What You Should Know

Getting to Cabo

Cabo San Lucas is closer than you think — it's just a short flight from most U.S. international airports. You can make your great escape to the land's end in just a few hours!

Flight Map to Cabo San Lucas

Commercial jet service to San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) is provided by various airlines including Alaska Airlines, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, SunQuest, United Airlines, US Airways, Virgin and WestJet.

There are non-stop flights from San Diego, Los Angeles, Ontario, San Jose (CA), San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, and Las Vegas into Los Cabos.

Connecting flights are available from Sacramento, Portland, Detroit, Boston, Newark, New York, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Saint Louis, Miami, Albuquerque, Austin, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto, Canada and many more!

We highly recommend renting a car if you're staying at one of our villas. For alternate ground transportation options while in Cabo, please click here.

For more information on air transportation options, including Private Jet Charters to Cabo, call us today.

Would you like help with your flight planning and monitoring? Cranky Concierge can help you make sure your transportation to and from Cabo goes smoothly.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: A Safe and Beautiful Destination

Situated at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula over 1,000 miles from the US-Mexico border, Los Cabos is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, stunning desert terrain and the Sea of Cortez. In many ways, Cabo's island-like isolation is a great part of its appeal to safety conscious travelers. The hundreds of thousands of visitors who visit Los Cabos each year experience a very high-level of safety and security as well as warm hospitality and luxurious accommodations. With very low crime rates and tourism as its central industry, Los Cabos is a safe and smart choice for an outstanding Mexico vacation.

In Cabo: Local Towns and Facilities Los Cabos is home to two distinct towns: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Both are safe, clean, and have modern services like bank machines, good medical facilities, mobile phone providers, and Internet cafes. English is spoken in hotels, and in most stores and restaurants.

Crime is not a big problem in the resort areas of Los Cabos but use common sense and caution, as you would anywhere you travel. Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach. Use ATMs with the same vigilance you would at home. Absolutely avoid narcotics and firearms. If in trouble, ask to contact the U.S. consulate.

Legal Entry and Departure Requirements:

CAUTION - There will be timeshare representatives soliciting you with freebies as you walk past. Unless you are seriously interested or would like to spend at least two hours of your vacation time listening to a salesperson, just walk on by. You'll find car rental desks, taxis and transfer companies right outside the customs area.

cabo san lucas safety

For information on documentation and customs requirements, please see the U.S. Department of State's Passport and Travel Initiative websites, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.

Canadian Passengers Visit the Canadian Passport Website for more information.

At the Airport After clearing Immigrations and Customs with your baggage, proceed to the airport lobby area.

Departing Cabo After checking out of your accommodations, make sure you head off to the airport with plenty of time to check your luggage and catch your departing flight! Please be sure you have the proper documentation, especially the Mexico Tourist Card.

More Mexico Customs Information

Useful Phone Numbers: The country code for Mexico is 52. The area code for Los Cabos is 624. Most pay phones accept prepaid cards, which are sold in various denominations at money-exchange booths and many shops. Most Internet cafés offer long-distance calling services.

Most cellular services will allow you to roam in Mexico (charges will apply). If you have a smartphone, be aware that extra data charges may apply while in Mexico. Call your provider before your trip to find out if service is available. ESSV also offers convenient cell phone rentals for your use. Call your ESSV representative to reserve.

Most Internet cafés offer long-distance calling services. Some cell phone providers will allow you to roam while in Mexico. Check with your provider before your trip. All Los Cabos area cell phone numbers are considered long-distance. When dialing a local cell phone number, dial 624, followed by the 7-digit phone number. When dialing a Los Cabos cell phone from the U.S., you must dial 011-52-624, followed by the 7-digit phone number.

