Are you planning a spring break in Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo is one of the best destinations for spring break in Mexico because it offers vibrant nightlife and adventure opportunities. The area offers unparalleled outdoor scenes and a mild coastal climate, which allows you to get outside and enjoy wildlife watching and active sports between partying.
Cabo is also known for its big party scene, and many resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs organize spring break-themed parties with fun contests and live music.
Whether you plan an active spring break with lots of exploring or want to hit the beach in the morning and go to a party in the evening, this article has got you covered!
Is Cabo Good for Spring Break?
Yes, Cabo is a great spring break destination. The city has a good nightlife with many beach clubs, bars, and nightclubs that welcome spring breakers. It also boasts fun outdoor opportunities like snorkeling, diving, and zip-lining, and phenomenal Baja-style food, which you can try at restaurants and street food stands.
When Is Spring Break in Cabo?
Spring break in Cabo is usually from late February through mid-April when thousands of college students and families from the United States come to Baja to enjoy its mild climate and sun-kissed beaches.
What Are the Issues With Spring Break in Mexico?
The main issue with spring break in Mexico is higher prices and big crowds. If you want to enjoy a relaxed getaway, plan your vacation outside of spring break dates. In addition to dealing with crowds, longer wait times, and loud parties, you will also pay more for hotels, tours, and transportation, as businesses try to make as much money as they can during this time of the year.
10 Best Things To Do in Cabo During Spring Break:
1. Take a Boat Tour to El Arco
El Arco is a natural rock formation and a symbol of Cabo San Lucas, which you can visit by boat from the Cabo Marina. Located at the southern end of Cabo where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, El Arco offers access to the area’s most famous beaches, Playa del Amor and Playa del Divorcio.
When you walk around Cabo Marina, tons of people will try to sell you a tour of El Arco, but the thing about these tours is that you will almost certainly pay more on the spot, than if you book it online.
The best way to tour the area is by booking a clear boat tour which will allow you to spot the marine life while enjoying these iconic landmarks. Some tours also include a stop at the Playa del Amor.
If you travel with a group of friends, you can also share the price of a private boat tour and enjoy a more exclusive experience where you can customize your itinerary and enjoy food and drinks.
2. Kayak in the Sea of Cortez
Early morning is a perfect time for kayaking in Cabo thanks to the calm waters and gentle sun. Some kayaking tours in Cabo include stops at the Arch while others offer a ride through Cabo’s scenic bays like Chileno or Santa Maria Bay.
Kayaking tours in Cabo are accompanied by professional guides who can help you spot the animals and have a fun and safe experience on the water.
3. Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Renowned French naturalist Jacques Yves Cousteau nicknamed the Sea of Cortez “the world aquarium,” because of its stunning biodiversity.
When snorkeling in Cabo, you can spot incredible marine species like turtles, sea lions, and even manta rays. It’s one of the best experiences that allows you to encounter Cabo wildlife
If you plan to spend spring break in Cabo with friends, book a private snorkeling cruise, which allows you to customize your itinerary and have a more curated experience. Private boat tours in Cabo offer food, drinks, and can take you to multiple snorkeling spots in a span of a few hours.
4. Ride an ATV in the Desert
Riding an ATV along the Cabo coast is a perfect experience for thrill seekers. ATV tours in Cabo allow you to explore the desert backcountry, which is not accessible by car.
Baja California is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Mexico, with deserts, mountains, and beaches where you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. Off-roading is a perfect adventure if you are traveling to Cabo from a big city, and want a change of scenery.
Migrino Beach along the Pacific Coast of Cabo is one of the most popular places for off-roading.
5. Spot Whales off Cabo’s Coast
Spring break in Cabo coincides with the whale-watching season, which runs from late December through late March and sometimes, early April.
March is one of the best times to spot majestic humpback whales off the coast of Cabo and see them splash in the waters alongside their young calves.
You can do it by joining a whale-watching tour in Cabo San Lucas. A professional guide will help you spot these animals and provide plenty of information to help you understand their behavior.
6. Soar on a Zipline
Did you know that Cabo has some of the best zip-lining in Mexico? The city is surrounded by desert canyons, rocky cliffs, and lush oases, which are perfect for high-speed rides.
Popular places for zip-lining in Cabo like Coast Azul and Wild Canyon Adventure Park offer guided tours and passes, which allow you to enjoy other activities in addition to zip-lining like UTV rides on scenic trails or rappelling through canyons.
