Cabo San Lucas has a rich fishing history and over the years has developed into the “Marlin Capital of the World.” How did this Cabo sport fishing craze start? The early history of Los Cabos started as a small fishing village. Because of the abundance of Tuna, Cabo San Lucas developed into a commercial fishing industry and by 1927 the historic Cannery was established. Then by the late 1950s, the Mexican Government ended commercial fishing with the goal to develop Cabo San Lucas as a major tourist destination with a focus on sport fishing. The area expanded over the next thirty years with villas and hotel developments. In 1981, Bob Bisbee started the Black & Blue Marlin Tournament which has become one of the largest payouts in sport fishing history. Through the 80s and 90s as sport fishing was developing, Los Cabos became the world’s top destination for sport fishing.
Sport Fishing
From Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo to the East Cape, you will experience the best sport fishing in one condensed area at the tip of Baja California Sur. Once reserved for the wealthy and private yachts, sport fishing in Cabo is now the number one attraction for beginner and expert anglers. Sport fishing is popular all year around, but in October and November you will encounter the world-famous Marlin, Bill Fish, Dorado and Tuna Fishing Tournaments. World class anglers travel from all over the globe in pursuit of the champion fish. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, it is common to catch Marlin, Dorado, Roosterfish, Tuna or other large fish varieties on your very first trip out.
2018 Tournaments
10/14/18 – 10/18/18 – Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
Since the first resorts appeared in the late 1950s and early 1960s, anglers have been lured to the abundance and enormous billfish.
10/18/18 – 10/21/18 – Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore
This tournament pits anglers in a competition to top the previous year’s record
10/23/18 – 10/27/18 – Bisbee’s Black and Blue
Anglers compete for black or blue marlin, dorado and tuna.
11/7/18 – 11/10/18 – WON/Mercury Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot
Surf/Shore Fishing
All areas of Los Cabos beaches are great for shore fishing. One well known spot is called “Rooster Alley” in Los Frailes. There are plenty of companies that offer guided surf fishing trips that can direct you to the best fishing spots, but just about any stretch of coastline offers up the chance to catch any number of species. From catching Roosterfish along the sandy beaches to angling Sierra and Dorado on a mixture of sandy beaches with rockpiles. The rocky point areas where you find the reefs and rocky ridges are great areas to try your luck for Califorina yellowtail. Also, look for rocky outcroppings where you can cast from atop to target hogfish and several varieties of snapper and grouper species.
Fishing from the shore does not require any documentation or restrictions, but just make sure you cast at a safe distance of at least 250 meters away from any swimmers. The most important thing to remember when surf fishing is to never turn your back to the water! The current is very strong and can easily sweep you away if you’re not careful. Below are a few types of fish you may encounter:
• Roosterfish (fun to catch but not for eating)
• Sierra (great eating species of mackerel)
• Groupers (mostly leopards)
• Snappers (including cabrilla and pargo)
• California Yellowtail
• Dorado
• Jack Crevalle (fun to catch but not for eating)
• Pacific Snook
Fish Calendar
December – February – Striped Marlin, Shark
March – May – Yellow Tail
April – September – Snapper, Snook
May – July – Amberjack, Jack Crevalle, Cabrilla, Grouper, Mackerel, Rooster Fish
July – November – Mahi Mahi, Wahoo
September – November – Yellow Fin Tuna, Sail Fish, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado
Recommended Fishing Charter
Charter operators provide top-notch rods and reels spooled with fresh line. And they provide the lures, leader line and terminal tackle for any opportunity that might arise. The fishing fleets in Los Cabos are very knowledgeable and professional and will ensure you are given the optimal opportunity to reel in the perfect catch.
Dorado
Back to Vacation Rental after a successful trip
Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding area has a vibrant underwater marine life to discover. Exploring the crystal-clear underwater world is refreshing, relaxing and fascinating and will sure to be a memorable adventure. You will encounter numerous tropical fish and other sea creatures that inhabit these beautiful waters. After relaxing by the poolside of your vacation rental, venture out to snorkel and dive on your own or schedule a tour for a boat ride to various destinations.