Emergency - Any location in Los Cabos: 911

CaboVillas.com
U.S. Corporate Office: 1-831-724-5800
1-800-745-2226 (U.S. or Canada)
Cabo Guest Services: 143-9242

Long Distance Access numbers Los Cabos cell numbers (from Mexico)
624 + number
Los Cabos cell numbers (from U.S.)
011-52-624 + number

Cabo San Lucas
Fire Station 143-3577
Red Cross 065 or 143-7869
State Police 143-0296
Municipal Police (Local Police) 060 or 143-3977
Tourist Police 143-3977
Pedregal Main Gate (Security) 143-7117

Hospitals
BLUENET HOSPITALS
Address: Transpeninsular Km 6.3, Col. Cabo Bello, Plaza del Rey. Cabo San Lucas BCS. ZC 23455
Tel: 104.3910 Emergency Cell: 104.3911

San José del Cabo
Fire Station 142-2466
Red Cross 065 or 142-0316
State Police 142-4104
Municipal Police (Local Police) 060 or 142-0361

Hospitals
Hospital H+
Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 24.5, Fracción C-1 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
624-104-9300

Others
American Consulate 143-3566
Canadian Consulate 142-4333
International Operator 090
Domestic Operator 020
AMEX Traveler's Checks 001-866-247-6878

Airlines (Within Mexico)
Airport 146-5111, 146-5113
Air Canada 01-800-719-2827
Aeromexico 01-800-021-4000
Alaska Airlines 001-800-252-7522
American Airlines 01-800-904-6000
Continental Airlines 01-800-900-5000
Delta Airlines 01-800-123-4710
Frontier Airlines 001-800-432-1359
United Airlines 01-800-003-0777
Virgin America 001-877-359-8474
WestJet 001-800-514-7288

