San Jose del Cabo is a fantastic destination for shopping and exploring local markets. Its mix of colorful bazaars, artisanal crafts, and coastal charm makes it an excellent place to indulge in authentic Mexican shopping experiences. Whether you’re after handcrafted jewelry, vibrant textiles, or tasting Baja California’s best dishes, the variety of tours offers something for every traveler. We particularly like tours that blend culture with shopping, like the Market Tour in San José del Cabo, Eat and Learn — a fun way to experience local life through food and markets.
For those seeking more adventure, tours combining sightseeing, shopping, and regional highlights, such as the Cabo San Lucas Arch Cruise and Shopping Tour, give a well-rounded day. If a quick, authentic bite is your focus, the San Jose del Cabo Food Tour & Visit to the Market is perfect for tasting Baja’s culinary treats. Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each experience to help you decide which tour fits your style and budget.
1. Cabo San Lucas Shopping, Tequila Tasting, and Snorkel Tour
At number 1, this all-in-one adventure offers a powerful combination of sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing. Starting from your hotel, you’ll enjoy luxury transport to explore Cabo San Lucas, with stops at a glass factory, tequila tasting at Hacienda Tequila, and a scenic cruise around Land’s End. The highlight is the catamaran cruise, where you enjoy a buffet lunch, unlimited domestic bar, and snorkel gear to explore Pelican Rock.
This tour ranks high for those looking to maximize their day without extra planning — it’s a seamless blend of activities. The reviews mention how fun and well-organized it is, with guests praising the mixture of snorkeling, shopping, and tequila tasting. The $135 price includes a lot: the round-trip transport, buffet, snorkel equipment, and drinks, making it a good value. The only drawback is that it’s a longer day, but perfect if you want a comprehensive tour with plenty of variety.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a packed experience with sightseeing, tasting, and relaxation all in one day.
2. San Jose del Cabo Food Tour & Visit to the Market
Number 2 on the list is a delicious dive into Baja’s culinary scene. This three-hour guided tour takes you to local eateries and a vibrant market, where you’ll sample enchiladas de mole, birria, and aguas frescas. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour offers a close-up look at San Jose del Cabo’s food culture through tastings and stories.
What sets this apart is its focus on authentic local dishes and community interaction. The tour is capped at four participants, ensuring personalized attention, and the price of $78.62 offers excellent value given the quality and number of tastings. Guests mention how their guides share deep knowledge and how this tour is perfect for those who love food and local culture. It’s a great choice if you want to combine sightseeing with culinary education without dedicating an entire day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and those wanting an authentic taste of Baja California’s cuisine in a small-group setting.
3. Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas: Sightseeing Cruise and Shopping
At number 3, this whale-watching trip is an incredible way to see the Pacific’s gentle giants. From December to April, you’ll board a comfortable boat for about two hours of searching for gray whales and humpbacks. It’s a memorable experience—especially for nature lovers—where you get close encounters in an intimate setting, according to reviews.
Post-whale watching, the tour includes a shopping stop in Los Cabos, where you can pick up souvenirs or local crafts. The $115 price covers both the cruise and the shopping time, making it a well-priced option. Guests recommend the knowledgeable crew and mention that the tour is excellent for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The only potential downside is that weather can affect the whale sighting, so flexibility might be needed.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for travelers eager to see whales and enjoy some seaside shopping in one smooth, half-day experience.
4. Cabo San Lucas Arch Cruise and Shopping Tour
Number 4 offers a comprehensive day in Cabo combining boat rides, artisan visits, and local exploration. The 45-minute cruise to Land’s End is a must-see—passing by Lover’s Beach and the sea lion colony—followed by a visit to a glass-blowing factory where artisans craft stunning art pieces. Afterward, explore Cabo’s plazas, church, and local markets.
This tour is priced at $89 and is especially appealing because it combines natural sights, cultural experiences, and shopping in one trip. Reviewers appreciate the smooth itinerary and the chance to see Cabo’s highlights without multiple bookings. The tour concludes with tequila tasting, rounding out a full Mexican experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of sights, crafts, and local flavor.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a combination of sightseeing, artisan craft, and local culture in one day.
