Some prefer to spend a trip to Mexico relaxing and soaking up the sun … while others need to add in a few thrills along the way!  We’ve partnered with adventure traveler and photographer Jeremy Scott Foster from the blog  travelFREAK,  as he reflects  on an adventurous trip to Los Cabos, Mexico. Get ready for fun with his list of things to do in Los Cabos. 

So, you’ve decided to treat yourself to a vacation in Los Cabos. You know the weather is going to be sublime, the beaches will be beautiful, and there will be tacos galore. All that remains for you to do now is to compile a list of things to do in Los Cabos, which is situated on the long bit of land that sticks out from underneath San Diego.

Ever your faithful purveyor of adventures, I went to Los Cabos to do some research on what to do in Cabo San Lucas, coupled with an indulgent stint at the all-inclusive Grand Fiesta Americana resort.

Grand Fiesta Americana at sunrise. Image credit: Jeremy Scott Foster

It turns out that there’s a virtually endless list. I selected 11 of the finest of these Los Cabos-based adventures for your personal enjoyment. Some are high-octane, others are a little more chill, but all of them are top quality!

Take note, make some bookings and enjoy.

1. Sail and Snorkel in the Sea of Cortez: One of the Quintessential Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas has an arid desert climate with little to no rainfall, which means that the heat is dry. When the sun is beating down on you in that kind of environment, there’s nothing better than jumping into the ocean and cooling off. And that’s exactly what’s on the menu with this adventure activity. You’ll spend the morning sailing around the Sea of Cortez, named in honor of Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, in a luxury catamaran. Then, of course, you’ll stop off at the designated snorkeling point.

Mask and fins in tow, you’ll be able to admire the coral reefs, brimming with tropical fish, that stretch out endlessly through the crystal clear water. You’ll also get a traditional Mexican breakfast and lunch, because nobody wants to snorkel on an empty stomach.

2. Ride ATVs: An Adventurous Journey in the Desert

Take charge of your own ATV as desert landscapes unfold all around you and the fresh, salty air fills your lungs. The freedom of being in control of your own vehicle and the Baja outback and ocean views combine to make this ATV tour undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Los Cabos.

The excursion starts at Margaritas Beach. It ticks all the boxes for paradise … and you get to race around it on an ATV—need I go on? Once you’ve had your fill of white sand and turquoise water, you head into the Baja California Desert to admire the cacti and look for desert wildlife, such as foxes, rabbits, and lizards.

3. The Monster Zipline: An Adrenaline-Pumping Experience

No matter how old you are, ziplines are always fun. This zipline adventure comprises eight courses and takes you 300 feet above the Wild Canyon Ekopark in the Baja California Desert. Suspended from the zipline, you’ll whiz over endless desert, cacti and oases.

In total, you’ll get to ride along 3,000 feet of zipline. The whole while, you’ll be soaking up the Wild West desert views that extend out in all directions.

4. Go on a Sunset Sailing Yacht Cruise: Hands Down, the Best Cabo San Lucas Excursion

Sailing Cabo San Lucas at Sunset. Photo credit: Jeremy Scott Foster

Not all of your Cabo San Lucas excursions have to involve being suspended in the air or plunged into the water. Sometimes an adventure can be peaceful and beautiful like a sunset yacht cruise.

On this sunset tour in the Sea of Cortez, you’ll float past Cabo’s famous rock arch and Lover’s Beach, characterized by striking wind-and-water-shaped rock formations, while the setting sun paints the sky orange and pink. Throw in the sound of rippling water and a cool ocean breeze and you’ve got yourself a rather tranquil adventure.

5. Hike in Fox Canyon: One of the Best Cabo San Lucas Tours for Nature Lovers

It’s time to delve deep into the tropical desert with this hiking tour to Fox Canyon. You’ll hike through arid desert, past glittering waterfalls and through incongruous patches of verdant vegetation. Once you’ve finished your hike in Fox Canyon, you can cool off (read: de-sweat) in one of the natural pools. It’s good exercise, fun, and scenic.

The whole tour takes around seven hours. While the hike isn’t difficult, there are challenging parts—so a decent level of fitness will be an advantage.