Frequently Asked Questions

Top 5 FAQs
Q
Do I need a passport to travel to Cabo?
A U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Mexico by land or sea are required to present a valid passport. For the most current requirements, check the U.S. Customs website at www.cbp.gov or the US Passport Site to ensure you have proper identification. Canadian visitors should check with the Canadian Passport Website for most current requirements. Citizens of other countries should check entry requirements with their appropriate consulates. We recommend making a photocopy of your passport and/or saving your passport information for use in the unfortunate incident of a lost passport during travel. This information will assist you when contacting your embassy for travel assistance.
A Normally, we charge your credit card with a deposit on the third day after making the reservation. Once the deposit is charged, it’s nonrefundable. The final charge will be made 45 days prior to your departure.
A Yes. That’s one of our specialties. We have numerous options available, including sunset cruises, horseback riding, snorkeling trips, shopping tours and more. See our Tours and Cruises section for more information.
A At present, we don’t supply air travel, but we can help you find the best fares. The closest major airport to Cabo San Lucas is the San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD).
A In general, we recommend a rental car for the convenience of shopping, travel to and from the airport, and sightseeing. It’s especially important if you are renting a villa. (Resorts usually have shuttles and taxi service on the premises.) Rental cars range widely in price by class of vehicle. CaboVillas.com is proud to offer Avis and National car rentals. We recommend reserving your rental car with us before your trip to assure availability and best pricing. When scheduled prior to your trip, CaboVillas.com can also arrange for private transportation to and from your villa to the airport. Shuttles and private cars with driver are available. Buses are another transportation option.
Los Cabos Activities
Q
I’m traveling with children. Are there any special programs for kids in Los Cabos?
A Yes. Several resorts offer special children’s activities. See our Kids’ Clubs page for more information.
A Yes. That’s one of our specialties. We have numerous options available, including sunset cruises, horseback riding, snorkeling trips, shopping tours and more. See our Tours and Cruises section for more information.
A Cabo is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of gourmet restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a casual taco stand serving up the local specialities or a fine dining experience in a refined and elegant setting, Los Cabos has it all. Mexican food is just one of many options here. While many restaurants do take great pride in creating wonderful Mexican meals with fresh local ingredients, you’ll also find restaurants serving Asian, French, Italian and American cuisine. See our #a href= "https://www.cabovillas.com/cabo-restaurants.asp"#dining#/a# section for more information.
A Los Cabos is a golfer’s paradise, with championship courses that have been rated among the best in the world by Golf magazine and Golf Digest. You’ll find several fantastic courses in the region. In addition to those mentioned in the golf section of this site, the Los Cabos Country Club offers a course with spectacular ocean views to go with its nine challenging holes.
A The waters around Cabo San Lucas provide some of the finest fishing in the world. Due to the unique confluence of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, these waters are remarkably rich in marine life. Cabo has earned the title of “Marlin Capital of the World” for its outstanding populations of striped, black and blue marlin. Dorado (mahi-mahi), mackerel, tuna, sea bass, swordfish, snapper, wahoo and rooster fish are also abundant. There is always a species in season in Los Cabos. The type of fish you’ll encounter depends upon yearly water-temperature variations. Large international tournaments are held each fall. We believe in the conservation of billfish, and request that you release any you catch unless it’s your first, or you plan to eat it. CaboVillas.com will gladly arrange a private fishing charter for you and your party. See our Fishing in Cabo section for more information.
A From mellow venues for enjoying a romantic sunset cocktail to raucous all-night party spots, you'll find it all in Los Cabos. Cabo San Lucas has a deserved reputation for hard rockin', late-night party action. Check out the Giggling Marlin, Hard Rock Café, Jungle Bar, Love Shack, Mambo Café, Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo Cantina for some Cabo-style partying. San José del Cabo is more subdued, but also offers some great choices for after-hours fun. Tropicana and Cactus Jack's are popular choices.
A The legal drinking age is 18 years of age.
A Public nudity is generally not legal in Mexico. There are, however, several beaches in the Los Cabos area that are isolated enough to permit topless sunbathing and nudity.
A Medano Beach and Lover’s Beach (bay side only) in Cabo San Lucas are probably the safest places to swim. The bays of Chileno and Santa Maria are usually safe, but be careful if there are any swells. The beaches on the Pacific side are unsuitable for swimming, as rogue waves and strong undertows are common. Many of the beaches in the San José del Cabo area are great for walking, horseback riding and shore fishing, but not suitable for swimming. Always exercise caution, as there can be large swells during the summer, even on the Sea of Cortez. Always swim with a friend. Tell other people where you are going to swim and your expected return time. There are no lifeguards in Los Cabos. Beach resorts use a flag system to indicate water safety. Red indicates danger, yellow means caution and green signifies the water conditions are safe.
