There is truly nothing like relaxing beachside at a resort, but after a day or two, I have the urge to explore the world beyond that gorgeous view. And if you’re looking at this Cabo San Lucas day trip guide, I’m guessing you have that same adventurous urge! Thankfully, there are an abundance of incredible day trips from Cabo San Lucas and nearby San Jose del Cabo.

Since Cabo’s beaches are unswimmable, many vacationers take day trips to calm, turquoise-blue water beaches along the Sea of Cortez. Others sign up for once-in-a-lifetime adventures, like swimming with whale sharks or sea lions in the open ocean.

And others escape the beach completely to hike to mountain waterfalls, soak in secluded hot springs, ride ATVs through the desert, and explore desert towns full of rustic Mexican charm.

I’ve been lucky to experience the best of Cabo San Lucas’ day trips during my extensive travels while living in Mexico. Most Cabo day trip guides barely scratch the surface, so I knew I wanted to create this guide to outline 21 unique experiences for every type of traveler.

It was very difficult to rank these magical Cabo day trips, so be sure to read through all of them!

21 Best Cabo Day Trips

Even after traveling all around the world, the hidden gems near Los Cabos are some of my favorite places I’ve ever explored. You’re in for a treat—Baja California Sur has something magical waiting for you!

By the way, you can go on any of these day trips from San Jose del Cabo, even though this guide is written for folks looking for day trips from the other Cabo, Cabo San Lucas.

If you don’t already know, these two Cabos are about 30 minutes apart. The Los Cabos airport is located in San Jose del Cabo, but most of the resorts are located in Cabo San Lucas.

So whether you’re looking for San Jose del Cabo day trips or Cabo San Lucas day trips, this guide is for you! Just keep in mind that many guided tours depart from Cabo San Lucas.

Now on to the best Cabo day trips!

5. Cabo Pulmo National Park

Once described as “the Aquarium of the World” by a French explorer, Cabo Pulmo National Park is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world.

This 70 square kilometer protected marine park is situated east of the Baja peninsula in the turquoise blue Sea of Cortez. If you’re looking for the best Cabo snorkeling day trip, or a place to scuba dive, this is it!

Driving near Cabo Pulmo can be difficult (sometimes impossible) if you don’t have a Jeep or other 4WD vehicle. Request a Jeep when booking your rental car for the week, or go on a tour.

You’ll find the best Cabo Pulmo tours on GetYourGuide, where you can book directly with local guides. My top recommendation is this private Jeep tour that includes roundtrip transport from your hotel and a a local guide/driver who will take you to all the best snorkeling spots and hidden gems along the Sea of Cortez coastline.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 2+ hours | Rental car booking link | Guided tour booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Scuba divers, snorkelers, and others who love marine wildlife

7. Swim with Whale Sharks in La Paz

Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most thrilling and memorable things you can do near Cabo. These friendly giants congregate in the Sea of Cortez near La Paz every year between November and March.

If you’re visiting Baja during one of these months and are brave enough to jump in the water with the world’s largest fish, sign up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience now!

A lot of tour companies offer whale shark tours from Cabo, but my recommendation is to go with this one. Your tour will be led by a marine biologist and organized by an award-winning ecotourism company that is certified by the World Cetacean Alliance for responsible whale watching.

If you have any hesitations about booking this tour or swimming with whale sharks in general, read these reviews for first-hand insights!

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 2 hours plus boat ride | Rental car booking link | Guided tour booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Brave travelers ready to check ‘swimming with sharks’ of their bucket list

8. Whale Watching near Cabo San Lucas

Prefer to observe marine wildlife from inside a boat?

Whale watching is another incredible excursion from Los Cabos. Hosted by the same reputable ecotourism company mentioned above, this whale watching day trip leaves from Cabo San Lucas.

During your 2.5 hour boat ride, you’ll spot humpback whales, sea lions, and other sea life, and snap some photos at the iconic Land’s End (El Arco).

With over 650 positive reviews, a Viator Badge of Excellence, and a certification from the World Cetacean Alliance, this Cabo whale watching tour is one not to miss!