7. Snorkel in Cabo Pulmo National Park
Cabo San Lucas can feel jam-packed during spring break, as thousands of college kids from the United States and Canada come here to enjoy beach parties and spend time outside.
If you need a break, take a trip to Cabo Pulmo National Park, a protected marine reserve on the southeastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula. Cabo Pulmo is one of the last untouched parts of Baja’s coastline that has no resorts, shopping malls, or chain restaurants, and boasts a nice tranquil setting perfect for escaping the crowds.
Traveling to Cabo Pulmo requires a 4X4 vehicle, because of the rough roads, which have many bumps and potholes, butif you don’t want to rent a car you can also join a snorkeling tour of Cabo Pulmo which will pick you up from your hotel and offer a curated experience with snorkeling and traditional Mexican lunch
8. Sample Baja Food
No trip to Cabo is complete without trying Baja fish tacos!
While almost every restaurant in town will serve this staple, the best tacos are sold by local vendors on the city’s streets (and they are cheaper too!)
Baja California is known for its seafood, and besides tacos, there are also many other staples including agua chile, ceviche, and clams.
Navigating Cabo’s street food scene could be daunting if you don’t speak Spanish and don’t know the area – but don’t worry: you can enjoy the local delicacies on this highly-rated food tour which offers an introduction to Baja’s cuisine and includes stops at the local restaurants and food stands, which many tourists miss.
9. Go Hiking
Hiking is one of my favorite things to do in Cabo because it gives you a chance to appreciate the incredible scenery of the area.
One of the best hiking trails in Cabo is Mt. Solmar. Located on private property, this trail can be accessed with a guide. Enrique, a local man who runs the dog shelter on the property, offers a guided tour of Mt. Solmar every morning at 8 a.m. free of charge.
When I did the Mt. Solmar hike a few years ago, only a few people showed up, while on my last visit, there were close to 100 people on the trail.
The secret is out, and if you decide to join this tour, don’t forget to leave a tip for Enrique, because he does a phenomenal job at sharing this special place with thousands of visitors. If sharing a trail with dozens of people doesn’t sound fun, book a guided tour of Fox Canyon, one of my favorite places near Cabo because of its rugged charm and spectacular desert scenery.
The canyon has a short hike that culminates in a waterfall and a stunning emerald-green pool where you can take a refreshing plunge.
10. Ride the Wave
Cabo is known for its surfing, and while the area attracts many pro surfers, it also has several spots where you can learn to surf.
There are several good surfing schools in Cabo like Mike Doyle Surf School and Surf in Cabo, which offer private and group surfing classes and equipment rentals. You can also book a surfing class at Costa Azul, one of the best places for beginner surfers in Cabo.
Best Spring Break Resorts in Cabo
1. Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
Hotel Riu Palace is one of the best spring break resorts in Cabo with fun parties throughout the day and at night. The resort has 10 pools, eight restaurants, and a spa, where you can relax after partying.
They can also help you book a tour, so you don’t have to deal with the language barrier when looking for activities on your own.
2. Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos
Located along Medano Beach, just over half a mile from downtown Cabo San Lucas, Pueblo Bonito is a perfect place for spring breakers in Cabo.
The property has four restaurants and serves daily breakfast with a spectacular view of the Sea of Cortez. Each room comes with a kitchenette and they also offer an airport shuttle for an additional price.
3. Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos
If you are looking for a central location in Cabo, close to nightlife and restaurants for your spring break stay, look no further than Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos, a gorgeous resort with pool parties, a daily buffet breakfast, and great views of the harbor.
4. Marina Fiesta Resort and Spa
Marina Fiesta is one of the most popular all-inclusive resorts in Cabo for spring break. It is located in the center of most activities and serves a phenomenal breakfast. The resort has several restaurants, a swim-up bar, and a poolside restaurant. It also has a spa and spacious suites with a private balcony.
What Date Is Spring Break in Mexico?
Spring break in Mexico is usually from late February through early April, depending on universities’ schedules. For most U.S. and Canadian students, spring break falls in March, with peak times around the second and third weeks of the month.
Cancun vs. Cabo Spring Break
While Cancun and Cabo are both popular spring break destinations, Cabo is more expensive and takes longer to get to than Cancun. Cabo is smaller than Cancun and has fewer nightlife options, but it also has better outdoor scenery if you are into hiking, off-roading, and spending time in nature away from mega-resorts and loud parties.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for My Trip to Cabo?
Travel insurance is not required for Cabo, but it’s always a good idea to have one. Good travel insurance will cover you in case of cancelled flights, hospital visits, stolen or lost bags, or any other incidents that could cost you thousands of dollars.
