Los Cabos Beaches - Cabo San Lucas

Once you visit Cabo you'll know why this was a favorite for pirates. Tall scraggly rocks and beautiful cove hide-a-ways. And when The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men author John Steinbeck wrote Log from the Sea of Cortez, well Cabo became quite famous. Perfect weather keeps tourist coming back to the Baja Peninsula's prize with golf, stunning terrain, beaches and world class fishing. Did we forget to mention whale watching?


It's little wonder this is one of the new Hot Spots on many vacation agendas. This awesome wonderland started becoming more popular in the mid-80's and continues to grow. Find your perfect beach, surfing spot, or sports fishing port. They are all here, and more.

Cabo San Lucas is located on the southern point of the Baja Peninsula in "Baja California Sur" in Mexico. It's around 1,000 miles south of San Diego. Perhaps you've heard of the Baja area from the Baja Racing that happens here almost year-round.

Special cars designed to take the twists, turns, bumps, jumps and high speed sand-washes race here. If you're into that sort of adventure, know that there are many Baja Racing operators throughout the peninsula - and it's fun!

A little history of the Cabo area: First discovered around the 1530's by Hernan Cortez. The world was vast with many areas still undiscovered. And since Cortez didn't find anything he thought of worth, Los Cabos stayed the same for a few more centuries. Indians and a few missionaries lived throughout the land. An occasional pirate ship made San Jose del Cabo and La Paz beaches a stopping place.

But it wasn't until after World War II, Southern Califor- nians realized they could fly to La Paz, then travel the dirt roads to the Mar de Cortes - the word got out that the Mar de Cortes was teeming with fish. If you had your own plane, or your own yacht, you had your own sports fishing paradise.

Bing Crosby, Desi Arnaz, John Wayne among others made this their paradise early on and even built a hotel - members only. Soon, however, Cabo San Lucas was on the map with hotels going up everywhere and a major road coming into the area. But fishing wasn't to be the only game in town.

Currently, six major golf courses are open. Golfing in Los Cabos is World Class. Conditions are great and affordable. There are many hotels and resorts that cater just the golfing community. And, it wouldn't surprise us with the International airport, hotel space, and wonderful weather, that a major golf championship would be played here soon. The Los Cabos area is perfect for golf.

So as you make your way through the Beaches of Los Cabos, know that Hernan Cortez looked around and decided it wasn't worth the stop. And because of that, Los Cabos is now a beautiful resort town - still young enough not to be overdone, and big enough not to be too primitive. Cortez went on to build Mexico City.

BEACH INDEX:

• Ideal for watersports, but not all beaches are suitable for swimming.
• No established lifeguard program.
• Some beaches in front of hotels are flagged. Don't swim when a red flag is flying.
• Don't swim alone. Big surf in many areas - dangerous.
• Use extreme caution when venturing into unknown surf. Stay above the tide line.
• Pacific beaches are notorious for rogue waves and undertows.
• Beaches in Los Cabos have few services. Take a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water.
• Water temperature 70's in winter, 80's in the summer.

Now - onto to the many beaches of Los Cabos including Cabo San Lucas and San Jose dos Cabos - NEXT! >>

Playa Solmar - Cabo San Lucas

You thought about a vacation to Cabo, and the beach sounds so inviting, so consider you may spend more time there than you planned. Those crashing waves, like these on Playa (which means beach in Spanish) Solmar (and that means sun and sea). Beauty and peacefulness all in one package. It's little wonder why people book resorts near Playa Solmar in Cabo. Imagine yourself here and what you'd do and we'll tell you what to expect and how to make the most of your stay in Mexico and with others who are enjoying the sun and surf as well. Sit back and do a little reading here and don't forget to look through all the other areas of Los Cabos we cover, beaches and all. Maybe you'll just stay put in Solmar. Maybe not.


Playa Solmar in Cabo San Lucas is the Los Cabos beach best known for whale watching and spectacular sunsets. It's an easy walk from downtown Cabo San Lucas. The beach is very long, the sand very flat. As a matter of fact, it runs from the rocks at Land's End then west all the way to the base of El Pedregal on the Pacific Ocean side.