6. Spend the Day Walking Around La Paz and Todos Santos: One of the Most Cultural Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

A tour of La Paz and Todos Santos means getting acquainted with the most delightful towns on the Baja California peninsula. You’ll get to explore the old mining towns of El Triunfo and San Antonio, the 18th century La Paz Cathedral, and the Museum of Anthropology and History. After your dose of culture, chill out by strolling along the coastal promenade while taking in the sea views as the sun sets.

If you want an adventure that will also teach you a little bit about Mexico and its cultural heritage, then this Cabo San Lucas tour is a must. You can also pick up some souvenirs here for your family and friends—this area has a vibrant arts scene and is home to plenty of authentic handicraft shops.

7. Explore Espiritu Santo Island: A Beautiful Adventure Both on Land and in Water

A day tour to Espiritu Santo Island, the 12th-largest island in Mexico, is packed with eco-adventures both on land and in the glistening Sea of Cortez.

You will have the opportunity to watch sea lions playing in the water and on the sand. You will also get to jump in the water with the fish and weave through cacti as you hike through the desert, the only place on earth where you might spot a black jackrabbit.

8. Scuba Dive the Cabo San Lucas Corridor: The Best Way to Explore the Underwater World

Scuba Diving in Los Cabos, Mexico. Photo credit: Jeremy Scott Foster

This trip takes you to two different dive sites: Chileno Bay and Santa Maria. Before leaving shore, you’ll be given a full safety briefing and told everything you need to know about scuba diving. Then, you’ll head out from the land by boat until you reach each site. Once there, you’ll kit up and jump in the water for adventure number one.

Chileno Bay is all about marine wildlife. You’ll spot rays, eels, seahorses and, of course, a plethora of brightly colored tropical fish. It’s truly an underwater paradise. Over in Santa Maria coral is the main attraction, but you can be sure there will be plenty of fish and other aquatic creatures to admire there. Record everything you see in your diving notebook or snap some shots if you have an underwater camera.

9. 240-Foot Canyon Swing: A Fast-Paced Cabo San Lucas Excursion You’ll Never Forget

You’re strapped into a harness, which is attached to a long rope. And, you’re standing on the edge of a canyon’s cliff. It sounds crazy and is against every human instinct in your body, but you’ll jump off. Then you swing, scream, swing, scream and laugh, and then it’s over. The whole experience lasts just a few minutes, but you’ll remember it forever.

This canyon swing falls into the same category as bungee-jumping and skydiving, when it comes to extreme thrill-seeking. Dropping from 300-feet high, racing through the air at 87 miles per hour is a sure-fire way to get your heartbeat pumping and your adrenaline going. It’s one of the most exhilarating Cabo San Lucas excursions on offer.

10. Mountain Bike the Baja Coast: The Best Way to See the Landscapes

With a salty breeze in your hair and endless sand forming rugged landscapes, the Baja coast is an amazing place to explore. On your mountain bike tour, you will roll past the desert plains of Rancho San Cristobal all the way to a delightful beach. You’ll see all kinds of desert wildlife, such as coyotes, deer and a bunch of different birds. Once you get to the beach, you can cool off in the sea or with an ice cold tequila shot.

11. Jetski to Chileno Bay: A Wet and Wild Adventure to Some of Cabo San Lucas’ Most Dazzling Bays

Last, but by no means least, you have a jetski trip to Chileno Bay, starting at Medano Beach. As you skid across the top of the water, keep your eyes peeled for gray whales and sea lions. You’ll certainly never forget the sight of a huge whale breaching right in front of you while you’re perched atop a jetski.

Once you’re back at your starting point, your adventure continues with a trip in a glass-bottomed boat in search of yet more marine life. If you’ve never experienced the wonders of a glass-bottomed boat, you need to. Watching the underwater world pass by beneath your feet is truly magical.

Divorce Beach meets Lovers Beach at the intersection of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Photo credit: Jeremy Scott Foster

Well, your trip to Cabo San Lucas might not be the most relaxing of vacations. You’re going to be busy and you’re going to sweat a lot—whether it’s from the heat or the nerves is unclear. But, there will be a distinct lack of dull moments if you check out some of these Cabo San Lucas tours while you’re there.

Life is all about pushing yourself to do more and stepping out of your comfort zone. Wear yourself out in the sea and the desert. Challenge yourself to do something that scares you on your vacation. You’ll thank yourself for it in the future.

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Jeremy Scott Foster

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