SNORKELING
Pelican Rock near the famous Los Arcos Arch, Santa Maria, or Chileno Bay are some locations where your time under the water will be an enjoyable experience. One available tour will take you beyond the hotel zone in San Jose del Cabo to secluded coves and isolated beaches for the ultimate snorkel excursion. The tour also includes stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and a comfortable, Apex high-speed boat ride.
Cabo San Lucas & Corridor
Cannery Beach, Cabo San Lucas – Best on Own
For a more peaceful experience, this small beach (located at the end of Marina Blvd. past the Navy base) is popular with locals. This hidden gem is a private, but public beach, with no vendors and is great for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Lovers Beach, Cabo San Lucas – Best with Tour
Lover’s Beach (Playa de Amor) is located on the Sea of Cortez side near the famous stone arch (El Arco). The only access to this beach is by water taxi from the marina or Medano Beach. Make sure to arrange for your return trip. Swimming and snorkeling is good on the Sea of Cortez side depending upon the water conditions. This beach is crowded so be aware.
Santa Maria, Corridor – Best on Own
Another beach that should be top on your list is Santa Maria Beach. This beach boast calm, clear waters which is perfect for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. It is claimed as a marine sanctuary with an abundance of tropical fish. This beach is great for families. Remember to bring your own snorkel gear, water and snacks if you’re going to venture on your own. This is a perfect spot for snorkeling due to the quiet setting and great rock outcroppings. You will encounter royal blue and yellow damsel fish, cow fish, parrot fish, urchins, coral, and long nose hawk fish.
Chileno Bay, Corridor – On Own or With Tour
Great for families, snorkeling and diving. Several reefs are situated in these calm, clear waters with an abundance of marine life consisting of over 80 species. The long finger type coral reefs attract a lot of sea life. You will encounter damselfish, sergeant majors, yellowtail surgeonfish and Moray eels can be found and in the deep cracks in the reef. This bay great for beginner snorkelers because of clear and shallow waters. This is a popular destination for snorkel excursions, so it might be busy in the water.
San Jose del Cabo, East Cape, La Paz
East Cape, San Jose del Cabo – Best with Tour
Discover the tiny town of Zacatitos where you can snorkel at healthy coral reefs with a plethora of marine life.
Cabo Pulmo National Park – Best with Tour
We recommend booking a tour as the drive is about two hours out of Cabo San Lucas and it’s a bumpy, windy, and crazy. Cabo Pulmo, a small village with a 17,571-acre Marine Protected Area (MPA), has the best diving and snorkeling in Baja. It’s also home to the only Pacific coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. John Steinbeck wrote about these ancient reefs in his 1951 book The Log from the Sea of Cortez.
La Paz– Best with Tour
Close proximity is another UNESCO World Heritage site located at the Cerralvo and Espiritu Santu Islands.
SCUBA DIVING
Scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas offers divers of all levels a unique and wondrous diving experience. Diving in Southern Baja will be an exciting and memorable experience with caves, coral reefs and shipwrecks to explore and discover. With over 800 fish species that inhabit these waters and prime conditions will make your diving adventure a remarkable experience.
Cabo San Lucas & Corridor
Pelican Rock & Sand Falls
Located in the Cabo San Lucas Bay along the rocky cliffs towards the famous Land’s End arch, this area provides dives starting at 20 ft depths. There is plenty to discover, including puffers, goat fish, parrot fish, angels and eels. Other common marine life are lobsters, jacks, rays and the occasional reef shark. Jacques Cousteau’s discovered this area also known as the Sand Falls.
Neptune’s Finger
Also located in Cabo Bay, this dive brings you the usual colorful display of tropical fish and you may also receive a visit from a sea turtle.
North Wall – Good for Beginners
This is one of the best locations for beginning divers also located in Cabos San Lucas Bay. This also offers the usual beautiful display of marine life.
Land’s End (The Point) – Experience Divers Only
Dives start out around 25 ft depth with an abundance of tropical fish, lobsters, hawkfish, eels, and even schools of tuna. Currents are strong in this area is best suited for the experienced diver.