Since only 10 seats are available on each boat, be sure to book ahead of time.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: Boat trip from Cabo marina | Rental car booking link | Guided tour booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Individuals, families, couples, and groups looking for an easy and memorable day trip from Cabo San Lucas

Manta Ray jumping in the water near Isla Espiritu Santo

9. Catamaran Sailing to Isla Espiritu Santo + Swimming with Sea Lions

In my opinion, a boat tour to the UNESCO-protected uninhabited Espiritu Santo Island is one of the most underrated Cabo San Lucas day trips.

This all inclusive catamaran day trip from Cabo San Lucas to Isla Espiritu Santo is undoubtedly the best way to experience this remote island.

After setting sail, you’ll journey through the Sea of Cortez until you reach a sea lion colony, where you’ll have the opportunity to jump in and swim with these majestic creatures. You’ll see the island from the boat and stop at all of the best snorkeling spots while enjoying an open bar, and chef-prepared food.

You’ll have the chance to explore secluded beaches, such as Playa Ensenada Grande on Holy Spirit Island. And you’ll have access to showers, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear whenever you need them.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 2 hours plus boat ride | Rental car booking link | Guided tour booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Groups looking for a unforgettable all-inclusive boat experience with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments

12. East Cape

Despite its close proximity to Cabo, the East Cape is one of the least visited areas on this list of Cabo San Lucas day trips. This breathtaking remote area of the Baja Peninsula stretches along the coastline from eastern San Jose del Cabo towards La Paz.

Most parts of Baja’s East Cape can only be reached by dusty, bumpy dirt roads that are only suitable for vehicles with 4WD. If you’re able to rent a Jeep or similar vehicle, you can explore these remote stretches of pristine beaches and unspoiled desert landscapes on your own.

Otherwise, I recommend going with a guide. This East Cape snorkeling tour from Cabo San Lucas is a great option if you want to explore the area’s marine wildlife. The tour includes wetsuits, which come in handy most of the year when the Sea of Cortez is super cold!

Oh, and if you’re interested in surfing, you can do that at the East Cape too! This East Cape surf expedition is customizable whether you’re a beginner or advanced surfer.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 45 minutes | Rental car booking link | Guided tour booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Anyone interested in endless Instagram-worthy landscapes, remote beaches, brilliant snorkeling, and dusty desert roads

14. La Ventana

The off-the-beaten-path kitesurfing haven of La Ventana is another one of the best places to visit near Cabo San Lucas.

While this gorgeous Sea of Cortez town is most popular amongst kitesurfers, there are other things to do, such as soak in natural hot springs as you watch the waves at Hot Springs Beach.

Unfortunately there are no guided day trips to La Ventana from Los Cabos, so if you want to explore this secluded desert paradise, you’ll need a rental car.

The drive to La Ventana will take anywhere between two and a half or three hours. You can drive along the Pacific Coast of Baja and head east toward La Ventana after passing Todos Santos. Alternatively, you can drive east from Cabo, through the stunning Sierra Laguna mountains. Both drives are enjoyable, though the drive through the mountains gets twisty and is best driven in daylight.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 2-3 hours | Rental car booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Kitesurfers and anyone looking to go far off the beaten path

15. El Triunfo

El Triunfo is another one of the unique day trips from Cabo San Lucas that typically is missed on most Baja itineraries. This little town along Baja’s highway 1 only has a population of about 300 today, but has a rich history as a mining town.

A visit to El Triunfo is not complete without a stop at the Museo Ruta de Plata (the Silver Route Museum) and the Museo del Vaquero de las Californias (the Cowboy Museum of the Californias). These two brilliant museums give you a deeper understanding of Baja California’s unique history.

In addition to visiting the museums, you tour the town’s old gold mine, though tours are informal and not offered everyday. You’ll take a step back in time as you observe the town’s other historic sites, including towering smokestacks and cemeteries.

Other things to do in El Triunfo include visiting the Cactus Sanctuary, sipping tea at Margery’s Tea Room, and climbing to El Mirador lookout.

As with other off-the-beaten-path Cabo day trips, you will need your own rental car to visit El Triunfo.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 45 minutes | Rental car booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Anyone interested in history, or wanting to find historic ruins near Cabo San Lucas

16. Santiago

Santiago is another fun historic town that most people just drive through on their way to adventures in the Sierra Laguna mountains.

