First Time in Cabo San Lucas

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Collection Of Adventure Tours.

Description:

Cabo Expeditions is one of the better adventure companies in Cabo, and has a wide variety of tours and eco-adventures, including whale watching (seasonal), swimming with whale sharks, parasailing, a hybrid between snorkeling and scuba diving called snuba, helmet diving, snorkel trips to Chileno and Santa Maria Bays, day trips to Isla Espiritu Santo off the coast of La Paz, and city tours around Cabo San Lucas. One of the best things about this menu of land and water based activities is that they cover a wide swath of Baja California Sur, and give visitors a very good idea of the area's diversity. Among the cooler tours are the those with helmet diving and whale sharks. Sea Trek developed helmet diving, which in updated and slimmed down version of the gigantic helmets one associates with early scuba divers. Without any dive training, you can walk along the ocean floor and have a dive-like experience surrounded by the abundant local marine life. Swimming with whale sharks is a little scary, but well worthwhile. The sharks are gentle, but they are also enormous and generally provide swimmers with a nice burst of adrenaline.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bulls, horses, music, color and tradition….the good part is they do not kill the bull!!

Description:

Join the bullring fiesta every Wednesday and Saturday nights at 4p. If you have never seen a bull fight, it is well worth the experience, and, contrary to what happens elsewhere, these bulls are not killed. These shows are absolutely colorful with displays of folklore, music and charros (dancers) that take place before and after the fight; this is a true favorite for Baja culture lovers.

Our Local Expert Says:

Look for the skeleton of the grey whale.

Description:

Just two blocks north of downtown and the marina is this lovely pocket of Mexican culture. The park has a lovely gazebo, many shade trees and benches where locals will rest for a few moments in the heat of the day. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beauty of this place before stepping into the Museum de Californias next door, or the historic 1746 mission church, Iglesia de San Lucas. Nearby Mexican restaurants Mi Casa and Pancho's are both excellent choices.

Description:

This dive school can certify you in PADI standards, valid for diving and for renting gear all over the world. The real fun starts as you head out to Pelican Rock, Land's End and Cabo Pulmo (Cabo's only coral reef). This last dive is well worth the price, effort and time it takes to learn how to dive; the viewable marine life is awesome.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most recognizable local landmark.

Description:

San Lucas is famous for the rock formations at Land's End that form a protective barrier for Bahia San Lucas, as well as signifying the point where the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean meet. The most famous of these is undoubtedly El Arco, the arch, that is used as a sort of movie shorthand for Cabo in the same way the Brooklyn Bridge is used for New York. It is the signature feature of the town and, in fact, the entire area. However, there are many other rock formations of interest at Land's End. Pelican Rock and Neptune's Finger both have good dive locations nearby. Scooby Doo is so named because of its resemblance to the cartoon canine. Additionally, there is a sea lion colony situated at the small Los Frailes islets, and excellent swimming and diving near Lover's Beach. Divorce Beach on the Pacific side is five times as wide and features beautiful views, although swimming there is exceedingly dangerous. To get a closer look at these formations, you will need to take a panga (water taxi) out, or observe from any of the local boating excursions, just about all of which make Land's End a focal point of their tours.

Description:

A rather strange arrangement exists between two restaurants in Cabo. Mama's Royal Cafe and Felix's share the same space, just not at the same time. If you come to this address in the morning you will be eating at Mama's, yet, in the afternoon it becomes Felix's. Whatever the arrangement, the food will keep you coming back. Ten shrimp dishes, Jumbo Burritos, Fajitas and terrific Chile Rellenos are just the tip of what is served. Salads like the Spinach and Shrimp or hot entrees such as the Chicken Monterey are other examples. A full bar is offered.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best San Jose del Cabo Zip-line Adventure.

Description:

Canopy Costa Azul offers one of the most exciting adventures in Los Cabos, with zip-line tours that include rappelling, a tarzan swing, a rickety suspension bridge, and a tequila factory tour and tasting. Soar above cliffs and canyons at over 300 feet in the air, approaching speeds up to 50 mph using only cables, pullies, and lines. The lines stretch for over seven miles, and provide an exhilarating (and occasionally terrifying) experience for novices. But the guides here are first-rate, all certified professionals, and the commitment to safety helps allay any lingering fears on the part of guests. The instructors are also on-hand for the rappel descent, although this part of the tour may be skipped by those who have no desire to climb down a rope on a virtually sheer mountain wall.

Our Local Expert Says:

An exceptional opportunity to see these magnificent animals.

Description:

The annual whale migration is naturally one of Cabo's best treats. In the winter, Baja California Sur is home to countless migrating whales that come to the area to birth their calves. Boat tours can take you near these gentle giants. If you visit between January and March, chances are you will see whales spouting off shore. Gray whales make the 6,000 mile journey from the Bering and Chukchi Seas between Alaska and Siberia to the Sea of Cortez each year. Several eco-friendly boat tours can take you closer to the whales. Small zodiacs or kayaks best enable guests to a good view. If you want to see mothers calving, a fly-in tour to Magdalena Bay is your best bet.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you want to encounter the fabulous rich marine life here in the Baja this is the way to do it. Experienced guides are great and speak English.

