Looking for some unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas? Look no further, here are 4 things to do in Cabo for your average thrill seeker.
Nestled along the captivating coastline of Mexico, Cabo San Lucas beckons with its vibrant energy, stunning landscapes, and a myriad of activities that promise an unforgettable vacation. Whether you're a sun-seeking beach bum, an adventure enthusiast, a culture connoisseur, or a relaxation aficionado, Cabo has something for everyone.
After visiting Cabo for 5 days in April of 2023, these are the top activities that I would recommend making time for.
Getting to Cabo there
Most flights land in SJD which is still 40 minutes away from Cabo San Lucas.
We had planned and scheduled a private shuttle ride since there were 4 of us traveling together. The cheapest private shuttle that I found was from Cabo Transfers.
You will see plenty of websites instructing you to avoid the "shark tank" right outside of the customs area. In our experience, people were not that pushy about selling us a timeshare, but it helped that we already knew we had a shuttle waiting for us.
Between deplaning, immigration, customs, and luggage pick up it took us 45 minutes from touch down to getting in our shuttle, but luckily you can just tell your shuttle company when you land.
1. Get a massage!
There's nothing more relaxing than getting a massage on vacation. Let the professional work out all your knots while you just relax.
We went to the Sandbar and Medano Massage in Cabo, both nestled by the ocean. We could indulge in rejuvenating massages while immersing ourselves in the soothing sounds of the waves.
Privacy
The open-air setting allows you to bask in the natural beauty of the beach while enjoying your massage. However, if privacy is a priority for you, it's important to note that the massages are conducted in a communal area. All the massage tables are arranged on the covered 2nd floor, where you can soak in the ocean views and feel the cool breeze on your skin.
Sound and Ambiance
Right below the massage area, you'll find a vibrant restaurant at both Sandbar and Medano Massage where you can satisfy your cravings before or after your relaxation session.
While the lively atmosphere permeates up to the massage space, with people cheering and enjoying their time at the adjacent clubs, if you're seeking a serene ambiance, you may want to explore other options.
Massage quality
One of the unique aspects of the massages is the option for a four-hands massage, where two therapists work in tandem.
It was a completely different experience than what I had for a 4 hands massage in Vietnam. In Vietnam, the 2 masseuses would work in sync, applying even pressure throughout the massage, the skills and practice were very evident.
However, in Cabo my 2 masseuses would split the focus with one therapist focusing on my upper body providing more pressure while the other worked on my lower body giving very gentle pressure despite my asking for more pressure.
Personally, I felt like the 2nd masseuse wasn't worth doubling the price since the pressure was so gentle. This was also my experience at both the Sandbar and Medano Massage so I think it's just the technique in Cabo.
If you're seeking a massage that targets specific areas of tension and works on releasing knots, The Sandbar excels over Medano Massage in this regard. The therapists at the Sandbar devote ample time to addressing problem areas and relieving built-up stress, while the Medano Massage was a more generic massage.
2. Go scuba diving
Embarking on a scuba trip promises a unique and exhilarating experience. As someone who often scuba dives in the SoCal region, I was excited about warmer waters. We went with Manta Cabo and had a fantastic time.
Personalized Instruction and Small Group Dynamics
Our scuba expedition was enriched by the presence of a single instructor for our group of three. Unlike some setups, where groups are combined, we were fortunate to have our own instructor throughout with no additional cost.
We saw other individuals that came alone also get their own scuba instructor as well. This arrangement allowed for personalized guidance, fostering a sense of comfort and safety especially since we were diving in a new place.
This was also different than diving in California where we get told the dive conditions and general topography then are basically left to navigate the route at our own pace.
Customized Refresher Course
Prior to the dive, I paid for a refresher course that was tailored to my needs. The instructor facilitated a review of paper questions, addressing any misconceptions along the way.
This interactive approach not only honed my knowledge but also highlighted areas requiring further attention. During the first dive, we went over additional skills underwater that I wanted to practice and my friends hung out on looking at the fish that would pass by.