Santa Maria Cove & Chileno Bay – Good for All Levels
Claimed as marine sanctuary’s with an abundance of tropical fish. You will encounter royal blue and yellow damsel fish, cow fish, parrot fish, urchins, coral, and long nose hawk fish. Corals and sea fans among the ridges decorate the reef.
San Jose del Cabo, East Cape, La Paz
Gordo Banks, San Jose del Cabo – Experience Divers
Gordo Banks is for experienced divers only with the top of the seamount at 110 ft depth and with strong currents. You will encounter large gatherings of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, marlin, and swordfish. Best diving time is seasonal during August through November.
East Cape – Good for All Levels
This region offers dozens of near shore and off shore diving sites. Suited for all levels of divers the diving sites include Punta Pescadero, Cerro Verde, Rancho Buena Vista Reef, El Cardonal and Punta Perico. For the more experienced diver, discover Punta de la Ventana where, with the right conditions, you can explore caves and encounter grouper, jewfish and sea bass.
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park – Good for All Levels
This UNESCO World Heritage site is another must-dive adventure to experience with spectacular and vibrant coral reefs found in this marine protected area. Cabo Pulmo National Park has the best diving and snorkeling in Baja and is home to the only Pacific hard coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. The abundant coral growth on the rocky reefs provides shelter and food for countless reef fish, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The diving sites include Bahia Las Barracas to the north and Bahia Los Frailes to the south.
La Paz – Good for All Levels
If you want to venture further North, La Paz is another great dive destination. In close proximity is another UNESCO World Heritage site located at the Cerralvo and Espiritu Santu Islands. These islands provide dozens of dive sites, with a cave that has an air chamber that allows divers to surface while inside.
RECOMMENDED TOUR GUIDES
Cabo AdventuresFrom first time divers to those looking for all levels PADI certifications, Cabo Adventures offers everything you will need. With the most experienced staff and the best and most well-equipped dive boat in Cabo, you are sure to have a safe and amazing dive adventure.
A popular question we often hear is “Where is it safe to swim in Cabo?” Below is a complete list of all the beaches and recommended activities and safety precautions for each beach. When you book your private villa with Baja Sur Vacation Rentals, the list below and the detailed map of beach locations, will serve you well in your vacation planning.
Water Safety
Beach Resorts use a flag system to indicate water safety. Depending on the weather, flag colors may change, so be sure to always check on current beach conditions. Even on swimmable beaches, exercise caution due to these seasonal changes.
Red – Dangerous
Yellow – Caution
Green – Safe
Blue Flag Beaches– World-renowned eco-certification awards for being clean and accessible, great water quality; meets high safety standards; and works hard to protect local shorelines and ecosystems.
Cabo San Lucas
PEDREGAL(Pacific Ocean): NO Swimming or Wading Near Shore Break
A beautiful and pristine beach, but there is no swimming allowed on any beaches located on the Pacific Ocean side because of strong and dangerous currents, harsh waves, and under toes.
PLAYA SOLMAR (Pacific Ocean): NO Swimming or Wading Near Shore Break
Located on the Pacific side of Land’s End, Playa Solmar offers spectacular views and long stretches of white pristine sand. Beach vendors are not allowed access. Absolutely no swimming is allowed because the strong currents and powerful shore break is very dangerous.
LOVER’S BEACH (Sea of Cortez): Swimming, Snorkeling, Kayaking
Lover’s Beach (Playa de Amor) is located on the Sea of Cortez side near the famous stone arch (El Arco). The only access to this beach is by water taxi from the marina or Medano Beach. Make sure to arrange for your return trip. Swimming and snorkeling is good on the Sea of Cortez side depending upon the water conditions.
DIVORCE BEACH (Pacific Ocean): NO Swimming or Wading Near Shore Break
Warning! While at Lover’s Beach do not attempt to wade or swim on the neighboring Pacific Ocean side, called Divorce beach, as strong and dangerous under toes are prevalent and very dangerous.
