A First-Time Guide to Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas sits at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. If this is your first visit, a little planning makes the difference between a trip spent sorting out logistics and one spent actually enjoying the place.
Get oriented before you land
Los Cabos is made up of two main towns, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, linked by a stretch of highway often called the Tourist Corridor. Most international visitors fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is closer to San José del Cabo than to Cabo San Lucas, so plan for a drive after you land.
Marea is in the El Médano Ejidal area of Cabo San Lucas. Before you travel, open the map on our homepage and look at the route to Médano Beach, the marina, and downtown. Seeing the layout ahead of time makes the first evening far less disorienting.
Documents and entry
Entry requirements for Mexico depend on your nationality and can change. Check the current guidance from your own government's travel advisory service and the official Mexican immigration authority before you book flights. Confirm that your passport is valid for your full stay and keep any entry documents you receive on arrival, since you may need them when you leave.
Money, phones, and everyday practicalities
Many businesses in Cabo accept US dollars and cards, but prices and exchange rates vary from place to place. Carrying some Mexican pesos for small purchases, tips, and taxis is useful. Let your bank know you are traveling and check foreign transaction fees.
Check your mobile plan's international coverage before departure. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp are widely used locally, including by many drivers and tour operators, so having data on arrival helps.
Pace your first days
The sun in Baja is strong for much of the year. Many first-time visitors overdo the first day with a long beach session or a boat trip right after a flight. Plan something easy for arrival day: settle in, walk to get groceries, and save bigger excursions for later in the week.
Ocean conditions differ greatly between beaches. Read our beach safety guide before choosing where to swim, and always follow posted flags and local instructions.
Choosing a residence
Browse the residences to compare bedrooms, bathrooms, guest capacity, and nightly rates. When you find a fit, choose your dates and send a request. No account or invitation is needed; you share your contact details once you have selected a residence and dates, and the Marea team reviews each request personally.