A Your proximity to the beach is usually indicated in the description of the resort or villa. “Beachfront” means right on the beach—walk out of your room, pass the pool with the swim-up bar, and you're stepping onto the sand. “Ocean view” means that there is a view of the ocean from your room, but the property may not be beachfront. “Walking distance to the beach” means you should be able to stroll to the beach in five minutes or less.
Booking a Vacation
Q
When will I receive my confirmation documents?
A Confirmation documents are mailed out after all payments are received AND all documents have been signed and returned to Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations.
A You will receive your travel vouchers about 45 days prior to your departure, assuming your reservation has been paid in full, and we have received your rental agreement, if applicable. (Your reservation agent will let you know whether you need to sign a rental agreement.)
A We use the credit card authorization form for security because reservations are made over the phone or online, and clients are not present to make the charge and sign the credit card slip. This form makes it very easy for you to pay for further requests for services, as well as future trips to Cabo.
A Normally, we charge your credit card with a deposit the day after making the reservation. Once the deposit is charged, it’s nonrefundable. The final charge will be made 45 days prior to your departure.
A Normally, we will not call before charging your final payment unless we have specific questions.
A We can take multiple credit cards per reservation using our convenient "Pay By Group" feature. Ask your sales agent for more information or simply select "split the cost" option for additional details when using our online reservation request.
A Yes, a faxed renter's agreement is perfectly fine. Please double-check that the information is correct and that you have signed and dated the form.
A The owner listing the villa for sale is obligated to require the new owner to honor existing reservations in the purchase contract. In many cases, the new owner will also be listing the villa as a vacation rental. In the rare event that the new owner will not honor the existing reservation, the previous villa owner will pay relocation costs to another villa rental.
Our Services
Q
What special services does CaboVillas.com offer?
A Finding you beautiful accommodations in Cabo is just one of many services CaboVillas.com provides. Our travel professionals can also arrange a variety of special, onsite services to suit your every vacation whim. These include private gourmet #a href="https://www.cabovillas.com/chef-services.asp"#chef services#/a#, #a href = "https://www.cabovillas.com/special-services.asp"#villa pre-stocking#/a#, #a href="https://www.cabovillas.com/suzanne-morel-spa-services.asp"#spa treatments#/a# in the privacy of your room or villa, #a href="https://www.cabovillas.com/special-services.asp"#butler services#/a#, #a href="https://www.cabovillas.com/special-services.asp"#entertainment#/a#, and so much more.
A Yes. We have experienced wedding planners who will help coordinate the Cabo wedding of your dreams. We can arrange anything from small, intimate weddings to large, lavish affairs. Check out our Wedding Services page for more information.
A We offer a number of specials on a variety of properties, from oceanfront villas to beachfront resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Visit Specials (under the Accommodations menu) for details.
Transportation to Los Cabos
Q
What is the best way to get from the Los Cabos airport to Cabo San Lucas?
A The Los Cabos airport is located 13 km (8 miles) north of San José del Cabo and 48 km (29 miles) northeast of Cabo San Lucas. CaboVillas.com can arrange for private transportation to and from the airport (shuttle or private car with driver) or car rentals prior to your trip. Taxis are also available.
A Rates vary by location, and from taxi to taxi. Meters frequently are not in operation, so don’t be afraid to bargain for your fare ahead of time, especially if there are several in your party. Check with the desk at your hotel. While in Los Cabos, your dedicated on-site representatives will be happy to arrange a taxi for you.
A Your U.S. driver’s license is valid in Mexico. U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico, so be sure to secure additional Mexican insurance through your car rental provider. Use common sense, drive with caution and observe local traffic regulations.
A In general, we recommend a rental car for the convenience of shopping, travel to and from the airport, and sightseeing. It’s especially important if you are renting a villa. (Resorts usually have shuttles and taxi service on the premises.) Rental cars range widely in price by class of vehicle. CaboVillas.com is proud to offer Avis and National car rentals. We recommend reserving your rental car with us before your trip to assure availability and best pricing. When scheduled prior to your trip, CaboVillas.com can also arrange for private transportation to and from your villa to the airport. Shuttles and private cars with driver are available. Buses are another transportation option.
A U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Mexico by land or sea are required to present a valid passport. For the most current requirements, check the U.S. Customs website at #a href="https://www.cbp.gov/" target=_blank"#www.cbp.gov#/a# or the #a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html" target=_blank"#US Passport Site#/a# to ensure you have proper identification. Canadian visitors should check with the #a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html" target="_blank"#Canadian Passport Website#/a# for most current requirements. Citizens of other countries should check entry requirements with their appropriate consulates.
A Today, most carriers to Cabo do not need additional confirmation. It was required in the past, but it’s seldom the case now. For added assurance, you may want to double-check with your carrier when you book your flight. It’s also a good idea to call the airline on the day of your departure to see if your flight is on schedule.
A At present, we don’t supply air travel, but we can help you find the best fares.
A