MEDANO BEACH (Sea of Cortez): Safest Swimming, All Water Sports, Blue Flag
Medano Beach is the safest swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas in the middle of downtown and all the major happenings. The water is calm so is great for swimming. Here you will find all the water activity rentals. Since this beach is the most popular, it tends to be very crowded.
CANNERY BEACH (Sea of Cortez)(La Empacadora Beach): Swimming, Kayak, Blue Flag
For a more peaceful experience, this small beach (located at the end of Marina Blvd. past the Navy base) is popular with locals. This hidden gem is a private, but public beach, with no vendors and is great for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Tourist Corridor
PLAYA MONUMENTOS (Monuments Beach): Surfing (No Swimming)
This small beach is good for expert surfing only. It is the closest surfing area to Cabo San Lucas. Great to explore the rocky terrain. It is below Sunset Da Mona Lisa Restaurant with incredible sunset views.
PLAYA CABEZA DE BALLENA(Whale’s Head Beach, Punta Ballena): Swimming, Snorkeling
Great beach for snorkeling and swimming. It’s also a nice sandy beach for sunbathing and relaxing.
PLAYA BARCO VERADO (Shipwreck Beach):Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving
Great for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and tide pools. Although swimming is generally safe, proceed with caution during times when the sea is rough. This is a common diving location for tours. It is located by the Sheraton Grand and the Hacienda Resort.
PLAYA LAS VIUDAS(Widow’s Beach or Twin Dolphin Beach): Swimming, Snorkeling, Blue Flag
This beach should be top on your list as it has many private coves and scenic rock formations. Great for swimming, snorkeling, and has excellent tide pools.
SANTA MARIA BEACH: Safest Swimming, Snorkeling, Blue Flag
Another beach that should be top on your list is Santa Maria Beach. This beach boast calm, clear waters which is perfect for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. It is claimed as a marine sanctuary with an abundance of tropical fish. This beach is great for families.
CHILENO BEACH: Safest Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, Blue Flag
Great for families, snorkeling and diving. Several reefs are situated in these calm, clear waters with an abundance of marine life consisting of over 80 species. This is a common area for snorkeling and diving tours. Public restrooms and showers are available as well as sandy beach areas and shady places to rest and relax.
TEQUILA COVE (Hilton Cove or Playa Bledito): Swimming, Water Sports
Very safe for swimming and water sports as it has a man-made break water.
PUNTA PALMILLA: Swimming, Snorkeling, Water Sports, Blue Flag
Beautiful and private cove with a large bay perfect for swimming, snorkeling and water sports. Great for families. Near the luxurious One & Only Pamilla Resort.
EL TULE BEACH:Expert Surfing (No Swimming)
Good for the expert surfing only as it has a very strong break with fast swells coming in both directions. Driftwood and boulders on the beach.
PLAYA ACAPULQUITO(Old Man’s Beach & The Rock): Surfing (Risky Swimming), Blue Flag
South of the Arroyo is The Rock and Old Man’s surf breaks. The Rock is best for intermediate surfers and Acapulquito Beach is good for beginners or long boarders. Good swimming during calm seas.
PLAYA COSTA AZUL (Zippers Beach): Surfing (Risky Swimming)
Home to the world-famous Zippers surf break situated North of the Arroyo and is for advanced Surfers. Swimming is risky and only recommended for surfers. Many surfing competitions take place here every year.
San Jose del Cabo
PLAYA HOTELERA(Hotel Beach): NO swimming, Surf Fishing
A long, open sandy beach with great scenery and good for surf fishing, beach walks (especially at night), horseback riding, and beach volleyball. No swimming allowed as there is a strong undertow.
ESTUARY BEACH: NO swimming
Located at the north end of Hotel Row. No Swimming as the waves and undertow are strong and dangerous. Also, a freshwater lagoon that has over 350 species of wildlife and beautiful vegetation. Great for bird watching and hiking around the area.
