Los Cabos sits where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the landscape explains most of what makes it different from the Caribbean coast. Desert hills drop to rocky coves, the water is deep blue, and a few beaches are calm enough for swimming while others are not. Many guests stay inside a resort corridor for the whole trip. That is a perfectly good choice, but a few outings are worth the effort. This guide covers the main ones and the practical points that apply to each.
El Arco and Land’s End
The rock arch at the southern tip of the peninsula is the best known sight in the region. It is reached by boat from the marina at Cabo San Lucas, usually by water taxi or a short tour, and the trip passes the sea lion colony on the rocks below the cliffs. Boats also stop near Lovers Beach, a small stretch of sand beside the arch. Check conditions on the day. Swells can make landing difficult, and the beaches near the arch are generally not suitable for swimming because of strong surf and currents. Treat this as a scenic boat trip, not a swim stop.
Medano Beach and the marina
Medano Beach, close to the town of Cabo San Lucas, is the main swimming beach in the area and has calmer water than the Pacific side. It is busy, with vendors, restaurants and water sports, so it suits guests who like activity more than seclusion. The marina boardwalk is within walking distance and is a convenient base for evening meals if you want a change from resort dining. If you are weighing it against the Caribbean side of Mexico, our guide to Cabo versus Cancun for an all-inclusive explains how the two coasts differ.
Snorkelling at the bays on the Tourist Corridor
The coastal road between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, known as the Tourist Corridor, passes several protected bays. Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay are the two best known for snorkelling, with sheltered water and a rocky shoreline that attracts fish. Bring your own mask if you can, check which beach access points are public, and ask the resort about current water conditions before you set out. Wave and current conditions change through the year, and what is a gentle bay in one month may be rougher in another.
San Jose del Cabo old town
About forty minutes by road from Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo is quieter and more traditional. The historic centre has a mission-style church, a leafy plaza, and a district of galleries and boutique restaurants. Many galleries open in the evening for a weekly art walk during the high season, which usually runs from late autumn into spring, but confirm the schedule locally because it can change. It is an easy half-day or evening trip and works well on a day when the weather is not ideal for the beach.
Whale watching in the cooler months
Humpback whales migrate to the waters off Baja California in winter, and boat tours operate during that season, typically from about December through April. Sightings are likely during the peak months but never guaranteed. Choose an operator that follows local rules about distance from the animals, ask how long the boat stays out, and take a layer, because the wind on the water is cooler than it feels on the beach.
A day trip to Todos Santos and Cabo Pulmo
Todos Santos is a small Pacific-coast town roughly an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas, known for its art galleries, old buildings and relaxed pace. Cabo Pulmo, a marine national park on the Sea of Cortez side, is a longer drive of around two hours from San Jose del Cabo and is known for snorkelling and diving. Both are best done as a full day, either with a guided tour or in a car you have arranged yourself. If you are renting, check the rental company’s insurance terms before you commit, and allow generous time for the return trip.
Practical points before you go
- Book through a reputable operator, and compare the resort desk with an independent company before paying.
- Carry water, sunscreen and a hat. The desert climate is dry and the sun is strong even in winter.
- Take cash in small notes for tips and small purchases, and be aware of the exchange rate you are offered.
- Check the weather and sea conditions on the morning of any boat trip.
For an overview of the region, see our Los Cabos destination page, and compare resorts on our list of all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos. Most guests find that one boat trip, one evening in San Jose del Cabo and one longer day trip are plenty, leaving the rest of the week for the resort itself.