Los Cabos has one of the deeper excursion menus of any Mexican beach destination — between the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific, the desert, and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, the activity options span water, land, and air. But not every Cabo excursion is worth the money. Some are tourist traps with hour-long bus rides for a mediocre experience; others are genuinely once-in-a-lifetime. After years of booking Cabo excursions for clients through the Vacation Planning Company network, we have a clear sense of what is worth it and what is skip-it. This guide covers the 10 Cabo excursions that are actually worth the money — what they are, why they are worth it, who they are best for, and what to expect. Whether you want whale watching, sportfishing, snorkeling, ATVs, or a day trip to Todos Santos, here is the no-fluff guide to spending your excursion budget well.
1Whale watching (December through April)
Whale watching is the single best excursion in Cabo if you are visiting between mid-December and mid-April. Humpback and gray whales migrate from the Arctic to the warm waters off Baja to breed and calve, and the waters off Los Cabos are one of the best places in the world to see them. Book a small-group or private tour on a Zodiac or sailboat for the closest encounters — the bigger catamarans carry 80-plus passengers and the experience is more crowded. Half-day tours depart from the Cabo San Lucas marina. Humpbacks breach and tail-slap, and mothers with calves are common in February and March. Gray whales can sometimes be approached more closely. Book early in peak weeks — the best small-boat tours sell out. This is the excursion that justifies the whole trip for many travelers.
2Sportfishing for marlin and tuna
Cabo is one of the world's great sportfishing destinations — the underwater canyon where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific concentrates baitfish and the pelagic predators that follow. Marlin (blue, black, and striped), sailfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado (mahi-mahi), and wahoo are the main targets. Book a private charter (typically 6 to 8 hours) on a 28-to-50-foot sportfisher out of the Cabo San Lucas marina. Full-day charters cost more than half-day because the best fishing grounds are 30 to 60 minutes out. The season varies by species — marlin peak October through January, yellowfin tuna peak July through October, dorado peak May through September. Catch-and-release is standard for marlin; tuna and dorado are typically kept and the crew will fillet your catch. Many Cabo restaurants will cook your catch for dinner — a true farm-to-table experience.
3Snorkeling at Santa Maria and Chileno Bays
Santa Maria Cove and Chileno Bay, both on the Tourist Corridor, are the two best snorkeling spots accessible from Cabo. Santa Maria is a protected cove with calm water and a small reef; Chileno has a longer reef with more fish variety. Both are reachable by tour boat from the Cabo San Lucas marina (typically a half-day tour) or by car (free public access, with limited parking). The boat tour is the easier option and typically includes gear, a guide, and a second stop at one of the two bays. Water clarity is best from May through October; in winter, swells can reduce visibility. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (required by law at marine parks) — regular sunscreen is damaging the reefs. This is the best family-friendly snorkeling excursion in Cabo for kids 6 and up who can swim.
4ATV and UTV desert tours
ATV and UTV tours through the Baja desert and along Pacific beaches are one of the most popular Cabo excursions for adventure travelers. Tours typically run 2 to 3 hours and traverse desert trails, dry riverbeds, and sections of Pacific beach (where permitted). The Migrino sandy beach area west of Cabo San Lucas is the main staging area. Single-rider ATVs are available for licensed drivers; UTVs (side-by-side buggies) are popular for couples and families with kids 8 and up who can ride as passengers. Helmets and goggles are provided; wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dusty. The desert scenery is dramatic — cactus, dry arroyos, and views of the Pacific — and the tours are genuinely fun, not just a tourist ride. Book the morning slot for cooler temperatures.
5Camel rides on the Pacific beach
The Cabo camel ride is one of the more unusual excursions — yes, real camels, on a real Pacific beach, in Mexico. The main operator is Outback and Camel Safari, which runs a desert-to-beach tour that includes a camel ride along the Pacific, a short ATV ride, and a traditional Mexican lunch. The camels are well-treated (they have a longer work-life than horses and are not overworked) and the experience is genuinely memorable — the photo of you on a camel with the Pacific behind you is unlike any other Cabo shot. The full tour runs 3 to 4 hours including transfers. This is a great excursion for families with kids 8 and up, couples, and anyone wanting something genuinely different from the standard boat tour. Book in advance — the camel tours have limited capacity and sell out in peak weeks.
6Day trip to Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a small colonial town an hour north of Cabo on the Pacific coast, designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) by the Mexican government. The historic center has art galleries, cafes, the famous Hotel California (yes, that one, though the Eagles song connection is disputed), and a slower, more authentic Mexican feel than Cabo. The drive up Highway 19 is easy and well-paved. Spend the morning wandering the galleries, lunch at a local spot, and visit the nearby Playa La Cachora for dramatic Pacific views (not swimmable). Guided tours are available but the easy drive makes self-drive straightforward. From January through March, you can sometimes see whales from the Todos Santos beaches. This is the best excursion for travelers wanting a cultural break from resort life — plan a full day, not a half-day.