LA PLAYITA and EL GANZA BEACH CLUB: Safe Swimming, Water Sports
At the marina in San Jose del Cabo are two small swimmable beaches. El Ganzo is a beach club with is open to public for small fee. Playita Beach has a roped-off swimming area and regular beach for swimming, skim-boarding, surfing, and other water sports.
What is your ideal dream Los Cabos Vacation? As we explore the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, a great place to start your vacation is with the basics – the Beach.
The Los Cabos area is made up of two main towns, San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas and both towns are connected with a 20-mile stretch of beaches along the Sea of Cortez, named the Tourist Corridor. Most of the beaches are located on the Sea of Cortez which has a variety of beaches to choose from. Some beaches offer scenic beautiful rock formations with pounding waves crashing on the shore, while other beaches are stunning long stretches of sand for soaking in the sun, strolling, or horseback riding. When you book your Cabo vacation rental, stay informed with more details on swimmable beaches in, “Cabo Water Activities: To Swim or Not to Swim”
Public Beaches Verses Resort Beaches
Long empty stretches of sand are common along the beach. All the beaches are basically open to the public but be aware that resorts are permitted to claim the beach above the high tide line and area is sometimes blocked off. Otherwise, you’re free to stroll, explore, and settle on most any beach.
Cabo San Lucas Beaches
Cabo San Lucas has three main beaches: Medano Beach, Lovers Beach, and the Cannery Beaches, each offering unique experiences. Medano Beach is the most popular beach in downtown Cabo San Lucas which includes an array of resorts, water activity rentals, and bars/restaurants. Lovers beach (Playa de Amor) is accessible by water taxi only from the marina to Lands End. Lovers Beach boasts the most popular attraction in Cabo, the famous stone arch (El Arco). For a more peaceful beach experience, you can discover the Cannery (also known as Playa Coral Negro) beaches. This hidden gem is a public beach, but also very private with no vendors.
Corridor Beaches
The Tourist Corridor Beaches are located on the Sea of Cortés between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. You will find a variety of swimming, non-swimming, shore fishing, and surfing beaches including Monuments Beach, Punta Ballena, Shipwreck Beach, Widow’s Beach, Santa Maria Beach, Chileno, El Tule, Palmilla, Tequila Cover, Old Man’s Beach, Costa Azul and others.
San Jose del Cabo Beaches
The breathtaking beaches of San José del Cabo are perfect for long strolls, sun bathing, horseback riding, beach combing, and shore fishing which includes Hotel beach and Estuary beach.
Where Are The Beaches?
Below is an interactive map of all the beaches in Los Cabos and the proximity to your Cabo San Lucas Luxury house rental.
For more information on booking your next Cabo San Lucas Vacation Rental please email at reservations@bajasurvacationrentals.com
LET’S ALL CELEBRATE CHILDREN!
El Dia de Los Niños , a tradition that began in Mexico in 1925, is celebrated on April 30 . The idea was born from the first “World Conference for the Well-being of Children” that was held in Geneva, Switzerland in August 1925. At that time several countries selected days to celebrate children. Dia Del Niño, or Day of the Child, is an annual celebration throughout Mexico. This day recognizes children, their importance to society and their well-being.
This celebration of children was started in the US on April 30, 1997 and promoted by Pat Mora a literary advocate and award winning author who thought people in the US should join many Latin American countries in this celebration. Upon learning of this Mexican tradition Pat began developing the coupling of this day with Dia de Los Libros. Literacy goes hand in hand with the well-being of children. Her idea was to equate El Dia de los Ninos to El Dia de los Libros and to encourage the love for reading and learning. A time for parents to read together with their children, visit libraries and bookstores and to create a special library for children to enjoy at home. She presented her idea to the University of Arizona Latino faculty and staff. They contacted a local chapter for the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and Spanish-Speaking. In addition a group in Santa Fe New Mexio, a national Latina advocacy organization, endorsed the idea. From the grass roots beginning the idea grew for support in linking language and literature for Dia del Niño and became official in the US in 1997.
Cabo San Lucas Country Club Winter Golf Deal
The Cabo San Lucas Country Club is offering Winter Golf Cards good November 2011 through April 2012 at great discounts.
