When discussing a Mexican holiday, Cabo vs. Cancun honeymoon always comes up. Cabo offers a more relaxed and laid-back vibe. It’s an attractive destination for honeymooners seeking a quieter and more intimate experience. While Cancun is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere. It's packed with resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options.
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Cabo
On the west coast of Mexico lies the Baja California Peninsula, a gorgeous place where the Sea of Cortez converges with the Pacific Ocean. And on its southern part, you’ll find Los Cabos. It comprises two main towns: Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Cabo is a nickname for Cabo San Lucas and the whole Los Cabos area.
It has a desert, rugged feel, and most beaches are generally not swimming-friendly. On the upside, it has a fine selection of resorts that offer an ultra-luxurious experience. Cabo is for you if comfort and elegance are the vibes you’re going for.
Cancun
Cancun is a Caribbean paradise on the east coast of Mexico, situated along where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Its tropical atmosphere compliments the pristine beaches that the city is endowed with.
Speaking of beaches—the city has more swimmable beaches than Cabo. And at nighttime, this Mexican gem further bursts into life with its parties and nightclubs. Cancun is ideal for you and your loved one if you want a livelier vibe day or night.
Beaches
Cabo
Cabo’s beaches are rougher, and the currents are stronger. Though it also has a sandy coastline, the color tends to be golden. The surroundings also have stunning various rock formations, and the waters are deep blue.
But if you’re looking for beautiful beaches good for a swim, it has its share of those—including Playa Medano, Playa Chileno, and Playa del Amor.
Note that Cabo’s calmer bodies of water are in the Sea of Cortez. Playa Medano, in particular, offers great swimming and snorkeling spots and stunning views of the gigantic rock formation called El Arco (a.k.a. Land’s End).
Cancun
Cancun is a slice of paradise for beach-loving couples. Miles upon miles of white sand beaches and warm, turquoise waters will greet you. If you want to spend time soaking up the sun, swimming, and trying various water sports, its beachfront is safe and ideal.
Just in the city’s so-called Hotel Zone alone, you can enjoy 14 miles of such an environment. So if you stay there, you’ll get front-row access to postcard-worthy ocean views. Some of the best beaches here are Playa Forum, Playa Gaviota Azul, and Playa Linda (“playa” is the Spanish word for “beach”).
Excursions
Cabo
Cabo’s beauty is a different story than other tropical destinations. It has bluer waters and lush mountains that meet the desert. You can already do various activities when you head to the Cabo Pulmo National Park. This tourist spot on the Sea of Cortez offers snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, and ATV riding opportunities.
If you enjoy whale watching, the Sea of Cortez welcomes blue whales during winter. If you’re into deep-sea fishing, the surrounding Pacific waters are home to abundant marine life, making it an excellent space for such an activity.
When you want to stay off the beach, you can indulge in art hubs, stroll around and search for eateries, or even head to world-class golf courses. Moreover, you have several options if you wish to make a day trip.
La Paz, a two-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, is a fantastic spot to swim with whale sharks. A nearer destination (about one hour away) is the charming town of Todos Santos.
Cancun
As a tropical paradise with lush forests, Cancun provides honeymooners with plenty of opportunities to create wonderful memories together. Beyond hitting the beach, you and your loved one can go snorkeling—the city is also known for cenotes (sinkholes).
You can also visit the Underwater Museum of Art to see more of the city’s underwater world. If you head off to places like Selvatica Adventure Park, you can go ziplining and try riding ATVs.
A ferry ride will take you to another coastal gem in Mexico: Cozumel. This is a great place to visit if you want to dive with whale sharks. Isla Mujeres is another off-the-coast spot where you can go snorkeling, diving, and exploring a Mayan temple.
Back in Cancun, you can also visit nearby tourist destinations on land, like Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. The former is known for its Mayan ruins, while the latter has a perpetual party-like vibe. Hotel Zone offers malls and restaurants if you want to explore Cancun leisurely.
Weather
Mexico is a wonderful year-round destination, especially for honeymooners from the US. Cabo receives more sunny days than Cancun.
The best time to visit Cabi is from May to October. It has a thinner crowd and better weather while it’s wet season in Cancun. The ideal time to visit Cancun is from December to April.
Cancun’s temperature fluctuates from 58°F to 93°F; 54°F to 97°F in Cabo.
Accessibility
Both have direct flights. Cancun International Airport and San Jose del Cabo International Airport serve Cancun and Cabo, respectively.
If you’re from the East Coast and Midwest, reaching Cancun will be faster. On the other hand, if you’re flying from the West Coast, you’ll have a shorter flight to Cabo.
In either city, renting a car is the best way to get around. Taxis, buses, and shuttles are also available.
Accommodations
Since Cabo has rougher beaches, many oceanfront properties offer top-notch pools and other amenities to entertain guests.
In both Cabo and Cancun, you will find many high-end and boutique resorts and luxury hotels near the shore. If you’re in for a more private experience, you can also choose from any of the cities’ adults-only accommodations (many are all-inclusive).
Airbnb rental properties are available in both areas if you want a cheaper stay.
Food and Dining
Both celebrate the colorful and flavorful Mexican cuisine. If you visit any of these areas, tacos and seafood are always a must-try. Tasting their tequila is also an experience couples like you shouldn’t miss.
You must try Cabo’s smoked marlin, Comida de Pobres (fish soup with beans and rice), and Mexican chocolate clam.
In Cancun, you must also try Yucatecan dishes. These include Panucho (refried tortilla with black beans and toppings), Castacan (crispy pork belly, which is best served with chees tacos), and Marquesita (crepe, but rolled like a taco).
Nightlife
Cabo
This place offers a great escape if you want to hide from the party scene. But it’s not to say that it’s not alive at nighttime. Think of hitting off sophisticated rooftop bars and attending guitar shows.
Cancun
Cancun is for party-loving tourists. If you and your loved one want to visit nightclubs (you can hit more than one within one night), the city has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for places that honeymooners frequent, your best options are Coco Bondo, Mandala, and Señor Frogs.
Cost
For a one-week post-wedding getaway in Cabo or Cancun, expect to spend around $2,000 to $5,000. But, remember that the cost largely depends on what kind of accommodation you’re eyeing. If you’re going for all-inclusive resorts, remember that Cabo has a generally more expensive rate.
Culture
Cabo
You can take walking tours to explore both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. In the latter one, you can also find a historic district to immerse yourselves in a meaningful art scene.
As stated earlier, you can also make a day trip to Todos Santos. This charming town is a vibrant community of skilled artisans, perfect if you want to learn more about their culture through the arts.
Cancun
Since Canun is near the Riviera Maya, you can do tours that are steeped in Mayan history and archeology. Visit Mayan ruins and see how the Mayan people lived thousands of years ago.
Apart from the popular Tulum ruins, another notable site is Chichen Itza, home to the pyramid, El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcan.
Language
Spanish is the widely spoken language in Cancun, Cabo, and elsewhere in Mexico. However, you’ll be glad to know that locals also speak English, especially in touristy areas. In Cancun, some natives also speak the Mayan language.
Safety
If you’re still weighing whether you’ll go on a Cabo vs. Cancun honeymoon, you must also consider safety concerns and remember useful travel tips. Both are safe destinations.
Remember that if you’re doing a side trip to Quintana Roo or Baja California Sur, the US State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in these areas due to crime and kidnapping.
Always keep your belongings safe when heading out to Cancun or Cabo. Always gauge your capacity if you’re hitting the water or doing in-land adventures. Be extra careful when swimming on Cabo beaches.