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Cabo San Lucas is one of the most famous resort cities in Mexico – and for good reason. With luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, and amazing marine life, Cabo is a fantastic place to kick back and relax. And what better way to take advantage of it all than taking a boat tour?
Boat tours are easily one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas. This shouldn’t come as a big surprise. If you ask us, nothing says “vacation” like cruising around the Baja California peninsula with a drink in hand. And if you’re not much of a drinker, you can still enjoy snorkeling, sunsets, and incredible views.
There are a few different types of boat tours to enjoy in Cabo San Lucas. To help you out, we’ll go through each one, as well as everything you need to know before booking a tour. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see you out on the water!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Chances are if you like boat tours, you’ll love this top-rated snorkeling tour. Lunch and drinks are included, but don’t forget to book in advance and bring some extra pesos for the docking fee.
- 1. About boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
- 2. When is the best time to book a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas?
- 3. What are the different types of boat tours available in Cabo San Lucas?
- 4. How much does a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas cost?
- 5. What are the best snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas?
- 6. What are the best sunset boat tours in Cabo San Lucas?
- 7. What are the best private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas?
- 8. What are the best whale watching tours in Cabo San Lucas?
- 9. What is the best time to go whale watching in Cabo San Lucas?
- 10. Do you need to book a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas in advance?
- 11. Why book on Viator?
- 12. Are boat tours in Cabo San Lucas safe?
- 13. Are boat tours in Cabo San Lucas suitable for children?
- 14. What should you wear/bring on a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas?
- 15. Can you get seasick on a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas?
- 16. Is a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas worth it?
- Other Activities to do While You’re in Cabo San Lucas
- Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
1. About boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
A boat tour is always a fantastic thing to do when you’re staying near the sea. And in Cabo San Lucas, a boat tour is also one of the only ways you can see the famous Cabo Arch!
The Arch is a pretty granite rock formation at the very point where the Sea of Cortez (aka the Gulf of California) meets the Pacific Ocean. The Arch has been carved out over the course of millions of years by wind and waves, and it’s one of our favorite places to visit in Cabo San Lucas!
When you take a boat tour to the Cabo San Lucas Arch, you’ll also usually see lots of sea lions basking on the rocks, which is really cool. And if you go between December and April, you might spot humpback whales.
Right by the Arch, you’ll also find the two southernmost beaches on the Baja California peninsula: Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach.
Usually, your boat tour will take you to Lover’s Beach. Then, you can walk through a gap in the rocks to access Divorce Beach which, interestingly, is about five times as large. Clearly, whoever named these beaches had very cynical views about romance!
Pretty much all Cabo San Lucas boat tours will take you to see these highlights. Lots of the daytime tours will also take you to Pelican Rock. Sadly, it’s unlikely that you’ll see any pelicans here, but it’s a great snorkeling spot where you can see eels, lobster, and rare tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot mantas and whale sharks.
Cabo San Lucas is a party hotspot, so most boat tours have an open bar, and some include food, too!
Since boat tours are so popular here, there’s pretty much one for every budget. We’ve found that the group tours tend to be pretty good value for money. However, if you’re traveling with a few friends, you might want to splurge a bit more and book a private experience.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a more romantic experience, there are sunset cruises available, and nature lovers can book whale watching tours.
2. When is the best time to book a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas?
The best time to book a boat tour is outside of hurricane season. Hurricane season usually starts in mid-May and lasts until October, so you’ll get the best weather between November and April. Obviously, for a boat tour, you want calm seas!
If you’re going to be in Cabo San Lucas during the stormy season, you can still book a boat tour. They do still operate, as it’s not like there’s a hurricane every day! So when the sea is calm enough, boats do still go out.
This is why we like booking through Viator. You can change or cancel your booking up to 24 hours beforehand, so you can keep an eye on the weather closer to the time. Plus, you get the choice of whether to reschedule or receive a refund if your tour gets canceled due to bad weather.
