15 Cabo Travel Lessons Every Smart Tourist Learns Early
Cabo is beyond sunshine and margaritas. Underneath the beachside gloss are local quirks, customs, and seasonal rules that can make or break your trip. You’ll need more than a passport and sunscreen to thrive here. These 15 tips reveal what most visitors miss—so you don’t. Are you ready to travel smarter?
Select The Appropriate Season For Your Trip Objectives
Visit December through April for perfect beach weather and whale watching. May to June brings lower rates and fewer crowds, while October is prime for water activities. Avoid September. It’s Cabo’s rainiest month, and there is the potential for hurricanes to disrupt travel. Each season offers unique benefits depending on your priorities.
Use Pesos For Better Value
Many places accept U.S. dollars, but you’ll often get a better deal with pesos. Exchange at ATMs for competitive rates, and avoid airport kiosks. Small shops and street vendors usually round up prices when paid in dollars, which can slowly chip away at your travel budget.
Plan Airport Transfers In Advance
Los Cabos International Airport sits roughly 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Taxis can be pricey and lack meters. Instead, schedule shuttle transfers ahead through your resort or a certified provider to avoid stress, save money, and skip aggressive solicitors at the arrivals area.
Be Cautious With Ocean Swimming
Some beaches look inviting but harbor strong undercurrents. Cabo’s Pacific side is dangerous. So, stick to safe, swimmable spots like Medano or Chileno Beach, and always check warning flags—red means stay out. Even confident swimmers should think twice before jumping in without local advice.
Stay Hydrated With Bottled Water
A couple once ignored the warnings and sipped from a hotel sink—two days later, their plans vanished in a blur of stomach cramps. Cabo demands hydration, but only from bottled or purified sources. Ice, fruit, even rinsed lettuce? That’s risky. Trust sealed water and keep the adventure uninterrupted.
Understand The Difference Between Cabo San Lucas And San Jose Del Cabo
Cabo San Lucas draws partygoers and deep-sea fishing fans. Quieter and more traditional, San Jose del Cabo features colonial buildings, art markets, and quaint cobblestone streets. These two towns, linked by a scenic 20-mile corridor, deliver two entirely different vacation vibes within one trip.
Embrace Local Cuisine Beyond Resorts
There’s something unforgettable about sharing a bench with locals and biting into a taco made just minutes ago. At places like Los Claros or El Fogoncito, meals feel personal. They’re budget-friendly, sure—but they also carry the warm, proud flavors you won’t find behind resort gates.
Understand Tipping Practices
Tipping isn’t just polite—it’s expected. In restaurants, leave 15–20%, preferably in pesos. Tip hotel staff, guides, and grocery packers too. Small gestures—like tipping 10 pesos at a gas station—go a long way. So, carry coins or low bills so you’re never caught unprepared.
Reserve Top Tours Before You Arrive
Cabo’s most coveted experiences, like whale watching, sailing to El Arco, or ATV desert rides, often sell out days in advance. Booking ahead guarantees your spot, saves time negotiating in person, and helps avoid inflated last-minute prices during busy travel weeks.
Protect Yourself From The Sun
It’s all fun and floaties—until you’re glowing like a lobster. Reapplying sunscreen may not sound thrilling, but neither is aloe gel at midnight. That wide-brimmed hat? Consider it fashion-meets-survival. Cabo’s rays don’t discriminate, so block them like your vacation depends on it because it does.
Participate In Local Festivals
Plan around Cabo’s vibrant events for a deeper connection. San Jose Art Walk turns Thursday nights into open-air galleries. Dia de Los Muertos fills streets with color in November. Locals welcome respectful visitors, so join the fun while tasting regional treats and snapping unforgettable cultural moments.
Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes
Baja’s dry climate keeps bugs at bay. However, this changes when summer rains arrive. Mosquitoes peak from June to September, especially near water. You can protect yourself by packing repellent with DEET, wearing long sleeves after sunset, or choosing accommodations with screened windows. One spray now can prevent days of itching and discomfort later.
Experience Cabo’s Nightlife
Do you think Cabo’s only about beaches and brunch? Stick around past sunset. The place explodes into a late-night playground where rooftop lounges pour strong drinks and club floors stay sweaty until sunrise. Show up too early, and you’ll just be drinking with the staff.
Respect Local Customs And Regulations
Cabo’s laid-back vibe comes with firm boundaries. Public drinking, for example, is illegal outside licensed areas. Marijuana possession remains punishable under Mexican law. Also, treat locals with courtesy while ensuring you greet them with a smile, and don’t photograph without asking. Respect earns respect, and that makes travel more rewarding.
Stay Connected With Local Emergency Numbers
Save key contacts before your trip: 911 for local emergencies, 01-800-681-9374 for tourist assistance, and the U.S. Consulate in Los Cabos for passport or legal issues. Wi-Fi is widespread, but in a crisis, saved numbers beat scrambling for signal or translation apps.
