with friendly professional guides who go the extra mile to get you standing up on your surf board.
- Mike Doyle’s Surf School – A good place to learn to surf; all instructors are certified by the National Surf Schools & Instructors Association (NSSIA).
- Cabo Surfer – A new surfing outfitter based in San Jose del Cabo.
More information on surfing Los Cabos:
See the Surfers Guide to Cabo 2018 on WaveTribe.
7) Hit the beach!
We know, we get it! The beach is where you want to spend a lot of your time when visiting Cabo. And there are many gorgeous beaches in Cabo!
Just remember you can’t swim at some. In fact, rogue waves and rip currents make these particular beaches downright dangerous. So be sensible choosing where to swim.
The water looks inviting, but check first to see if the beach is safe for swimming
Find out all you want to know about the 5 best beaches in Cabo San Lucas here!
8) Swimming with whale sharks
There are few places in the world where you can swim with endangered whale sharks – La Paz is one of them.
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world – and very gentle (Credit: Cabo Adventures)
La Paz (which means “peace” in Spanish) is an authentic Mexican town on the east coast of the Baja Peninsula. The drive from Cabo San Lucas takes a little over two hours.
Basically, you go out by boat into the Bay of La Paz. When whale sharks are spotted, you slip into the water wearing snorkeling gear, and watch as the huge gentle fish swim by you.
Snorkeling with whale sharks? One of the absolute best things to do in Los Cabos in winter! (Credit: Cabo Adventures)
It’s an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience – and highly recommended if you visit Los Cabos between October and February.
Don’t miss swimming with whale sharks in La Paz – see here
Best time to go to Cabo San Lucas
The weather is typically very reliable from October to May (sunny and hot), making fall to spring the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas. That works out very nicely for North Americans and Europeans – you can go somewhere warm when it’s cold where you live!
Enjoy Los Cabos!
Whew! You made it to the end of our post on the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas (and Los Cabos) for beach and watersports lovers!
Now all you have to do is pack your bags and go… Enjoy your trip!
Best Cabo airport transportation options? Read this
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Except where noted, photos are ours and © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase
We’re Janice and George Mucalov, award-winning travel writers, sharing tales of luxury travel with a twist of adventure at Sand In My Suitcase.
Monica Clark says
March 6, 2019 at 1:06 pmI never really was a fan of Mexico till I went to Cabo.
Loved it, the town, the people. You can just jump on a bus or boat taxi for next to nothing and just do your own adventures. Lots to do. I’d go back in a heart beat.
Janice and George says
March 6, 2019 at 9:55 pmSo glad to hear you enjoyed Cabo!
It’s an easy introduction to Mexico, because so many Canadians and Americans vacation there. People speak English. The hotels are high-class. Restaurants are good and safe, etc.
Erin Kyle says
March 28, 2018 at 12:51 pmThanks so much for all this great info! We are going to Cabo with our kids, 9,10 and 13 at the end of July. We are looking for a family friendly snorkeling tour for the day, so we will check out the ones you suggested. How is the water that time of year?
Janice and George says
April 1, 2018 at 8:14 amGlad the info here is helpful for you :-). And the water? It should be lovely and warm for snorkeling. Have a great trip!
GlobalGrasshopper (@globalgrasshopr) says
March 21, 2018 at 6:26 amOh wow what a truly stunning place! I love the photos of the tropical fish!
Janice and George says
March 21, 2018 at 7:37 pmYou’ll have to visit Los Cabos! You’d love it for a winter escape :-).
Irene S Levine says
March 14, 2018 at 9:52 amGreat post filled with good information. I’ve bookmarked this one. Yearning for Cabo right now!
Janice and George says
March 14, 2018 at 12:08 pmIt’s been such a yicky winter! Bet a lot of North Americans are yearning for some sunshine and warmth :-)