In terms of the best time of day to go, most tours depart in the afternoon (unless you’re going on a sunset cruise, of course). Sunset cruises are a great choice for a romantic experience, but the afternoon is better if you want to snorkel or do a party cruise.
If you’re an early bird, there are a few boat tours that go in the morning. This could also be a good option if you’re prone to seasickness since the water tends to be calmer earlier in the day.
Related Read: Do you want to get as close as possible to marine life? Then read our article all about scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas!
3. What are the different types of boat tours available in Cabo San Lucas?
There are four main types of boat tours available in Cabo San Lucas: group snorkeling tours, private tours, sunset cruises, and whale watching cruises. They all take you to the Cabo Arch and Lover’s Beach, so the right tour for you just depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
With the private tours, you can tailor your experience so you can go during the day or at sunset. You can choose whether or not to snorkel – and if you go during whale season, you can also ask your captain to take you to whale hotspots! If you’re traveling in a big group, it’s definitely worth considering a private tour because you can create your perfect day out on the water.
Most tours include an open bar, and they usually last between 2-4 hours. There are plenty of options, so you should be able to find the right one to fit into your itinerary.
4. How much does a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas cost?
Shared snorkeling tours in Cabo start from around $60 USD per person. However, you can expect to pay up to $110 USD depending on the type of boat and the inclusions.
Sunset tours cost between $60 USD and $100 USD, depending on whether or not you want to have dinner on board the boat.
Private snorkeling or whale watching tours start from around $360 USD but can cost as much as $1,950 USD. Again, the price varies according to how many people can come on board and whether or not there’s an open bar and food.
It’s definitely possible to take a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas on a budget. But in our experience, the cheapest option doesn’t always mean the best value for money. Sometimes it’s worth spending a few extra dollars to get more food and drinks, or a longer boat ride!
One final thing to note about the pricing is that all of the tours require you to pay a dock fee. Be prepared to pay around 20 Mexican pesos ($1.20 USD) in cash on the day of your tour.
5. What are the best snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas?
Snorkeling Tour in Cabo San Lucas
This is one of the top-rated snorkeling tours in Cabo. We also think it’s a fantastic deal since it includes extras like water toys and food and drink!
You’ll depart in the afternoon to see all of the scenic coastal highlights of Cabo San Lucas, including the Arch. You’ll also pass by Lover’s Beach, but instead of stopping there, you go ashore on Santa Maria Beach, which is every bit as beautiful and an ideal place to snorkel! It’s actually one of the top snorkeling spots in Cabo, and you’ll see tons of amazing tropical fish here.
What we love about this snorkeling tour is that it also includes the use of stand-up paddleboards, which are so much fun. If you prefer to laze in the sea instead, grab one of the complimentary floating water mats. Bear in mind that the ocean conditions do have to be super calm for you to use this equipment safely.
There’s an open bar on board, and lunch is included as well. Plus, the crew is super friendly and happy to point out sights and give you snorkeling tips. Overall, we think that this tour is perfect for couples or friends looking for a wallet-friendly experience or solo travelers looking to meet new people.
Make sure to be at the Main Dock Marina by 12:40 pm for a 1 pm departure. In total, you’ll spend 3.5 hours sailing, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenery before returning to the dock.
What’s awesome is everything we mentioned is covered for just $74 USD per person! It’s hard to beat this price (especially with the open bar and lunch!), which is why this tour sells out fast. So check availability and secure your spot online!
Cabo San Lucas Short Snorkeling Tour
This 2-hour snorkeling experience is perfect for anyone who’s short on time or is looking for a budget-friendly boat tour. It’s also a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want a party boat tour with music and drinking but would rather focus on marine life.
The boat leaves at 2 pm from the Manta Scuba Diving facility, so make sure to check in by 1:45 pm. Once aboard, you’ll take a short boat ride to a popular local snorkeling sight, where you’ll enjoy clear waters and lots of tropical fish.
Then, you begin the sightseeing portion of the tour. You’ll sail past some of our favorite sights, like the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and Divorce Beach, before heading back to shore. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lion colonies as you cruise. We got lucky and saw many on our trip!
