Choosing between Cabo San Lucas and the Riviera Maya depends on your preference for landscape and activity. Cabo is located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the rugged Sonoran Desert meets the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. It is famous for its dramatic rock formations (like El Arco), world-class deep-sea fishing, and dry, Mediterranean-like climate. However, many of Cabo's beaches are not swimmable due to dangerous undertows. Riviera Maya, located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, offers a lush, tropical jungle environment with white sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is also the gateway to ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum and Chichén Itzá, as well as unique freshwater cenotes. Ultimately, choose Cabo for a sophisticated, desert-chic vibe and dramatic sunsets, or Riviera Maya for a tropical, all-inclusive experience with rich history and calm Caribbean swimming.