7Sunset sail to the Arch
A sunset sail out of the Cabo San Lucas marina is one of the best-value excursions in Cabo. Tours typically run 2 to 2.5 hours and take you past the Arch at Land's End, Lover's Beach, and the sea lion colony, then out into the Pacific for the sunset. Catamaran sunset sails are the budget option (shared with 30 to 80 other passengers, often with an open bar); private sailboat charters are the splurge option for couples. The light on the Arch and the Pacific at sunset is genuinely beautiful, and you will get the iconic Cabo photo. December through April, you will often see whales from the boat. Book the catamaran option if you want a party atmosphere; book the private sailboat if you want romance. Avoid the booze-cruise catamarans if you want to actually see the sunset.
8Zipline and adventure park
The Cabo zipline scene is anchored by Wild Canyon Adventures, which operates a series of ziplines, a giant swing, and a hanging bridge over a desert canyon. The longest zipline (the Monster) is one of the longest in Mexico. The park also offers a UTV course, a camel ride, and an animal sanctuary with rescued animals. The zipline tour runs 3 to 4 hours including transfers and is genuinely thrilling — the desert canyon scenery is dramatic and the lines are long enough to be exciting. Best for ages 8 and up, with weight and height restrictions. Book the morning slot for cooler temperatures. Combo packages (zipline plus UTV plus camel) offer better value than booking each separately. This is the best excursion for families with active kids and teens who want adrenaline.
9Cabo Pulmo marine park
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a 2-hour drive north of Cabo on the East Cape, and it is one of the most rewarding excursions for serious snorkelers and divers. Cabo Pulmo is a living coral reef — one of only three in the Pacific — and a conservation success story that has rebounded dramatically since protection in 1995. The reef is thick with fish, sea turtles, and the occasional bull shark. Snorkel tours run half-day; dive tours run full-day with two tanks. The drive is long but the road is mostly paved. This is the best excursion for serious water-lovers who have already done Santa Maria and Chileno and want more. It is also a great choice for travelers wanting a real off-the-beaten-path experience — Cabo Pulmo is a tiny fishing village with a handful of restaurants and no resort infrastructure.
10Horseback ride on the Pacific beach
Horseback riding along a Pacific beach at sunset is the classic Cabo excursion for couples and families. Tours typically run 90 minutes to 2 hours along Migrino Beach or other Pacific-side stretches, with the Pacific surf breaking alongside. The horses are well-treated and the guides match riders to horses based on experience — beginners and kids are accommodated. The sunset ride is the most romantic option; the morning ride is best for families with kids. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. This is a more relaxed excursion than the ATV or zipline — best for couples wanting a slow romantic experience or families with younger kids who cannot do the adrenaline tours. Book the sunset slot for the photos — the Pacific light is gorgeous.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best excursion in Cabo?
Whale watching (mid-December through mid-April) is the single best excursion in Cabo if your trip aligns with the season. Outside whale season, sportfishing and snorkeling at Santa Maria and Chileno Bays are the top picks. For culture, the day trip to Todos Santos is the best excursion.
How much do Cabo excursions cost?
Half-day snorkel tours typically run $60 to $100 per person; whale watching $90 to $150 (more for private small-boat tours); ATV tours $80 to $120; zipline tours $100 to $150; private sportfishing charters $400 to $1,500 depending on boat size and trip length; sunset catamaran sails $50 to $90.
When is whale watching season in Cabo?
Whale watching runs from mid-December through mid-April, with peak sightings in January, February, and March. Humpback and gray whales are the most common sightings. Book a small-boat tour (Zodiac or sailboat) for the closest encounters — the big catamarans carry too many passengers for an intimate experience.
Can you snorkel from the beach in Cabo?
Yes — Santa Maria Cove and Chileno Bay on the Tourist Corridor have shore-accessible snorkeling with free public access. Most other Cabo beaches are not swimmable due to strong surf. Boat tours from the Cabo San Lucas marina also visit Santa Maria and Chileno, with gear and guide included.
Is the Todos Santos day trip worth it?
Yes — Todos Santos is a Pueblo Mágico with art galleries, cafes, the famous Hotel California, and a more authentic Mexican feel than Cabo. The drive is an easy hour up Highway 19. Plan a full day; the morning wandering galleries and lunch at a local spot is the right pace. From January through March, you can sometimes see whales from the Todos Santos beaches.
What should I book in advance for Cabo excursions?
Book whale watching tours, private sportfishing charters, private sailboat sunset cruises, and the Cabo Pulmo tours well in advance — they have limited capacity and sell out in peak weeks. Group catamaran tours, ATV tours, and zipline tours can typically be booked 24 to 48 hours in advance. Book through your travel advisor for the best rates and reliable operators.
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