We also like that this tour company offers post-cruise showers. This way, you can freshen up and head straight into town afterward.
This cruise is ideal for families who want to avoid boats with open bars and pretty much anyone who wants to skip the partying and just snorkel! Plus, the tour is budget-friendly at $60 USD. You don’t get food, but they do provide water bottles – and for a 2-hour cruise, that’s really all you need.
Click here to book this short but sweet snorkeling experience in Cabo!
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride and Snorkel Tour in Cabo San Lucas
If you love a unique experience, this snorkeling tour delivers! It takes you sailing in a glass-bottomed boat, so you get to see even more marine life. Before you jump in the water, you’ll get a sampling of all the sea creatures awaiting you!
This is another great tour for those who don’t want to party. Parties are a dime a dozen in Cabo – but how often do you get to witness loads of marine life? On this tour, you be super close to starfish, stingrays, and of course, tons of colorful fish.
The tour lasts for 5 hours, so you get loads of time in the water. Plus, the boat’s glass bottom means you get to admire the underwater world pretty much nonstop.
You’ll get to see the Arch and have a picnic lunch on beautiful Medano Beach. Before returning to your hotel, you’ll also make a trip to the Cabo San Lucas flea market. It’s the perfect spot to grab some food, shop for souvenirs, or just people-watch. Overall, we feel this tour is a very well-rounded excursion.
You can choose to depart at 9 am, 11 am, or 1 pm, making it easy to fit into your schedule. It costs $105 USD for adults and $84 USD for kids (ages 5 -9), including roundtrip transportation from your hotel, water, lunch, snorkel equipment, and the epic glass-bottom boat. You can upgrade to newer snorkels and the upgrade fee also covers a CD of photos you’ll get of all your best underwater poses.
To take advantage of this comprehensive tour, you can check availability and reserve it online here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. What are the best sunset boat tours in Cabo San Lucas?
Sunset cruise from Cabo San Lucas
A sunset cruise around the Cabo San Lucas Arch promises to be a remarkable experience. We think it’s the perfect activity for a romantic trip or honeymoon!
This 2-hour cruise shows you some of Cabo’s top sights at the most beautiful time of day. The Arch really does look majestic against the backdrop of the changing sky.
Arrive at Marina Dock D by 4:45 pm and be ready for an incredible sunset experience! There’s an open bar on board, so you can enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand. There are also soft drinks and plenty of snacks available too, like chips and guacamole.
But drinks aren’t the only thing that’s plentiful on this cruise. You’ll sail along the Sea of Cortez, passing top sights like Lover’s Beach. Keep your eyes out for marine life, including sea lions and stingrays. And if you happen to book this sunset cruise from December through March, you might even see some whales!
The tour costs $60 USD per adult and $30 USD for kids (ages 6-11), we think that it’s pretty good value for money! This covers all the drinks, snacks, and wonderful memories.
There will also be a photographer on board, and you can purchase professional souvenir photos at an extra cost. That being said, everyone’s a photographer these days … as long as you’ve got a smartphone, you should be able to take some pretty amazing pictures yourself!
For a sunset like no other, book this Cabo San Lucas cruise right here.
Sunset dinner cruise in Cabo San Lucas
This 2.5-hour dinner cruise is the perfect way to spend an evening in Cabo San Lucas. You’ll enjoy a Mexican buffet dinner and open bar as you sail past the Arch and Lovers’ Beach.
Boarding begins at 4 pm in front of Señor Frogs. At 4:30 pm, you’ll set sail and see the area’s most beautiful landmarks. On this cruise, I especially enjoyed seeing the incredible beachside mansions of the wealthy Pedregal neighborhood. If you’re a real estate buff, you’d appreciate this!
There’s music throughout the cruise, which really adds to the overall ambiance. And after dinner, the staff puts on a dance show which is fun to watch!