And what a view for sunset lovers, romantics, people watchers, and yes - whale watchers! From January to March, whales flock to the Los Cabos area. As you stroll along Playa Solmar, you'll be entertained by these mammoths as the frolic just offshore.

You can also take a cruise to go "whale-watching". These are organized from town in Cabo San Lucas, or ask at your hotel. Cruising is exciting as you will see the whales close-up. Make sure you take that camera!

Playa Solmar is beautiful - the grain size is medium to heavy and packs nicely. You'll always see it as a flat golden strand. When the sun is just right, the whole coastline appears to light up. Because the surf is always heavy here, this makes a perfect spot to lay and read a book, or cuddle up and gaze out over the vast ocean.

Solmar is not for swimming. It's dangerous and has very strong undertows. It's advisable not even to play in the surf as the waves can get high as they come in sets. The locals say Playa Solmar in not a good surfing beach. There are no lifeguards - stay on the beach here.

To get to Playa Solmar, take Boulevard Marina, go past the Galeon Restaurant and then hang a right on Avenida Solmar. You'll need to enter the Solmar, TerraSol or Playa Grande resorts to have access to Playa Solmar.


Playa Solmar - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium/heavy grain, no silt. Golden!
• Facilities - resorts, however please be courteous.
• Shade - none.
• Sports - none. Do not snorkel, do not swim here. Dangerous!
• Notes - heavy surf, unpredictable undercurrents. But, recommended for whale-watching!

Next up, a "lovely" beach that's an amazing wonder of nature. Simply breathtaking! >>

Playa del Amor - Cabo San Lucas

Ah...even the name sounds so wonderfully inviting. Playa del Amor, Cabo. The beach of Love. Imagine yourself here. This is one spectacle that bears a visit. Not only is the sand outstanding, but the scenery is out of this world. Rustic and at the same time compelling. It's as if God came here and spent a day making beautiful things of the rocks and sea. And, it's still here for you to enjoy. It bears noting that this is still Los Cabos, and the sea here is to be highly respected. Currents and powerful waves control the shore and enlist a sense of care for the elements you may not have back home.


Here's a beach where when you look up and around you see rock formations like Neptune's Finger and The Arch. There are more unusual rock formations around Playa del Amor than any of Cabo San Lucas' other beaches. Take your camera - you'll get some great pictures.

The towering rock formations are just one piece of the beauty. The other key is the pristine water that surround the rock and beach. Two bodies of water meet at Playa del Amor; the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the Sea of Cortes on the other.

Hidden behind Cabo San Lucas' landmark, El Arco, or The Arch at Land's End is Playa del Amor - Lover's Beach! Yes, tourists come here because of the beauty and because it makes up the commercialism now a part of Cabo San Lucas. You'll find pictures of Playa del Amor on every Cabo poster and brochure - so naturally, people want to see what's out here.

Hey, you can swim here! Plus, there are water- sports run by local com- panies, and some hotels. But make sure you're on the Sea of Cortes side, the calmer bay. You'll be entertained by the many schools of colored fish if you choose snorkeling at Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor). And the water is quite clear. Stay along the rocky outcroppings and you'll see all kinds of marine life.

There is an area on the Pacific Ocean side so rough the locals call in Divorce Beach. It's extremely dangerous so don't venture in, or around the rocks where waves come crashing ashore. Waves have been known to pull people off the rocks and out to sea where rescue can take time. No fooling.

Playa del Amor is highly recommend. It's breathtaking and so natural. What makes it so is the contrast of the two seas as they come together here. What beauty! We can't say enough.

To get to Playa del Amor, try taking a Water Taxi from the Cabo San Lucas marina.

Playa del Amor - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - mainly medium grain from rock. No coral or shell.
• Facilities - none, but beach vendors abound.
• Shade - none.
• Sports - kayaking, jetski, boating, snorkeling.
• Notes - highly recommended. Dangerous on the Pacific side. Use extreme caution!

What is Cabo San Lucas' all-around Best Beach? Something for everyone awaits - Next >>

Playa El Medano - Cabo San Lucas

If you're coming to Cabo, the main drag, chances are this is the very beach you're going to be coming to. It's the main beach in Cabo and young people flock here from every corner of the globe. Cabo has become a Spring Break destination mainly because it's easy to get to from the United States, and because it is just so stunningly beautiful, like many of the people who come here to hang out. Remember that Playa El Medano isn't like your beach back home. So take care in keeping aware of your surroundings. Even the locals do.


