At the southern tip of Baja California Sur where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos is a thriving tourist region that has only just come to the world’s attention.
The Los Cabos Corridor between the main towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is a succession of enticing coves with gentle waters for snorkelling or bathing.
On these beaches you may spot whale pods in the distance from November to April.
In the blink of an eye hotel resorts have opened up along this coastline, and are furnished with luxury spas and golf courses that are rated among the best in the country.
The Cabo Pulmo National Park is within the boundaries of Los Cabos and is a habitat for endangered sea turtles and coral reefs, while El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is an awesome natural monument at the very tip of the Baja Californian peninsula.
Things to do
El Larco
What is it? A signature landmark of Los Cabos, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas—known locally as simply “El Arco” or “the Arch”—is a limestone arch carved by time, tide, and wind. The natural attraction runs runs down to the water’s edge at Land’s End, the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas (which itself is at the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula) and into the Sea of Cortez. From a distance, the rock formation looks like a dragon; up close, the arch frames sky, sea, and sand for prime photos.
Why go? The rock formation is beautiful and you can usually spot sea lions at the base of it. The beaches nearby are called Lovers’ Beach and Divorce Beach: funny names, but the surrounding waters make for great snorkelling or glass bottom boat tours.
Deep Sea Fishing
What is it? Hop on a boat and try catching a marlin or mahi-mahi.
Why go? Cabo San Lucas is the place to be for deep-sea fishing. Head down to the marina and negotiate your own charter for the day, or hire one through Lands End Charters.
Cabo Pulmo National Park
What is it? This marine park is surrounded by undeveloped desert and mountains, which form the shallow bay in which some of the Gulf of California’s healthiest coral reefs reside. Baja California, Mexico’s Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is located just a 90 minute drive north of Los Cabos, the Baja’s premiere tourist destination.
Why go? Cabo Pulmo consists of eight fingers of hard reef, with the widest coral cover in the entire Gulf of California. Among the 875 species that call the park home, there are 226 species of reef fishes and 154 of marine invertebrates — that alone is enough to keep you busy for hours on a reef! But you’re also likely to see 5 species of sea turtles, 3 species of dolphins, 3 species of whales, schools of mobula rays, whale and hammerhead sharks, and a colony of sea lions who will examine you every bit as curiously as you will them.
Cabo Wabo Cantina
What is it? Where the land ends and the party begins, Cantina is one of Cabo’s most famous bars, opened in 1990 by Sammy Hagar of Van Halen. It has long been one of the topmost places to eat and party in Mexico and the world.
Why go? Cabo Wabo is a Cabo San Lucas staple with live music almost every night. Hosting musicians from around the world, it’s one of the largest places for nightlife in town and, if nothing else, you should go for the people watching (it’s not unusual to spot someone dancing on a table). They also have a full menu and lots-o-tequila.
The best time to visit is during October, when Hagar hosts his annual birthday bashes with plenty of big-name guests.
La Coyota
What is it? A shopping village full of hand-crafted glass, local art, and regional finds.
Why go? For hand-embroidered crafts, Mexican art, and beautiful ceramics, a visit to La Coyota is the perfect stop. The multi-room shop sprawls throughout a converted hacienda that once belonging to Edith Jiménez, otherwise known as The Office on The Beach’s founder. The quality and diversity of items are much better than what you’d find near the beach and staff take a no-pressure approach.
References from visit los cabos
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