The cruise costs $98 USD per adult and $49 USD per child (ages 4-10), including the buffet and an open bar for the adults. However, there are some optional extras available.
The open bar serves local brands, but if you want an international brand of alcohol, it’s $7 USD per drink. The local beers and spirits are totally fine to drink, though, so it’s all a matter of preference. You can also upgrade your dinner to include lobster for an extra $18 USD. For dinner and drinks aboard a sunset cruise, book this tour online here.
Related Read: Are you looking for more romantic ideas for your Mexican vacation? Check out our guide to planning the most romantic honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta!
7. What are the best private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas?
Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling for 6 people
This 4-hour private tour allows you to create your ideal Cabo San Lucas boat tour. The suggested itinerary includes highlights like the Arch, Lover’s Beach, Medano Beach, and a snorkeling stop at Pelican Rock … but it’s really up to you!
The cruise includes all of your snorkeling gear and free soft drinks. You’re also allowed to bring your own food and alcohol on board if you like. Coolers to store them will be provided. I actually prefer this sometimes because you can choose exactly what you want to drink and eat.
We think this is a fantastic tour for families or groups of friends because you get the whole boat all to yourself. You can also choose your preferred departure time between 8 am – 5 pm. And if you want a sunset cruise, you can always choose a late afternoon departure.
The tour costs $520 USD for a group of up to six people. This includes snorkeling gear, life jackets, inflatable water toys, and soft drinks – plus three hours minimum sailing on your private catamaran. If you’re looking for a flexible option, this it it! Book your private, 4-hour cruise online here.
Private Snorkeling Adventure in Cabo San Lucas
This private boat tour will take you to the best snorkeling spots around Cabo San Lucas and you’ll get to see the famous arch, too! Your guide will also have a GoPro and take lots of pictures for you for no extra cost, which is a really great bonus.
The guides are super knowledgeable about where to see the most fish. Feel free to ask them about the different species too! They’ll also explain all the unique rock formations as you pass top sights.
It’s great for families who are looking for a relaxed experience with a friendly crew and lots of snorkeling opportunities. Plus, since it’s private, you can choose your preferred date and time when booking.
The tour lasts for three hours and costs $400 USD for a group of up to six people. It covers snorkeling gear, water, sodas, and your friendly guides. For an unforgettable snorkeling adventure, reserve this tour online!
Private Catamaran in Cabo San Lucas with snorkel, food and drinks
If you’re in a big group or are looking for an all-inclusive private boat tour, then this luxury catamaran is hard to beat! From food and drinks to water sports, you won’t need to worry about a thing. You can sit back and enjoy the sun.
You can choose to set sail at 9 am, 12:30 pm, or 4 pm, and you’ll be picked up from your hotel in advance. You’ll cruise around Cabo, enjoying all of the highlights, including the must-see Arch and Lover’s Beach.
What I really love about this tour is all the extras they provide! There’s snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking equipment on board, so you can enjoy plenty of time out on the water. However, you can also just lounge on board and enjoy the open bar if you prefer!
Lunch on board is a turkey baguette with sauce, guacamole, and a fruit cocktail. You can upgrade to chicken fajitas and ceviche for $20 USD per person if you prefer. Unlimited drinks are included, but if you want top-shelf bottles of alcohol, contact the company through Viator to arrange this beforehand.
We think it’s a fantastic experience for groups of friends who are looking to party in Cabo, and it would be an unforgettable activity to include on a bachelor or bachelorette weekend. Although, since it is a private tour, it could also be great for families – or groups who simply want a relaxed and luxurious experience without other people around.
This tour (including everything we mentioned) costs $1,900 USD per group of up to 10 people. You’ll get about three hours on the water, which feels like the perfect amount of time to soak it all in!
Are you ready to celebrate Cabo-style? Don’t hesitate to book this private all-inclusive catamaran cruise!
8. What are the best whale watching tours in Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo Private Whale Watching Tour – with FREE photos and Whale Sighting Guarantee
This private whale watching tour is the best way to see whales in Cabo San Lucas. It’s possible to see whales on some of the other tours we’ve mentioned, but this tour focuses on spotting whales rather than snorkeling or paddleboarding.
