Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a city at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Cabo is a varied destination that captures the essence of Baja Peninsula in its many resorts, hotels, golf courses, dining and amazing outdoor activities.

Cabo San Lucas is a bustling hub for sport fishermen, cruise ships, handicraft vendors, water sport aficionados and nightlife seekers. The area is considered the second fastest growing resort destination in all of Mexico and particularly busy with visitors during the winter high season, November to February. With some of the best all-around sport fishing in the world and every water sport imaginable, Cabo is the ultimate destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventure. There are three districts in "Los Cabos":
 * 1) San Jose del Cabo, the "Old Town", which is nearest to the airport.  San Jose has old Mexico charm and some shining new resorts.
 * 2) Cabo San Lucas, the "Main Town", which is 20-some miles from the airport, and the entertainment hub of Cabo.  The famous arch is in Cabo San Lucas.
 * 3) The Corridor, the highway which connects San Jose and Cabo San Lucas, which is now lined with golf courses, condos and resorts situated along the coastline.

By night, Cabo San Lucas is one of the hottest party towns in Mexico with a glittering nightlife and a plethora of dining options that make energetic Cabo San Lucas an all-time favorite. Also called Cabo San “Loco” or just plain “Cabo”, the town’s reputation as the wild party center of the Baja Peninsula has brought fame and infamy to its many bars and nightclubs.

By plane
If you'll be staying for more than a day (e.g., not as a passenger on a cruise ship), flying is the preferred means of travel to Cabo. The regional airport, (624) 146-5111, is outside of San Jose del Cabo and will take approximately 30–45 minutes to travel to Cabo San Lucas.

For general aviation or private jets, Terminal 2 is used. It has 14 gates: 7-20. Air taxi and air charter companies such as Jetset Charter fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstreams down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals.

All the major American airlines fly to the airport, as well as Aereo Calafia, Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Volaris, and the Canadian Air Transat & WestJet.

If you plan on arriving in Cabo via plane, the Ruta del Desierto bus is the cheapest method to get to San Lucas. The stops are just outside of Terminal 1 (domestic) & 2 (international) and the route to San Lucas (the bus-stop is near Puerto Paradiso Mall and the downtown marina) takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic. The buses are modern and air-conditioned, yet not well maintained, you may not find them pristine sometimes. you should consider that there is limited space for luggage and sometimes all seats will be accupied, so you will have to travel standing. One-way ticket price to/from the airport is M$90 or 5 USD, as of July 2023, paid directly to the driver or a seller at the bus stop before you go on-board. If you have a lot of luggage, a shuttle service provided by private companies is the next most economic option and is significantly cheaper than a taxi, since you are sharing the unit with other passengers, especially if traveling solo. There are vans at the airport charging per person for a ride to the resorts of Cabo which can be paid with or without prior reservation.

For a better or more private experience, consider booking your transportation in advance, at least 48 hours prior to your arrival, since most cancellation policies have that cancellation window. Based on the experience of most of the travelers leaving their reviews online, there are several reliable companies to hire, for shared or private service, you should book at Los Cabos Airport Shuttles or for a more personalized Private-only service, a good option is CATCO SJD office.

At the airport you may be approached with an offer of free transportation in exchange for your time on a "tour" of a resort, including breakfast. This is a timeshare promotion. They may also offer you free tickets to cruises and other excursions, or even cash. You will be asked to pay a deposit. You will in fact get your presents if you go on the tour, and you can negotiate for better presents, but the timeshare presentation may take up to 4 hours and will have a hard sales-pitch of what is generally a very overpriced timeshare. See the information on timeshares on the main Mexico page for more information. Remember, sometimes these agents may tell you they represent your transportation company, however this is a lie, your transportation unit will be always outside the terminal, never inside.

By boat
Cruise ships call very frequently. All must anchor/moor offshore, so passengers must be ferried to shore. Those who plan to arrange independent tours need to consider the time that ferrying takes for tour start, and for tour end to ensure they can return to ship on time.

By bus
Regional bus service is provided by Autotransportes Aguila with frequent departures from La Paz, San Jose del Cabo and several other nearby cities. Long distance routes are served by Autobuses Baja California (ABC).



