Ever wonder how two beaches sitting side-by-side could have such dramatically different names?
That was the first question my wife and I asked when we first heard about Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach.
It’s one of the most unique and iconic spots in all of Mexico, and visiting it is an absolute must for any couple traveling to Cabo.
You get the calm, romantic perfection of one side and the wild, powerful beauty of the other.
As a dad of four, finding those special moments with my wife is everything. This little excursion has become one of our favorite romantic things to do in Cabo every time we visit.
Let me walk you through what makes this spot so special and how you can experience it for yourselves.
What’s the Story Behind the Names? The Calm vs. The Chaos
My wife and I still joke about the names of these two beaches.
The first time a boat captain pointed them out, I actually laughed out loud.
They are literally right next to each other—a one-minute walk apart—but they are two completely different worlds.
They’re tucked away right at Land’s End, which is that famous rocky point where you find the Arch. A big, beautiful wall of granite rock separates them, and that wall is everything.
It’s the perfect metaphor for marriage, isn’t it? A little bit of calm, a little bit of chaos, all in the same place.
Lover’s Beach: The ‘Making Good Decisions’ Side
This is the side you see on the postcards.
Lover’s Beach (or PlayadelAmor) faces the Sea of Cortez, and it’s exactly what you want it to be. The water is usually incredibly calm and a stunning turquoise color.
This is your spot for actually getting in the water.
It’s perfect for a lazy swim, some easy snorkeling with the kids, or just floating around without a care in the world.
This is the serene, peaceful, “we’re definitely making good life choices” side of the peninsula.
Divorce Beach: Beautiful, Wild, and a Little Scary
You walk through a small gap in the rocks from the calm of Lover’s Beach and… BAM.
Welcome to Divorce Beach (PlayadelDivorcio).
This side faces the wide-open, mighty Pacific Ocean, and the vibe changes instantly. The name isn’t just for show.
The waves here are huge. They crash on the shore with a roar that you can feel in your chest.
I’ll be honest, the first time I brought our kids over here, my hand was holding theirs just a little bit tighter. It’s a place that commands respect.
And this is the most important dad tip I can possibly give you: you do not swim here. Seriously. Don’t even dip your toes in too far. The currents and undertow are powerful and unpredictable.
Take all the dramatic photos you want. Admire the power of the ocean. But just know this beach is a looker, not a swimmer.
If you liked this, wait until you see the tour we took that let us see both beaches from the water at sunset…
Lover’s Beach: Our Favorite Spot for a Parent’s Timeout
Okay, after the beautiful chaos of Divorce Beach, walking back over to Lover’s Beach feels like taking a deep, calming breath.
This is the spot.
For my wife and me, finding a moment of quiet away from our four amazing (but very loud) kids is the ultimate vacation luxury. This little slice of sand is our go-to.
You can literally see the hustle of town and the marina in the distance, but the towering rock formations of Land’s End make it feel like a private hideaway.
It’s just so peaceful.
The Water is as Perfect as it Looks
You see pictures of the water in Cabo and wonder if it’s real. Here, it is.
The water is usually crystal clear and incredibly calm.
It’s one of the few open beaches near the marina where I feel totally relaxed letting the kids splash around in the shallows. There are no surprise waves or scary currents to worry about.
It’s a perfect spot to swim or snorkel and cool off after soaking up that warm Cabo sun.
Getting That Perfect “We’re in Cabo!” Photo
You know the one. The picture that’s going to be your phone’s lock screen for the next six months.
This is the place to get it.
With the famous granite rocks behind you and that stunning turquoise water, you really can’t take a bad picture here. It’s your chance to get that amazing couple’s photo or a family shot that will actually make it into a frame.
Here’s a dad-tested tip: Ask your water taxi captain to snap a picture of you with the Arch in the background on your way in or out. They know all the best angles and are usually happy to do it!
The Best Activity: Doing Absolutely Nothing
Sometimes the best Cabo activity is no activity at all.
We love to just grab a spot on the golden sand, lay down a towel, and watch the world go by.