In fact, between mid-December and mid-April, the tour company offers a whale sighting guarantee. If you don’t spot any whales, you can do the tour again for free!
Also, we love how much we end up learning on these tours. The guide is a marine biologist who will teach you all about humpback whales and their migration patterns. You also get free souvenir photos of this tour which is a nice extra.
Overall, this tour is a fantastic experience for wildlife lovers and you still get to see the famous Arch, Lover’s Beach, and the other unique rock formations along the coast.
The tour costs $95-$699 USD, depending on your group size (max 12 people). Tours last about 2.5 hours, and you can choose to depart at 8:30 am, 12 pm, or 3 pm. If your main goal is seeing whales, we recommend booking this whale watching cruise in advance!
9. What is the best time to go whale watching in Cabo San Lucas?
Mid-December to mid-April is the best time to see whales in Cabo San Lucas. This is when humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Baja California peninsula. Since there are so many whales around this time, it’s possible to book a whale watching tour that offers a sighting guarantee!
This is also just a great time to take a Cabo boat tour in general. It’s during the dry season when you get better weather and calmer waters.
Related Read: For another coastal city just across the water, read about the best things to do in Sayulita, Mexico. Although it’s a sleepy beach town, it’s still packed with water sports and relaxing activities.
10. Do you need to book a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas in advance?
Yes, it’s a good idea to book a tour in advance if you’re visiting during the dry season – especially in December and January when tons of tourists flock to Cabo for the festive season.
We recommend booking a boat tour at least a few weeks in advance to make sure that you can choose the one you want. Otherwise, you might get stuck with a less reputable tour company on a super crowded, uncomfortable boat. With these less-desirable companies also come lots of hidden fees, and this can really ruin your experience!
11. Why book on Viator?
We’ve always found booking tours on Viator to be so much easier than booking direct in Mexico, and it doesn’t cost you any more.
Viator has a fantastic cancellation policy, so you can amend or cancel your booking up to 24 hours before your tour. This is great because you can book in advance for the busy season to make sure that you don’t miss out. And if necessary, you can just change your plans later on.
In Mexico, tour operators often promise this when you book directly but then try to wriggle out of giving you a refund. It can turn into quite a hassle on your end. This often happens even if the tour was canceled due to bad weather rather than out of choice, which is so frustrating. But when you book with Viator, it’s all handled for you!
12. Are boat tours in Cabo San Lucas safe?
Yes, boat tours are very well-regulated in Mexico. Areas like Cabo rely on tourism, and they don’t want to get a bad rep! Just make sure you choose a tour with great reviews, and you’ll be absolutely fine.
Plus, boats only go out when it’s safe to do so. Tours don’t operate when the sea is too rough, and when you book through Viator, you can get a refund or reschedule. The boat crew keeps a close eye on the sea conditions and won’t let you paddleboard or kayak if it gets too choppy. Just follow their instructions and you’ll be fine.
Related Read: It’s natural to be concerned about safety in a new place. To learn more, you can read our guide to safety in Mexico here.
13. Are boat tours in Cabo San Lucas suitable for children?
Yes, kids are welcome on all of the tours we’ve listed in this blog. However, no one under 18 will be served alcohol. Parents should also bear in mind that people will be drinking on boats with an open bar, so you might feel more comfortable choosing a boat tour that doesn’t include unlimited alcohol.
If you don’t want your kids to be exposed to a lot of drinking, it’s better to choose a tour that doesn’t have an open bar and focuses more on activities. This glass-bottom cruise gives you the best views of sealife, followed by a snorkeling adventure. Alternatively, you can book this private tour which also provides snorkeling gear and fun floatation devices.
14. What should you wear/bring on a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas?
Swimsuit and towel
If you’re going on a daytime boat cruise, it will involve snorkeling and possibly paddleboarding or kayaking. As such, make sure to wear a bathing suit! It’s also a good idea to wear a light cover-up over the top to protect your skin from the sun when you’re on board. And, of course, you’ll need a towel so that you can dry off in between swims.
