The Ultimate Cabo Solo Travel Guide (Written by a Solo Female Traveler!)
Wondering, Is Cabo San Lucas Solo Travel Safe?
You’re in the right place for Cabo San Lucas, Mexico travel info because I’ve traveled to Cabo San Lucas solo, and I’m going to share all my best Cabo solo travel tips with you in this article.
Cabo San Lucas is one of the best Mexico solo travel destinations for several reasons.
First off, it’s both easy and safe to get around. Second, you can tailor the trip to your budget and travel style.
Finally, there are tons of great Cabo tours and excursions to choose from.
The hardest part of your trip will be deciding how to spend your day! Don’t worry though; this article has the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas for singles and solo travelers.
You’ll also discover everything else you need to know for an epic Cabo vacation as a Mexico solo traveler.
Ready to dive in?! Let’s get to it, and we’ll start out by addressing what’s likely the elephant in the room — Is Cabo safe for solo female travel in Mexico?
cabo solo travel tips
Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for Solo Travelers?
As a solo female traveler, I get a lot of pushback from friends and family — and since I’m a mom of two, a lot of people are very vocal in their disapproval of my solo trips.
“Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small. When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.”
—Carlos Barren, 25-year FBI veteran (source: Forbes)
Safety is the most important factor when traveling, no matter the destination.
While I never felt unsafe in Cabo, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t practice safe behaviors just like I do at home.
For some suggestions on what I mean, keep reading for 5 Quick Tips about Cabo travel safety.
Is Cabo San Lucas Safe at Night?
Yes — For the most part, Cabo is safe at night.
Now, safety goes way down when there’s alcohol involved, so be mindful of overconsumption, and never accept a drink from a stranger.
Other than that, take a taxi home instead of walking alone, and you should be fine.
Cabo San Lucas Mexico Travel Warnings
As one of the top Mexico destinations, Cabo is both safe and also plagued by the same types of petty crimes common in any major tourism destination on Earth, including London, Paris and Rome.
These mostly include pickpocketing and cell phone theft.
Though this can change at any time, Cabo and Baja California Sur State usually fall in the Level 2 category.
For perspective, some other Level 2 travel destinations include the UK, Belgium and Italy. Ask yourself: Would I be scared to travel to Italy!?
In short, you will absolutely need to exercise a normal level of caution in Cabo — but nothing major.
To check and see if the U.S. State Department has any current Cabo travel warnings, head here.
⚠️ Note: Remember to check for Baja California Sur State (with the “Sur”); not Baja California State.
Los Cabos vs Cabo San Lucas
Let’s clear up the Is it Cabo or Los Cabos? debate once and for all!
The area known as Los Cabo Mexico actually contains two separate cities — Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
These two cities that both have the word Cabo in their name are part of Los Cabos, which means “The Cabos” (or, “The Capes”). 🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Fact: The Spanish word cabo means cape.
How to Get to Cabo San Lucas Mexico
✈️ There is no airport in Cabo San Lucas! The closest airport for Cabo San Lucas is located in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
From San Jose del Cabo International Airport (code: SJD, and also called Los Cabos Airport), you’ll then need transportation for the drive to Cabo San Lucas.
How far is Cabo San Lucas from the Airport?
The distance from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo Airport is about 27 miles (43 km).
The drive takes about 45 minutes by private shuttle, rental car or taxi.
If you go via shared shuttle or on the bus, the trip can take up to double that amount of time.
How to get to Cabo San Lucas from San Jose del Cabo
When you exit the airport gate, swarms of sales people will vie for your attention. Do not get roped into visiting a timeshare here!
1. Airport Shuttle (Safest Option)
The best choice is to pre-book your Cabo Airport transportation below, as a last minute taxi can cost you triple what the shuttle will.
🚌 Best Cabo airport shuttle (Private & Shared)
I chose to take a Cabo San Lucas shared shuttle because it’s the most affordable option for a Cabo solo traveler.