Submerged in the mesmerizing underwater world, the instructor guided me through essential skills. From clearing fogged goggles to mastering regulator adjustments, these techniques proved to be invaluable. They are the bedrock of a successful and safe diving experience, and the instructor's patient guidance ensured I mastered them effectively.
Before our dive, the instructor provided insights into the underwater environment. Learning about water temperature variations and the unique features of the diving location heightened our anticipation and prepared us for the adventure ahead.
An added benefit of going on a scuba tour is that you will pass by the famous arches and can nab the classic arches photos!
3. Do tour with Cactus tours
Walking throughout the street you will see signs to book an adventure with Cactus tours, from camel riding, and ATVs, to E-bike tours Cactus Tours has plenty of offerings.
This is the most touristy thing on my list of things to do, but I had never tried driving an ATV before and honestly, it was so much fun. The wide range of activities also makes it pretty family-friendly as well as a great date activity for any couples in Cabo.
I would recommend negotiating the prices that you see posted online or the billboards.
We were lucky enough to have the Chef in our Airbnb make a few calls and book the tour for us. He managed to get nearly a 50% discount on what we saw posted online, so be prepared to bargain with the sales agent.
Be prepared for upselling
Upon arrival, it became apparent that upselling was part of the game. From medical insurance to vehicle coverage, the offerings were plenty. Moreover, the option to acquire a gator and scarf during check-in, aimed at protecting us from the dust, was presented.
While we opted out due to provided helmets, definitely bring a gator or face cover to keep the dust off your face. These helmets are communal and are not cleaned before being provided to the next customers.
We did however choose to upgrade to a private tour for $150 which proved to be a wise choice, enhancing the adventure in unexpected ways.
Benefits of an upgrade
One of the primary reasons we decided to upgrade to a private tour was so that we would be allowed to bring our phones on the trip. If you are doing a full group tour you are asked to leave your phone in a locker and would have to pay for any and all photos that you wanted.
Our $150 upgrade not only secured a private tour but also led to a vehicle upgrade that was a great perk. This investment was undoubtedly worthwhile and I would highly recommend that you do this if you have a passenger. This allowed me to take photos and videos of my boyfriend when he was driving and vice versa.
Unique photo opportunity
A remarkable highlight was the chance to interact with a camel, complete with a playful twist with carrots. This is another reason to pay for the private tour since these photos would have cost extra if we wanted to have them.
Overall the experience was incredibly fun and worth a drive out.
4. Go surfing
So this is a bit of a tricky activity in Cabo San Lucas because there aren't any good surf spots in this city.
But before you scroll away, there are plenty of good surf locations just outside of the city. Cabo San Lucas itself lacks consistent swells but has very strong currents. It's easy to get swept out to sea if you don't know where to go
Cerritos Beach
Located about an hour's drive northwest of Cabo San Lucas, Cerritos Beach is a popular surf spot for all levels of surfers. It features consistent waves and a sandy bottom, making it beginner-friendly.
There are surf schools and rental shops in the area, making it a great place to learn or improve your skills. There are several pop-up surf rentals, chair rentals, and massages along the sand and prices are entirely negotiable.
We took an Uber out here but had a difficult time getting an Uber on the way back to Cabo San Lucas.
Ultimately we spoke with the owner of the surf rental that we had rented the boards from and he was able to negotiate a ride back for us with some locals. He originally quoted us $120 for a ride back, but we negotiated it down to $80. We were pretty proud of this even though we didn't seem to have a choice.
We still got slightly fleeced because there ended up being 7 people in this 5-person car. The 4 of us ended up sharing the back 3 seats and 1 man in the trunk.
It was a ride for the books, but if you want to avoid cramming into the truck of a random person's car, plan ahead and rent a car or ask one of the hotels to call you a taxi.
Final thoughts
There are so many unique fun things to do in Cabo for everyone. You can try a beachside massage, hop on a scuba boat, go on an adventure with cactus tours, or try your hand at surfing.
The most important thing to do is to plan ahead and haggle if you are on a budget.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure, Cabo is a great place to visit!
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