Cabo San Lucas Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
✈️ Getting There & Transportation
Q: How do I get from the airport (SJD) to my hotel/resort?
A: Pre-book a private or shared shuttle before you arrive. This is the safest and most efficient method. Companies like Cabo Airport Shuttle or private services are often recommended.
Q: Can I use Uber from the airport?
A: Officially, Uber is often not allowed to pick up directly at the airport due to conflicts with the taxi union. You may have to walk off airport property to meet a pre-arranged Uber, which is not recommended, especially with luggage.
Q: What is “The Gauntlet” at the airport?
A: This is the room you walk through after customs and baggage claim. It’s filled with aggressive salespeople trying to sell timeshares or tours, often claiming to be your transportation. Ignore them completely and keep walking until you are outside under the designated umbrellas for pre-booked transport.
Q: Should I rent a car in Cabo?
A: Generally, no, unless you plan extensive day trips outside the Los Cabos corridor (like to La Paz or Todos Santos). Taxis, Ubers, and shuttles are sufficient for the tourist areas.
Q: Is Uber safe and available for getting around town?
A: Yes, Uber is widely available, safe, and generally much cheaper than official taxis for in-town travel in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
Q: Are taxis safe?
A: Yes, but they are more expensive than Uber. Always agree on the price before getting in to avoid surprises.
Q: How far is Cabo San Lucas from San José del Cabo?
A: They are about 20-30 minutes apart by car, connected by “The Corridor.” Cabo San Lucas is the lively, party town, and San José del Cabo is quieter, more traditional, with an art scene.
💰 Money & Tipping
Q: Should I use USD or Pesos?
A: Both are widely accepted. Most places list prices in USD, but you may get a slightly better deal paying in Pesos for smaller transactions, especially outside of high-end resorts.
Q: Should I exchange money at the airport?
A: No. The exchange rates at the airport are poor.
Q: Where is the best place to get Pesos?
A: Use an ATM inside a bank or a reputable resort. Decline the ATM’s dynamic currency conversion (the option that asks if you want to be charged in USD) to get a better rate from your home bank.
Q: Should I use a credit card?
A: Yes, for large purchases, especially if you have a card with no foreign transaction fees. Always opt to be charged in Pesos (MXN) for the best exchange rate.
Q: How much should I tip?
A: Standard tipping is similar to the US: 15-20% for good restaurant service. For bars, $1-2 USD per drink or 15% of the tab. For shuttles/taxis, 50-100 Pesos depending on the distance/service.
Q: Do I need to carry small bills?
A: Absolutely. Bring plenty of $1 and $5 USD bills for tips, small purchases, and beach vendors.
🏖️ Activities & Sightseeing
Q: What are the must-see attractions?
A: El Arco (The Arch), Lover’s Beach/Divorce Beach (via water taxi), and a stroll around the Marina.
Q: Can I swim at every beach?
A: NO. Most beaches on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas have extremely strong currents and undertows and are not safe for swimming. DO NOT ignore the warning flags.
Q: Where are the swimmable beaches?
A: The most popular is Medano Beach (home to The Office, Mango Deck, etc.). Other safe spots include Playa Chileno and Playa Santa Maria (good for snorkeling).
Q: What’s the best activity in Cabo?
A: A sunset cruise or whale watching tour (in season: typically December to April).
Q: Is it better to book excursions through the resort or local vendors?
A: Booking directly with a reputable local operator or online broker is often cheaper than through the resort concierge. Avoid random beach/marina vendors.
Q: What is the “Art Walk” everyone talks about?
A: A popular event in San José del Cabo that takes place on Thursday evenings (typically November through June), where galleries open their doors and the street becomes a pedestrian zone.
Q: Should I visit Todos Santos?
A: Yes, if you want a chill, artsy, “magical town” experience. It’s a popular day trip, about an hour drive north.
🍹 Food & Drink
Q: Is the tap water safe to drink?
A: NO. Always drink bottled or purified water. Hotels often provide purified water.
Q: Is the ice in drinks safe?
A: Yes. Restaurants and resorts use filtered/purified ice and water.
Q: Are the restaurants safe to eat at (food poisoning)?
A: Yes, overwhelmingly. High-turnover tourist spots and reputable establishments are generally safe. Use common sense; if a place looks questionable, avoid it.
Q: What are the most recommended tourist restaurants?
A: The Office (on Medano Beach, for ambiance), Edith’s, Mi Casa, and the high-end El Farallon (Waldorf Astoria) or Hacienda Cocina.
Q: Where can I find good, local food?
