Los Cabos packs desert, ocean and two very different towns into one small corner of Mexico. Whether you have three days or two weeks, there is far more to do than lie by the pool, although we recommend that too.
These are the experiences our team suggests most often to guests, with the local details that make each one better.
What are the best things to do on the water?
- See El Arco and Lover's Beach by boat. The rock arch at Land's End is the symbol of Cabo, and Lover's Beach next to it can really only be reached by boat. Go by water taxi, glass-bottom boat or private yacht. Swim on the calm Sea of Cortez side, and stay out of the water at Divorce Beach on the Pacific side, where the waves and currents are dangerous.
- Take a sunset cruise. Watching the sun drop behind El Arco from the water is a Cabo classic. Choose a lively party boat or a private yacht with dinner on board. See our private yacht charters in Cabo San Lucas.
- Go whale watching. From mid-December to mid-April, humpback whales come to Los Cabos to mate and give birth, often just minutes from the marina. Our whale watching season guide covers the best months and the rules.
- Snorkel at Santa María and Chileno Bays. Clear water, lots of fish and easy entry from the beach make these two Corridor bays the best snorkeling spots near town. Go in the morning, before the wind and the crowds.
- Try parasailing or a jet ski at Medano Beach. Medano is the calm, swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas, and it is the base for most water sports. Parasailing gives you a view of El Arco from above.
What can you do on land and in the desert?
- Ride ATVs or UTVs in the desert. Desert trails, arroyos and sand dunes, often with a stretch along a Pacific beach. Great for groups and families with older kids. Bring a bandana or buff for the dust.
- Ride a camel on the beach. Yes, camels in Mexico. A camel ride along the Pacific coast is a fun, unusual experience for all ages, and most tours include a little time to learn about the animals.
- Go horseback riding at sunset. A slow ride on the beach or through the desert, timed for the golden hour, is one of the most relaxing things you can do here.
- Fly on a zipline. Zipline parks in the hills outside Cabo San Lucas send you over desert canyons, with views out to the ocean.
Which day trips are worth the drive?
- Snorkel or dive at Cabo Pulmo. About two hours from Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo National Park protects one of the healthiest reefs in the Sea of Cortez. Expect big schools of fish and, on good days, rays and sea lions. Plan a full day.
- Spend a day in Todos Santos. This colorful Pueblo Mágico on the Pacific coast, about an hour north, has art galleries, cafés and a laid-back feel. On the way, Cerritos Beach is a good place for a beginner surf lesson.
- Swim with whale sharks in La Paz. In season, roughly from fall into spring, you can take a day trip to La Paz to swim with whale sharks. Tours follow strict local rules on group size and distance, and the season can change from year to year, so ask us before you plan around it.
What are the best nature, food and culture experiences?
- Release baby sea turtles. In nesting season, roughly August to December, you can join a conservation group as hatchlings make their way to the ocean. It is a special moment for kids and adults.
- Walk the Art District in San José del Cabo. The historic center has galleries, a mission church on the plaza and great restaurants. In high season, roughly November to June, the Thursday evening Art Walk fills the streets.
- Have a private chef dinner at your villa. End the trip with fresh local seafood cooked on your own terrace, maybe with a tequila and mezcal tasting or a mariachi band. It is our favorite last night in Cabo.
Most of these can be booked through our Los Cabos tours and activities, and we can add transportation so you never have to find a taxi.
How should you plan your days in Cabo?
- Water in the morning, desert in the afternoon. The sea is usually calmest early. In summer, desert tours are more comfortable late in the day.
- Do not stack long day trips. Cabo Pulmo, Todos Santos and La Paz each take most of a day. One or two is plenty for a week.
- Keep one free day. If wind closes the port, a free day lets you move a boat trip instead of losing it.
- Book early in high season. Yachts, villas and popular tours fill up around the holidays, Spring Break and Easter.
- Check which side of the coast you are on. Beaches on the Pacific side are for looking. For swimming, stick to Medano Beach and the Corridor bays.
Which activities fit which season?
- December to April: whale watching, sunset cruises, golf and desert tours in cool weather.
- May to July: calm seas for snorkeling, paddle boarding and long days on a yacht.
- August to November: the warmest water for diving and snorkeling, turtle releases and fishing season.
Want us to plan it for you?
Tell us your dates, your group and what you love, and our concierge team will build a day-by-day plan with transportation, reservations and tickets. Staying in one of our Los Cabos villas? We can bring the chef, the bartender and the music to you. Message us on WhatsApp at +1 305-400-2155.
Common questions
What is the number one thing to do in Cabo San Lucas?
Seeing El Arco and Lover's Beach from the water. A private yacht or a sunset cruise lets you do it in comfort, with a swim or snorkel stop along the way.
Can you walk to Lover's Beach?
Not in a practical way. It sits between the rocks at Land's End, so almost everyone arrives by water taxi or private boat.
What can you do in Cabo with kids?
Glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling at calm bays, camel rides, turtle releases in season and a yacht day with water toys all work well for families.
How many days do you need in Cabo?
Five to seven days is a good length. It gives you time for a boat day, a desert tour, one day trip and some real downtime.
Plan your Los Cabos days with us
Yachts, villas, private drivers, chefs, security and activities, arranged by one local team that answers on WhatsApp.
Operation Manager at Cabo Diamond Services in Cabo San Lucas. Gabriel and the team plan yacht charters, villas, transportation, security and events in Los Cabos every week. Last checked November 13, 2026.