5. Market Tour in San José del Cabo, Eat and Learn
This two-hour tour is a quick but rich immersion into the local markets and cuisine. Led by a friendly guide, you’ll visit three different markets and sample a full Mexican breakfast, making it a perfect choice for early risers who want to indulge in Baja’s flavors. The tour emphasizes authentic food and local ingredients, with reviews praising the personalized guidance and delicious tastings.
For just $75, it’s a flavorful and intimate experience, capped at four people, offering a deep dive into San Jose del Cabo’s culinary soul. Guests highlight how this tour reveals hidden market gems and explains local dishes’ origins, making it ideal for food-curious travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a short, food-focused experience with a personal touch.
6. San Jose del Cabo: Guided Food Tour & Visit to Local Market
Number 6 provides a 3-hour walking tour that explores local eateries, tacos, and markets. Guided by an expert, you’ll taste mole, birria, sopes, and tacos al pastor, all while learning about local ingredients and culinary traditions. The tour emphasizes cultural insights along with food, making it ideal for history and cuisine enthusiasts.
Guests mention the knowledgeable guides and variety of stops, which keep the experience lively and engaging. The price of $78 for multiple tastings offers solid value, especially for travelers interested in deep culinary exploration.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers eager for a guided food adventure with cultural context.
7. Snorkel Boat and City Shopping Tour
Number 7 offers a six-hour tour blending city sightseeing, snorkeling, and shopping. It begins with a city tour and a cruise along the coast, where you snorkel at Chileno Bay’s coral reef, known for its marine flora and fauna. After, you visit a glass factory, taste tequila, and enjoy shopping in Cabo San Lucas.
This tour is perfect for those who want diverse activities in one day. The $135 price includes lunch, drinks, and all transportation. Guests note the personalized attention on a small-group tour, making it a flexible option if you want a full day of varied experiences.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a mix of urban, marine, and cultural experiences with a relaxed pace.
8. Sunset Boat and Shopping Tour Combo
Closing out our list, this evening tour combines a city tour, tequila tasting, market shopping, and a sunset cruise with dinner. Starting with a day tour of San Jose del Cabo, it transitions into a catamaran cruise offering dancing, entertainment, and buffet dinner paired with an open bar.
This tour runs for around six hours and is tailored for those who want a romantic, relaxed evening with scenic views. The $135 price includes everything, but the reviews show some inconsistency in the experience, with some mention of unexpected changes. Still, it’s a popular choice for special occasions or romantic getaways.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or travelers seeking an elegant sunset experience with a touch of sightseeing and local flavor.
$135.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your ideal shopping or market tour in San Jose del Cabo, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If you want a full-day adventure with snorkeling and tequila, the Cabo San Lucas Shopping, Tequila Tasting, and Snorkel Tour offers great value. For a culinary-focused experience, the Food Tour & Market Visit provides authentic tastings in an intimate setting.
Travelers looking for a mix of marine life, shopping, and sightseeing should consider the Whale Watching and Shopping, while those wanting a comprehensive cultural day will enjoy the Arch Cruise and Local Crafts. Budget-conscious visitors might prefer the shorter market and food tours, which deliver rich experiences without breaking the bank.
Booking early is advisable, especially in high season (December to April) when whale sightings are at their peak. Always check the specific details about what’s included, like meals, transportation, and gear, to avoid surprises.
Final Thoughts
San Jose del Cabo offers a wide range of shopping and market tours that cater to diverse interests. If you want full days packed with activities, tours like the Cabo San Lucas Shopping, Tequila Tasting, and Snorkel Tour or the Sunset Boat Tour are excellent choices. For those interested in local culture and food, the guided market and food tours provide an authentic taste of Baja.
Whatever your style, booking ahead guarantees you’ll get the experience that best suits your trip. San Jose del Cabo’s lively markets, scenic coastlines, and flavorful cuisine promise memorable moments—so choose the tour that matches your interests and enjoy everything this fascinating destination has to offer.