Get around
Taxis are readily available and rates are negotiable.

One of the best and most exciting ways to travel around Cabo is to rent a BMW motorcycle. Cabo BMW Rentals rents BMW motorcycles as well as scooters and they will provide helmets. You can ride north out of the tropics to Los Barriles which is a great stop for a bite to eat or walk on the beach. It's called the "Cabo Loop" which consists of a 320-km (200-mile) paved ride, starting in Cabo San Lucas and going through the larger cities of San José del Cabo, Los Barriles, Todos Santos and returns to Cabo San Lucas.

There are many car rental agencies in Los Cabos, most of which have names familiar to travelers in the Americas. If you are staying in a villa or plan on many day-trips that are not covered by a resort or timeshare shuttle, then a rental will likely be the most cost effective.

See
Filled with natural landmarks and a number of prominent monuments, the city of Cabo San Lucas has plenty of character, particularly around its coastline. From January to March, a must see is the whales, they come to Cabo during this period of time and many boats can take you out to sea to watch them. In early March, they are particularly abundant.
 * Land's End&mdash; Known for its exceptional views and photo taking opportunities, this area is comprised of a large cluster of rock formations that were carved into fantastic shapes by wind and sea. During low tide, many visitors like to walk here along Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) because it allows for a better view of an eroded passageway called the Arch of Poseidon. You can also observe Los Frailes, two rock islets that are frequented by sea lions.

Scuba diving & watersports
Scuba diving Is especially good in Cabo, because you can watch the sandfalls under the water. It is an amazing spectacle provided by nature. If you are looking for something more relaxed perhaps you want to go to Lover's Beach or to one of the multiple romantic restaurants in Cabo.

Cabo is also a good surfing destination, since many of the beaches on the east cape road pick up the southern swells. The beaches are accessible through the coastal road on the way to cabo pulmo. Particularly, shipwrecks beach is a favorite spot during the summer months.



Fishing
Cabo is known around the world as a top fishing destination. The meeting of the waters of the Pacific ocean and the Sea of Cortez creates a nutrient rich environment where sport fish thrive. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo are the most commonly targeted species. Cabo boasts one of the largest sport fishing charter fleets in Mexico. Charters range from pangas, open "semi-dorry" type skiffs, to 18 m (60 foot) or more luxury sport fishing yachts. Prices for a day of fishing start around US$175 for 5-hour panga trips, from US$450 for 8-hour trips on 26- to 30-footers and into the US$1,000 to $5,000 per day for boats from 34–60 feet.



Buy
With boutiques as easy to come by in Cabo as restaurants, its a shoppers delight.

The plazas of Puerto Paraiso Shopping and Entertainment Plaza and the adjacent Marina Cabo San Lucas offer a variety of shops and goods with an affable ambiance.

Shoppes At Palmilla offer a selection of high-end boutiques. The stores here include day spas, art galleries, fine restaurants, coffee shops, an amazing bakery and homemade crafts.


 * San Jose del Cabo features traditional Mexican speciality stores which offer furniture, hand blown glass, ceramics, artwork, cigars and local souvenirs.

Budget

 * Estancia Real Los Cabos, 20 de Noviembre and Leona Vicario, Cabo San Lucas 23410 - A charming, bohemian and clean hotel with communal kitchen, BBQ, and a small rooftop pool. The management are friendly and helpful, and the guests tend to be as well. It is a few blocks from the beach, marina, and many of the drinking establishments. The two "honeymoon suites" are double the price of the average room here but still a bargain. There are large open air palapas, one of which has a private jacuzzi.
 * Seven Crown Express & Suites, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas y 16 de Septiembre | Col. Centro - Nestled in between a gas station, a liquor store, and a strip club. Across the street is the hospital. Has four locations. A great deal, its the closest hotel to all the bars, and you can just walk to the Riu Resort and get free drinks every day.

