You’ve pointed your compass towards Los Cabos for 2025, and ¡olé!, what a choice! Swapping bustling cityscapes for dramatic desert-meets-ocean views? Genius. But before you trade your briefcase for a beach bag and start dreaming of whale sharks (or was that tequila shots?), let’s get you prepped.
This is the inside scoop from The Cabo Sun who’s always got your back. We’re The Baja Breeze, and we’ve weathered the sun (and a few happy hours) to bring you the real deal. 😉
Here are the five absolute must-knows for your first awesome adventure in Los Cabos:
1. Cash, Cards, and Showing the Love: Your Money Game Plan

Alright, let’s talk moolah. While your trusty US dollars will be accepted in many tourist spots (especially in Cabo San Lucas), you’ll often snag a better deal on tacos, trinkets, and local transport using Mexican Pesos ($MXN). Hot tip: skip the airport currency exchange if you can – their rates often have a “convenience tax” bigger than a sombrero. Best bet? Withdraw pesos from a proper bank ATM once you’re settled. Or, change a small bit at the airport for your immediate taxi, and wait get some pesos once in town.
Plastic is fantastic for hotels, fancier restaurants, and big tours. But for those amazing little taco stands, colorful market finds, and tips for the awesome folks making your trip special, cold hard cash is king. And speaking of tips, it’s how things roll here and is massively appreciated.
- Restaurants: 10-15% is the sweet spot, unless a service charge is already on the bill.
- Bellhops: A couple of US dollars (or peso equivalent) per bag keeps everyone smiling.
- Housekeeping: Leaving a few bucks daily on the pillow? You’re a rockstar.
- Tour Guides (who just showed you the Arch like a boss!): 10-20% of the tour cost says “You’re amazing!”
At an all-inclusive where tips are supposedly “included”? Technically, you don’t have to tip extra. But trust us, a few pesos to your go-to bartender or that server who remembers your favorite drink will make their day and might just get your cerveza a little quicker under that glorious Baja sun!
2. Playing it Cool & Staying Safe: Desert Paradise Smarts

Los Cabos is generally a safe spot, especially in the main tourist zones of Cabo San Lucas, the Tourist Corridor, and San José del Cabo. But hey, it’s always smart to have your wits about you, just like anywhere else. Good news: the local authorities are keen on keeping tourists happy and safe. Still, be a savvy traveler.
- Those “too good to be true” deals on timeshares or tours offered the second you step out of the airport? Politely decline and walk on by.
- If you’re exploring downtown areas at night, stick to well-lit streets.
- Petty theft (like pickpocketing) can happen in crowded spots. Keep your phone, wallet, and flashy jewelry secure. Don’t flash wads of cash, and use that hotel safe for your passport and extra greenbacks.
- The ocean views? Stunning! The tap water? Not for your tummy. Stick to bottled water – it’s everywhere and cheap. Hydration is your desert bestie!
3. Getting Around Cabo: From Airport to Adventure

So, you’ve landed at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). How do you get to your slice of paradise? Pre-booking an airport shuttle or private transfer is usually the smoothest, most chill way to start. Trying to negotiate a taxi right after a flight, especially for a first-timer, can be a bit of a whirlwind and might hit your wallet harder than expected. Book with well known transport providers such as Cabo Airport Shuttle or Cabo Shuttle Services
For zipping between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, or exploring the Corridor, you’ve got options:
- Taxis: They’re everywhere, but always agree on the fare before you hop in. They can be pricier than other methods.
- Local Buses (SuburCabos): These are the orange and purple buses and are a super affordable way to travel like a local. It’s an adventure!
- Rental Cars: If you’re planning lots of exploring, a rental can be great. Just be aware that driving styles might be a bit more… spirited… than you’re used to.
- Ride-sharing apps: These have had an on-again, off-again relationship in Los Cabos. Check the latest scoop when you arrive – sometimes they are restricted from airport pickups.
4. Beach Vibes & Ocean Wisdom: Know Your Waves!

Okay, this one’s HUGE for Los Cabos. The beaches are drop-dead gorgeous – dramatic cliffs, golden sands, the whole shebang. BUT, and this is a big but, many of them are not safe for swimming. The Pacific Ocean here can have powerful waves, strong undertows, and sudden drop-offs.
- Swimmable Beaches: Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is the most popular and reliably swimmable beach. Others, like Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay, are often calm and great for snorkeling.
- Pay Attention to Flags: Seriously. Red flags mean stay out of the water. Black flags mean don’t even go near it. Even if it looks calm, respect the warnings.
- Enjoy the View! Even if you can’t swim, the beaches are perfect for sunbathing, long walks, and epic photos (especially with the iconic Arch at Land’s End). Boat trips for snorkeling, whale watching (in season, roughly December to April!), or sunset cruises are fantastic ways to enjoy the water safely.
5. Pack Smart, Not Hard: Your Cabo Essentials Kit

Sure, swimsuits and sunnies are a given. But a few extra bits will elevate your Cabo game:
- Biodegradable Sunscreen: Protect your skin and the marine life. The Baja sun is intense, even on cloudy days.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated in that desert heat and be kind to the planet. Many resorts have refill stations.
- Wide-Brimmed Hat & Good Sunglasses: Non-negotiable. That sun means business!
- Light, Breathable Clothing: Think linen, cotton. You’ll live in it.
- A Light Jacket or Sweater: Evenings in the desert can get surprisingly cool, especially if there’s a breeze.
- Water Shoes: Great for some of the rockier beaches or if you’re doing any boat-based activities.
- Small First-Aid Kit: Basic painkillers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal meds. Better to have it and not need it!
- A Sense of Adventure! Cheesy, but true.

There you have it – five golden nuggets to make your first trip to Los Cabos in 2025 absolutely legendary. Come with an open heart, a thirst for adventure (and maybe a margarita), and get ready to fall in love with the magic of Baja. Now, go practice your “Hola” and “Gracias” – they go a long way! ¡Salud!
↓ Join Our Cabo Sun Community of Over 11,500 Members↓
The Cabo Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and current events happening in Los Cabos

Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.