A: Look for local spots slightly off the main tourist drag. Highly recommended taco spots often mentioned are Tacos El Paisa and La Lupita Taco & Mezcal.
Q: What is Flora Farms? Is it worth the drive?
A: A famous organic farm and restaurant near San José del Cabo. It is expensive and requires a reservation far in advance, but many say it’s worth the unique, high-quality farm-to-table experience.
🚨 Safety & Health
Q: Is Cabo San Lucas safe for tourists?
A: Yes, it is considered very safe in the tourist zones (Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, The Corridor). It has a low crime rate against tourists.
Q: Is it safe to walk around downtown and the Marina at night?
A: Yes, stick to well-lit, busy areas. Be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any major city, and use reputable transportation (Uber/taxi) when returning to your hotel late.
Q: What is the main safety concern for tourists?
A: Petty theft (pickpocketing) and scams (timeshares, overcharging for services). Avoid flashing excessive cash or jewelry.
Q: What should I do if approached by people offering drugs or illegal activities?
A: Politely say “No, gracias” and keep walking. Involvement in illegal activities carries significant risks.
Q: What about timeshare pitches?
A: They are rampant and can be very aggressive, particularly at the airport and on Medano Beach. Just say a firm “No” and keep walking. Do not engage.
Q: What should I do if I get sick?
A: Many resorts have an on-site doctor. For serious issues, ensure you have travel medical insurance. Some forums advise caution with certain private hospitals accused of overcharging tourists.
Q: Do I need a VPN?
A: While not strictly necessary for safety, a VPN can be useful for securing your connection when using public Wi-Fi.
Q: What about the sun?
A: The sun is incredibly strong. Wear high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and seek shade during peak hours (10 am – 4 pm).
🏨 Accommodations & Logistics
Q: Cabo San Lucas vs. San José del Cabo – which is better?
A: Cabo San Lucas = Party, nightlife, the Marina, closest to Medano Beach. San José del Cabo = Relaxed, authentic Mexican atmosphere, art galleries, history.
Q: All-inclusive vs. non-all-inclusive?
A: All-inclusive is best if you plan to stay mainly on the resort. Non-all-inclusive is better if you want to experience the vibrant local food scene and nightlife. Many report Cabo has too many great restaurants to justify an all-inclusive.
Q: Should I stay near Medano Beach?
A: Yes, if you want to be close to the swimmable beach, the Marina, and the main bars/restaurants. It’s the most central and lively area.
Q: What should I do with my passport?
A: Lock it in the hotel room safe. Carry a color photocopy or a clear photo of your passport and tourist card (if applicable) on your phone.
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
A: No, English is widely spoken in all tourist zones, but learning a few basic phrases like Hola, Gracias, Por favor, and No, gracias is appreciated by locals.
Q: What should I pack for the evenings?
A: It can get a bit chilly, especially in the winter months (Dec-Feb). A light jacket, windbreaker, or sweater is often recommended for dinner or evening activities.
🎣 Boating & Excursions
Q: How much does a water taxi to El Arco cost?
A: Typically around $10-$20 USD per person for a round trip. Negotiate the price beforehand and confirm the duration and stop at Lover’s Beach.
Q: Is deep-sea fishing worth it?
A: Cabo is world-famous for fishing. Book through a reputable charter company to ensure a good experience and proper equipment, even if it costs slightly more.
Q: If I catch a fish, what happens to it?
A: Most reputable charters practice catch-and-release for large billfish, but for smaller sport fish, many restaurants in town (especially near the Marina) will cook your fresh catch for you for a small fee.
Q: Are ATV tours recommended?
A: Yes, but read reviews for safety. Some users find them exhilarating, while others felt they were slightly unsafe or too commercialized.
🗓️ Timing
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: High season is December to April (best weather, whale watching, but highest prices). May and June have good weather and lower crowds/prices.
Q: What is hurricane season?
A: Officially June to November, with peak season typically in August and September. Travel insurance is highly recommended during this period.
Q: Is Cabo crowded during Spring Break?
A: Yes, expect higher energy and more party crowds, especially around Medano Beach.
Q: Is it hot in the summer?
A: Very hot (July-October), with high humidity. Expect high temperatures and fewer crowds.
💡 Quick Tips & Miscellaneous
Q: What’s one thing I should remember at the airport?
A: Do not stop or make eye contact with anyone between customs and the final exit door. Walk straight outside to your pre-arranged transportation.
Q: Can I haggle for prices?
A: Yes, especially with market vendors, taxi drivers (outside of Uber), and excursion operators. Tourist shops often have fixed prices, but small stalls/vendors expect it.