Curator’s statement
Mexico holds a special place in my heart, and Cabo, the warm-hearted people, embodies the essence of this remarkable country. When I first learned that a beach resort had 'unswimmable” beaches, I didn’t believe it. I love water and the thought of not being able to fully embrace the ocean was unbelievable. So I uncovered Cabo's hidden gems – the swimmable beaches. These are the tranquil havens where you can immerse yourself in the refreshing waters and discover the best beaches for snorkeling. Each swimmable beach I've found offers a unique blend of natural beauty and marine wonders. I hope you'll come to love Cabo as much as I do – for its culinary treasures, its beautiful landscape, sun, fun, and its wonderful hospitality. Bienvenidos a Cabo!
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Where to stay in Cabo, Mexico
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Things to do in Cabo, Mexico
Charter a yacht
An unforgettable experience, charter a private yacht for a sunset cruise. It's the perfect way to explore the sea in style. I have been telling everyone that, "days in the water are always the best days," and this experience truly embodies that sentiment. Spend your day in the refreshing sea breeze, take refreshing dips in warm oceans, witness the sun's magnificent descent over the water and savor your favorite cocktail. There are few experiences that are better.
Sailing sunset cruise
Hotel pickup from your hotel in Los Cabos, sail past Lover's Beach over crystalline waters for a few hours aboard a sailboat. Grab a comfortable cushion or pillow and relax onboard, sipping a glass of cocktail. Enjoy the view of the famous arch. Soak up the last of the sun's rays with spectacular views over Cabo San Lucas while you watch a gorgeous sunset.
Kitesurfing
in Los Barriles. Unleash your inner adventurer and embark on an exhilarating kitesurfing journey in Los Barriles, where the sun, sand, surf and stunning coastal vistas await. Regardless of your prior kitesurfing experience, you can join a small-group lesson that promises an unforgettable day. You'll have time to grasp the fundamental techniques and hone your kitesurfing skills.
Snorkeling
Here are the best beaches for snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas:
Santa Maria Beach: is often considered one of the top snorkeling spots in Cabo San Lucas. It's a protected cove with beautiful water and an abundance of marine life. You can expect to see colorful coral formations and a variety of fish species.
Cabo Bello Beach: It's located in a small, secluded cove, Cabo Bello Beach, near a residential community. This is a great place to rent a Villa. Cabo Bello offers picturesque surroundings with its rocky cliffs and golden sand, providing a nice backdrop for relaxation and sunbathing. It is one of Cabo’s hidden gems.
Chileno Beach is another fantastic snorkeling destination in Cabo. This beach boasts a marine sanctuary, making it a prime location for observing a wide range of sea creatures and even the occasional sea turtle.
Lover's Beach offers unique snorkeling experiences. You get there by boat. Lover's Beach is known for being a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Day Trips
Mountains: Discover a hidden gem: the Sierra De La Laguna mountains. This lush oasis nestled at the tip of Baja California boasts canyons and jungles waiting to be explored. Make a stop in the quaint town of Santiago.
Waterfall: Break away from the beach routine and immerse yourself in a mountain adventure by taking a scenic hike through Fox Canyon, leading you to the rejuvenating Sol de Mayo Waterfall.
East Cape Beaches: Offer a tranquil haven well worth dedicating a day to. While many of Cabo San Lucas' beaches are not swimmable, the beaches here are serene and inviting. They are not only safe for swimming but also offer incredible photo opportunities. To access the East Cape, embark on the unpaved Camino Cabo Este drive, with a 4-wheel drive. The area features local restaurants, making it an ideal spot to soak up the laid-back, city-less, beach life. With crystal-clear waters, expansive white-sand beaches, friendly donkeys roaming the shores and the luxury of no crowds.
Cabo Pulmo: Embark on an adventure from Cabo to Cabo Pulmo National Park, where a local boat captain will lead you to prime snorkeling locations. Dive into the azure waters and snorkel among tropical fish, including giant groupers, big-eyed jacks, eels, sea turtles and rays. Cabo Pulmo, named "The World's Natural Aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau, is a protected marine park known for its pristine underwater world. This expedition offers an opportunity to connect with marine treasures in the heart of remarkable natural beauty.
Extend your stay a few days in Todos Santos: For those seeking a more artistic and authentic Cabo experience, diversify your trip by spending a couple of nights at charming boutique hotels in Todos Santos. Here, you can delve deeper into the local culture and surroundings. Consider a stay at Hotel Paradero or explore beach glamping for a truly unique Mexico experience.
Places to eat & drink in Cabo, Mexico
Flora Field Kitchen (French, Mexican) -Flora Farms is a unique farm-to-table restaurant. This 25-acre organic farm provides the freshest ingredients for their seasonal menu. Enjoy handmade food in a beautiful farm setting at Flora Farms.
Habanero's Gastro Grill (Mexican, Seafood) - Habanero's Gastro Grill and Tequila Bar, opened in by celebrity Chef F. Tadd Chapman, it offers an eclectic "Mexican Fusion" menu with a European bistro twist providing a unique dining experience that blends Mexican flavors with international influences in a casual "Baja" setting.
Acre - Acre is an authentic and sustainable restaurant in San Jose del Cabo that offers a modern farm-chic culinary experience. They focus on using local ingredients to create a global cuisine concept that entices food lovers and those seeking farm-to-table options. Acre is set in a stunning palm forest setting. It is a memorable destination for those looking to experience the best of local ingredients in a beautiful setting.
7 Seas Seafood Grille - The restaurant setting is in an open air "palapa". Enjoy a scenic surf view with beautiful ambiance made by, Latin jazz, sea breeze and the sound of the surf breaking on the beach. Dishes are inspired by Mexican legacies. Wine is carefully sourced from wineries from the "7 Seas" from California, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, France, Italy, Germany and Australia.
Travel Advisor
Marilyn Fay
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Utah Road Trip.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Cabo.