Description:

Ocean Riders offers you "70 minutes of pure and safe adrenaline". Book one of its tours and take a water-filled ride to the coastline of Cabo San Lucas. Step into the boat, put your life jacket on, and get ready for the encounter of a lifetime - with dolphins and whales, no less! Call for details on tour timings, and offers for private groups.

Description:

This restaurant and bar combination has pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy cool drinks before dinner. The atmosphere is quite casual and the food is remarkable. Try the grilled lobster or choose from a selection of specials that always includes at least one Mexican and one seafood dish. Sea bass or tuna, fajitas or fresh salsa-topped burritos, you will not be disappointed by the food, the view, or the prices.

Our Local Expert Says:

A pretty little beach a short drive outside of San Lucas. This is a popular beach with the locals so it can get busy on a Sunday. This beach is swimmable.

Description:

Come early for this prime snorkeling location. Playa Santa Maria is well-known as one of the best beaches near Cabo for underwater wildlife; its curved north wall shelters a reef where tropical fish live and eat. Most of the tour operators offering snorkeling tours will be bringing tourists to this beach and typically arrive around 10a. Beat the crowds (and the blanket and jewelry sellers) and have the beach to yourself by arriving earlier.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a great tour as it allows you to see the beauty of the desert. If you have never been on a desert tour I would recommend this one.

Description:

Take a two to four hour All Terrain Vehicle tour of this reserve through desert and mountains (up to 2000 ft). See beautiful natural springs, sand dunes and incredible views of the Sea of Cortez. This area is adjacent to the Melia Cabo Real and is a terrific way to see another side of Cabo and the Baja area. No experience is required in operating these four-wheeled vehicles and instruction is provided before departure.

Description:

La Fonda is an amazing Mexican restaurant that few people even know exists. This is what makes La Fonda so great for those who are in the know. Located ten blocks north of the main tourist area, this restaurant offers authentic Mexican dishes that local Mexicans and gringos can appreciate due to the small amount of authentic Mexican Restaurants that exist in Cabo. The best example of their emphasis on tradition is the Carne en su Jugo (beef in its juices), which is a Guadalajaran campesino dish consisting of bits of carne beef with beans and vegetables, served in a rich broth with tortillas. Anybody who loves authentic mainland Mexican dishes will appreciate the authenticity that La Fonda puts into its menu.

Our Local Expert Says:

this is one of the most popular cruises in Cabo San Lucas. It really is a pirate ship!

Description:

This pirate theme tour is one of the most popular excursions of those available in Cabo. You sail out into the bay aboard a 115-foot tall ship built in 1885, while the crew scampers about the rigging in pirate dress. Be prepared for the firing of the onboard cannon; its noise is unforgettable. Enjoy lunch and cocktails as you tour the bay and learn about the area's pirate history from the crew.

Our Local Expert Says:

Very casual atmosphere, really good food.

Description:

Come on in for some all-you-can-eat treats. You may have your fill of steak, lobster and shrimp all prepared at the massive grill on the edge of this patio-style dining room. Well-loved for the homemade tortillas, entrees and salsa selection, it is necessary to make reservations in advance. Sneak a peek at the B.B.Q. grill then try to decide between the chicken, seafood and beef entrees that they offer.

Description:

Fall for fabulous fauna at San Jose's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary. Located a few minutes from downtown San Jose, the estuary is home to about 200 species of exotic birds such as ospreys, egrets, moorhens, herons and brown pelicans. Watch the birds from water in a rented kayak. Sunrise and sunset fill the scenic sanctuary with vibrant color, and there is an interpretive center with expert guides. The estuary is located east of Presidente Forum Resort and there is no charge for admission.

Description:

Don't know how to dive? It does not matter here; they offer equipment that does the work for you. Buckle up inside a mini-sub (one person) and go underwater to view the depths. This tour includes instruction, gear and several diving instructors who go down with you to make sure you are safe. Also offered by this group is a variety of cruises: sunset, snorkeling, night adventure cruises and whale watching (January-March).

Our Local Expert Says:

Best sunset dining experience in Los Cabos.

Description:

Chef Salvatore Messina oversees the food, sommelier Sabrina Sanchez the wine service. The sunset views of Land's End and El Arco are overseen by a higher power. This is truly one of the most romantic restaurants on earth, with tables perched seemingly atop the Sea of Cortez. The food is Italian centric, although those who like the fresh local seafood will find menu options to their liking. And, unlike many restaurants, the culinary staff at Sunset Da Mona Lisa doesn't mind dealing with special dietary requirements. Considering the magnificence of the setting, it is perhaps not surprising that they have wedding services available. Both the food and the service here are outstanding, but it is the romantic and awe-inspiring atmosphere that makes this one of the most incredible dining experiences you will ever have.