I recommend SafetyWing, my favorite travel insurance, which has budget-friendly rates and several plans, from basic to comprehensive.
Safety Tips for Your Spring Break in Cabo San Lucas
1. Travel in Groups
Sticking with a group of friends is the best way to avoid trouble when visiting Cabo for spring break. You are less likely to become a victim of crime when your friends keep an eye on you.
2. Never Leave Your Food and Drinks Unattended
Always finish your meal first before stepping away. Whether you are in a bar or restaurant, never leave your meal or drink unattended. Although Cabo is a relatively safe destination, you never know who might be around, so it’s better to keep an eye on your food and drinks.
3. Don’t Drink Tap Water
Always buy bottled water or refill filtered water at your hotel. It’s NOT safe to drink water in Cabo, and you should bring your water bottle with you if you are staying in a resort because they often have clean drinking water for their guests.
4. Keep Your Family and Friends Posted About Your Plans
Keep your family and friends back home posted about your trip. Get an Airalo SIM card ahead of your trip to ensure your phone will work in Cabo and you can call and text your family.
5. Swim Only Where It’s Safe
It might come as a surprise, but many beaches in Cabo are not swimmable because of the strong waves and rip currents, which create dangerous conditions. The good news is that there’s still a handful of swimmable beaches in Cabo and hotels with access to these beaches where you can enjoy snorkeling, paddle boarding, and swimming.
6. Don’t divulge your personal information to strangers
As a rule of thumb, be wary of overly friendly strangers, and don’t divulge your itinerary and trip details to the people you just met. There’s nothing wrong with a conversation, but it’s best not to overshare your personal information.
7. Don’t Walk Alone in the Dark
If you need to get back to your hotel after going out, take an Uber. Taxi is also an option but it’s probably going to be more expensive, depending on the distance and destination.
8. Don’t Overconsume Alcohol
You will likely visit some bars and nightclubs during your stay in Cabo, and while you should have a good time, make sure to avoid alcohol overconsumption to have better situational awareness and judgment.
9. Don’t Flash Your Cash
Avoid displaying overly expensive items like camera gear and designer shoes and clothing in public. While Cabo is known for its party scene and many visitors dress up when going out, it’s better to keep a low profile
What Are the Best Clubs in Cabo for Spring Break?
1. Mango Deck
One of the most popular spring break bars in Cabo San Lucas that hosts spring break-themed parties and events from February through April. Located along Medano Beach, Mango Deck is a beach club that has live music, great food, and a fun atmosphere throughout day and night.
2. El Squid Roe
El Squid Roe is a classic Cabo club that has live music, a fun atmosphere, and a variety of music from pop to hip hop and reggae.
3. La Vaquita
Known for its quirky cow-themed décor and fun atmosphere, La Vaquita is a great place to grab oversized drinks and party with friends. It’s an open-air venue and perfect for those who enjoy a more laid-back yet still exciting atmosphere.
Spring Break in Cabo: FAQ’s
Is Cabo or Cancun better for college spring break?
Cancun has more nightclubs and cheaper accommodations than Cabo, while Cabo is more remote and has less crowded beaches, and better outdoor opportunities like off-roading, hiking, and surfing.
Do college kids go to Cabo for spring break?
Cabo has become one of the most popular spring break destinations in Mexico thanks to its nightlife and warm sunny climate that’s perfect for spending time outside and enjoying beach parties.
When should I avoid spring break in Mexico?
Avoid Mexico from mid-March through early April, the peak spring break season when many popular beach towns are crowded and expensive. May is a better month when prices are lower and college crowds are gone.
Is Cabo crowded in March?
March is a busy month in Cabo. March is part of the winter season, and it’s also a peak time for spring break, when prices on hotels, tours and transportation are higher than normal.
Where do Americans go on spring break in Mexico?
Cancun, Tulum, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta are the most popular destinations for American spring breakers in Mexico.
Is Mexico better in March or April?
Mexico is better in April. March is still a busy month, but crowds begin to dwindle by early April when you can score better prices on hotels, flights, and tours.
Final Word
Cabo San Lucas is a top spring break destination for many college students from North America. Cabo has flights to many major cities in the United States and has great nightclubs and all-inclusive resorts that put on spring break-themed parties for their guests. Besides partying, Cabo offers outdoor activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, zip-lining, and ATV tours, which means you can enjoy a fun and active break from school.
The post Cabo Spring Break 2025: Best Beaches, Parties & Travel Hacks first appeared on Travelbinger.