How to Spend 7 Days in Cabo San Lucas: The Perfect Itinerary for Sun, Sea & Adventure

Dreaming of a sun-soaked getaway filled with vibrant nightlife, ocean adventures, and stunning scenery? Spending 7 days in Cabo San Lucas is the perfect way to recharge, explore, and indulge in one of Mexico’s most beloved beach destinations. Whether you’re looking to relax on the swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, take a scenic ride on a glass bottom boat, or dive into the water with unforgettable snorkeling, this one-week itinerary covers it all. From the moment you touch down and arrange your Cabo airport transportation, this guide ensures every moment is well spent.

Let’s dive into the ultimate 7-day Cabo San Lucas adventure that blends relaxation, excitement, and everything in between.

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Day 1: Arrival, Relaxation & Sunset Views and How We Booked our Cabo Airport Transportation

After landing at Los Cabos International Airport, you’ll want to secure reliable Cabo airport transportation to get to your resort or vacation rental comfortably. Pre-booking a private transfer or shuttle service will ensure a hassle-free start to your week. We booked in advance with a concierge from our resort, Villa Del Palmar, Cabo Seasons. Our airport transportation was $220 round trip from the airport to our Cabo resort. I highly recommend this route, especially if you’re new to cabo. With our confirmation email, it was VERY clear on how to get out of the airport and where to find our ride. It was about a 45 minute ride to Villa Del Palmar from the airport. 

Villa Del Palmar: Where We Stayed in Cabo San Lucas

We purchased our flight and resort as a bundle off Expedia. This was an all inclusive restaurant, in which I highly recommend. We had a fantastic stay with great food, great service, and great atmosphere.

Once you’ve checked in and freshened up, take it slow. Spend your first afternoon settling in and getting to know the area. Head to Medano Beach, one of the most popular swimmable beaches in Cabo, for a relaxing stroll. The warm sand, calm waves, and lively beachfront restaurants make it the perfect introduction to Cabo life. We got there early enough to relax by the pool for a bit before getting ready to indulge in supper. 

Being at an all-inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas, most of our meals were eaten there, as they were included. We chose Bella for our first meal, a lovely italian-style restaurant, where we got to see amazing views of the sun setting over El Arco. 

If you’re staying somewhere else, another dinner option could be a sunset dinner at a cliffside restaurant like Sunset Monalisa. Watching the sun dip behind the iconic El Arco rock formation is a memory you’ll carry with you long after you leave.

Day 2: Explore Downtown Cabo San Lucas

Now that you’re rested, spend some time exploring the cultural side of Cabo. Downtown Cabo San Lucas offers a mix of local art galleries, souvenir markets, tequila tastings, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Stop by Amelia Wilkes Square and the Iglesia de San Lucas for a glimpse of the town’s heritage.

Take a break at a local café or juice bar before heading to the marina. You’ll often find glass bottom boat Cabo tour guides offering impromptu short rides here as well if you plan to catch one. While dining by the marina, you might also catch a glimpse of the cute sea lions swimming around, looking for fishermen to feed them.

After we returned from town, we relaxed poolside. This was a daily thing! Villa Del Palmar does an excellent job with entertainment. They put on a nightly dinner show with (AMAZING) buffet. On our 2nd night, the buffet was international cuisine and the show was “Pop Stars”. We had so much fin watching impersonations of Brittany Spears, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Elvis, and even Tina Turner. 

Other options for those staying elsewhere, enjoy a taco crawl through town or book a reservation at a trendy restaurant like Flora’s Field Kitchen or Edith’s. Nightlife lovers can hit popular bars like Mandala or El Squid Roe to dance the night away.

Day 3: A Day of Fishing and Amazing Dinner in the Marina

One excursion we had planned in Cabo San Lucas, on our 7 day itinerary, was deep sea fishing. Our goal was to catch marlin. Striped marlin are mostly what you will find in March, when we went. We knew they were present, but harder to find this time of year. For the best billfish fishing, come between August and October. Nonetheless, we had a great time! We mainly caught grouper and red snapper, but my favorite part was the whale watching! Blue whales and humpback whales are active during the winter months. We saw well over 20 throughout our day on the water. We even had some breach closer to our boat. It was an amazing experience. 