Platinum Card
Initial Payment of $998.00
4 monthly payments of $250.00 each
Unlimited green fees
Use of practice facility
2 Guest passes
USGA Handicap service
20% merchandise discount
Weekly skins game
Season ending Club Championship
Add family for $899.00
Tax included
Gold Card
Initial Payment of $525.00
5 monthly payments of $175.00
Unlimited greens fees
($22.00 cart fee required)
Use of the practice facility
2 guest passes
USGA Handicap service
20% merchandise discount
Weekly skins game
Season ending Club Championship
Add family for $699.00
Tax included
Baja Sur Vacation Rentals has a number of Cabo Condos and Cabo vacation rental homes near the Cabo San Lucas Golf Course.
Check our inventory at http://www. bajasurvacationrentals.com
The Baja Peninsula consists of 2 states. Baja Norte and Baja Sur.
Cabo is located in Baja Sur and the state capital is La Paz, located about 1 1/2 hours north of Cabo.
Recently I came across some interesting facts about Cabo and Southern Baja.
Almost 40% of the Southern Baja residents were born in another part of Mexico. (I always enjoy locating a Cabo native and learning from them about Cabo in the early years)
Baja Sur is the least populated state in all of Mexico, however the population of Southern Baja has doubled in the past 20 years. (637,026 people at last count) 325,433 men and 311,593 women. 96% of those age 6-14 attend school.
There are almost 11,000 people who speak an indigenous dialect.
Religion: 82.7% Catholics, 7.5% Christians of different denominations.
Commerce and Service employees 72.4% of the population with 17.5% working in manufacturing and construction. 9.2% work in agricultural activities.
Electricity has reached 96.7% of the homes with 87.8% receiving water from the city.
94% of homes have TV, 88.6 have refrigerators, 69.7% own at least one car, 40.7% have a telephone, 41.5% own a computer, 33.2% have internet and 86.5% own at least one cell phone.
Please feel free to add any other interesting facts you may know about Cabo and Southern Baja.
I had the opportunity to visit Cacti Mundo on a recent visit to San Jose del Cabo and enjoyed walking through this wonderful Cacti garden. Having lived in the desert for many years I thought I had seen every cactus possible, but not so. The variety of the Cacti found in Cacti Mundo (Cactus World) is amazing. It’s a relatively small garden with so much to see. The cost is only 30 pesos and worth it.
Cacti Mundo is located in San Jose del Cabo. To get there go past Hotel Row and turn left at the El Presidente and entrance to the Estuary. Cacti Mundo is about 1/2 mile up the street on the left side as you are heading into downtown San Jose del Cabo.
Sunrider Adventure
The Sunrider Adventure offers a variety of tours. We enjoyed their Sunset Dinner Cruise not too long ago but they offer so much more.
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Mexican Buffet with full open bar
$45/person
½ half price for children under 10
Sprint/Summer 5:30-8:30
Fall/Winter 4:00-6:30
Whale Watching Dinner Cruise
Mexican Buffet with full open bar
$45/person
½ price for children under 10
4:00-6:30
Snorkel Lunch Cruise
1 hours of snorkeling in Santa Maria Bay
Mexican Buffet with full open bar
$45/person
½ price for children under 10
11:00 AM- 2:30 PM
Whale Watching Lunch Cruise
Mexican Buffet with full open bar
$45/person
½ price for children under 10
10:30 AM-1:30 PM
Mexican Buffet includes: BBQ beef, chicken skewers, refried beans, tortilla chips, dipping melted cheese, guacamole salsa, fresh fruit, rice and vegetables.
Open Bar includes: Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Daiquiris, Tequila, Beer, Rum, Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, sodas and juices.
Board at Dock 4 thirty minutes prior to departure.
Private charters, special events and catering also available.
Reservations required 1-888-332-8477
Prices subject to change
Celebration to the Virgin of Guadalupe is on December 12 every year. This celebration honors the patron saint of Mexico. Below is additional information about this celebration.