However, the Cabo San Lucas private shuttle is the only option for those concerned about social distancing while going from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas.
Taking a taxi from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas is an expensive option — so opt for a shuttle.
2. Cabo Rental Cars
You can also rent a car in San Jose del Cabo Airport, but keep in mind there are tolls on the highway so you’ll need to take out cash at the airport, and the traffic can be fast paced.
For a complete guide, check out Renting a Car in Cabo: Everything You Need to Know.
3. Cabo Airport Bus
Besides these, there’s the Ruta del Desierto Bus. Keep in mind this bus only departs from Terminal 1, though international flights arrive at Terminal 2.
4. Cabo Airport Taxis
The final option is to take a taxi, though with the airport surcharge, they often cost just as much as this private shuttle.
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas Mexico
While Cabo Mexico is safe for the majority of travelers, if this will be your first visit, you’ll want to stay close to Amelia Wilkes’ Square or the Cabo Marina.
This is the most walkable part of town, with plenty of restaurants and shops, so it’s the ideal place to get to know Cabo.
For those who want to stay at a Mexico all inclusive resort, the Cabo resorts are known as some of the best in the country.
Below, you’ll find some great Cabo San Lucas hotels and resorts, and the best hostel in Cabo San Lucas.
Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas Mexico
- Best Cabo San Lucas All Inclusive Resort: Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
- Best Cabo Hotel: Garza Blanca Resort & Spa
- Best Cheap Cabo Hotel: Hotel Quinta del Sol by Solmar
- Best Cabo Hostel: Sofia Hostel Cabo San Lucas
How to Get Around in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas was a great place for a solo trip because it was easy to navigate and everything was located within a short walk or drive.
If you prefer to walk instead of using Uber or taxis, choose a hotel near Amelia Wilkes Square or the Cabo Marina — like these.
My hotel was further north than most of the popular attractions, so I did a combination of walking and Uber’ing.
I usually walked down to the shops (Cabo is very hilly) and then took an Uber back up in the evening as it got dark.
Uber Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
At one point during my stay, an Uber driver made me feel a little uncomfortable. I reported him after I made it safely to my destination, and discovered the Uber app has a couple of cool safety features.
• Share Trip Feature: You can share a trip with someone in your contacts so that they can monitor your drive.
• Report Inappropriate Behavior Feature: You can record audio into the app, and then report anything inappropriate right to Uber.
Are taxis safe in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes — The vast majority of visitors and locals who use taxis are completely safe. Keep in mind you will need cash (pesos).
Remember to have plenty of small bills for tipping; this is the locals’ main form of income and 15-20% tips are expected for everyone providing you a service.
Now that you know how to get to Cabo, where to stay in Cabo, and how to get around in Cabo — Let’s look at the best Cabo things to do and see!
If you want more Cabo San Lucas travel information, check out the Cabo FAQ at the end of this article.
10 Best Things to Do in Cabo for Solo Travelers
There are so many fantastic activities in Cabo San Lucas for solo travelers — ranging from the most epic of adventures to relaxing zen experiences.
Shopping, restaurants, beaches and animal encounters, you’ll never be wondering 🤔 What to do in Cabo!
I enjoyed four jam-packed days and I can’t wait to come back next year with my family.
I’ve listed the best things to do in Cabo for singles and solo travelers, to get the most out of your Cabo San Lucas trip.
You’ll find plenty of options for group tours, as not all solo travelers want to be alone all the time.
1. Boat Tour to Cabo San Lucas Arch (El Arco)
A Cabo must do, El Arco is the most famous of all Cabo sites — and shouldn’t be missed. El Arco means “The Arch,” as this is a natural stone arch.
It’s located at Land’s End, which is the tip of Baja California Sur State, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
It is only accessible by boat, which you can take from the Cabo Marina.
While it’s fun to visit the famous Cabo Arco on your own via water taxi, you can also visit with a group tour on a sailboat, or even a kayaking tour or SUP paddle board tour.
