Best Free Things to Do/Los Cabos

Description:

This very scenic beach sits at the end of the hotel zone of San Jose del Cabo. What makes it especially interesting are the cliffs and the wildlife. The beach has been set aside as a protected reserve for more than 200 species of birds that migrate here every year. The beachfront is open to pedestrian traffic; however, the surf and tides are extremely powerful; swimming is therefore discouraged. Many people simply come to see the sea lions (during the month of June) and take photos.

Our Local Expert Says:

A pretty little beach a short drive outside of San Lucas. This is a popular beach with the locals so it can get busy on a Sunday. This beach is swimmable.

Description:

Come early for this prime snorkeling location. Playa Santa Maria is well-known as one of the best beaches near Cabo for underwater wildlife; its curved north wall shelters a reef where tropical fish live and eat. Most of the tour operators offering snorkeling tours will be bringing tourists to this beach and typically arrive around 10a. Beat the crowds (and the blanket and jewelry sellers) and have the beach to yourself by arriving earlier.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most recognizable local landmark.

Description:

San Lucas is famous for the rock formations at Land's End that form a protective barrier for Bahia San Lucas, as well as signifying the point where the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean meet. The most famous of these is undoubtedly El Arco, the arch, that is used as a sort of movie shorthand for Cabo in the same way the Brooklyn Bridge is used for New York. It is the signature feature of the town and, in fact, the entire area. However, there are many other rock formations of interest at Land's End. Pelican Rock and Neptune's Finger both have good dive locations nearby. Scooby Doo is so named because of its resemblance to the cartoon canine. Additionally, there is a sea lion colony situated at the small Los Frailes islets, and excellent swimming and diving near Lover's Beach. Divorce Beach on the Pacific side is five times as wide and features beautiful views, although swimming there is exceedingly dangerous. To get a closer look at these formations, you will need to take a panga (water taxi) out, or observe from any of the local boating excursions, just about all of which make Land's End a focal point of their tours.

Our Local Expert Says:

An exceptional opportunity to see these magnificent animals.

Description:

The annual whale migration is naturally one of Cabo's best treats. In the winter, Baja California Sur is home to countless migrating whales that come to the area to birth their calves. Boat tours can take you near these gentle giants. If you visit between January and March, chances are you will see whales spouting off shore. Gray whales make the 6,000 mile journey from the Bering and Chukchi Seas between Alaska and Siberia to the Sea of Cortez each year. Several eco-friendly boat tours can take you closer to the whales. Small zodiacs or kayaks best enable guests to a good view. If you want to see mothers calving, a fly-in tour to Magdalena Bay is your best bet.

Description:

Not much more than a base remains of this lighthouse, built in 1890, but the view is spectacular from 500 feet above the water. This is a common horseback ride tour and ATV tour destination because in addition to the lighthouse it also has the remains of a shipwreck below. Turtles use this beach to lay their eggs. To get there, go north of town on Highway 19; at Km 2, take a left turn on the dirt road that leads to Cabo Falso.

Our Local Expert Says:

Packed on Saturday and especially Sunday. They have just recently build a new parking lot here to accommodate all of the vehicles but they still park along the edge of the road.

Description:

Whether you're looking to kayak, watch whales, surf or relax, there's a beach in Los Cabos that is perfect for you. Chileno Beach is among the best snorkel and dive sites in Los Cabos. Children enjoy the tide pools at the east end of the beach. Nearby, a dive shop offers kayak, snorkel and dive rentals, Motorized water sports are banned, enabling a quiet atmosphere and preserving the abundant populations of tropical fish, sea turtles, starfish and sea urchins. Palm groves on the south end provide shade. Waterfowl and other wildlife can be spotted from the shore. Located near Hotel Cabo San Lucas, a dive flag sign at Kilometer 14.5 marks the beach.