El Medano means "The Dune" and is Cabo's main beach. What a wonderful beach just to relax in full view of the Land's End rock formations and Arch. And you can see Land's End from anywhere on the beach.

The beach stretches almost two miles so it's one of Cabo's longest beaches. This is the best swim- ming beach in Cabo San Lucas.

Plus, if you get hungry, no worries. Playa El Medano is packed with great restaurants and Mexican bars right on the beach. You can stroll a bit and check them out, then make a choice of where you want to eat. Our tip? Choose the one where all the people are gathered.

In addition to good eats, you'll find a diversity of water fun not found on any other Cabo beach. From beach volleyball to wave runners, kayaks to small catamarans - it's all here. You can rent a small sailboat and sail in the bay. Water ski boats will run you along the shore. And because of the gentle surf, you can rent a boogie board and spend the afternoon impressing your significant other.

If you want great snorkeling and diving, ask at any of the hotels for a trip to El Arco, the Arch, where you can catch some of Cabo's best marine life.

So Playa El Medano is definitely not the place to come to get away from it all... as it's all here. Happy Hour lasts most of the day - just find a bar on the beach. While you're sipping, you'll note El Medano is the best beach for people watching. Wow, look at the bodies. It's fun to see the many beach vendors show their wares along the strip and the tourists trying to bargain for a souvenir to take home.

But El Medano is a family beach as well. With more and more families coming to Cabo San Lucas, the area is adapting. Swimming areas are roped off along the beach. In other areas you'll find parasailing and windsurfing. Though not a family sport, take the gang down near the area and check out the fun! You'll have a front row seat on excitement.

To get to Playa El Medano, from the downtown area walk around the marina past Puerto Paraiso and Marina Fiesta all the way to the end - then hang a left at the channel entrance. You're here! Parking is scarce (especially during Spring Break, so if you're coming by car, prepare to walk at least a few blocks.)

Playa El Medano - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium to fine grain, rock/loam mix, golden.
• Facilities - throughout the entire beach.
• Shade - umbrellas abound.
• Sports - all water sports. Arrange on beach with local operators.
• Notes - this place packs out during Spring Break - even at night, when the bars get full. Best bet is to come during North American winter months.

There are a few choice beaches right down the Cabo "Tourist Corridor". Are they the best kept secret? Or best to stay away? Find out - Next! >>

Bahia Santa Maria - Cabo San Lucas

What most beaches lack in nature, Bahia Santa Maria shows how it's done. Rustic and magnificent, a stroke of wild paints this bay one of our favorites. Find a spot, but don't stay there. Hike from one end to the other and take the camera. Wildlife abounds more than you'll see at most beaches in Cabo and for good reason. This is area is protected, which means you can't take anything but pictures. Leave everything alone and the next visitor and the Mexican government will thank you. Again, the surf is to be respected here and tides can leave you in the muddy flats, so watch your time.


Shaped like a large horseshoe, Bahia Santa Maria - in all its beauty - was designated a Protected Marine Sanctuary by the Mexican Government. Still, you can put in with your snorkel gear in one place God seemingly designed for the family.

Gentle surf makes viewing gorgo- nians (sea fans) that have made the area along the rock walls their home. As you and your family simply float over the wonderment, dozens of beautifully color tropical fish and other marine life will accent this once in a lifetime outing. It's simply breathtaking.

And if you don't snorkel, don't fret. Bahia Santa Maria is one of the nicest swimming beaches as well. During the morning hours you'll find the surf right tolerable. From mid-afternoon on, swells kick up and can be a challenge, especially with small children. These aren't monster waves, just larger rolling waves that can wake you up if you're not watching for them.

Another way to see Bahia Santa Maria is by hiring a tour boat, or snorkel tour from Cabo San Lucas. As you make your way out, you'll pass by the points that make Cabo spectacular, such as the Arch and Land's End. Bring that camera!

But be advised, there is no shade here. You're open to the elements, so bring water and an umbrella if at all possible. Oh, and don't forget your snorkel gear. You can't rent it at the beach.

