Logistics · Destination Guide

Los Cabos Cabo San Lucas And San Jose Del Cabo

Two-ocean Baja: granite reefs, protected parks, and easy beach days

Updated Jan 23, 202622 sources

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Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

  • Primary airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
  • Typical transfer: 45 km drive
  • Entry requirement: Passport: most visitors need a valid passport to enter Mexico.
  • Getting around: For most travelers, transfers and taxis cover the corridor, but a rental car unlocks the best day trips (Todos Santos, East Cape, and Cabo Pulmo).

Getting There

Most travelers fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) near San Jose del Cabo, then transfer by shuttle, taxi, or rental car to Cabo San Lucas or the Tourist Corridor. SJD is the easiest option for short trips. If you are building a wider Baja itinerary (La Paz, whale sharks, or longer road trips), you can also fly into La Paz (LAP) and drive south.

Sea arrivals are less common, but Cabo San Lucas is a cruise port (tender operations are typical), and Baja Ferries connects mainland Mexico to La Paz for travelers doing an overland Baja route.

Airports

1

Los Cabos International Airport

SJD • MMSD

45 km • 45 km drive

The main gateway for Los Cabos, serving Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor. The airport has multiple terminals, and most resort transfers stage outside the arrivals area.

Transport: Pre-booked shared shuttle, Private SUV transfer, Authorized taxis, Rental cars

2

Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport

LAP • MMLP

158 km • 158 km drive

La Paz airport is useful if you are pairing Los Cabos with La Paz marine life or a longer Baja road trip.

Transport: Rental cars, Private transfer

Getting Around

For most travelers, transfers and taxis cover the corridor, but a rental car unlocks the best day trips (Todos Santos, East Cape, and Cabo Pulmo). Public buses run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and can be useful for budget travelers. If you plan to drive to Cabo Pulmo, confirm route conditions and avoid late-night driving on unfamiliar roads.

Entry Requirements

  • Passport: most visitors need a valid passport to enter Mexico.
  • Immigration form: Mexico uses the Multiple Immigration Form (FMM). Air arrivals may receive a digital record (FMMD) rather than a paper card; keep your entry stamp or e-gate receipt and follow official INM guidance if you need to retrieve your record.
  • Baja California Sur tourist fee: international visitors staying more than 24 hours may need to pay the state Embrace It fee online and keep the QR code available.
  • Protected areas: tours inside Cabo San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo protected areas may require a CONANP conservation bracelet (often handled through your operator).

Gear Logistics Checklist

  • Most diving is boat-based, so ask your operator about storage, rinse tanks, and whether they provide SMBs.
  • For Cabo Pulmo day trips, pack a dry bag with sun protection, water, and snacks. Services are limited.
  • If you are traveling with cameras, bring silica packs and a small towel. Desert dust and sea spray are real.
  • If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication and take it before boarding.

Practicalities

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

MXN is the official currency. In Los Cabos, USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, but change is often returned in pesos. Cards are common at hotels and larger restaurants; cash is useful for street food, small tours, and tipping.

ATMs are easy to find in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. For day trips (East Cape and Cabo Pulmo), withdraw cash in advance because ATMs are limited or absent.

Electricity

127V 60Hz A, B

Power outlets match typical North American plugs. Bring a surge protector for camera charging and a dual-voltage charger if you travel with non-US devices.

Communications

Major carriers have coverage in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and along most of the Tourist Corridor. Expect weaker signal on remote East Cape stretches and in some mountain areas. eSIMs and local SIMs are widely available; download offline maps before longer drives.

Language

Spanish is the national language. English is widely spoken in resorts, dive shops, and restaurants in tourist zones. Learning a few Spanish phrases improves service interactions in smaller towns and on day trips.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that covers adventure activities, and consider dedicated dive accident coverage (for example, DAN-style plans) if you are scuba diving or freediving. Confirm what your policy covers for chamber treatment and medical evacuation.

Packing list

  • Exposure protection: summer often works with a 3mm suit or rashguard; winter and spring often feel better in 5mm to 7mm, especially with thermoclines.
  • Sun protection: hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a UPF top matter in the desert sun.
  • On boats: dry bag, light wind layer, and seasickness meds if needed.
  • Safety: SMB for divers, snorkel float for snorkelers, and a whistle or signaling device.