While the water taxi can drop you off at the beaches near the Cabo Arch — Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach — a tour is more fun and you’ll see more.
Besides the beaches and the Arch, there are other pretty spots around the peninsula, like Scooby Doo Rock and Horse Head Rock.
Cabo Arch Tours
2. Go Sailing & Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas
When you need some ocean time, a combo sail and snorkel tour is a really great experience. The snorkeling in Cabo is undeniably amazing.
If you’ve ever considered buying a GoPro (or the more affordable Akaso) — now’s the time!
A group tour is an affordable way to experience luxury and adventure on your solo Cabo trip. Most sailing tours, like this one, include lunch and have an open bar.
I can’t drink while sailing, but still live la vida loca by popping a dramamine for motion sickness and drinking lots of water.
3. Swim with Whale Sharks in the Sea of Cortez (Seasonal)
Whale sharks aren’t really sharks! They are, however, are the largest fish in the sea — averaging about 40-feet in length (12 m).
Each year during their migration from about November to April, they swim past the coast of the Baja Peninsula and you can swim alongside them if you join a whale shark tour in Cabo.
For whale shark tours in Baja, you’ll have to travel to La Paz, Mexico first, because they migrate in the largest numbers past this city.
Don’t worry — this All-Inclusive Sailing Cruise & Swim with Whale Sharks Tour includes transportation to and from Cabo San Lucas.
After the 2.5 hour ride to La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur State, you’ll board your boat.
I am not a strong swimmer and the water was very rough, but my guide helped and pulled me towards the 20-foot whale shark to get a closeup view.
To say the experience was epic is an understatement!
Ethical Animal Tourism in Mexico
Mexico is protective of these endangered animals, and there are many rules for interacting with them. The biggest restriction being that a limited number of boats are allowed in the area at a time. This makes for a long day, as you wait for your boat’s turn to enter the bay and then proceed to look for a whale shark in the water. This tour was exhausting, but worth it!
4. Stroll the Cabo Marina
The Cabo San Lucas Marina is a very popular tourist area, with tons of restaurants, bars and shops along the water.
Grab a drink and spend some time watching the boats roll in, as the sea lions compete for fish.
There’s plenty of shopping around the main square, as well as vendors offering different souvenirs for sale, and I bought a cute plastic bag that I used for the rest of my trip.
It’s a fun, relaxing stop for your first evening in Cabo, and you’ll get an idea of the lay of the land.
5. Enjoy the Best Restaurants in Cabo
As a coffee addict, I was overjoyed with all the options for local lattes.
In Cabo, you can easily avoid Starbucks and divert your dollars to small businesses, while enjoying some excellent espresso.
My personal favorite Cabo San Lucas cafe was the Cabo Coffee Company.
A coffee, paired with your favorite book, can be among the perfect things to do in Cabo for solo travelers!
However, you’re also going to want some food — and since you have to try the local fare while on vacation — that means authentic Mexican tacos.
For this, you can take this Cabo San Lucas Downtown Food and Tacos Tasting Walking Tour to sample all the best tacos in Cabo, or map out an itinerary of your own.
Beyond the famous Baja fish tacos, sushi at The Fish Sushi is a popular choice because the seafood is so fresh in Cabo.
6. Laze on the Best Beaches in Cabo San Lucas
There are many great beaches in Cabo San Lucas, but the most famous ones are accessed by water taxi from the Marina.
When you land on these beaches in Cabo, someone will run up and try to help you off your boat. If you accept the help, you’re also expected to tip.
Playa de los Amantes (Lovers Beach) and Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach) are two of the must dos in Cabo San Lucas.
They are both huge draws for tourists, so you’ll be surrounded by others on these safe beaches in Cabo.
Lovers Beach is on the Bay of California side, and has strong waves, but not so forceful you can’t play in them.