To get to Bahia Santa Maria, take the highway to Kilometer 13. It lies east of the Twin Dolphin Hotel - just follow the signs there. The beach is a three minute walk from the highway. You'll notice the path from the bus stop area - or if in doubt, follow the people heading to the ocean. They're all here to enjoy the same thing: Bahia Santa Maria in Cabo San Lucas!

Bahia Santa Maria - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand -golden, from rock and some coral. Medium to small grain, some silt.
• Facilities - none.
• Shade - none.
• Sports - bring your snorkel gear. Recommended spot.
• Notes - come early in the day to avoid the hot sun. Remember to use suntan lotion after you snorkel as it washes off.

Where did we find the whitest sand in Cabo San Lucas? Come take a peek - Next! >>

Bahia Chileno - Cabo San Lucas

This reminded us of Geriba beach in Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a long strip of compacted sand that seemed perfect to jog on at any time of day. A dog or two lets you know you're not in Florida. Bahia Chileno in Cabo is picturesque and inviting. A beach towel and a drink and we're set. There are plenty of vendors in the area to keep us here for a week. The sun is shinning clear through the blue skies of Cabo San Lucas. We've found another gem.

You won't need any inspiration to make this beach a must visit when in Cabo San Lucas. Understand that if you come all the way out to Mexico's Riviera without visiting the Bahia Chileno, well - you might as well say you didn't have time to make it to the beach.

Because this IS the beach - the one we think is the best in class for Cabo San Lucas. If rated by stars it would receive a grand "5 Stars" for "all-around" best. And here's why:

Bahia Chileno (Chilean) is perfectly situated midway in the "Tourist Corridor". Hands down the finest Los Cabos beach for swimming, diving, kayaking, and snorkeling above the best reef in these parts. The locals know it, too. Just ask and you'll be told what area of the beach is best for the sport you want to enjoy. We did.

We found the beach wide, and the surf fairly flat. Each morning you'll find joggers from the nearby resorts. Swimming is safe - as opposed to many of the beaches we've reported on in the Cabos area. One side on Bahia Chileno is sandy all the way out to the reef. The other crescent is sandy but full of rock formations along the bottom, making it ideal for snorkel and diving.

Underwater expect the best in colorful reef fish, sea turtles, squid, moray eels, sea urchins, those great gorgonians (sea fans), colorful sea sponges, and starfish. Look, but don't touch. Do take an underwater camera. This beauty you don't want to forget.

There was a dive shop on the beach, but the host hotel was sold in 2005 and a new dive shop has not opened. Make arrangements in Cabo San Lucas.

This beach is so easy to find. Bahia Chileno is close to the highway, around kilometer 14.5. There's a parking area with a bus stop. Walk from the parking lot toward the ocean - you can't miss this gem.

Bahia Chileno - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - golden to white. From coral/shell, some rock.
• Facilities - the only beach in the Cabo area with a bathroom. BYO-paper!
• Shade - palms throughout.
• Sports - don't depend on the snorkel/dive rental at the beach. Make arrangements in town.
• Notes - grand beach and area. Consider investing in a home here.

On our way to San Jose (beaches), with one that is known as the longest swimming beach. It's a converted fishing village that still launches some of Cabo's biggest sports fishermen - Next! >>

Bahia Palmilla - Cabo San Lucas

This beach, like others in Cabo, has resorts that are so close to the shore, you can hang in a hammock and sleep the afternoon listening to the waves meeting the shore, a gull crying overhead, and the gentle breeze as it passes through the palm fronds. Amazing how one beach, Bahia Palmilla, can take you from stress to relaxed in less than 10 minutes. So beautiful is Bahia Palmilla, that even more resorts are trying to nudge in the already full landscape. But no worries. This coastline has plenty for everyone.

Another crescent-shaped bay that invites you to spend some time relaxing and listening to the surf gently reach the shore as it's done for millennia. Who would have thought a tiny sleepy fishing village would become a tourist focal point?

Bahia Palmilla is that point and abundance surrounds it. From the grand Jack Nicklaus Ocean Nine golf course to the super exclusive One&Only; Hotel Palmilla. If you can't get it here - Cabo doesn't have it.

