El Médano beach

Stretching for over 3km, El Médano offers everything you need to spend a day on the beach with the family or simply relax and sunbathe. Its transparent, tranquil waters are perfect for water sports: snorkelling, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing and water scooters, amongst others. Beach volleyball games, which are very popular amongst tourists, are organised on the sand here.
This is the location of the two RIU hotels in Los Cabos: the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas and the Hotel Riu Santa Fe, both of which are on the beachfront.

At the western tip of the beach, near Cabo San Lucas, you will find a host of bars and restaurants which make El Médano a very lively place indeed at any time of the day or night.

From here you can admire El Arco: a majestic rock formation sculpted out by the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California.

El Arco beach

San José del Cabo

The town centre is a clear exponent of colonial architecture. In spite of the spectacular growth it has undergone over recent years, the town has lost none of its characteristic provincial charm:

The Plaza Mijares, lined with palm trees and picturesque buildings, is an invitation to take a stroll. In the square itself, the Municipal Palace and the church of San José stand out for their sobriety and beauty.

The town has a large number of art galleries. In them you will find works by some of the best contemporary Mexican artists.

During the festivals dedicated to the town’s patron saint, on March 19th, San José del Cabo is filled with music, colour and fireworks.

San José del Cabo Estuary Nature Reserve

The mouth of the San José river forms an estuary that serves as a refuge for numerous migratory birds, reptiles and mammals. You can go on foot, by bike or by kayak – any means of transport is good for discovering this natural sanctuary, very close to San José del Cabo.

Cabo San Lucas

Las Californias Museum: The museum contains an interesting collection of fossils, most of them from Sierra de la Laguna. You will also find maps, diaries and other objects that belonged to the conquistador Hernan Cortés.

Cultural Centre: Constructed on a small hill with views of the town, it is comprised of a theatre, a small park and a viewpoint.

Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park

This biosphere reserve is outstanding as the only hard coral reef of the Eastern Pacific and one of the three living coral reefs in North America.
One can frequently see large mammals such as whales, dolphins, whale sharks and South American sea lions here. The area was recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Grey whale sightings

A unique spectacle. Every winter, between December and March, these cetaceans weighing over 40 tonnes choose the waters of Baja California to reproduce. You will be able to see some of these mammals “spyhopping” – performing vertical jumps that bring their whole body out of the water - by signing up for a boat trip or from one of the viewpoints.

Shopping

Shopping centres: In Plaza Puerto Paraíso, Plaza del Mar, Sol Dorado, Plaza Bonita, Almacén Goncaseco and Copal you will be able to find the most exclusive international brands. If you are looking for local crafts, you can acquire them in the numerous markets and specialist shops.

Craft: There is a predominance of blown-glass creations and black coral jewellery. You will also find leather items and carved wooden figures.

Diving

El Arco and around: This area, near the point where the Pacific Ocean joins the Gulf of California, has a wealth of biodiversity. On the Roca del Pelícano you can see seals, sea lions and tropical fish.
Also worth highlighting is Cascadas de Arena, an impressive geological phenomenon created by the rubbing movement of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Its waters are inhabited by hammerhead sharks and sea lions.

Snorkelling

If you don’t have the time or the skills to dive, snorkelling is an easy, enjoyable way of admiring the rich biodiversity of the area. The beaches of Médano, La Palmilla or El Chileno are highly recommended for snorkelling. On these and many other beaches, there are numerous places where you can hire the appropriate material.

Kayaking

A large part of the coast of Los Cabos is suitable for kayaking.

Beaches of El Médano and El Chileno: Ideal because of the calmness of the sea, these are perfect starting points for trips along the coast.

San José del Cabo Estuary: The narrow channels in this protected area are perfect for kayaking.

Pesca

Los Cabos is known as the marlin-fishing capital of the world, although one can also fish another 800 varieties of fish in its waters, such as yellowfin tuna, sea bass, flying fish and elephantfish. El Arco and the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park are preferred spots for those who enjoy this activity.

Surfing

Costa Azul: This extensive beach of fine sand is extremely popular amongst surfing enthusiasts. Its long waves, that break out at sea, are ideal for this sport.

Golf

Cabo del Sol Golf: Three 18-hole courses: Desert Course, Weiskopf Course and Ocean Course. Holes 5 and 17 of the latter are on the list of the 500 best holes in the world according to Golf Magazine.

El Dorado: Part of the course runs alongside the sea and the rest through two spectacular canyons. The most recent creation by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.

Cabo Real: Very picturesque course that begins on the side of the mountain, going up as you move forward, and finishes with the final holes near the Gulf of California.

La Palmilla: Two 72-par courses: one with 9 holes and another with 18. The three last holes of the latter offer epic scenery.

San Lucas Country Club: Affords a direct view of El Arco. Hole 5, at 557 metres, is the longest in Mexico.

La Querencia: This club has two courses: one 18-hole one and another 9-hole one. The main one is located on some hills with magnificent views of the sea and the mountains.

Specialities

The most representative dish of the region is stuffed loggerhead turtle fins. Other specialities are lobster, ray and shrimps. The delicious beef ‘machaca’ burritos are also worth tasting.