One of the highlights of my trip was seeing the elderly couples, both local and foreign, rolling around in the waves and laughing like children.
Divorce Beach is on the Pacific Ocean side, and accessible from Lover’s Beach.
Swimming is strictly prohibited due to the size of the waves, though you can walk in the sand.
The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks was absolutely cathartic.
7. Hike Mt. Solmar in Cabo San Lucas
Mount Solmar has the best views of Cabo San Lucas. You can reach it on a short, but challenging, hike from the middle of town.
The entrance to the trail is located on private property, so plan to arrive 10 minutes before you want to start the hike.
📍 Mount Solmar Cabo Entrance: View on Google Maps
This next part will sound weird, but don’t worry, it’s totally safe! The property owner, Enrique, will admit you through his dog kennels.
Then, he and his pack of friendly dogs will walk with you up the hill, and all the while, Enrique will provide cheerful commentary.
Told you it sounds weird 🤪 However, the views of Cabo from this peak outside of the main tourist areas are totally it.
While Enrique doesn’t charge you to enter his property, it’s expected that you leave him a tip for his time.
8. Release Baby Sea Turtles in San Jose del Cabo
I added on a last second excursion to release baby sea turtles in San Jose del Cabo — and boy am I glad I did!
It was such a great, educational experience and I can’t wait to bring my family so they can do the Cabo turtle release as well.
The guide was knowledgeable and the tour ethical.
With the money from this excursion, Mexican marine biologists have been able to help more than tens of thousands of Olive Ridley hatchlings make it to the ocean each year 🐢
I lucked out and our group only had three people, although the tour maximum is 12. Together, we released more than 200 hatchlings.
It was so adorable to see the baby sea turtles make their first trip to the ocean.
Cabo Turtle release Tours
9. See the Cabo Sunset & Sunrise from Cerro del Vigia
Craving some exercise on your solo trip to Cabo?
Climb up to Cerro del Vigia (Lookout Mountain), which has amazing views of the whole city and the ocean below.
It is also considered the best place to watch the sunrise in Cabo, and also the best place to watch the sunset in Cabo!
The sunrise is spectacular in Cabo, all pastel colors and sweetness.
The sunset is blood orange and sprinkled with neon lights as the best clubs in Cabo come to life each night.
If you’re not inclined (hiking pun intended!) to hike, don’t miss seeing the Cabo sunset and sunrise from town.
10. Visit the Cabo San Lucas Museum of Natural History
When I visit a new locale, it’s important to me that I learn about the local history and culture.
The Cabo Museum of Natural History is located alongside Plaza Amelia Wilkes, the Cabo Main Square, and is a great stop after your morning coffee.
Although a very modest and rather out-dated museum, the curator kindly educated me on the indigenous people of Cabo (the Pericú, Cochimí and Guaycura Peoples) as well as the area’s pre-columbian history.
I recommend checking out the museum and the nearby square, as you first get your bearings around Cabo.
Head to Cabo Coffee Company for a latte on your first morning, connect to the internet, and plan your itinerary for the day.
📍 Cabo History Museum Address: Plaza Amelia Wilkes, Cabo San Lucas Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico | View on Google Maps
Cabo San Lucas: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico located?
Cabo San Lucas is located in Baja California Sur State, on the west coast of Mexico.
Baja Baja California State and Baja California Sur State make up Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, a long strip of land that connects to California.
📍 Cabo Map
Cabo San Lucas sits at the southern tip of the peninsula. For reference, check out the map of Cabo San Lucas above.
Cabo is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (AKA Bay of California) — which French diver Jacques Cousteau called “the aquarium of the world.”
What’s the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
This somewhat depends on what to do in Cabo San Lucas that appeals to you.
For whale watching in Cabo, you’ll have to visit from mid-December to March.
If you want to swim with the whale sharks in Cabo, their season is from October to February.
What’s the Cabo weather like?
