Best Things To Do in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is known for its sunny weather, picturesque beaches, luxury resorts, and enticing food, but if you happen to get tired of spending time on the beach, lounging by the pool at your vacation rental, and eating tasty food, there are plenty of other things to do. Golf, scuba diving, sailing, fishing, and hiking are among the most popular activities in the area, but you may also enjoy horseback riding, taking a dinner cruise, kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, parasailing, or even riding an ATV through the nearby desert.

Golfing

Whether you’re a regular golfer or just want to try your hand at the driving range, you can’t go wrong with golfing in Los Cabos. The area boasts over one dozen championship golf courses, including some that are ranked among the best in the world. Some property management companies offer vacation rental accommodations right on the courses. The top area courses include:

  • Diamante’s Dunes, ranked 36th in the world by golf media and famous for its dune ridges and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Cabo del Sol, designed by Jack Nicklaus with the Sea of Cortez as a stunning backdrop.
  • Quivira, another Jack Nicklaus-designed course perched on cliffs and ridges high above the Pacific Ocean.
  • Puerto Los Cabos, created by both Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus offers unique challenges and has panoramic views of both the Pacific and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

If you haven’t heard it yet, you will hear it over and over again that the Gulf of California is “the aquarium of the world.” Serious divers can book tours that last up to 10 days and promise sightings of sharks, dolphins and rays. If you’re just a casual diver or only want to snorkel you still have endless options. There are dozens of reputable tour companies in the area, including some that offer “snuba”, a beginner-friendly cross between scuba diving and snorkeling. One of the best spots to dive is the living coral reef near Cabo Pulmo on the east cape. This area is a marine sanctuary and is teeming with sea life.

Sailing

There’s no shortage of sailing tours and you’re sure to find something that’s right up your alley. Sailing options include sunset cruises, snorkeling tours, whale watching, dolphin watching, gourmet lunch or dinner, sightseeing, paddleboarding, champagne or tequila tasting, and even sailing to a semi-private beach. Most sailing tours accommodate 12 to 15 people, but there are options to charter your own sailboat and enjoy having the boat all to yourself. Popular spots to sail to include Lover’s Beach, Divorce Beach, the Pedregal, and the Arch.

Fishing

Before it was a tourist destination it was known for world-class fishing. Major tournaments are still held here, but you don’t need to be a pro angler to enjoy a day out on the water with a rod and reel. Fishing guides abound and most charters include the cost of equipment rental and bait. Some charge additional fees for cleaning your fish and you will usually need to purchase the required fishing license separately. Cabo San Lucas is well known for large black marlin and dorado, but you can also catch yellow-fin tuna, grouper, snapper, mackerel and Pacific snook. Fishing from the shore is also productive if you don’t want to charter a fishing tour.

Hiking

From a long easy stroll to a strenuous climb, there is no shortage of hiking trails in the area. The two most popular self-guided hiking trails are Mt. Solmar and Fox Canyon. The trailhead for Mt. Solmar is located on private property near the marina, but the property owners gladly grant permission when asked and will open the gate for hikers. The trail is marked by orange and blue ribbons, with orange indicating the more difficult trail and blue the easier path. The view from the top is the reward for this moderate two hour hike, and you will be treated to a 360-degree view of the town, the marina and the ocean. From the top you can either return the way you came or make your way down to Lover’s Beach and take a water taxi back to town. Fox Canyon is about an hour drive outside of town, but offers waterfalls, natural pools, rock formations and dense vegetation. As with any hike, take plenty of water, tell someone where you’re going, and aim to complete your hike before the hottest part of the day.
Numerous tour companies also offer guided hikes in the surrounding areas. You can choose from short 45 minute hikes to all-day guided tours. The advantage of taking a tour is that you don’t have to worry about finding the trailhead or getting lost along the way, and the tour guides know where some of the very best trails are located.

Other Activities

It’s almost impossible to list all of the things to do in the Cabos, but here are a few more worth considering. You can also check with your vacation property management company for ideas and tour company recommendations.

Horseback Riding

Exploring the area by horseback allows you to take in the natural beauty of the landscape while still covering a lot of ground. Riding along the beach at sunset can be an unforgettable experience. Rides are not limited to the beach, however, and you can find tours that will take you to waterfalls,

Kayaking

Rent kayaks and go exploring on your own in the Sea of Cortez, or take a guided kayaking tour. There are also several tour options that start out in a regular boat, include a mid-day kayak adventure and then return to the boat for an easy ride home.

Parasailing

Companies that offer parasailing adventures can be found all along the shores in the area. Some launch from shore, and others from a boat. Many have options that allow several people to para-sail together, under a single sail, making it a fun option for small groups.

ATV Adventure

Desert tours by ATV are a popular option for visitors. Operators take both small and large groups out to see the sights. You can also rent an ATV and take it out on your own in certain areas.