Known by the tourism operators as the "longest swimming beach", we found they meant that you can probably swim for longer along the shoreline than any other area beach. Remember, some of the Cabo San Lucas beaches are downright dangerous for swimming. But not Bahia Palmilla. It's splendid.

Palmilla is another one of those split crescents - in other words - there's a rock outcropping that juts into the ocean splitting a beach with sand out to a rocky/reef bottom, and a side that has simply sand as far as you can probably swim (or should).

Because of this, it's wonderful for snorkeling. Make sure you stay along the rocks as there is nothing to see in the sand, except...well, sand. And with the protected shoreline, this is the beach for families. Even the locals come here on the weekends with their own. Rent a kayak in town and paddle around the bay (bahia). The beach is very near the parking lot.

This is one beach that sports thatch covered beach huts for shade and yes, there are garbage cans. Cabo San Lucas cares about this environment. Don't search for a restroom because as snazzy as Bahia Palmilla is, there are no facilities. No rental facilities, either - so bring what you'd like to do from town (Cabo San Lucas).

Even though the beach is near the parking lot, it's a long hike from the highway - so your best bet is by car or taxi. Take the Palmilla exit around kilometer 27, then just follow the signs down to the beach. Look for the taxi stand in the circle drive fronting the hotel. That's the entrance to the beach.

Bahia Palmilla - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium/fine grain, coral/shell/rock. Golden.
• Facilities -none, but we found you could walk to the hotel, and...
• Shade - beach huts!
• Sports - bring all from town as there are no rentals at the beach. Swimming is delightful here.
• Notes - can get busy on the weekends and holidays, but not crowded. Recommended for families.

And now we leave Cabo San Lucas to visit the enchanting beaches of San Jose del Cabo - all along the Mexican Riveira - with their very own Côte d'Azur! - Next! >>

Playa Costa Azul - San Jose del Cabo

You won't have to bring your surfboard unless you're totally a pro. Playa Costa Azul in San Jose del Cabo does offer some breathtaking waves. But they also rent surfboards for people of all skill sets. In fact, there are some great places along the beach to just settle back and watch it all happen. If you are going to get out into it, make sure you talk with locals at the shops about the beach and areas of danger, depending on the tides. Most importantly, be safe, have fun. That's not too much to ask here.

No better way to start off the beaches along San Jose del Cabo than to offer up the Mexican Riviera's own Blue Coast! It's Playa Costa Azul and is a famous surf hangout for locals and tourists. Two world class breaks, Zipper and La Roca are right here at Playa Costa Azul.

You can see the beach from along the highway. Stop around kilometer 27 and take a look. All the way to kilometer 29, this Blue Coast is where the action is at. And it's easy to get involved.
Even if you didn't plan a surf holiday, the fun on a board can't be matched - the thrill of riding a wave! It's not too hard to learn, thanks to the Costa Azul Surf Shop which will not only rent you a board that will be easy to ride, but give you a few lessons and help you get up on your first wave!

There are plenty of nearby services as well. If you're hungry from a day of surfing, head over to Zipper's or Dante's restaurants. From fast food to the local cuisine, you'll be refueling for another day big waves and sun - you'll definitely want to come back.

But beware; Zippers and La Roca are intermediate to expert surf breaks. No beginners here. If you're starting, Costa Azul Surf Shop will start you out where it's safe for you.

Playa Costa Azul is at kilometer 28 and is accessed by the Costa Azul Bridge. The locals say... you can't miss it. We say - you won't want to!

Playa Costa Azul - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium/heavy grain, coral/shell/rock.
• Facilities - around the area, convenience store nearby.
• Shade - cliffs and palms.
• Sports - this is surf territory.
• Notes - stay away from the big surf break Zippers and La Roca unless you know what you're doing. Don't chance it far away from home. Great photo op beach! Recommended.

How unusual can you get? How about the most unusual name for a beach we've ever found? Check it out! Next! >>

Playa Hotelera - San Jose del Cabo

When we reviewed this beach, the Playa Hotelera, we thought that Hotelera was kind of a cop out for a name for the beach. Yes, it's along hotel alley, but still, maybe "Big-Wide Beach" would have been OK. Not complaining, just observing. San Jose del Cabo's Playa Hotelera is a perfect spot for any string of hotels. Walk out of the hotel and you're on the beach. Remember the surf here can get wild, so if you venture to swim, ask at the hotel if it is OK. Getting here is not hard, and you'll find staying in this area very affordable. It is the leaving that always takes a little getting used to.