Cabo San Lucas is one of the sunniest places on Earth. Depending on who you ask, sources say Cabo has 300 to 350 sunny days per year
☀️ This makes Cabo a year-round destination, though you may want to avoid the Cabo rainy season in August and September.
Can you drink the water in Cabo San Lucas?
No — Don’t drink the water in Mexico, not in Cabo San Lucas and not anywhere in Mexico!
Tap water in Mexico isn’t considered safe for human consumption; not for locals and not for visitors.
You will have to boil tap water, or buy bottled water, or come prepared with this Water-To-Go Bottle that has a built-in filter, so you don’t get sick in Mexico.
Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF all Water-To-Go Bottles ▶︎ Shop now!
Is it safe to rent a car in Cabo?
Yes — For the majority of travelers, it’s safe to drive in Cabo San Lucas and the Baja Peninsula.
This part of Mexico is a hotspot for van life, RV retirees and road trips, so renting a car is common.
For more info, head to Renting A Car in Cabo: Everything You Need to Know, or get your car now from Discover Cars.
🚙💨 For a Baja California road trip Itinerary, head here to see which places Mexico solo traveler Isabella recommends in this article about the best Mexico solo travel destinations.
5 Quick Cabo Solo Travel Tips
1. Never divulge that you’re alone. When asked, my favorite response is that I’m with my parents who are taking an afternoon siesta back at the resort.
2. Take group tours! Being a solo traveler doesn’t mean you have to be alone the whole time.
Cabo tours like these are a great way to meet people and enjoy activities that are much more fun in groups — like a boat tour to the Cabo Arch and Cabo taco tours.
3. Get a Mexico SIM Card before your trip.
With a local SIM, you’ll be able to check in with loved ones back home, call an Uber at any time, and have access to apps like Google Translate and Google Maps when you need them, and much more.
4. Leave your valuables at home, so they will be right there waiting for you when you get back.
While Cabo is a great place for a beach vacation: sun + fun + Margaritas = lost things. Also, designer clothes and sunglasses can draw the wrong type of attention.
💃 Need Cabo outfits inspiration? Head here!
5. Although you don’t have to return to your Cabo hotel before dark, be sure you have enough battery to call an Uber to get back (don’t forget your external battery).
Choose a well-lit, busy location to wait for your ride, like a restaurant lobby or storefront.
Bonus Tip: Get Travel Insurance for Mexico
Life — and travel plans — can change in an instant, so for all the unexpected things that come up in travel, you’ll want travel insurance.
From canceled flights, to lost luggage and getting sick — you’ll regret not having Mexico travel insurance, should you need it.
World Nomads, one of the biggest names in travel insurance, has basic plans that cost just $5-10 per day. These cover everything listed above, and then some!
Final Thoughts: Is Cabo Solo Travel Safe?
Yes — For the majority of travelers using “travel common sense,” Cabo is safe. That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Cabo; they do.
However, if you remain aware of yourself and surroundings, Cabo can be a life changing Mexico solo travel experience for you, like it was for me!
You don’t need a buddy to have a blast in Cabo. There are so many cool things to do that it’s just as easy to travel on your own as with friends.
If you feel lonely, you can always join a group tour and hang out with other like-minded, adventurous people.
✍️ Register for the STEP Program
The U.S. offers a FREE travel program called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP.
After registering for STEP here, you’ll have access to the U.S. Consulate in Los Cabos (Consular Agency), which can provide any assistance you might need while traveling to Cabo San Lucas.
Have questions about Cabo solo travel?
Have general question about Cabo San Lucas travel? Still wondering, Is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas?
This article was a contributed by Beth of The Travel Fam, and you can contact her using the info below to continue this Cabo solo travel conversation.
Beth McCarter is a mom of two, who likes to escape on the occasional solo trip.
She is a former bilingual teacher who now writes school curriculum for homeschoolers. Connect with Beth at thehomeschoolgraduate.com.