There's a reason Cabo is a top getaway for all of us Americans who are looking for a fun beach-y vacation.
There's no shortage of gorgeous vacations in Mexico. You're going to have a hard time picking, but the reason we (and everyone else in the world) loves going to Cabo is because it makes for a really easy vacation. Because so many tourists come to Cabo each year, they have everything set up for you. Looking for a tour? There's hundreds. Yummy food? There's restaurants on every corner. Oh and if you don't speak any Spanish at all it's really easy to get around.
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Best Things To See + Do In Cabo
Like we mentioned, Cabo is a huge tourist destination and it's full of day tours. We love tours because it helps you do all those fun activities that you might not have been able to do on your own, but just know that there are many competing companies. Look around to see who has the best prices and don't forget to consider the reviews.
For some activities you need to take an actual tour with a guide (snuba diving) and for others you can just get the gear and go on your own (like kayaking and snorkeling). Do your research online ahead of time, but you'll also find it's easy to book tours after you arrive that you run into or that your hostel suggests.
Land's End (El Arco)
We had to put this first because it's probably the most famous thing you can do in Cabo and basically every says it's a MUST see. You've probably seen photos of this view, usually in calendars that hang on your wall and make you want to travel to those destinations that look unreal. Well ... this ones real and you can see it!
There are lots of tours that will boat you over to get the view for yourself. You can't get here on foot so find a water taxi at the Marina and take it over.
Whale Watching
There's absolutely nothing like seeing a whale while you're out on the open ocean. I mean ... their size alone is stunning, especially when they swim alongside your boat and you realize how giant they are.
Humpback and Gray whales are commonly seen in December through May. They're typically up north in Alaska over the summer but migrate back down south (including Cabo) in the colder winter months. So early spring time is the absolute best time to plan your trip so that you have the highest chances of seeing these beautiful whales.
Paddleboard The Sea of Cortez
Paddle boarding is one of my favorite ways to get out on the water while I'm hanging out at the beach. If you've never gone, don't worry! It takes a little practice and coordination but you don't need any experience to get going. Waves are definitely the hardest for standing though, so check it out on calmer days.
Snuba Diving
Snuba diving is a mix between snorkeling and scuba diving. It's the ease of snorkeling, but you can breath underwater with the equipment. This lets you see a lot more and dive a lot deeper than you could otherwise. The best part is you don't have to be certified! While snuba diving you can see gorgeous fish, octopus, eels and more. It really is an amazing experience!
Turtle Release
Yes, that is a real baby turtle! In Cabo you can take excursions to see sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach. Learning all about the process is incredible. This is seriously one of the coolest things you can ever do. And, you'll be obsessed with turtles after. Click here to read about an ILP Group and their experience going.
Zip line
There are a lot of different options in Cabo, some more pricey than others. When deciding make sure you look around and read the reviews and the prices. Most places are about $100 (which is pretty typical anywhere) to zip line, so keep that in mind as you are budgeting!
Trip Advisor is a good spot to start coming companies and their reviews.
Eat The Tacos
I think it's important to have a food bucket list, because it is one way to just be really happy! Cabo is full of great restaurants with a lot of different options. I'm always a fan of cheaper more "hole in the wall" restaurants where things are generally pretty cheap but oh so delicious. Here are a couple places to stop at.
The Taco Bar: If you're looking for a simple good taco this is the place! They have a big bar of different toppings so you can personalize your tacos to how you like them.
La Taquiza: Literally a hole in the wall, but so, so good! Try the guac. Try the tacos... Try everything.
If you need even more options check these out.
Kayaking
Kayaking is so much fun and gives you an easy way to explore the ocean and cool little coves all around Cabo. If you've never been, no worries! It's easy to pick up and learn quickly.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding down a warm beach as the sun sets sounds like a dream, right? Well lucky you, you can make that dream a reality! Horseback riding tours are popular in Cabo and you will be able to find many different tour companies that offer them.
Hike Mt. Solmar
Okay, this hike/climb is super rad and gives you a 360 degree view of Cabo. It's kind of interesting to get to because it is on private property behind a gate. The owners of the property are more than happy to let you in and the gate is there because it is a dog kennel and they want to keep the dogs in. Anyways, the view is amazing and totally worth it. Read about how to get there.
Relax At The Beach
Of course you need to hit up the beach while in Cabo. Two of the most popular beaches are Medano Beach and Divorce Beach. Wherever you go, take a towel and lay out in the warm sun for a little while. On my way now...
Medano beach is popular for swimming and water sports and has pretty calm water.
Divorce beach has cool rock formations to check out but the water is a little more rough (so it's not the best for swimming).
Getting To Cabo
If you're coming from elsewhere in Mexico like our ILP volunteers, flying is going to be the quickest route. Of course it depends on the day and the time of year, but it's pretty common to find flights for around $100 USD or less from Mexico City to Cabo. Roundtrip you're usually under $200 to get to this huge vacation destination.
Check out this website for flights. Then all you have to do is just take a quick bus to Mexico City to catch your flight to Cabo.
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