Just a mile from historic downtown San Jose del Cabo, Playa Hotelera (Hotel Beach), is beautiful. Unfortunately, it's another one the beaches in the area where you can stay on the sand but out of the water.

The shore runs steeply into the ocean and is dangerous for swimming. Once in the surf, there are tricky currents that wash around the whole Cabo area and have been known to take just about anything out to sea - including people.

Well, we don't want that to happen. But at the same time, we had to tell you about this gem. It's easy to get to and happening because it's one of the prime places you'll find an exciting game of beach volleyball.

Fitness enthusiasts call this beach favorite. It's compacted perfectly to allow for a nice jog. That makes it a nice people-watching beach in our book. Oh, and you'll find those dawn and dusk surf fishermen here as well.

Just around sunrise, this beach becomes dotted with those trying to outsmart fish as they begin their search for a morning meal. Try your hand at it, too. If you're taking a break from sports fishing, head on out to San Jose del Cabo and Playa Hotelera. Morning and evening are the best times as that is when the big ones are looking for something to eat.

Along Hotelera, you'll find a nice promenade running just south of Plaza Caracol. And if you're bringing the kids - this is one of the only beaches in the Los Cabos area to sport a play area. It's across from the Fiesta Inn. Next door is a miniature golf course and the Rusty Putter restaurant. Plan a full day of fun!

We found the Don Manuel Orantes Sea Turtle Camp exciting. Just look for the Presidente Inter-Continental Hotel and the turtles are right next door. The San Jose Estuary is here as well. You'll have a chance to see some of the most spectacular birds and wildlife - all native to the area.

To get to Playa Hotelera - you really can't miss it. Walk down through any of the hotels, or open alleys between them, and onto the sand.

Playa Hotelera - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - the gold continues with Hotelera. Little shell/coral, mostly from rock.
• Facilities - throughout - hotels abound here.
• Shade - some huts along the beach, especially near the promenade area.
• Sports - beach volley, sports fishing, jogging, walking.
• Notes - stay out of the water here. Heavy undertow.

Head on out the East Cape Beaches! The most extreme adventurers hang out here, and you won't believe the pictures! Next >>

East Cape Beaches - Los Cabos

And now for something entirely different. For those who know life off the tourist trap path, the East Coast Beaches of Los Cabos were designed for you. Full of great amenities, but not as traveled as the beaches around Cabo San Lucas, the East Coast Beaches are a delight. In fact, the culture here is entirely different, as well as the local food, from what you will find in Cabo. The reason is the terrain. It is harder to get here and things are a little harder to get than in other Baja California regions. Come here to find the real Los Cabos. Leave a different person.

There are roughly 60 miles of shoreline and many beaches in what makes up the East Cape area of Los Cabos. From Los Frailes on the south to Bahia de Los Suenos on the north - this is virgin territory. Of course, since you're off the beaten path here, the beaches are empty. But don't be too surprised when you happen upon a little town with upscale homes.

Hotels here are few and far between. There are a few fishing villages as well. Sports fishing is a big deal here with over 850 species along the East Cape. It's by far one of the world's best fishing areas.

In the towns of Buena Vista and Los Barriles, you'll find Scuba, windsurfing, snorkeling, kiteboarding, kayaking... you get the idea. This is where the extreme crowd hangs out. And with good cause - the elements compliment everything you plan.

For nature lovers, this is the perfect getaway from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. Fauna abounds and thrives in the great balance between land and sea. Because there is little contact from humans, animals are less fearful. This is a camera person's paradise.

And speaking of sports, wonder where the best scuba diving is in the whole Los Cabos area? So did we - but we found it! Next >>

Los Frailes and Cabo Pulmo - Los Cabos

Expect a wild adventure here at Los Frailes and Cabo Pulmo. Two locations that share one thing - they are in the East Coast area and off the beaten path. Wildlife abounds here and makes for some spectacular hiking and kayaking. Still, the beaches are what we are here for and these are worth mentioning. Because they both are amongst the rocks, the water around these beaches is crystal clear. You can snorkel here all day, or find a local dive operation to take you to a few choice spots.

