Camel rides across a windswept, white sand beach. Sunset sails where a cotton-candy pink sky casts a soft light over the famous Arch. Swimming with sea lions in the sparkling Sea of Cortez, before retiring to a secluded bay where the water is such a vibrant shade of blue that you can’t tear your eyes away from the beauty of it. These are just a few of the unforgettable experiences guests of Air Transat can enjoy in Los Cabos, Mexico, which makes for the perfect getaway from the Canadian cold.
Booking a trip to Cabo with Air Transat is like a one-stop shop: from flights to airport transfers, hotels to booking excursions, they’ve got it handled so that all you need to do is show up and start soaking up the sun. There’s no shortage of great resorts to choose from in San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas and everywhere between, and Air Transat has paired up with premier properties in the area to suit all preferences and price points. One on offer is the all-inclusive Royal Decameron, a beachfront resort conveniently located just 15 minutes from the airport and San Jose del Cabo, surrounded by shops and restaurants for those who like to head out and explore.
With 150 rooms, it’s smaller than some of Mexico’s gargantuan resorts which makes for a more intimate experience: think getting to know the staff, no long lines at the bar, and showing up for dinner whenever you want without worrying about reservations. Perhaps the best perk? You’ll never have to wake up at dawn to reserve a lounger at the pool or beach.
As tempting as it is to sip margaritas poolside all day, there are plenty of fun activities in and around Los Cabos worth getting off the resort for:
Ride a camel
You don’t have to head to the Middle East to ride a camel, thanks to the Outback & Camel Safari that Air Transat offers through Cabo Adventures. The half-day excursion includes a nature walk through the desert, a delicious traditional lunch of Mexican favourites like quesadillas, beans and mole (topped off with a tequila tasting, naturally), and the main event: riding a camel.
Get decked out in a flowing turban before hopping up onto the hump of one of the calm camels for a leisurely stroll along a white sand beach, which just might be the next best thing to being in the Sahara. Watch the water for breeching whales or jumping pods of dolphins that frequent the area, then finish off the day with a camel selfie. Yes, that’s really a thing. And it’s amazing.
READ MORE: Camel Crew: An outback adventure in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula
Swim in the Sea of Cortez
Easily one of the area’s best day trips, this special spot is found about a two-hour drive from Los Cabos, near the city of La Paz. Also run by Cabo Adventures, their Sea of Cortez Adventure takes place on a gleaming white catamaran outfitted with bathrooms and multiple lounge areas both inside and out.
Set sail for the UNESCO-protected national park which is made up of 244 islands. Note the rust-red topography of Espiritu Santo Island as you pass by en route to the first stop of the day: swimming with sea lions. About 500 of them call the area home year-round, and the playful pups have been known to swim right up to snorkelers and divers. Those who aren’t comfortable in the water can get a glimpse of them from the boat, as there are usually dozens of sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks. Even if you can’t see them, you’ll definitely be able to hear them!
Espiritu Santo Island
But the best is yet to come after fueling up on a delicious lunch, when the boat sails into pristine Candelara Bay. The secluded spot has water so blue you’ll be left awestruck, yet it’s so clear that you can see almost down to the bottom—perfect for spotting tropical fish, octopus and starfish. Slip on your snorkel gear to explore, or simply relax on a floaty as you sip a cocktail and soak in the picture-perfect scene.
Explore artsy San Jose del Cabo
Best known for its Thursday night Art Walk, this colourful town is a popular spot for visitors yet never feels overrun. The historic centre is lined with galleries, cafés, restaurants, boutiques and souvenir stalls, many with vibrant facades that turn the streets into a living canvas.
San Jose del Cabo
Organized walking tours are available for those interested in learning more about the town’s history; otherwise, it’s easy to hop on one of the buses that frequent the strip between San Jose del Cabo and the resort areas for those who prefer to explore on their own schedule.
Making cute friends in San Jose del Cabo
The Arch
No trip to Cabo is complete without seeing El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, which is the area’s most iconic landmark. The Arch is made up of giant rock formations where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, and is surrounded by golden beaches. There are plenty of excursions that include rides to the Arch in a glass-bottom boat, as well as snorkelling or diving. For the ultimate way to cap off a trip to Los Cabos, time your visit with sunset to see the Arch framed by a soft pink sky as you sail past.
El Arco
The harbour in Cabo San Lucas
Globe Guide explored Los Cabos in partnership with Air Transat and the Royal Decameron. As always, hosts have no editorial influence on articles.
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I love the intro! Lead in with a camel ride down in Mexico; I was hooked and just had to find out about it. You didn’t disappoint me either with the camel selfie. I might not be that brave due to the reputation that camels have of spitting. It definitely sounds like a fun time and you took some excellent photos. Thanks for sharing.
Hahah thanks Chris- I can confirm that there was no camel spitting, so good to go there! 🙂
i love your photos!!! it was really tempting to come and visit this place as well. I wanted that Camel Ride too! how was the experience differ from riding a horse?
Thanks! How was the difference vs a horse? Umm…slower 😉
You have definitely enumerated great things to do in Los Cabos! The resort you’ve stayed in looks incredible and very relaxing.. I wouldn’t say no to swimming with the sea lions too.. It’d be exciting added up with the picturesque view!
It was such an amazing excursion- one of the best I’ve ever done for sure.
Stunning photos — I’m already imagining myself there! I definitely have to bookmark this for the resort suggestion as I love the idea of being in a place that’s not as crowded. I’ve heard many things about Los Cabos but never heard about the camel ride before. It does seem interesting and definitely make for awesome photos 🙂
Haha right? Who would have guessed they have camels there?
What are those birds sitting on Espiritu Santa island? They look beautiful as do the colorful flags that remind me of Buddhist prayer flags we see across the Himalayas. The street art is so funky and vibrant. Looks like you had good time at Cabos.
To be honest I’d always written Cabo off as being too touristy, but from your descriptions I really want to visit now! I had no idea there was a UNESCO-protected national park there with so many islands. The water is so beautiful, and I bet the snorkeling is amazing! The historic center of San Jose del Cabo also sounds really fun. And omg that puppy! 😀
I know, so few people think about getting away from the resort areas that it means spots like the Sea of Cortez still feel kind of undiscovered!
Air Transat sounds like a great way to book a vacation to Cabo – and I love that they partner with the best hotels and resorts to give you a choice. It’s so much easier when you know you have someone experienced who can take the hassle out of planning and booking for you!
The Royal Decameron sounds wonderful – I really like that it’s smaller than other resorts – as you said, feels more intimate.
Air Transat put together a great itinerary for you – I love the mixture of wildlife, beaches, water activities, and they’re all really uniquie things too. Camel rides across the beach sounds epic!
I love the Canadian cold. That’s why I go to Canada every New Years.
Riding a horse on the beach would be a great way to explore the beach and check out the views. The resort looks very relaxing. I love the artwork in the rooms.
The resort looks quite nice and the place seems to have enough to do. I am not so sure of camel rides – are they native to the place? However, I am definitely game for snorkeling. And Scuba if any,
Swimming with sea lions? Wow…I am down with the idea of traveling to Los Cabos! It’s great that Air Transat handles everything from start to finish and makes travel such a seamless experience 🙂
Btw lovely pics 🙂