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! >>