Our fishing excursion on day 3 was through Pisces Sportfishing. This charter was more expensive than the one we used on day 5, but it was a bigger and nicer boat. I would highly recommend this company if you’re looking to get out on the water and fish. They were organized and the communication was good when we had questions in advance. A very reputable company.

Can you keep the fish you catch in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico?

You can decide what to do with your catch of the day. We donated most of our fish, but kept one big grouper for our meal. The mackerel that we caught on day 5, we gave half to our captains and kept the rest. After it was frozen, we packaged it and it came home with us in our checked luggage.

We took the grouper to Fisherman’s Landing, which is in the marina. They prepared it for us. I have to say, this was probably our BEST meal of the trip. 

Items we had along for our fishing charter in Cabo:

When we set out for a day of fishing in Cabo San Lucas, I made sure to pack a few essentials that made all the difference out on the water. First, I wore my EmeTerm Fashion Nausea Relief Wristband, which was a total game-changer for preventing motion sickness—no drowsy side effects, just smooth sailing. I also lathered up with reef-safe sunscreen to protect both my skin and the beautiful marine ecosystem. A pair of polarized sunglasses helped cut the glare off the ocean, making it easier to spot fish, and my UV-protective shirt kept me cool while shielding me from the strong Baja sun. With these key items, I could focus on the fun and the fish, not the discomfort.

Day 4: Whale Watching, Beach Walks & Pure Relaxation

If you’re visiting Cabo during whale season, whale watching is an absolute must! During our 7-day stay in Cabo San Lucas in March, we chose to do one dedicated whale watching tour—but since we ended up out on the water a few other times, it felt like we had three amazing whale encounters. We booked with Cabo Escape, and their morning tour with breakfast and mimosas was the perfect way to start the day. While we were whale watching in Cabo, we even saw a glass bottom boat tour whale watching. This would be a fun way to get a chance at seeing a whale under the water (if you’re lucky).

Enjoying the Beach

After our adventure at sea, we settled into a slower pace, devoting the rest of the day to relaxing and soaking up the beauty of Cabo. We strolled along Medano Beach, one of the most popular swimmable beaches in Cabo, and took some time to swim and float in the calm waters. Packing a small inflatable or floatie is a great idea—it’s lightweight, fun, and makes beach time even more enjoyable. You can also easily find beach gear in local shops if you prefer to travel light.

While lounging on the sand, we supported local vendors by buying fresh fruit and sunglasses—both of which were a perfect beach-day treat. There’s something truly special about enjoying juicy mango under the warm Baja sun.

Later, we returned to Medano Beach for a full afternoon of sunshine and water fun. Swimmable beaches in Cabo aren’t just for lounging—Medano is also perfect for paddleboarding, jet skiing, or hopping on a kayak. With rental stands conveniently located along the shore, it’s easy to try something new.

If you’re seeking a more peaceful vibe, head over to Palmilla Beach, another favorite among the swimmable beaches in Cabo. It’s calm, family-friendly, and ideal if you’re hoping to unwind without the hustle and bustle of the more touristy spots.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a place to relax with your toes in the sand, the swimmable beaches in Cabo offer something for everyone. Just don’t forget your beach blanket, plenty of water, and your sense of adventure—you’ll want to stay all day.

Day 5: Fishing for the Boys & Spa Bliss for the Girls

Day five of our adventure-packed itinerary to include 7 days in Cabo San Lucas was all about balance—reeling in big catches for the guys and total relaxation for the girls. The boys headed out early for their second fishing excursion, this time with Land’s End Charters. They came back with an impressive haul of mackerel, which we had frozen and shipped home for later.

Meanwhile, the ladies kicked off the day with a peaceful walk along Medano Beach, one of the most iconic swimmable beaches in Cabo. The sunrise was absolutely breathtaking, painting the sky in pastel hues. After indulging in the resort’s delicious breakfast buffet, we lounged by the pool with good books and tropical drinks in hand.

Spa Day

Later, we slipped into full vacation mode with a luxurious spa experience at Villa Del Arco, a sister resort. Manicures and pedicures were the perfect treat before regrouping with the guys for one of our favorite dinners of the trip—Carbon’s, conveniently located right at our resort.

Looking to shake things up? If fishing or spa days aren’t your thing, consider a day trip to San José del Cabo. Just a short 30-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas, this charming colonial town offers art galleries, boutique shopping, and a more tranquil, cultural experience. Be sure to visit on a Thursday to catch the vibrant Art Walk—when the streets turn into a festive open-air gallery.