You can see the little water taxis buzzing back and forth, snorkel tour boats dropping people off, and sailboats cruising by in the distance.
It’s pure, uninterrupted vacation mode. For a few precious hours, there are no schedules to keep or places to be.
For us, this is our happy place.
As much as we love just sitting here, getting to the beach is half the fun. Keep reading, and I’ll tell you the secret to hiring a water taxi without getting ripped off.
Divorce Beach: Where I Hold My Kids’ Hands a Little Tighter
You walk through this little gap in the giant rock formations, leaving the calm of Lover’s Beach behind you.
The first thing that hits you isn’t what you see, but what you hear.
It’s this deep, rumbling roar. The sound of the open Pacific Ocean.
This is Divorce Beach, and my dad-senses start tingling the second we step onto the sand. The beach is huge, the sand is bright white, and the waves are on a whole other level. It’s beautiful, but it’s a wild, powerful kind of beautiful.
My #1 Rule: This is a ‘Looking’ Beach, Not a ‘Touching’ Beach
I need to be super clear about this, parent to parent. I have one non-negotiable rule here for my family.
DO NOT SWIM ON THIS BEACH. Not even a little bit.
I tell my kids this is a “museum beach”—you can look at the incredible art, but you absolutely cannot touch it. The rip currents here are legendary and incredibly dangerous.
Seriously, this is the most important piece of advice I can give you.
Stay on the dry sand, take in the views, but respect the power of that water.
Feeling Small in the Best Possible Way
Once you’ve set the ground rules, you can really appreciate the show.
Watching those massive waves crash onto the shore is just awesome. In the truest sense of the word.
My wife and I love it. It’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s best performances. We just find a safe spot on the sand and watch, mesmerized.
It’s also a great moment to show the kids how powerful the ocean is. It really puts things in perspective.
The Best Walk in Cabo (If You’re Careful)
Because the beach is so much wider and longer than Lover’s Beach, it’s perfect for a dramatic walk.
We let the kids run ahead and burn off some energy—staying safely on the high-and-dry part of the sand, of course.
My wife and I will walk along the shore, just taking in the raw energy of the place. It’s romantic in a wild, adventurous kind of way.
And then, after all that power and noise, you walk back through that little gap in the rocks. Instantly, the roaring stops and you’re back in the peaceful calm of Lover’s Beach.
The contrast is unbelievable. It’s like switching from an action movie back to a rom-com in three steps.
Experiencing these beaches is a must, but the adventure is only as good as your ride there. Keep scrolling, and I’ll break down exactly how we get there.
Getting to the Arch: My Guide to Doing it Right (and Not Overpaying)
Alright, so you’re sold. You have to see these beaches for yourself.
But you can’t just plug Land’s End into your GPS and drive there. This is a boat-only adventure, which is part of what makes it so special.
Now, walking through the Cabo San Lucas marina on a beautiful Thursday morning like today can be… a lot. You’ll have a dozen friendly captains and vendors offering you tours. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Don’t worry. I’ve been through it a million times. Here are the main ways to get there, and my personal take on each one.
The Classic Water Taxi: Our Go-To Family Move
This is the easiest and most flexible option, hands down.
A water taxi is just a small boat (called a panga) that will take you from the marina, give you a quick tour past the Arch and the sea lion colony, and then drop you right on the sand at Lover’s Beach.
Here’s the most important dad tip I can give you: never take the first price you’re offered. Be friendly, be prepared to walk away, and have a price in mind. A fair price is usually around $20-$25 USD per person for the round trip.
And my pro-tip? Arrange a pickup time with your captain, but pay him when he actually picks you up to bring you back. It ensures he won’t forget about you!
The Glass-Bottom Boat: Always a Hit With the Kids
If you have younger kids, booking a glass-bottom boat is a guaranteed win.
It’s basically a water taxi with a built-in entertainment center. Our kids go absolutely nuts for seeing the colorful fish swimming right underneath their feet.
