The Directory

Your guide to Los Cabos’ best activities
By Beto Haro

 

We like cookie cutters and one-size-fits-all serapes as much as anyone, but when it comes to vacations, there’s nothing better than striking out on your own to find the adventures and activities that best suit you. That’s the beauty of Los Cabos; it’s a world-class destination with incredible biodiversity, beaches galore, and a seemingly endless lineup of activities. Here we highlight some of our favorite ways to spend a day in Los Cabos.

A world of adventure awaits in Los Cabos. Clockwise from top left: Cabo Expeditions’ Cabo Submarine, Camel Quest, Cabo Escape, and Off-Road Runners.

Be One with Nature

Want to explore Los Cabos’ legendary sea life? Are you an animal lover eager to try something new? Get up close and personal with Mother Nature with any one of these activities outfits.

Cabo Expeditions: A leader in socially conscious tourism, Cabo Expeditions offers myriad ways for adventurers to explore Los Cabos and greater Southern Baja. Swim with whale sharks, dive off of Cabo Pulmo, or snorkel with sea lions at the UNESCO World Heritage site Espíritu Santo (an archipelago off of La Paz). There’s also plenty of fun to have in the Cabo San Lucas Bay: Parasail over Médano Beach, check out the views above and below water with Cabo Expeditions’ Cabo Submarine, or kayak off Land’s End. Cabo San Lucas Marina, (624) 143-2700, www.cabo expeditions.com.mx. MasterCard and Visa accepted. V $–$$$

Camel Quest: It’s hump day every day at Camel Quest, part of Wild Canyon’s celebrated adventure park. Here you’ll find eight camels, including four that were trained especially for children to ride. The entire family will love Camel Quest’s action-packed outback ride atop a camel through the El Tule oasis with local guides. El Tule Bridge, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4433, www .wildcanyon.com.mx. All major credits cards accepted. V $–$$

Dolphin Discovery: Regardless of your age, there are few things more exciting than swimming with dolphins. And at the socially conscious Dolphin Discovery’s state-of-the-art facility in San José del Cabo, you can rest assured you’re swimming with dolphins that have received nothing but the best treatment. It’s one of only four dolphinariums, where all of the dolphins have been born under human care and trained with only positive-reinforcement training. The 75,347-square-foot ocean cove is the perfect backdrop to what will undoubtedly be your new profile pic. Marina San José del Cabo, San José del Cabo, (866) 393-5158, www.dolphindiscovery.com/los-cabos-san-lucas. Major credit cards accepted. V $$$–$$$$

Embrace Your Need for Speed

Los Cabos is the ideal destination for peak action—by land, water, and air!
Baja Dirt: Bikers love Baja. There are so many different types of terrain to explore and zip about, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience with Baja Dirt, Motorcyle Adventours. The company specializes in dirt bikes, off-road motorcycles, and endure. Escape to Todos Sandos, Los Barriles, or La Paz for multiday adventures. There are also three-, six-, and eight-hours tours available. Camino San Vicente, San José del Cabo, (624) 128-2156, www .bajadirt.com. Cash only. $$$–$$$$

Cabo Flyboard: Fly like a superhero over the Cabo San Lucas Bay with professional Flyboard, Hoverboard, and Jetpack lessons. If you are looking for a cool and unique experience, then you have to try this. Cabo Flyboard pioneered hydro flight in Los Cabos, and it offers lessons for children 8 and up. Behind Casa Dorada Hotel and Mango Deck at Médano Beach, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 1430146, www .caboflyboard.com. MasterCard, Visa, AmEx, PayPal accepted. $$$–$$$$

Off-Road Runners: Wild Canyon’s 100-acre biosphere is the perfect spot to let out all your pent-up road rage. Zip about on Off-Road Runners’ Honda 450 quad-runners during a three-hour tour that includes round-trip transportation, professional guides, and fast-paced excitement. El Tule Bridge, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4433, www.wildcanyon.com.mx. All major credits cards accepted. V $$–$$$$

Wild Canyon: Why work out in a gym when you can get the heart racing at Baja’s premier adventure park? In addition to Camel Quest and Off-Road Runners, Wild Canyon offers thrill seekers high-flying zip lining, chances to bungee jump from a crazy-high glass-bottom gondola, and the opportunity to swing some 300 feet above the ground! El Tule Bridge, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4433, www.wildcanyon.com.mx. All major credits cards accepted. V $–$$$

Retail Therapy

There are plenty of souvenir stores and high-end shopping opportunities in Los Cabos, but here we highlight two ways you can treat yourself to pieces you’ll not only treasure but show off.

Cobalto: Formerly known as Mexican Pottery, Cobalto specializes in pottery, tiles, and handbags. The selection is enormous, and each piece of kitchenware and dishware is lead free and microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. The Talavera style of pottery originates in Puebla, México, and it’s an excellent way to commemorate your trip to the country. Plaza Alamar, Madero Street, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 105-0046, www.cobaltomexico.com. Major credit cards and PayPal accepted. $$–$$$$

Indira Gems: Jewelry making has played an integral role in the history and development of México, and it’s a tradition that is beautifully showcased at Indira Gems. Master jeweler Isidro Sánchez Icaza crafts unique pieces that are at once stunning, surreal, and magical. Hidalgo No. 1, San José del Cabo, (624) 146-9228, www.jewel rydesignerscabo.com. Major credit cards accepted. $$$$

Smooth Sailing

You can’t come to a spot like Cabo San Lucas without taking at least one spin around the bay. With the great variety of tours offered, you’re sure to find something that floats your boat.

