Best of
What can you do in Los Cabos for under $30?
The three best beaches in Los Cabos — Chileno, Santa María and Palmilla — are free, the water taxi to the Arch is $15–$25, and the San José del Cabo Art Walk on Thursdays from November to June costs nothing. A good day in Los Cabos can cost less than a single tour ticket.
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Key facts
- Beaches
- All free — federal public land
- Water taxi to the Arch
- $15–$25 round trip
- Art Walk
- Free, Thursdays November–June
- Street tacos
- $1.50–$3 each
- Biggest saving
- Drive yourself to Chileno rather than book a snorkel tour
| Option | Cost | Area | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chileno Bay | Free | The Corridor | Before 10am for parking |
| Santa María Cove | Free | The Corridor | Before 10am |
| Water taxi to the Arch | $15–$25 pp | Cabo San Lucas | Any morning |
| Art Walk | Free | San José del Cabo | Thu, Nov–Jun, 5–9pm |
| Sunset at Medano Beach | $5–$15 | Cabo San Lucas | Daily |
| Mission and plaza | Free | San José del Cabo | Late afternoon |
The ranking, and why
1. Best for everyone
Chileno Bay with your own gear
The best beach in the region, free, with bathrooms and parking. Buy a $20 mask and snorkel and you have replaced a $90 tour.
Free
2. Best for short visits
Water taxi to the Arch
The cheapest way to see Land's End up close, and you set the timing.
$15–$25 pp
3. Best for thursday evenings
San José del Cabo Art Walk
Thursdays, November to June, 5–9pm. Galleries open late, streets closed to cars, and it costs nothing.
Free
4. Best for every evening
Sunset from Medano Beach
The same sunset as the $70 cruise, with a beer that costs $4.
$5–$15
5. Best for every day
Street food in San José del Cabo
Tacos at $1.50–$3 apiece, a block from restaurants charging $18 for the same fish.
$6–$12 a meal
6. Best for late afternoon
The mission and plaza, San José
The 1730 mission church and the plaza around it. Free, shaded, and the town's actual centre.
Free
Frequently asked questions
Are beaches free in Los Cabos?
Yes. All Mexican beaches are federal public land with free access, and Chileno, Santa María and Palmilla all have free car parks off Highway 1.
Can you snorkel in Cabo without a tour?
Yes. Chileno Bay and Santa María Cove both have public road access and rock reef at either end. Buy a mask and snorkel locally for around $20 and drive yourself.
Read next
The Cabo brief
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