And for adventure lovers, don’t miss a chance to try snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas. From San José, you can easily access the stunning reefs near Costa Azul Beach. The clear waters and abundant marine life make it an ideal spot for beginner and experienced snorkelers alike—and the photos you’ll get? Absolutely worth it.

End your day back in Cabo with a breezy dinner on the beach as you reflect on another incredible day in paradise. Whether you’re after adventure or tranquility, swimmable beaches in Cabo and the vibrant coastal lifestyle make every moment unforgettable.

Day 6: Snorkeling Adventure at Santa Maria Beach + Dinner at Tomatillos

Our sixth day in Cabo San Lucas was all about slowing down and soaking in the beauty of the ocean—both above and below the surface. With sunshine beaming and our beach essentials packed, we caught a taxi from Playa Del Palmar to the stunning Santa Maria Beach, one of the most scenic snorkeling spots in Cabo San Lucas.

This calm, horseshoe-shaped bay is ideal for spotting marine life. If you’re headed here to snorkel, be sure to make your way to the west side of the beach, where rocky areas offer the best chance to see colorful tropical fish up close. The water is crystal clear, and the underwater world is alive with vibrant movement—it’s a snorkeler’s dream.

Some Beach Essentials

A quick heads up: Santa Maria is a pebble beach, so you’ll want to pack water shoes to protect your feet. We were glad we brought ours, along with microfiber towels (easy to pack and quick-drying), reef-safe sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and of course, our snorkeling gear. Everything fit easily into our beach bag, making for a smooth and stress-free beach day. Here is a complete packing guide to Cabo San Lucas that will further direct you on what to pack.

If snorkeling isn’t your style, but you still want to admire Cabo’s underwater beauty, glass bottom boat tours are a great option. They’re easy to book around town and offer an exciting way to see the marine life without ever getting wet—perfect for families or those who prefer to stay dry. Here are some glass bottom boat tour in Cabo or book one direct at the marina.

After a full day of snorkeling, sun, and sea, we made our way back to our resort and got ready for dinner. We dined at Tomatillos at Villa Del Palmar, and it was easily one of our favorite meals of the trip. The setting was serene, with twinkling lights strung between trees and a fresh farm-to-table menu that blew us away. From grilled vegetables to flavorful seafood and the most refreshing hibiscus agua fresca, everything tasted fresh and full of flavor. It was the perfect way to unwind and refuel after a day in the sun.

Day 7: Relax, Shop, and Say Goodbye

Relaxing, eating and The Greatest Showman with American BBQ

On your final day, sleep in and enjoy a slow morning. If your flight allows, return to your favorite beach—perhaps one of the swimmable beaches in Cabo you’ve come to love—or visit a local spa for a massage before you leave.

Grab last-minute souvenirs downtown or at Puerto Paraiso Mall. Don’t forget to double-check your Cabo airport transportation and confirm your pickup time.

We ended our night with The Greatest Showman, entertainment the resort put on. We had so much fun watching this and enjoying the American BBQ buffet.

Say your goodbyes to the sun, sea, and sand, but know this: Cabo has a way of calling travelers back again and again.

Tips for the Best 7 Days in Cabo San Lucas

• Book tours early: Especially for popular activities like snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas or glass bottom boat Cabo rides.
• Bring the right currency: While many places accept USD, you’ll get better deals with local currency (Pesos). We also used credit cards.
• Stay hydrated: The sun is strong, and beach days can sneak up on you. Bring a refillable water bottle and don’t use tap water.
• Choose a central stay: Resorts close to swimmable beaches in Cabo offer convenience and flexibility.
• Plan Cabo airport transportation ahead: It saves time and reduces stress upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone who just wants to sip margaritas by the sea, spending 7 days in Cabo San Lucas is the ultimate way to enjoy Mexico’s west coast. From diving into the waters on a snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas tour to gliding across the waves on a glass bottom boat Cabo experience, there’s something magical waiting for every type of traveler. Just be sure to book your airport transportation in advance for a less stressful arrival and departure to Cabo San Lucas.

With careful planning, strategic beach hopping, and a dash of spontaneity, your Cabo itinerary will become more than just a vacation—it will be a story worth telling.