Free Things to Do in Cabo and Budget-Friendly Activities Under $140

Cabo has a reputation for being expensive, and parts of it are. But the best things here, the beach, the Arch, the sunset, the market in San José, cost nothing. And the paid activities do not all start at $250. We put this list together for the friend who asks us every year, "what can we do that does not blow the budget?" Here is the free half first, then the cheapest guided activities we list, with prices from our own listings.

The free half

Medano Beach. The main swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas, and it is free to walk onto. Bring a towel, a bottle of water and reef-safe sunscreen, and you can spend a whole day here for the price of a taco. The beach bars will try to sell you a daybed. You do not need one. Sit near the water on the quieter end and watch the boats come and go.

El Arco from the shore. You do not need a boat to see the Arch. Walk to the marina and along the edge of the harbor, and you get it from the land side for free. The water taxis will pitch you a ride. If you want the close-up, the budget sunset cruises run about $75 to $150 for two to three hours, and our guide's advice is to book direct with a mid-range operator, which is the sweet spot for value.

Chileno Bay Beach. Our top pick for free snorkeling. Chileno has calm, clear water, plenty of fish and free parking, which is rare on the Corridor. Bring your own mask, a picnic and a waterproof bag for your valuables, and leave nothing visible in the car. November through April has the clearest water and the most comfortable temperatures. In summer the water is warmer but visibility can drop after a storm.

The market and the streets of San José del Cabo. San José is the free cultural afternoon. Wander the historic downtown, look into the galleries, and find the local market. It is the best place to practice a few Spanish phrases, pick up a souvenir that was not made in a factory, and haggle politely, which is part of the fun. Carry pesos. Small shops and street food stands prefer them and you often get a better rate than paying in dollars.

Eat at the fondas. The single biggest budget win in Cabo is where you eat. Small local restaurants, called fondas, serve real Mexican food at a fraction of the tourist-strip prices. Ask where the taxi drivers eat lunch. That is your list.

Sunset, every night. The sunset in Cabo is free from any west-facing beach, and the sky does the show whether you paid or not. Bring a drink from the corner store.

The cheapest guided activities we list

These are the lowest-priced adventures in our own directory. Every price below is per guest and does not include the 16% IVA tax.

Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail

$119 USD plus 16% IVA for two and a half hours on a small-group sailboat or catamaran past Land's End and the Arch, with an open bar and bento-box appetizers. Rated 4.9. It leaves the marina at 5pm and is the best value on the water we know of.

Outback & Cabo Camel Ride

$128 USD plus 16% IVA for three hours: a camel ride from the desert to the Pacific, a tortilla lesson and a Mexican buffet. Round-trip hotel pickup is included, so no taxi cost. Ages 5 and up, rated 4.8.

Scuba Diving at Land's End & The Arch

$128 USD plus 16% IVA for two guided dives under the Arch with a sea lion colony. Three hours, ages 10 and up, rated 4.8. You need to be certified for this one.

PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Cabo

Not certified? $129 USD plus 16% IVA gets you the basics at the surface and up to two guided dives at Pelican Rock, a beginner reef right off the marina. Three hours, ages 10 to 60, rated 4.8.

Cabo ATV Tour & Desert Adventure

$130 USD plus 16% IVA for three hours on an automatic ATV through the desert, with a buffet and a tequila tasting at a ranch 45 minutes north of town. Beginner friendly, rated 4.8.

Family Dolphin Encounter

The cheapest thing for small kids: $139 USD plus 16% IVA for a 20 minute guided dolphin encounter at the marina, open from age 1. Rated 4.5.

Budget tips that actually move the number

• Come in the shoulder seasons. May to June and September to October have lower prices and fewer crowds. Our budget guide puts a realistic daily spend at $100 to $300 per person depending on your choices.
• Book activities direct and ask about group discounts on activities and transport.
• Pick a place to stay you can walk to the beach from. Taxi fares add up fast.
• Carry pesos for street food, tips and small shops.

Beach, Arch, market, sunset, then one guided day under $140. See the full price-sorted list on our adventures in Cabo page.