You can reach Los Cabos by air from most major cities in the United States and Mexico. Flights to Los Cabos International Airport are available through Aeromexico, Aero California, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Continental, Delta, United Airlines, Virgin (beg. November 2010), WestJet and various charter flight companies. From Los Angeles and San Diego, the flight time is approximately two hours.

Cabo San Lucas is accessible by sea though major cruise lines from Los Angeles. By land, you can get to Cabo by Highway 1, which runs the entire length of Baja California from the U.S. border. Greyhound Bus offers service from Los Angeles to Tijuana via San Diego. Autotransportes Aguila Tres Estrellas de Oro travels from Tijuana to La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. From Tijuana, the drive is long (22 hours by car and 30+ hours by bus), and the roads are narrow, so be careful and watch out for the cows!

Click here for air fares.
A Cabo San Lucas is a small city located in the municipality of Los Cabos, set at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Los Cabos includes the cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
General Questions
Q
Do I need to worry about crime in Los Cabos?
A Crime is not a big problem in the resort areas of Los Cabos but use common sense and caution, as you would anywhere you travel. Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach. Use ATMs with the same vigilance you would at home. Absolutely avoid narcotics and firearms. If in trouble, ask to contact the U.S. consulate.
A Cabo San Lucas has a new American-style (AmeriMed) hospital and some very competent doctors who speak English. Hospitals may not be equipped for severe trauma cases. Always check with your doctor if there is any doubt about traveling abroad. Before your trip, learn what your health insurance will cover overseas and consider investing in additional travel health insurance. ESSV offers both trip cancellation and medical travel insurance options.
A The water supply for Los Cabos is well water. While many locals drink the water directly from the tap, multiple factors can lead to contamination. We recommend drinking only bottled or purified water.
A We can arrange the #a href= "http://www.cabovillas.com/special-services.asp"#pre-stocking#/a# of your villa with delicious foods, drinks, desserts, and other delicious items. Many menu options are available. If you’d like to do your own grocery shopping while in Cabo, you’ll find many small stores and several large supermarkets. #p#In Cabo San Lucas: If you haven’t arranged for the pre-stocking of your villa, you’ll want to stop for provisions. CHEDRAUI (formerly CCC) and SORIANA are east of Cabo San Lucas on Highway 19. Both large supermarkets offer great quality food items and produce. The WALMART and SAM’S CLUB flank each other close to Km. 2 on the main highway. At the Walmart center, you’ll also find La Europea offering imported wines and cheeses. Located on Paseo del Pescador and Lázaro Cárdenas, CITY CLUB is a large warehouse store offering groceries and bakery items. Sam’s Club and City Club require memberships or a small fee to shop.#/p# #p#In the Corridor: To stock your pantry, you may want to stop in at COSTCO (requires a membership) located at Km. 4.5 on the main highway, with the usual big-box warehouse variety of foods and beverages.#/p# #p#In San Jose del Cabo: When you need to stock up on groceries, hit up the gleaming MEGA superstore, which is just outside of town, across from the entrance to the toll highway on Boulevard Mauricio Castro. SORIANA at Km. 34.5 and a new WalMart on the highway near Avenida Valerio Gonzaléz are also good choices.#/p#
A Almost all of our villas and resorts offer wireless Internet access. Some resorts require an additional fee for Wi-Fi access, while others offer free access in common areas. In Cabo San Lucas, some spots offering Wi-Fi include Greenberg’s, Señor Sweets and Baja Cantina restaurants, as well as the Pink Kitty nightclub.
A Some cellular services will allow you to roam in Mexico (roaming charges will apply). Note that if you have a smartphone, additional data charges may also apply while you are in Mexico. Call your provider before your trip to find out if service is available. ESSV also offers convenient cell phone rentals for use while on vacation. Reserve in advance or contact our Cabo service team. Cell phone rentals are available for $15/day (approx. 79 minutes national calls, or approx. 33 min international call time).

The country code for Mexico is 52. The area code for Los Cabos is 624. For directory assistance in Mexico, call 020. For international assistance, dial 090. For emergencies, dial 066. Most pay phones accept prepaid cards, which are sold in various denominations at money-exchange booths and many shops. All Los Cabos–area cell phone numbers are considered long-distance. When dialing a local cell phone number, dial 044-624, followed by the 7-digit phone number. When dialing a Los Cabos cell phone from the U.S., you must dial 011-52-1-624, followed by the 7-digit phone number.

