Mistakes, Problems From My First Trip to Cabo; Tips I Learned

“Never have I ever been to Mexico.”

For years, this was my go-to kill shot in the quintessential party game, since it seemed like I was the only one among my friends who could say it.

Although we lived in the US, most of them had vacationed in Mexico at some point in their lives. However, I joined the club in late 2023 when I finally had the opportunity to go to Cabo with my fiancé.

The all-inclusive property we stayed at was stunning, and we had a good time. However, looking back, I made a few mistakes that could’ve been easily avoided.

Here are three missteps from my trip that could happen to anyone — and what I’d do differently next time.

I didn’t realize we wouldn’t be able to swim in the ocean near our beachfront resort

Cabo’s beachfront resorts have incredible ocean views — but, at some locations, you’ll only be able to look at the water.

During the trip, I learned it’s unsafe to go swimming at many of the beaches along the Sea of Cortez due to strong currents, steep drop-offs, and dangerous riptides.

Where we stayed at El Médano Beach at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica turned out to be one of those “lounge-only” spots. Although we were able to walk and sunbathe on the nearby beach, I was disappointed I couldn’t go in the water.

Although this is mentioned on the hotel’s website, I didn’t think to check before booking because I hadn’t anticipated not being able to swim in the ocean at a resort that’s on a beach.

Luckily, the property had two massive pools where we spent most of our time instead. They were great and I loved sipping cocktails poolside, but I missed the feeling of salt water on my skin.

Looking back, I wish I’d done more research on the location so I could’ve mentally prepared or made plans to visit one of the area’s swimmable sections of beach.

If you plan to visit Los Cabos and want to swim in the ocean, I suggest researching beforehand to see where that’s possible.

We should’ve made plans to dine outside our all-inclusive resort

When staying at an all-inclusive resort with multiple dining options, it’s easy to opt for convenience over having to seek out local flavors.

Between breezy poolside brunches at Siempre and upscale dinners at Península or Quivira Steakhouse on the property, I felt pretty well taken care of in the food department.

That said, I’m still kicking myself for not venturing off-site at least once to explore downtown Cabo’s vibrant dining scene.

It wouldn’t have been difficult to call a cab or take the resort’s complimentary shuttle downtown, but I got caught up in the ease of on-site dining and skipped the chance to taste local cuisine.

After learning more about the fresh seafood at Mariscos Las Tres Islas, huge portions at Campestre, and street tacos at Tacos Gardenias, I definitely feel like I missed out.

For a more well-rounded experience, I’d recommend planning ahead to dine where the locals do.

The sailing cruise wasn’t what I expected, and I wish I’d known my limits

I’ve always loved exploring new destinations from the water and have never struggled with motion sickness, so I wasn’t worried when my fiancé and I booked a sunset cruise during our stay.

The first half of the excursion was amazing. We saw striking rock formations (like the famous “El Arco”), sunbathing sea lions, and mesmerizing views of the coastline.

Then, the crew opened up the sails, and our ride dramatically changed. When the boat became fully dependent on the wind and waves, the unpredictable movement and sudden jerks made me instantly sick to my stomach.

Most sailboats in Cabo are designed to tilt with the wind without capsizing, but the extreme tilting had me clinging to the rails for dear life anyway.

It was on this day that I learned I am not a sailboat girl — at least, not when the sailboat is in choppy Pacific waters.

If I could do it over, I would opt to take a catamaran or sail in the morning when it’s less windy and the waters are calmer. I’d also stock up on Dramamine to help with motion sickness.