Mid-range

 * El Nido Hacienda Escondida, Road towards Sunset Beach | Blvd. Miguel Angel Herrera & Callejon el Dorado, Cabo San Lucas 23450 - Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, three blocks away from the original town square and five blocks away from the marina. Six spacious decorated rooms, each with its own bathroom, are located around a central courtyard. Full breakfast, jacuzzi, gardens, roof-top sun deck, barbecue facilities, and a spectacular sunrise-sunset vista. There is also a beauty salon on premises.
 * RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas, Camino Viejo a San Jose, Cabo San Lucas 23410 - Has impressive architecture and 642 deluxe rooms are set in a spectacular enclave facing one of Los Cabo's famous landmarks. Amenities include mini-bar and liquor dispenser, while some suites boast hydro-massage bathtubs and a jacuzzi on the terrace. This resort includes all-inclusive holidays, with facilities and a full range of sports and leisure alternatives, and on-site dining. The hotel was just certified an AAA Four-diamond hotel.
 * Tesoro Resorts Los Cabos, Marina Lotes 9Y10, Col Centro, Telephone: US/Canada: 1 866 998 3767 or Mexico:1 800 837 6767. All inclusive Mexico resort hotel. Looks onto the marina, lighthouse or the Sea of Cortés from your balcony. No airport shuttle service. Internet, fitness center, spa, activities desk, large pool, parking, air conditioning. All inclusive packages are offered.
 * RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas, Camino Viejo a San Jose, Cabo San Lucas 23410 - Has impressive architecture and 642 deluxe rooms are set in a spectacular enclave facing one of Los Cabo's famous landmarks. Amenities include mini-bar and liquor dispenser, while some suites boast hydro-massage bathtubs and a jacuzzi on the terrace. This resort includes all-inclusive holidays, with facilities and a full range of sports and leisure alternatives, and on-site dining. The hotel was just certified an AAA Four-diamond hotel.
 * Tesoro Resorts Los Cabos, Marina Lotes 9Y10, Col Centro, Telephone: US/Canada: 1 866 998 3767 or Mexico:1 800 837 6767. All inclusive Mexico resort hotel. Looks onto the marina, lighthouse or the Sea of Cortés from your balcony. No airport shuttle service. Internet, fitness center, spa, activities desk, large pool, parking, air conditioning. All inclusive packages are offered.
 * Tesoro Resorts Los Cabos, Marina Lotes 9Y10, Col Centro, Telephone: US/Canada: 1 866 998 3767 or Mexico:1 800 837 6767. All inclusive Mexico resort hotel. Looks onto the marina, lighthouse or the Sea of Cortés from your balcony. No airport shuttle service. Internet, fitness center, spa, activities desk, large pool, parking, air conditioning. All inclusive packages are offered.

Stay safe
Do not beach walk at the water's edge on the Pacific side. This area is very treacherous, and huge waves can come ashore with little to no notice. This danger does not end at the "El Arco" point, but extends to all south-facing beaches as well, including the Pueblo Bonito and Riu Palace resorts.

As a general note, avoid back alleyways, especially at nighttime. Watch for pick pockets in the nightlife areas. Only accept rides from licensed taxi drivers.

Go next
The main beach of Cabo San Lucas, called "El Medano" (Medano Beach) is located near the marina in the bay. On the beach there are some great places to eat and drink including The Office, along with many others most of the places have outdoor tables on the beach. The beach overlooks Lands End. You can also take a ride to Lands End by boat and also Lover's Beach, one of the best beaches in the world.

Explore small towns surrounding Cabo: San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos and La Paz are rich with history and make a great excursion. The nearby town of Todos Santos is a perfect side trip from Cabo. Todos Santos is a small community with approximately 4000 people. The town is filled with art and culture. The town is a tribute to the Eagles 'Hotel California', with its old colonial architecture and centuries old monastery one is transported back through time to a land of mystery and adventure. Stop at Elias Calles on your way home and pick a basket of organic strawberries.

La Paz is an old Mexican port with an 'old Baja' feel. It features in John Steinbeck's novel The Pearl based on a Mexican folk tale about the areas most valuable natural resource. Its anthropology museum offers insights into the first inhabitants, 10,000 years ago. You can also see rock paintings dating back to these early settlers.