Buccaneer Queen: This 96-foot-long pirate-themed black galleon impresses with its grand size and authentic pirate look (before making its way to Los Cabos, the ship appeared in commercials and Geena Davis’s Cutthroat Island). Join the Buccaneer Queen’s gregarious crew for snorkeling and sunset tours. Check its website for seasonal offerings, like whale watching. Dock 1, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4217, www.buccaneerloscabos.com. MasterCard and Visa accepted. V $–$$

Cabo Escape: This is the Cabo company that pioneered the floating nightclub concept, and it continues to set the standard. You can experience it for yourself Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Of course, as part of the Wild Cabo Tours fleet, Cabo Escape also offers daytime and sunset tours. Make sure to try the endless fajitas! Cabo San Lucas Marina, (624) 105-0177, www .wildcabotours.com. Major credit cards accepted. V $$–$$$

Cabo Legend: What’s more exciting than a pirate ship? Two pirate ships, of course! Wild Cabo Tours wasn’t content with just one ship, and that means guests are in for an extra special treat when Cabo Legend and the Buccaneer Queen unite for an epic show. This mighty 100-foot-long twin-masted brig accommodates groups big and small. And, if you have ever wondered what pirates get up to after dark, you can find out during the Los Cabos Pirate Night Party. Cabo San Lucas Marina, (624) 105-0177, www.wildcabotours.com. Major credit cards accepted. V $$–$$$

Cabo Mar: Cabo Mar’s nightly fiesta cruise offers the perfect blend of ocean views, delicious food, and signature Cabo fun. Everybody here is professional but not stiff; you’ll get great service, lots of Facebook fodder, and nothing blackmail worthy. Camino del Cerro 215, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-3797, www.cabo-mar.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $–$$

Cabo Rey: Las Vegas is fun and all, but it has nothing on Cabo. So if you’re in the mood for a Las Vegas-style floor show paired with Cabo’s picture-perfect weather, we’ve got a spot for you: Cabo Rey. This regal-looking catamaran wows with its five-star cuisine and excellent show, a fire-filled affair that draws inspiration from Sin City and Latin America. Depending on the season, CaboRey also offers snorkeling and whale watching tours. Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-8260, www.caborey.com. $$–$$$

Cabo Sailing: Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience with Cabo Sailing, which offers everything you’d expect plus more unique offerings like private overnight charters on a luxurious sailing yacht and sailing lessons. Dock H, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-8485, www.cabosailing.com. AmEx, MasterCard, Visa, and PayPal accepted. V $$$$

Cabo Sails: You can choose your own adventure with Cabo Sails, a Cabo San Lucas company with a lineup of public and private charter options. Opt for a snorkeling or sunset cruise or design an experience exclusively for you and your guests. Private charters can accommodate group sizes as small as two people or up to 20 and of all ages. Bonus: Children 9 and younger sail free. Cabo San Lucas Marina, 624-355-6386, www.cabosails.com. Major credit cards accepted. $$–$$$$

Eco Cat: Not satisfied to offer adventure seekers just another catamaran, Eco Cat’s beloved “Captain Bob” traveled across the world to find one of the world’s largest sailing catamarans. Not only did he find the perfect boat, but he also found a partner—wife Marcela—and brought both back to Cabo. The two operate the very popular activities outfit and the Eco Bar restaurant. Eco Bar, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 157-4685, www.caboecotours.com. MasterCard and Visa accepted. $$$-$$$$

Pez Gato: With twice-daily snorkeling adventures that take guests to the Santa María Bay, you’re bound to find a time that works for a Pez Gato outing. Swim in the warm tropical waters and enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the area. Looking for a little more laid-back adventure: The endless drinks and delicious eats that come with Pez Gato’s sunset tour may be just the ticket. Dock 4, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-3797, www.pezgato.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $–$$$$

SunRider Tours: This tour company has become so popular that it has offices in Los Cabos and La Paz. Its success is no wonder, considering it specializes in eco-friendly entertainment boats. Popular tours include swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling, and charters to celebrate birthdays, weddings, and more. Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-2252, www.sunridertours.com. MasterCard and Visa accepted. V $–$$$$

Tropicat: Interested in smooth sailing? You can’t get any smoother than the jazz that provides the soundtrack for Tropicat’s sunset cruise. The third member of the well-known fleet that also includes Cabo Mar and Pez Gato here offers wine, jazz, and delicious appetizers. Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-3797, www.tropicatcabo.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $–$$

Angling for Fun

Los Cabos was built on a passion for good times and good fishing.

Silverados Sportfishing: The expert—and award-winning—crew at Silverados Sportfishing has helped many new and experienced anglers bag impressive catches. Look to them for helpful tips, fantastic prices, and an exceptionally good time every time. Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4903, www.silveradosportfishing.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $$$$