When you get to this area - just head north out of Los Cabos and hang a right at Las Cuevas - you won't believe your eyes. It is the most spectacular landscape of the Cabo area. And, the home to some of the best in diving and snorkeling. Plus, a treat for kayakers... coming up.

But first, keep heading east toward La Ribera and Cabo Pulmo as you trek toward Los Frailes - the southernmost East Cape beach. Cabo Pulmo pops up first. It's a National Marine Park, declared just recently (1995, as far as parks go), by the Mexican Government. So, no fishing here - but! You have 11 (eleven) miles long of shoreline and eight different reefs.

It gets better! In 1939 a Mexican fishing vessel, the Colima, sunk during a storm (wasn't better for them - but that was many moons ago). It lies in only 18 feet of water - perfect for diving and even snorkeling. The site abounds with marine life and is a must dive if you come to Los Cabos and are planning any diving.

Here are the facts: Visibility ranges from 65 to 100 feet and water temperatures are around 80 F at the surface. Want to make this an extra-special event? At Cabo Pulmo, ask around for Pepe Murietta - he's said to be the best in the area. Pepe will take you to a beach lined with thatch-huts, where you can frolic with the needlefish, triggerfish, beautiful parrotfish, tigerfish, blowfish, eels - what fun!

Hey, and we said we had something for those who love to kayak. Rent one here and paddle out to the sea lion colony near Los Frailes. Take your camera because you won't see anything like these guys anywhere. And who knew this was so close to Cabo San Lucas?

Los Frailes and Cabo Pulmo - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - some gray, but mainly coral/shell composition.
• Facilities - scattered. Ask before outing.
• Shade - some huts, otherwise open elements - use care.
• Sports - all water sports, especially extreme.
• Notes - a paradise. Bring your camera. Recommended.

On our way to the Los Cabos escape - we head to RV nirvana, Next! >>

Buena Vista and Los Barriles - Los Cabos

We found this place in a magazine and decided we had to check it out. If you can imagine a laid-back Mexican town where not much happens, and a beautiful beach to boot, you are probably close to Buena Vista or Los Barriles in the Los Cabos area. These are slow tiny towns along the east coast. And it doesn't pay to hurry up. You'll end up missing something super important. Especially Los Barriles, we found eateries that reminded us of the Caribbean or South America. So wonderful that the food and hospitality were from a era we thought was long gone.

Just a quick note on possibly a nice stop if you're doing Highway 1 up from Los Cabos... a mere ten minutes up the coast from Las Cuevas, we found Buena Vista and Los Barriles. These two are stuck along Bahia de Las Palmas, a large bay with shallows on one side. However...

Locals tell us this is a prime spot for diving. A glance around the twin towns and we thought we were stuck in the early 1900's. We don't believe much as changed to these fishing villages. Tourism has brought in some much needed funding to get these tiny villages thriving. It is part of the culture here that we'd hate to see disappear.

Many people who call Los Cabos their home have actually moved northward into this area because the ocean here is just breathtaking.

So, you'll find a few small resorts, and RV parks for those adventuresome, the Buena Vista Beach Resort, a few luxury homes, and a complete village of expatriates.

The word got out about 8 years ago the Buena Vista and Los Barriles was perfect for windsurfing in the North American winter months. And now, many come here to kiteboard as well. Get out the video camera; the action's hot!

The rest of the year is choice for sport fishing - you can charter right here. And as we said, the diving is great. You can also find nice snorkeling along the rocky shoreline and you'll probably see more than one kayaker on the waters of Buena Vista and Los Barriles.

Buena Vista and Los Barriles - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - fine to medium powder, some debris.
• Facilities - around the towns, not at beach.
• Shade - none.
• Sports - nice diving, snorkeling, wind and kite surfing.
• Notes - great RV beach! People drive here to setup right on the beach.