But if you take the time to linger in this oasis-like town, you’ll be in for a treat! Vibrant greenery springs up around freshwater pools and breathtaking mountains shoot up along the horizon. This place is teeming in natural beauty, and history as well.

In my article on reasons to visit Santiago BCS I go into more of why this little town should be added to your Baja California Sur bucket list. If you visit, be sure to drive up to the Mirador for a breathtaking view and check out the town’s small historic church.

No tours stop in the town itself, so you’ll have to drive to Santiago from Cabo in your own rental car.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 1.25 hour | Rental car booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Roadtripping families and groups looking to stop in an oasis-like town with a rich history

17. Miraflores

Just twenty minutes away from Santiago, Miraflores, another hidden gem nestled beneath Baja’s Sierra Laguna mountains. Given their proximity, the two towns are easily combined into one delightful Cabo day trip.

Quaint Miraflores gives you a glimpse of life in small town Mexico. It is home to a couple thousand locals, many of which include farmers, ranchers, and leatherworkers.

The town is known for its carpentry and leather workshops and, where you can find local artisans who make leather goods, furniture, and other products by hand.

As with Santiago, you will need your own rental car to visit Miraflores. But if you want a taste of small town Mexico, it’ll be worth it.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 1 hour | Rental car booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Families and groups interested in buying artisan-made goods and experiencing “real” Mexico

18. Farm to Table Experiences in San José del Cabo

Some of the best Cabo San Lucas day tours are actually in neighboring San Jose del Cabo. San Jose del Cabo is known for its many farm to table experiences, which range from luxurious dining experiences to rustic cooking classes on family farms.

For a flavor-packed, fresh, vibrant meal at Los Cabos’ most iconic farm to table restaurants, head straight to Flora Farms. Explore Flora Farm’s beautiful gardens, learn about native plants, take a cooking or art class, listen to live music, or even get a massage at the onsite spa. Then enjoy a freshly made meal along with unique cocktails and homemade ice cream. Keep in mind that you will have to make a reservation ahead of time as Flora Farms always gets booked!

For a more intimate farm-to-table experience, book this cooking class at a local family farm. You’ll harvest your own nopales (cactus) and learn to prepare them in a traditional Mexican meal with handmade tortillas and mouthwatering fresh salsa.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 40 minutes | Rental car booking link | Guided day trip booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Foodies as well as couples and groups looking for a unique culinary experience

19. Dunes of Mogote

I bet you didn’t know that you could go sandboarding down golden dunes just a few hours outside Cabo San Lucas. The breathtaking Mogote Dunes are the perfect place not only to sandboard, but watch the sun glisten and set over the turquoise blue Sea of Cortez.

These beautiful dunes are a bit difficult to visit, and getting a sandboard to rent without going on a tour is even more difficult. But if you are able to make this Cabo day trip work, you’ll have some pretty sweet photos and memories to look back on.

The easiest way to sandboard the Mogote Dunes is to take a tour directly from La Paz. This sandboarding and ATVing excursion leaves daily from La Paz, so you will need to make it to La Paz ahead of time. Your local guide will take you on a wild ATV adventure through the dunes and show you how to ride a sandboard (it’s more difficult than you’d think!)

Alternatively, you can rent a car and head to the dunes on your own. You can bring a sandboard (if you can find one) or something else to slide down on. Be sure to also bring goggles (like these ones), a sun shirt or sweatshirt, and sunscreen.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 2 hours | Rental car booking link | Guided day trip booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Snowboarders, surfers, and skateboarders, as well as any thrill seekers, groups, and families looking for a unique adventure experience

20. Acre Resort

Acre Resort is difficult to sum up. Think a picturesque 25-acre resort with its own animal sanctuary, luxury treehouses, a mezcal lounge, organic farm-to-table dining, a stray dog adoption center, a cocktail bar, and more.

Sound intriguing? You have to check out this place for yourself! As described on Acre’s website, the resort is “tucked in the foothills of San Jose del Cabo”. Depending on where you’re staying, it is about a 30-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas.

