Cabo San Lucas is an easy destination for English-speaking travelers, but a few practical details will save you time, money, and frustration. This guide covers everything from airport logistics and transportation to safety, tipping, and the questions first-time visitors ask most often.
Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Getting There and Arriving
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
SJD is the main airport serving Cabo San Lucas, located 13km north of San José del Cabo and about 45km from Cabo San Lucas. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights (Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus), and Terminal 2 handles international flights (American, United, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, Air Canada, WestJet). The two terminals are a 3km drive apart, connected by a shuttle bus. After clearing immigration and customs, you will walk through a gauntlet of timeshare salespeople in the arrivals hall. They will offer “free” transportation or tours; keep walking unless you are genuinely interested in a 2-3 hour timeshare presentation. The authorized taxi and shuttle desks are outside the terminal building, past the timeshare scrum.
Airport Transportation to Cabo San Lucas
Shared shuttle vans (EcoBajaTours, TransCabo, or Cielito Lindo) run US$20-25 per person one-way to Cabo San Lucas, with drop-off at your hotel. Private transfers run US$80-120 for up to 5 passengers. Taxis from the airport to Cabo San Lucas run flat-rate US$80-100 and cannot be hailed outside the authorized taxi stand. Uber operates in Los Cabos but cannot pick up at the airport; they can drop off at SJD for departures. Rental car desks (Hertz, Avis, Alamo, National, Europcar, and several Mexican agencies) are in both terminals; book in advance and expect to pay US$35-60 per day including mandatory Mexican liability insurance. The drive to Cabo San Lucas takes 35-45 minutes on Highway 1. Do not accept “free” airport transfer offers from timeshare representatives. See our where to stay in Cabo for more details.
Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Getting Around
Within Cabo San Lucas proper, walking covers the marina, Medano Beach, and downtown areas. For anywhere else, your transportation options include Uber (US$4-8 within Cabo, US$20-30 to San José, but cannot pick up at the airport), local taxis with zone-based rates (US$8-12 from the marina to Medano Beach hotels, US$20-30 to corridor resorts, cash only), and rental cars useful for day trips and corridor stays. The local Suburcabos buses run between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo along Highway 1 for 38 pesos (US$2) each way, departing every 15-20 minutes from about 6 AM to 10 PM. The bus terminal in Cabo is on Calle 16 de Septiembre near the Walmart. See our things to do in Cabo San Lucas for more details. See our neighborhoods in Cabo for more details.
Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Money and Tipping
The Mexican peso is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in Cabo San Lucas at restaurants, hotels, and tour operators. The exchange rate at local businesses is typically 16-18 pesos per dollar, which is worse than withdrawing pesos from an ATM (rates around 19-20 pesos per dollar at the time of writing). ATMs are plentiful at the marina, downtown, and at resort lobbies. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Banorte, BBVA, Santander) rather than standalone machines, which charge higher fees. Declining the ATM’s dynamic currency conversion (DCC) prompt saves 5-8% compared to accepting the conversion. Tipping follows Mexican norms: 15-20% at sit-down restaurants, 10-15% for tour guides and fishing crews, US$1-2 per drink at bars, and 20-50 pesos per bag for porters.
Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Safety and Health
Cabo San Lucas is among the safest destinations in Mexico for tourists, with a strong police presence in the marina and tourist zones. Violent crime affecting tourists is rare in the resort areas. The most common safety issue is petty theft: do not leave phones, wallets, or bags unattended on the beach or at beach bars. Pharmacies are well-stocked and many are open 24 hours. Tap water in Cabo is desalinated and technically safe according to the local water utility, but most visitors and locals drink bottled or filtered water to avoid any adjustment issues. Ice in restaurants and resorts is made with purified water and is safe. The sun is intense at 22.9 degrees north latitude: apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply after swimming. The UV index hits 11-12 (extreme) from May through August. Medical facilities include Hospital H+ in the corridor (private, English-speaking, 24-hour ER) and Amerimed in Cabo San Lucas. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended, as serious cases may require air transfer to San Diego or Mexico City.
Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Visa and Entry Requirements
Visitors from the United States, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most Latin American countries do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days. On arrival, you will fill out a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which is a tourist card, not a visa. The FMM is included in your airfare on most airlines, and the immigration officer stamps it and tears off the bottom portion. Keep this stub; you must return it when departing Mexico. The permitted stay is written on the FMM and is often 180 days, but the officer may grant fewer days at their discretion. Mexico eliminated the paper FMM for SJD arrivals using automated kiosks in 2024; check current procedures before travel as implementation is ongoing. Passport validity: must be valid for the duration of your stay. No specific validity-beyond-stay requirement applies for Mexico, unlike many other countries.
Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: What to Pack
Cabo’s dress code is casual resort wear everywhere. Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sandals, and one or two slightly dressier outfits for nicer restaurants and the marina at night. A light jacket or sweater is sufficient for December through February evenings when temperatures drop to 14-15°C (57-59°F). Sun protection is essential year-round: SPF 50+ sunscreen (reef-safe if you plan to snorkel), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Insect repellent with DEET is useful in the summer and early fall when mosquitoes are more active after rains. If you plan to hike Mount Solmar or do ATV tours, bring closed-toe shoes. A reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste; many resorts have filtered water stations. See our Cabo San Lucas weather for more details.
Suggested Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
The Cape perches at the eastern end of Medano Beach with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, a rooftop bar that is among the best sunset spots in town, and mid-century modern design throughout. Best for couples and design-focused travelers. Check rates and availability
Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort
The Hilton sits mid-corridor on one of the few swimmable beaches along this stretch, with an infinity pool, a full-service spa, and renovated rooms that feel fresh and modern. Best for families and travelers wanting resort amenities without the highest corridor price tag. Check rates and availability
Los Milagros Hotel
Los Milagros is a 12-room family-run hotel with a courtyard pool, located 5 minutes on foot from the marina in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Rooms are basic but clean with air conditioning. Best for solo travelers and couples on a budget. Check rates and availability
Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
Yes. Cabo San Lucas has a dedicated tourist police force, and the marina, Medano Beach, and resort areas are heavily patrolled. The US State Department rates Baja California Sur as a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), the same as France and the UK. Violent crime targeting tourists is rare. The most common incident is petty theft from unattended belongings on the beach.
Can I drink the tap water in Cabo?
The local water utility treats and desalinates municipal water to potable standards. Most locals and visitors drink bottled or filtered water anyway, and resorts and restaurants serve purified water and ice. Brushing your teeth with tap water is fine for most people. If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to bottled water for drinking.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. English is widely spoken in all tourist-facing businesses in Cabo San Lucas, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and taxi drivers. Learning a few Spanish phrases (hola, gracias, por favor, la cuenta for the check) is appreciated but not required. Off the beaten path and in local taquerÃas, some Spanish helps.
What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
November through May for the best weather (sunny, dry, 26-32°C / 79-90°F). December through March for whale watching. June and October for the lowest resort rates, accepting heat in summer and potential hurricane risk in October. Avoid late August through mid-September for peak hurricane season.
How much does a taxi from the airport cost?
Shared shuttle: US$20-25 per person. Private transfer: US$80-120 for up to 5 people. Airport taxi: US$80-100 flat rate. Uber cannot pick up at the airport. The drive takes 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Can I use US dollars in Cabo?
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted at restaurants, hotels, bars, and tour operators. However, you will get a worse exchange rate (typically 16-18 pesos per dollar) than withdrawing pesos from a bank ATM (19-20 pesos per dollar). For larger purchases and tours, paying in pesos saves 5-10%. For more, check our best time to visit Cabo San Lucas. For more, check our Cabo San Lucas events and festivals.
