Ultimate Guide to Cabo San Lucas Beach Activities

Looking for the best beach activities in Mexico?

Cabo San Lucas is the southwestern tip of Baja California, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. The result is a playground for beach enthusiasts and water sports adventurers alike.

But here’s the thing…

Los Cabos had a record 3.86 million visitors in 2023 and that number is expected to keep growing. People keep coming back for good reason.

The golden sand beaches and aquamarine water offer up limitless opportunities. Cabo has the water activities for both heart-pumping thrills and peaceful relaxation.

Here’s What You’re Going to Discover:

• The Best Beaches for Water Activities
• Top Water Sports You Need To Try
• Wildlife Encounters Worth Planning Around
• How To Choose the Right Beach Activity

The Best Beaches for Water Activities

First things first, not all beaches in Los Cabos are created equal.

Some are great for swimming. Others are better for surfing. A few should be left alone because of strong currents.

Knowing the different options when searching for local activities in Cabo San Lucas is half the battle. Medano Beach is the main hub for water sports and rentals. It runs for over 2 miles along the bay with relatively calm waters most of the time.

Why does this matter?

The Sea of Cortez side of the bay has gentler waves and chop. This is best for swimming and paddleboarding. The Pacific side has larger swells more attractive to surfers. If your activities are tied to surfing or swimming, make sure you know which coast is best before wasting time on the wrong beach.

Los Cabos has 25 Blue Flag certified beaches the most of any municipality in Mexico. This means the beaches meet strict requirements for water cleanliness, safety, and environmental management.

The best beaches for beach activities include:

• Medano Beach: The water sports hub with jet skis, parasailing, kayaks and more
• Chileno Beach: Great for snorkeling due to calm and protected waters
• Santa Maria Beach: Another excellent snorkeling spot with lots of marine life
• Palmilla Beach: Nice for swimming with A+ water quality ratings

Top Water Sports You Need To Try

The beach activities scene in Cabo San Lucas is absolutely incredible.

The range is broad from chill to utterly insane.

Let’s break it down…

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The Sea of Cortez has been referred to as “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau. And for good reason.

Colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and sea lions can be spotted in Cabo’s bay waters. For more serious diving, head to Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, which boasts a coral reef among the oldest in the Americas.

October and November offer the warmest waters and highest visibility. Dive conditions are at their peak during this window.

Jet Skiing and Parasailing

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Jet ski tours let you zip around Land’s End. See the world famous Arch, zip past Lover’s Beach, and get a close look at the sea lion colony.

Parasailing can launch you up 600 feet above the bay. The views of the coastline from above are absolutely stunning.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Kayaking and paddleboarding are options for all fitness levels. Rentals are right on Medano Beach and come with free basic instruction.

The most popular route paddles from Medano to Land’s End. You will pass Pelican Rock where it is common to stop for quick snorkeling breaks. Experienced paddlers can navigate the rocky coastline and hidden coves.

Surfing

Surfing is huge in Los Cabos. Beginners should start at Acapulquito Beach where small waves make it easy to learn.

Experienced surfers travel to spots like Zippers and The Rock to catch bigger swells. Summer months offer best conditions on the Sea of Cortez side. Winter brings the big swells from the Pacific side.

Wildlife Encounters Worth Planning Around

Some of the best beach activities in Cabo are best at certain times of year.

Let me explain…

Whale Watching

Gray and humpback whales migrate into Cabo’s warm waters to mate and give birth from December to April. It is an absolute wonder to get up close to these magnificent animals.

Viewing tours use zodiac boats or catamarans to watch whales breach in their natural habitat. It is rare and special to swim up next to a breaching whale.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and completely harmless. They feed on plankton and pose zero threat to humans.

Tours are available to La Paz, Baja California, where you can snorkel with these gentle giants. Whale shark season runs from October to April.

Sea Lion Encounters

The sea lion colony at Land’s End is accessible year-round. Kayak or boat tours let you get up close to where the sea lions hang out on the rocks. The sea lions sometimes even swim out to play with snorkelers.

How To Choose the Right Beach Activity

Choosing activities comes down to a few questions.

Ask yourself:

• What is your fitness level?
• Are you traveling with kids?
• Do you want thrills or relaxation?
• What season will you visit?

If you are in Cabo with young children, stay on the calmer beaches like Medano or Palmilla. Protected waters are much safer for little ones.

Adrenaline junkies should book jet ski tours, parasailing, and surfing lessons in advance. Book these popular activities early, as they fill up fast during peak season.

Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a relaxing morning on the water if you are there to unwind. A sunset cruise with cocktails completes the ultimate beach day.

Wrapping Things Up

Cabo San Lucas has some of the best beach activities in Mexico.

The convergence of two distinct bodies of water creates nearly limitless possibilities. With 25 Blue Flag beaches and 350 sunny days a year, conditions are ideal nearly every day of the year.

Whether you want to dive with sea lions, soar over the bay parasailing, or just laze on a paddleboard, Cabo delivers.

Remember these key points:

• Medano Beach is the hub for all things water sporty and rental
• Chileno and Santa Maria are best for snorkeling
• Whale watching season is December through April
• Book popular activities early during peak travel times

The beaches of Cabo San Lucas are waiting. Now you know how to make the most of them.