The Ultimate Guide to Lovers Beach, Cabo San Lucas
On the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Lovers Beach is as idyllic as it is romantic. Somewhat secluded, encapsulated by ocean on two sides and rugged cliffs on the other two, but near bustling Cabo San Lucas, this paradise is the perfect couples’ getaway. But what’s the best way to get there? What should you do when you arrive? And is it really as romantic as the name suggests? This guide to Lovers Beach has all the answers you need before your trip to Cabo.
Whether you want to find the most stunning snorkeling spots, know the glass-bottomed boat tours worth booking or watch the most spectacular sunset views, let’s dive in to the best things to see and do in Lovers Beach.
Why is it called Lovers Beach?
Some say the name Lovers Beach, or Playa de los Amantes in Spanish, refers to the meeting of two bodies of water on either side, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Others are convinced the name stems from the fated love story of a Japanese sailor who was rescued by a Mexican girl on Lovers Beach. Or maybe it’s just the sheer beauty of the place and its appeal to honeymooners that made the name stick. The answer really comes down to which story you believe.
Why should you go to Lovers Beach?
Simply put, Lovers Beach is one of the most stunning, swimmable beaches in Cabo, with calm, crystal-clear waves and pristine sand that epitomize paradise. There’s plenty of fun to be had for those who want a little more action than long, lazy beach days, too. The sunsets are amazing, and even though this secluded spot feels like it’s at the end of the world, you’re only minutes from the buzzing bars, clubs, and restaurants of Cabo San Lucas.
What are the best ways to get to Lovers Beach from Cabo San Lucas?
The only way to get to Lovers Beach is by boat, as there are no roads or parking and rocky cliffs separate Lovers Beach from the rest of Cabo. Taking a water taxi from the marina in Cabo San Lucas takes around 15 minutes and will cost $15-20 for a round-trip. A more fun and memorable option is a glass-bottomed boat tour that will take you to Lovers Beach and El Arco (Arch of Cabo), the magnificent rock formation at the tip of the peninsula.
What is the best time to go to Lovers Beach?
Get there early to avoid the busiest mid-afternoon period. It’s one of the most popular and beautiful spots in Cabo, so it’s worth making your peace with the fact you’ll never have the beach to yourself in advance. Dawn is a particularly special time to go, when the sun rises behind El Arco and there are fewer people there.
What are the best activities to do at Lovers Beach?
While sunbathing and swimming are the top attractions here, there’s lots more to do in Lovers Beach for everyone from nature lovers to daredevils. There are lively party boats, kayaking, and sailing experiences. There are snorkeling and scuba adventures to give you a glimpse of the colorful sealife and, if you visit in winter, unforgettable whale-watching tours.
Snorkeling and scuba diving
With such rich marine life surrounding you, it would be a shame to only see it from the surface. Book a scuba or snorkeling experience for an underwater adventure you’ll never forget.
How best to experience it?
On a snorkeling trip from Cabo San Lucas Marina, you’ll board a catamaran that sails past Lovers Beach and the incredible coastline scenery before jumping into the blue to see manta rays, turtles, and angel fish. Want to go deeper? There are scuba diving tours for both certified divers and scuba beginners — what a place to have your first underwater experience.
How much does it cost?
Snorkeling experiences are around $80, while scuba diving starts at $129.
Kayaking and paddle boarding
A fun way to see Lovers Beach and the Arch is by kayak. The water is calm enough to paddle board too, and most tours include the chance to snorkel around the Arch of Cabo.
How best to experience it?
Most kayak tours in Cabo will take you to Land’s End, the end of the Baja California Peninsula, and the Arch. A glass-bottomed kayak tour is a super fun option. You’ll visit Lovers Beach, snorkel around Neptune's Finger, and even visit a sea lion colony. For an extra challenge, try standing up all the way through a paddle board tour.
How much does it cost?
Most kayak and paddle board experiences cost $80-100 per person.
Sailing, cruises, and glass-bottomed boat tours
Want to see the sea life but stay dry? Cabo’s famous glass-bottomed boats are just the ticket. Other cruises and boat tours allow you to take in the amazing scenery with the wind in your hair. Some even have drinks, food, and music on board, while there are private options for a more luxury sailing experience.
How best to experience it?
Glass-bottomed boats are a fun way to get to Lovers Beach from Cabo’s marina, with tropical fish and other sea life swimming beneath your feet as you go. For even more fun, take a pirate ship tour or a party boat with unlimited drinks. “Tequila!”
How much does it cost?
The best glass-bottomed boat tours start around $50. Other boat cruises and tours range from $80 for a party cruise with an open bar to more than $1,000 for a luxury yacht cruise for you and your friends.
Watching the sunset (or sunrise)
There are few things more breathtaking than seeing a sunset over the Pacific, but with Lovers Beach rocky west-facing backdrop, it’s more awesome from the water. The stretch of east-facing beach on Cabo Bay gives spectacular sunrises.
How best to experience it?
Sunset tours around Lovers Beach come in all forms, from luxury cruises with dinner and drinks on deck to jazz and wine cruises. If you want to max out on the romance, a private sunset sail aboard a 42-foot yacht should do the trick. If you want to catch the sunrise silhouette the Arch of Cabo from Lovers Beach, pre-arrange a water taxi to get there early. Water taxis tend to stop before dusk, so you’d have to arrange a pick up if you wanted to stick around for sunset too.
How much does it cost?
Snorkeling experiences are around $80, while scuba diving starts at $129.
Whale watching
Visiting Cabo between December and March? You’re in time to spot the magnificent humpback whales who choose the warm waters to raise their calves every winter.
How best to experience it?
Among the best whale-watching experiences are breakfast catamaran cruises to see the humpbacks and gray whales, or exciting RIB trips. And while you can’t get in the water with the whales, how about swimming with whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea?
How much does it cost?
Whale-watching experiences begin at around $80.