Sun protection
If you’re heading out on a Cabo San Lucas boat tour in the morning or afternoon, make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen, as well as sunglasses and a hat. There’s not a lot of shade on some of the boats, especially in the middle of the day, and the Mexican sun is very strong!
If you plan to go in the water, it’s best to bring reef-friendly sunscreen that won’t harm the marine ecosystem.
Flip flops
The deck of the boat can get hot in the sun, so make sure that you wear shoes that you can slip on and off easily. Don’t wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes because they’ll be annoying to get on and off with wet feet. With that being said, if you’re taking a sunset boat tour, it doesn’t matter as much because you won’t be going swimming.
Camera/GoPro
If you’re going on a snorkeling tour, you should bring a GoPro or underwater camera if you have one. That way, you can capture amazing shots of all of the tropical fish and marine creatures that you see and don’t have to pay extra for souvenir photos.
If you’re going on a sunset tour, you won’t be swimming, so your regular smartphone camera will be enough to snap beautiful photos of Cabo’s coastline.
Food and drinks
Some private tours don’t include alcohol and food but allow you to bring your own. If you book a private boat tour like this one, you can bring drinks and snacks to enjoy on board, and there will usually be cooler boxes available to store them. Most private tours do include free soft drinks, though, so you won’t need to pack those.
Related Read: Are you also visiting Cancun? Check out our top picks for sunset cruises in Cancun too!
15. Can you get seasick on a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, it is possible, as the water can get choppy at times. Most travelers should be fine, but if you’re especially prone to seasickness, the best way to avoid it is to book a morning tour, as the water tends to be calmer.
Catamaran boats also provide a smoother and more stable ride since they’re so wide. So if you’re prone to seasickness, consider this private all-inclusive catamaran cruise.
If you’re worried about seasickness, you should take a motion sickness tablet about 30-60 minutes before the tour starts. Just make sure to get the non-drowsy kind!
16. Is a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas worth it?
Yes, a boat tour is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas! Other than kayaking, it’s the only way to see the iconic Cabo San Lucas Arch. Plus, you also get to glimpse amazing marine life along the way.
With lots of the tours, you also get to enjoy lots of food and drinks – or jump in to swim and snorkel. Honestly, we think boat cruises are one of the best things you can do in Mexico – especially Cabo!
Related Read: For another bucket-list-worthy activity in Mexico, try skydiving in Puerto Vallarta! From first-hand experience, we can say it’s absolutely unforgettable!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Cabo San Lucas
After your cruise, the fun’s not over yet – there are lots of exciting things to do in Cabo. From trying out Baja’s delicious craft beers to riding on a camel, there are so many epic adventures waiting for you in Cabo San Lucas!
- Eat authentic Mexican food – If you’re craving some tasty Mexican food, you’re in the right place! This 3-hour walking culinary tour is one of the best ways to try the city’s tastiest local eats. With an expert guide, you’ll discover hidden foodie gems and sample everything from traditional tacos to quesadillas. It’s a delicious way to experience authentic Cabo flavors!
- Try camel riding – For a one-of-a-kind Cabo adventure, saddle up and ride a camel along the coast! This unique beach safari takes you to an oceanfront ranch where you’ll meet your new camel friend. I was really surprised by just how relaxing it was, it’s a whole new perspective from up there! Your guide will dish on all the sights as you make some seriously cool Cabo memories.
- Drink some craft beer – If you’ve read a few of our blogs, you’ll know that we’re nuts about craft beer! So, if you’re a crafty like us, then make sure to stop by Baja Brewing Company on the rooftop terrace of Corazón Cabo Resort and Spa. With tons of great-tasting beers, this spot also has one of THE BEST sunset views, so I’d highly recommend giving them a call to reserve your spot in advance.
