The Benson Preferred Guide
Cabo San Lucas
Baja California Sur, Mexico
What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
What we skip
Why Visit Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo San Lucas is one of the world's premier luxury adventure destinations, offering an unforgettable combination of stunning beaches, world-class fishing, whale watching, scuba diving, desert adventures, exceptional dining, and luxurious resorts along the Sea of Cortez.
What makes Cabo so special is its versatility. In a single trip, you can explore an underwater marine sanctuary, ride ATVs through the Baja desert, stroll through an art district filled with galleries and live music, and enjoy an elegant sunset dinner overlooking the ocean. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or bucket-list adventure, Cabo has something for nearly every type of traveler.
For members of The Benson Preferred Guest List, Cabo is one of those destinations that's equally rewarding whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure.
Where Should I Stay in Cabo?
Villa La Valencia is our favorite home base in Cabo. Located along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, it provides convenient access to nearly everything we love about the area.
The resort features spacious luxury accommodations, multiple pools, one of the largest lazy rivers in Cabo, excellent dining options, and breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez. It's perfectly situated for both resort days and daily adventures.
One of our favorite things about Villa La Valencia is that you don't have to choose between relaxing and exploring—you can easily do both.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Cabo?
Cabo is an adventure lover's paradise. Some of our favorite experiences include:
- Camel rides along the Pacific coast
- ATV and UTV desert adventures
- Zip lining through Baja's canyon landscapes
- Luxury sunset sailing cruises
- Snorkeling and paddleboarding
- Exploring the famous Arch at Land's End
- Shopping and dining near the marina
- Visiting San José del Cabo's historic district
- Relaxing at Villa La Valencia's pools and lazy river
The desert-meets-ocean scenery is unlike anywhere else in Mexico and makes Cabo one of the most visually stunning destinations you'll ever visit.
When Can You Go Whale Watching in Cabo?
If you're visiting between December and April, whale watching is a must.
Each winter, humpback and gray whales migrate through Cabo's waters, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in North America. It's not uncommon to spot whales breaching from the beach or even from your resort balcony.
Whale watching excursions are suitable for all ages and consistently rank among our favorite Cabo experiences. Watching a humpback whale launch itself out of the water just yards from your boat is something you'll never forget.
What Can You Catch Deep Sea Fishing in Cabo?
Cabo has earned its reputation as one of the sport fishing capitals of the world.
Depending on the season, anglers can target:
- Roosterfish
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Wahoo
- Striped Marlin
- Blue Marlin
- Black Marlin
- Sailfish
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Sierra Mackerel
Whether you're an experienced angler or a first-timer, there are charters available for every skill level and budget.
Even if you've never fished before, Cabo is one of the best places in the world to give it a try.
Where Are the Best Dive and Snorkel Sites in Cabo?
The Sea of Cortez is often called "The World's Aquarium," and for good reason.
Some of our favorite dive and snorkel locations include:
Cabo Pulmo
Located approximately two hours from Cabo, Cabo Pulmo is a UNESCO-protected marine national park featuring enormous schools of fish, sea turtles, rays, and seasonal shark encounters. It's one of our favorite day trips and well worth the drive.
Pelican Rock
An excellent location for both scuba diving and snorkeling, Pelican Rock offers colorful marine life and beautiful underwater rock formations near Land's End.
Land's End
The iconic rock formations at the southern tip of Baja provide surprisingly enjoyable dives suitable for many experience levels.
Chileno Bay
One of Cabo's premier snorkeling locations featuring calm, crystal-clear waters and abundant tropical fish.
Santa Maria Bay
Perfect for beginner snorkelers and families looking for a relaxing beach day with excellent marine life viewing.
Where Should I Eat in Cabo and San José del Cabo?
Cabo's culinary scene rivals many of the world's luxury destinations.
At Villa La Valencia
- Latitude 23.5 – Upscale Mexican and international cuisine.
- La Taberna – Italian-inspired favorites and wood-fired pizza.
- Coralle – Fresh seafood and poolside dining.
- El Patron – Casual Mexican cuisine that's perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Around Cabo
- The Nest – One of our favorite dining experiences in Cabo.
- Flora Farms – Farm-to-table cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
- Acre – Exceptional food in one of the area's most unique environments.
- Sunset Monalisa – Famous for its incredible sunset views.
- Edith's – A longtime Cabo favorite blending Baja and traditional Mexican flavors.
- Los Tres Gallos – Authentic Mexican cuisine near the marina.
- Jazmin's – Casual, delicious, and consistently excellent.
Reservations are highly recommended during peak travel seasons.
What Is the Thursday Night Art Walk?
If you're visiting between November and June, don't miss the Thursday Night Art Walk in San José del Cabo.
The historic district comes alive each Thursday evening as galleries open their doors, live music fills the streets, and restaurants welcome visitors into one of Cabo's most charming experiences.
Even if you're not an art enthusiast, the atmosphere alone makes it worth visiting. The Art Walk offers a completely different side of Cabo and has become one of our favorite traditions whenever we're in town.
Plan to arrive before sunset and stay for dinner afterward.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Cabo?
| Activity | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Whale Watching | December – April |
| Thursday Night Art Walk | November – June |
| Deep Sea Fishing | Year-round (species vary by season) |
| Scuba Diving | Year-round |
| Snorkeling | Year-round |
| Camel Rides & ATVs | Year-round |
| Cabo Pulmo Excursions | Year-round |
| Resort & Beach Days | Year-round |
Sample 5-7 Night Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and enjoy Villa La Valencia's pools and lazy river.
Day 2: Whale watching (seasonal) and explore Cabo's marina.
Day 3: ATV, camel ride, or zip line adventure.
Day 4: Cabo Pulmo scuba diving or snorkeling excursion.
Day 5: Relax at the resort followed by the Thursday Night Art Walk in San José del Cabo.
Day 6: Deep sea fishing charter or sunset sailing excursion.
Day 7: Enjoy one last leisurely morning before departing Cabo.
Insider's Secret
The Thursday Night Art Walk in San José del Cabo, November through June. Galleries open, live music in the streets, and a completely different side of Cabo from the marina. Arrive before sunset and stay for dinner.
Founder Favorite
Watching a humpback launch itself out of the water just yards from the boat. It ranks among our favourite Cabo experiences every single time.
Member Tip
Book restaurants well in advance during peak season, and plan at least five nights. Cabo rewards a trip that isn't rushed — you can be as adventurous or as still as you like without ever feeling behind.
Our Favorite Cabo Experiences
Cabo is one of those rare destinations that truly offers something for everyone. Some of our favorite memories include watching humpback whales breach offshore, diving among the marine life of the Sea of Cortez, wandering the charming streets of San José del Cabo, and ending the day with an unforgettable meal overlooking the ocean.
Perhaps the greatest luxury Cabo offers is variety. You can make your stay as adventurous or as relaxing as you'd like without ever feeling rushed.
For members of The Benson Preferred Guest List, we recommend planning at least a five-night stay to experience the very best of Cabo San Lucas and the Baja Peninsula.
Welcome to Cabo. We think you'll quickly understand why it's one of our favorite destinations in Mexico.
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