It turns the 15-minute boat ride into a mini-adventure all its own. It’s a simple trick to keep them totally captivated on the way there. You’ll still get the same great tour of the Arch, you just get the bonus fish show, too.
The Sunset Cruise: For That ‘Parents’ Night Out’ Vibe
Now this is a different experience, and one my wife and I absolutely love.
A sunset cruise is for pure romance and epic views. Most of these tours are bigger catamarans or sailboats, often with an open bar and snacks included.
You don’t get dropped off on the beach on these. The whole point is to be out on the water, sailing past the Arch right as the sun dips below the horizon. The light on the rocks during that golden hour… it’s pure magic.
It’s the perfect option if you have a babysitter for the night, or if you’re traveling with teens who can appreciate a spectacular view.
Kayak or Paddleboard: For When You’re Feeling Ambitious
Full disclosure: I have not attempted to kayak or paddleboard to the Arch with all four of my kids in tow. That just feels like a recipe for a viral dad-fail video.
But for an active couple or a family with older, confident kids, this is an incredible way to experience Land’s End. You can get up close to the rocks and feel a real sense of accomplishment.
My advice here is simple: book a guided tour. Don’t just rent a kayak and go. The currents can be tricky, and the guides know the safest routes and best spots to see.
So you’ve picked your ride and you’re ready to go. But what should you actually bring? Keep scrolling for my dad-tested packing list that has saved us from more than one meltdown.
My Dad-Tested ‘Cheat Codes’ for a Perfect Beach Day
Okay, I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to.
After years of hauling my family of six out to this exact spot, I’ve learned that a few simple tricks can make the whole experience so much smoother.
Thinking about it now on this gorgeous Thursday morning here in San José, these are the little things that really matter.
Trust me on these.
Beat the Crowds (and the Heat)
If you only listen to one tip, make it this one: go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The main tour boats and crowds start showing up around 11 AM. But if you can get a water taxi to drop you off before 10 AM? It feels like you have the whole incredible place to yourself.
It’s quieter, more intimate, and you’re not fighting for a spot on the sand.
Plus, if you’re traveling with kids, you know their patience and energy levels are always highest in the morning. We love to go early and be back at the hotel pool before the intense midday sun even hits.
The ‘No-Regrets’ Packing List
This is crucial because there is absolutely nothing on these beaches. No shops, no snack stands, no bathrooms. You are on your own out there, which is part of the magic, but you have to come prepared.
Here’s our must-have list:
- More water than you think you need. Seriously.
- Reef-safe sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the sand and water is no joke.
- Hats and sunglasses for everyone.
- Your camera or phone in a waterproof bag. You will want pictures.
- A few simple snacks, especially if you have kids. A hangry toddler on a remote beach is a vacation-ender.
The Water Taxi Handshake
I know I mentioned this before, but it’s the most important money tip for this excursion.
Before your foot ever touches the boat, you need to do the water taxi handshake. This means you clearly agree on the round-trip price for your whole group AND you agree on a specific return pickup time.
Confirm it with the captain. Shake on it. It just makes everything simple and clear, so you can relax on the beach instead of worrying about your ride home.
Don’t Get Ghosted by the Tide
This one is a rookie mistake, but it happens!
You need to have a general idea of the tide schedule. Why? Because at high tide, the little sandy path that connects Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach can sometimes disappear completely underwater.
We almost got stuck on the Divorce Beach side once… which would have been a little too on-the-nose, even for my sense of humor.
Just do a quick search for a “Cabo tide chart” on your phone before you go. It’ll save you from a potentially soggy (or long) wait.
So, what do you think? Now that you have the inside scoop, is this an adventure you and your family are ready for?
Conclusion
So, what do you think? How do you like this plan for a perfect couple’s day out?
Are these activities something you and your partner would love to try? Experiencing the beauty of Lover’s Beach and the power of Divorce Beach is a memory you’ll share forever.
Here’s the best part: I can help you book any of these at wholesale prices – you don’t need to overpay for a water taxi or a sunset cruise!
Text me or send me a quick WhatsApp and let’s create your dream Cabo vacation together!
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