- Off-road on an ATV – For a land-based adventure, look no further than this exhilarating 2-hour ATV tour. You’ll cover lots of ground while seeing gorgeous sights. Ride deep into the desert through sand creeks, canyons, and narrow riverbeds before arriving on the white sand beaches of Margaritas Beach.
- Go shopping – Cabo San Lucas is a shopper’s dream with everything from traditional Mexican items to high-end designers. For high-end shopping, head to Luxury Avenue and Paraiso Mall. For something more budget-friendly, visit Plaza Artesanos, which features over 75 vendors selling handcrafted items like jewelry, clothing, pottery, and trinkets.
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo has lodging options galore! From hostels to swanky resorts and everything in between, you can find the perfect place to rest your head after a day out on the water. If you’re watching your pesos, no worries, I’ve included some of my favorite budget options below. Or if you’re splurging for that special celebración, I’ve also included some great luxury options too!
Grand Velas Los Cabos Luxury All Inclusive – $$$
Looking to go all-out on accommodation? One of the most luxurious resorts in Cabo San Lucas is Grand Velas, which even has its own private beach. This all-inclusive property also features three infinity pools, a spa, and every room has a view of the sea. There are also five restaurants on-site, including Mexican, Italian, and French cuisine, so you’ll never get tired of the selection!
This is an upscale property, so rooms start at around $1,400 USD per night. You can check availability online here.
Breathless Cabo San Lucas – Adults Only – $$$
Location is a huge plus with Breathless Cabo San Lucas as it’s located right in front of El Medano Beach. You can walk out the doors of the hotel and be on the beach in under a minute! This is an all-inclusive property, so all your meals and snacks are included, along with 24-hour room service. There are also fun theme parties here!
It’s an average of $500 USD per night, but can be a bit more or less depending on when you book. You can easily check prices and book on Booking.com.
Playa Grande Resort – $$
Located on a private beach in Cabo and close to the marina, you’ll love the feel of Playa Grande Resort. There’s a spa, three outdoor pools, and beautiful Mexican décor and tiled floors. You’ll also have a kitchen or kitchenette and a balcony. This resort has the option to be all-inclusive if you want meals taken care of, or you can enjoy all the local food in the area.
Rooms here are around $200-$300 USD a night for just the room and $400-$500 USD a night for the all-inclusive package. Check prices and book Playa Grande Resort online here.
Cabo Vista Hotel (Adults Only) – $$
If you’re planning to rent a car while in Cabo, then Cabo Vista Hotel is a great mid-range option. It’s a little out of the way but still within walking distance of the city center and the beach. My favorite part of this place is that every room is a mini-suite, so you have lots of space and your own kitchen! You’ll also get free breakfast daily and complimentary towels and umbrellas for the beach.
The nightly rate here is around $100-$200 USD a night. You can book online through Booking.com.
Mayan Monkey Hostel Los Cabos – $
Located in downtown Cabo, Mayan Monkey Hostel keeps you in the action and party atmosphere Cabo is famous for – while still being easy on the wallet. It’s only five minutes from the beach, and they also have an outdoor swimming pool to cool off in. There’s entertainment and activities like evening DJs or ping-pong tables, and it’s a fun place to meet new people.
If you’re okay with sharing a room, you can stay here for SUPER cheap. You can find a bed in a dorm-style room with 6 to 12 beds for around $20-$30 USD a night, or there are private rooms in the $100 USD range. You can grab your spot on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
When in Cabo San Lucas, you absolutely must go on a boat ride! This coastal area is gorgeous, and there are some spots you just can’t see from land. Luckily, Cabo has plenty of cruise options, from sunset dinners to snorkeling – and we hope our guide has helped you find the right tour for you!
To learn more, you can read our other blogs about Mexico. There’s so much to see and do in this country. We honestly never get tired of exploring new places here. To see where we’ve been, just click on one of the links below.
22 Best Things to do in Acapulco, Mexico
10 BEST Tours in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
How to Spend 3 Days in Mexico City: An Ideal 3-Day Mexico City Itinerary