Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: DIY Cruise Excursions

Cabo San Lucas, one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, has long attracted Hollywood celebrities and travelers alike. Situated at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and surrounded by world-class golf courses, it forms part of the two towns known as Los Cabos, alongside San Jose del Cabo. While both towns are popular, Cabo San Lucas – often simply called “Cabo” – is the livelier of the two, drawing more tourists, especially as the primary docking point for cruise ships. Famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, diverse marine life, deep-sea fishing, and vibrant nightlife, Cabo offers an endless array of activities.

That draws quite the crowd, particularly around the marina and Medano Beach – the top spot for cruise passengers. This area is filled with vendors selling souvenirs and bars promoting drinking games, creating a lively scene that may not be ideal for those seeking relaxation. But Cabo San Lucas also has plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy instead.

During our cruise along the Mexican Riviera, Cabo San Lucas was one of the stops. To avoid the crowds, we hired a driver and organized our own Cabo shore excursions. We put together a list of options, leaning toward the adventurous side, that will hopefully enhance your shore experience in Cabo San Lucas. Choose based on how much time you have in port.

Excursions in Cabo San Lucas

Marvel at Natural Attractions

If it’s your first time in Cabo, a tour of its natural wonders is a must. Fortunately, this is an excursion you don’t need to book in advance. Once you disembark, you’ll find plenty of tour boats touting Cabo San Lucas excursions. The Arch, or El Arco, is the most recognizable rock formation that marks the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to rent a glass bottom boat to see plenty of marine life as well as sea lions lounging on the rocks. And if you visit between December and April, you may even spot migrating whales!

Another must-see that should be included in the same tour is Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) and Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach). This stretch of pristine beach is wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez surrounded by jagged rocks, only accessible by boat. While the Pacific side of the beach is too rough for swimming, the Sea of Cortez side is calm and offers spectacular views. There are no facilities here, so pack what you need and note your boat’s name for the return trip, which you can negotiate before drop off.

Hike Mount Solmar with Dogs

For those looking to stretch their sea legs, a hike up Mount Solmar is one of the best activities in Cabo San Lucas. Rising 540 feet above sea level, the hike rewards you with panoramic views of the city, Playa del Amor y Divorcio, and El Arco. The trail can only be accessed with a guide as it’s located on private property so to join all you have to do is turn up at the Dog Training Camp, which is easily reached on foot from the marina. That’s where the hike begins, led by Enrique, the owner of the camp, and a group of his chosen furry friends to join on the hike. This is by far one of the most unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

The hike takes place every day except Saturday at 8am, but plan to arrive a little early. The terrain is rugged and gets steep about halfway, so wear appropriate footwear. The whole experience can take up to 2 hours and payment is on a tips basis. Make sure to check for changes in the schedule in advance.

Relax on a Blue Flag Beach

Did you know Los Cabos boasts the highest number of Blue Flag-certified beaches in Mexico? 25 of them, to be exact! This means these beaches meet rigorous standards for cleanliness, water quality, and sustainability. Medano Beach, the most popular, stretches over two miles and attracts crowds of tourists and cruise passengers. For a quieter experience, take a ride to the Tourist Corridor, an area between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. El Chileno and Palmilla are two serene beaches just 20-30 minutes away with great snorkeling. Since facilities are limited, it’s best to bring your own snacks and water and be mindful to leave the beach better than you found it.

Day Trips from Cabo San Lucas

Sightsee in San Jose del Cabo

If Cabo San Lucas is the rowdy one of Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo is the sophisticated artsy counterpart only 35 minutes away. While still popular with tourists, San Jose del Cabo is more peaceful, featuring quaint colonial architecture, art galleries, boutiques, refined restaurants, and wine bars. Stroll through the cobblestone streets admiring the architecture, visit the historic Plaza Mijares, browse arts and crafts, take photos at every colorful corner, and beach hop at Playa Acapulquito and Palmilla. For lunch, visit Flora Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant serving organic produce, complete with picturesque grounds, roaming animals, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Hike Cañon de la Zorra

For those with more time and a thirst for adventure, a trip to Cañon de la Zorra (Fox Canyon) is well worth the 1.5-hour drive. Nestled in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, this verdant micro climate-formed oasis is a surprising change to the desert landscape, offering some of the best activities in Los Cabos. The canyon is accessible from the Ecologico Sol de Mayo Ranch via the sleepy town of Santiago. The ranch charges a small entrance fee, which gives you access to the eponymous waterfall.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the nearby Santa Rita Hot Springs, accessible via Santa Rita Ranch for a small fee, offer a relaxing dip in a natural thermal pool. To execute this day trip from Cabo San Lucas you will need to hire a 4x4 ride or join a tour.

Visit Todos Santos

Located about an hour north of Cabo on the Pacific side, the sleepy town of Todos Santos, declared a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) by the Mexican government for its cultural and historical significance, is hard not to love. Todos Santos is vibrant, and renowned for its art galleries, stunning beaches, surfing, and excellent hikes. The added attraction of its hikes is the ruins of old mills left behind from the former sugar cane production, offering a glimpse into the area’s history. Since the sights are quite spread out, you will need to hire a car. On your drive up to Todos Santos, be sure to check out Cerritos Beach, hike to the lookout point of Punta Lobos, and end your tour with a stroll soaking in the magic of Todos Santos. For lunch, lean into seafood at Oystera, serving the best seafood in all of Baja situated in the town’s oldest sugar mill.

Explore Cabo Pulmo National Park

For nature lovers, Cabo Pulmo National Park is one of the most captivating excursions from Cabo San Lucas. Though it requires a two-hour drive, the park, which is home to a 20,000-year-old coral reef, is a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise. Jacques Cousteau once dubbed it “the aquarium of the world,” and with over 800 marine species, it’s easy to see why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers snorkeling, diving, hiking, and birdwatching. Getting there requires a 4x4 and the excursion can take up to nine hours round-trip.

We hope these ideas for self-guided Cabo San Lucas tours from cruise port provide plenty of inspiration for your trip. Happy exploring!