A U.S. citizens shouldn’t have any trouble with electric devices in Los Cabos. Baja electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles AC, and generally compatible with American appliances.
A Major credit cards are accepted in many places in Los Cabos; Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express and Discover Card are accepted in fewer locations. However, it’s a good rule of thumb to remember that "cash is king" in Cabo and you may not be able to use your credit or debit cards in all locations. Always ask at restaurants and shops if credit is accepted, as many smaller establishments do not accept credit cards.
A U.S. dollars are accepted nearly everywhere in Los Cabos. Once your dollars are changed to Mexican pesos, they cannot easily be changed back, so exchange only what you need. If you travel out of the tourist areas, it’s a good idea to have pesos on hand. The best rates of exchange for pesos can be found at banks. The airport exchange is usually reasonable, particularly when compared to hotel rates. Street exchange booths offer less favorable rates than banks, but keep longer hours. Since exchange rates fluctuate daily, it’s better to exchange small amounts at a time.

NOTE: New regulations passed by the Mexican government went into effect on September 14, 2010 tightening the use of American cash dollars (USD) while in Mexico. Businesses may only accept a maximum of $100 USD CASH per transaction, certain businesses may not accept dollars for any purchases, and hotel and exchange booths will only be allowed to exchange $1,500 per month into Mexican Pesos. The use of credit cards, traveler’s checks, Mexican pesos and other foreign currencies are not affected.

Most banks have ATM machines for after-hours cash. Use ATM machines with caution, just as you would at home. Check with your US bank prior to your arrival in Mexico to find out if they have a Mexican affiliate bank you can use while in Cabo. By using the affiliate banks, you can save money on ATM withdrawal fees. Many stand-alone ATMs around Cabo can carry hefty fees and we do not recommend using them.

Travelers checks can be useful, as personal U.S. checks are rarely accepted.

A Pack light for Cabo. The weather is usually sunny and humid all year. Be sure to include a jacket or sweater for those early mornings and cool nights, and don't forget your bathing suit!
A Los Cabos is located just south of the Tropic of Cancer. Its weather is temperate and sunny, with very little rainfall and an average temperature of 78° F. Winters are sunny and mild, with cool nights. Summers are hot and humid, perfect beach weather. The weather in Cabo is great year-round for outdoor fun. Summer and fall are generally the best for diving, with warm waters and good visibility.
A No. Most people in Los Cabos speak English, and many speak several other languages, too. However, knowing a little Spanish is helpful, and the locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
A Los Cabos and Baja California Sur are located within the Mountain Time Zone. The area is seven hours behind Greenwich Mean Time and two hours behind New York. Daylight-savings time is observed from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.

Spanish Helper

Although English is spoken in much of the resort area of Los Cabos, it's helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases for your Cabo vacation!

Greetings
Hello Hola
Goodbye Adiós
Good morning Buenos días
Good afternoon Buenas tardes
Good evening/night Buenas noches
How are you? ¿Como está usted?
Very well, thank you Muy bien, gracias
See you soon Hasta luego; Hasta pronto
Bye Adiós
Useful Phrases
Yes Sí
No No
No thank you No gracias
Please Por favor
Thank you Gracias
You're welcome De nada
I think so Creo que sí
I don't know No sé
My name is ________ Me llamo _______
Sorry Perdóname, lo siento
Common Questions
When? ¿Cuando?
Who? ¿Quién?
Why? ¿Por qué?
What? ¿Qué?
How long? ¿Cuánto tiempo?
Where are you from? ¿De donde es usted?
What time is it? ¿Qué hora es?
How much does it cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?
What is the price? ¿Cual es el precio?
Where is/are ______? ¿Donde está/están ______?
Where is the bathroom ¿Donde está el baño?
Where is my hotel? ¿Donde está mi hotel?
Where's the airport? ¿Donde está el aeropuerto?
How far? ¿A qué distancia?
Is it very far? ¿Está muy lejos?
Can you help me? ¿Usted puede ayudarme?
How do you say _____? ¿Como se dice ______ ?
When are you going to leave? ¿Cuando va(s) a salir?
How old are you? ¿Cuantos años tiene(s)?
What is your name? ¿Como se llama?