Okay, we've almost made it. But one of the last spots call's itself the BEST FISHING TOWN on EARTH. And we have it... Next! >>

Punta Pescadero - Los Cabos

Just as they did decades ago, people flock to Baja California to fish. One of the most beautiful bays to fish is the points at Punta Pescadero Beach in Los Cabos. It doesn't take long to get set up. Local companies can equip you and tell you the best spots along the shore to reel 'em in. Or you can just watch where the locals hang out and go 50 yards down the beach and try your luck. Chances are you'll be pulling 'em in like the locals in no time.

If you've been working your way through the East Cape beaches and small towns and villages, after Buena Vista and Los Barriles, you will come upon the breathtaking coastline of Punta Pescadero. As the name implies - this is indeed "Fishermen's Point".

Many get to Punta Pescadero by flying in. There are companies that offer packages with fly-in's and accomodation, followed by all the sports fishing you can handle.

Here, you could easily pull the car over anywhere along the coast and walk down to the beach. And, you'd be alone. A nice trip might be snorkeling several spots along the way around Punta Pescadero. We found several areas just perfect with rock outcroppings and water so crystal clear it was incredible.

There is a resort in Punta Pescadero. If you'd like, you can stop to eat at the restaurant and then head back out to enjoy the beaches. Remember to take plenty of water. There are no facilities in the area and whatever you take with you ... is it.

Punta Pescadero - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - coral/shell/rock mix. Some debris.
• Facilities - none.
• Shade - some trees.
• Sports - snorkel, dive, surf. Use the buddy system, always.
• Notes - be adventurous! You only live once.

Coming up is one of the fun spots along the coast where they'll hang you upside down for fun - and we have a picture to prove it. Next!! >>

Bahia de los Suenos - Los Cabos

Bahia de los Suenos in Los Cabos is hoping for more visitors. This beach is nice, but almost deserted as it sits along the road along the east coast of the Baja Peninsula. And yes, you can drive down the beach here, but remember with the lack of population, getting out of the sand, should you become stuck, might take a little long than you're used to. The sand is soft and it's hard to know where the rocks are. But the surf is inviting and people come here to be close to this beauty.

Not long ago we visited Los Barriles. Remember the RV parks right on the shore of the ocean? Well, an 20 minutes north of Los Barriles is Bahia de los Suenos, or Bay of Dreams. It's kind of funny that this same spot was formerly called Bahia de los Muertos, or Bay of the Dead. Maybe they graduated?

In any case, you need to know about Bahia de los Suenos before you make any plans to the Los Cabos area. So read up.

This is Los Cabos' new "place to be" and "place to be seen". The reason? Fusion. Yes, several things have made Bahia de los Suenos totally cool. First, the Giggling Marlin Beach Club and Bar.

There's a Giggling Marlin down in Cabo San Lucas and this one is nothing like the one in Cabo. The marlin gets the catch and you're left hanging. It's fun and a hoot to hang out at. Make sure you "get hung" - if you're in Cabo. Who knows if soon the Bahia de los Suenos will have the same setup.

A lot is developing in this area. You'll see new construction everywhere. Plans call for 650 higher end homes, some surrounding a world class golf course. A resort with another golf course is nearing completion and, two marinas are putting up finishing touches.

So what's the deal here?

We're told that it is Gary Wagner of Giggling Marlin (Cabo) fame has invested heavily into the area. Locals say that Wagner is also behind renaming the bay to Bahia de los Suenos. That's okay by us, as long as the nearby town of Ensenada de los Muertos doesn't care.

You should plan a meal at the restaurant here, near the end of the afternoon. If you plan your seating right - look around first - you will have a breathtaking view of the mountains, the ocean, the beach, and the fishermen as they return home from a day's work.

Here in East Cape, the waters are calm mostly year-round. Another interesting note is that the sand on the Sea of Cortez side is generally white, coral based. And it has that crunch that so fun to step on.

One tip we found was to watch the sea rays launch themselves from the deep and through the air, then back down to the surface with a loud slap. Sounds like our kind of way to end the day.

Bahia de los Suenos - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - whiter, crunchier than most of Los Cabos. Coral based.
• Facilities - none.
• Shade - little. Some trees.
• Sports - Fishing charters rule, but Golf is not far behind.
• Notes - use care when driving to Bahia de los Suenos. It's better to take Highway 1 north to La Paz and then east on the local road to Ensenada de los Muertos. The road up the coast is not all paved.

Visit all the other Cabo Beaches here.