Los Cabos may be all about the party, the beach, the boats, the endless margaritas and the marvelous sunsets savored from your villa patio or suite. But did you know Los Cabos was also all about adventures? Cabo adventures will take any vacation to new levels of enjoyment and provide plenty of thrills, chills and bragworthy moments to retell.
Whether you are a fan of water or extreme sports, you’ll feel at home in Los Cabos and find a series of Cabo adventures to keep you entertained and occupied, and absolutely wanting for more. Here’s a rundown of the best Cabo adventures available near and farther away from the Tourist Corridor, which connects resort towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Snorkeling in Los Cabos
The waters between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo abound with marine life. Because of their exceptional purity, you’ll be able to spot colorful tropical fish over long distances, typically no less than 50 feet (15 meters). And depending on the location, the coral reef may come as a big bonus.
Cabo diving is an option but for those untrained in the PADI ways, snorkeling is still a brilliant option. Some of the best places for snorkeling are Santa Maria Beach, Lover’s Beach at Lands End, and Chileno Beach. Arrive early to have all the underwater world for yourself, preferably no later than 9 am. The sea in Cabo is at least 70°F/21°C warm throughout the year.
Some aquatic species inhabiting the nearby waters are yellow porkfish, blue damselfish, and roosterfish. If lucky, you may spot whales during the migration season (January-April), too.
For premium snorkeling tours, check out Cabo San Lucas Tours or Dive Cabo.
Los Cabos Desert ATV Drives
If you prefer something shore-bound, maybe ATV tours, possibly combined with bungee jumping or some other fun activity, will do. Providers tend to offer round-trip transport from various destinations along Tourist Corridor to the starting point. When the ATV tour starts, adventure-seekers experience golden and white-sand beaches, desert landscapes, and nearby mountains.
Once you fill your lungs with fresh sea air while exploring the coastline and spot a waterfall or another landmark along the way, you’ll go to the desert. There, admire local flora and fauna, including cacti, birds, and possibly foxes and rabbits. Mountain trails lead to various viewpoints offering views of Cabo, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of California (the Sea of Cortes).
Driving the Baja 1000 race trail – where one of the world’s most challenging races takes place in November – is among the top activities for experienced drivers.
Some renowned ATV tours providers in the area are Cabo Adventures and G-Force Adventures.
Hiking in Los Cabos
Located in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, some 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Cabo San Lucas and Tourist Corridor, Fox Canyon is a first-class destination for avid hikers. Before setting off on the hiking tour, be sure that you can stand high temperatures and aren’t afraid of snakes, tarantulas, and other such animals that might cross your path.
The well-signposted trail starts at Sol de Mayo and traverses the landscape revealing an abundance of desert plants and clusters of verdant greenery in a mountainous setting. A tour guide will elaborate on the most interesting flora along the way.
Keep your eyes open for various birds, such as roadrunners, Xantus hummingbirds, and cape pygmy owls. If very lucky, you’ll spot a deer, puma, or a fox, but these are usually active at night.
For most hikers, a tour highlight is refreshing in a pond flanked by granite stones, beneath a cascading 50-foot (15-meter) tall waterfall.
For the guided tour, check out High Tide Los Cabos or Cabo San Lucas Tours.
Cabo Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in the Baja desert and mountain environment reveals some of California’s most diverse scenery. Cycle paths are available near Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo resort towns, a short distance from Tourist Corridor. Their difficulty levels range from easy to difficult, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy one of the most rewarding activities in the area.
Cycle trails near Cabo San Lucas are between 0.3 and 1.1 miles (0.5 to 1.8 kilometers) long, while those around San Jose del Cabo are up to 4.7 miles (7.5 kilometers) long. As you get around, you’re bound to spot tall cacti, boojum trees, and agaves, among other plant species. As for wildlife, you may encounter foxes, rabbits, roadrunners, hawks, and ospreys. Also, you’ll enjoy panoramic views from vantage points encompassing the Atlantic Ocean and the Sea of Cortes.
Depending on the difficulty level, you may need to overcome steep rocky or sandy hills as you navigate dirt paths.
To pedal your way in relative solitude, book your mountain biking tour between September and May. If you come during spring, you may experience desert flowers dotting the landscape.
Pure Cabo and Cabo Adventures are a few providers of mountain biking in the area.
Cabo Skydiving
There is Cabo diving and there is Cabo skydiving. Adrenaline enthusiasts wishing to take a road less traveled can try some dips in the air go with skydiving. This terrific adventure allows daredevils to experience the beauty of Cabo San Lucas and its environment in full. And Cabo skydiving is available for people of all ages and difficulty levels. If you are a novice or aren’t confident in your skills, licensed professionals will assist you all the way, from jumping from an airplane to landing on a beach.
After take-off from Cabo Airport, relish views of the Gulf of California, the endless ocean, and the resort town as you rise to the 10.000-foot (approx. 3.000-meter) elevation.
When you reach the required altitude and jump from the airplane, you’ll drop at the speed of 125 mph (200 kph) for about a minute before opening the parachute. From then on, enjoy uninterrupted views of the Cabo coastline and try to pick out points of interest as you glide through the air.
Pure Cabo and Cabo Skydive are some providers of this thrilling activity.
Cabo Adventures: The Wrap
Should your taste for adventure run deep, there are many other Cabo adventures to check out. How about bungee jumping above a canyon or rock climbing the Baja mountainside? For something less adventurous, maybe camping and sleeping under the starry sky would do. Remote and wild it will still be an adventurous time.
Either way, Cabo is a great place for connecting to nature in any way you see fit and disconnecting from everyday life, if that’s what you seek. See our Punta Mita beachfront villas here.