Say hi to the goats, donkeys, and peacocks at the animal sanctuary, pet a few dogs at the dog rehabilitation center, and wander through the lush grounds before sipping a mezcal margarita and sitting down for an unforgettable meal.

You can spend as long as you want at Acre Resort, and I recommend carving out at least half a day, though you could make a full day trip out of it!

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 40 minutes | Rental car booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Animal lovers, foodies, couples, groups, and families

21. Playa Migrino

Playa Migrino (Migrino Beach) is a beautiful beach just thirty minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, making it an easy day trip.

You can either rent your own car and explore this remote region on your own, or book an all-inclusive day trip that provides roundtrip transport.

This Migrino ATV tour for two is a fun way to see Baja’s desert landscapes, tangled mangrove swamps, sand dunes, and dramatic beaches, especially as a couple. While most of the day will be spend driving your ATV through the desert, the highlight is the ride along Playa Migrino, where you can see whales certain times of the year.

Distance from Cabo San Lucas: 25 minutes | Rental car booking link | Guided day trip booking link

This Cabo day trip is best for: Couples and groups looking for a fun and easy day trip near Cabo

Cabo San Lucas Day Trips FAQs

I want to explore Baja California Sur. Should I stay in Cabo and take day trips or go on a roadtrip?

There are advantages to either option, however, if you really want to explore Baja California Sur beyond the resorts of Cabo, I would recommend only staying in Cabo for a day or two and then going on a roadtrip.

You’ll end up saving a lot of money and time by getting out of Cabo since hotels, food, and attractions are much less expensive in other Baja cities like La Paz and even Todos Santos. Plus, if you stay along the Sea of Cortez in a town like La Paz, you’ll actually be able to swim in the ocean at the beaches!

What is the best way to book day trips in Cabo San Lucas?

In Cabo and most other places in Mexico, the most reliable and safe way to book day trips and tours is on TripAdvisor’s Viator. Viator allows you to read reviews and compare day trips with local guides all on one platform. I always go for tours with the highest ratings to ensure I get the best experience!

Plus, when you book with Viator you not only get support from the local tour company, but also from Viator (which is owned by TripAdvisor). I always feel better knowing I have several levels of support and protection if anything goes wrong.

What are the best day trips from San Jose del Cabo?

If you’re staying in San Jose del Cabo, you can still enjoy all of my recommended day trips from nearby Cabo San Lucas. Some of my trip San Jose del Cabo day trip recommendations include:

★ Balandra Beach
★ Fox Canyon and the Sol de Mayo Waterfall
★ The Santa Rita Hot Springs
★ Todos Santos
★ Cabo Pulmo National Park

Are there ruins near Cabo San Lucas?

You won’t find ancient Mayan or Aztec ruins near Cabo San Lucas, but you can visit historical sites on Cabo day trips. For instance, you can see the ruins of an old gold mine in El Triunfo.

If you’re interested in seeing pyramids and other ancient ruins in Mexico, head to the Yucatan Peninsula (Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen), Oaxaca, Chiapas, Mexico City, or other Mexico destinations further south on mainland Mexico. I also recommend checking out the Mayan ruins in Belize and Guatemala.

What are the best waterfalls near Cabo San Lucas?

The best waterfalls near Cabo San Lucas include the Sol de Mayo waterfall at Fox Canyon, the small waterfalls at Rancho Santa Rita, and other waterfalls in the Sierra de Laguna mountains.

What are the best luxury day trips from Cabo San Lucas?

Some of the best luxury day trips from Cabo San Lucas include:

★ Cruise on All Inclusive 108 ft Yacht with Open Bar and Private Chef
★ Private Whale Watching Tour with Sunset at Lands End, Lovers Beach and El Arco
★ All-Inclusive Catamaran Sailing to Isla Espiritu Santo
★ Los Cabos Coastline Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snorkeling and Open Bar
★ Private Tour to Laz, Cerritos Beach, and Todos Santos

Final Thoughts: Best Day Trips from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Baja California Sur is a treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting to be explored. No matter what your interests are, I hope this Cabo travel guide helped you select the perfect adventures for your vacation.

If you have any excursions you think should be added to this list of the best day trips from Cabo San Lucas, please let me know by commenting on this article and I’ll be sure to check them out on my next Baja trip!