Get to know Los Cabos playas with our playful guide
There is no shortage of sun, sand, and surf in Los Cabos. And while we maintain that you can’t have too much of a good thing, we understand the myriad beaches can seem overwhelming to first-time visitors. Here we’ve devised a beach guide that plays off that favorite childhood game: B-I-N-G-O.
Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach)
Best known for: This must-visit beach is located on the Sea of Cortés side of the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula; it’s famous for the iconic arch that marks Land’s End.
Insider tip: Take whatever you may need with you; there are no amenities.
Not: If you’re in the mood to party, this beach may not be the beach for you.
Getting there: Hire a water taxi or a glass-bottom boat from the Cabo San Lucas Marina or Médano Beach, where you could also rent a kayak or wave runner.
Offers: There are few things Playa del Amor doesn’t offer you. Take advantage of the wonderful snorkeling conditions, where you can see Jacques Cousteau’s sand falls discovery for yourself.
Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach)
Best known for: Playa del Divorcio is but a short walk from Lover’s Beach, but its turbulent Pacific Ocean waters provide a more dramatic backdrop. Read a book while you listen to the waves crashing.
Insider tip: There are no services here, either, so bring whatever you anticipate needing.
Not: This is not the beach for swimming.
Getting there: Stroll on over from Lover’s Beach.
Offers: Here you’ll find a more laid-back sunbather’s haven.
Playa El Médano (Médano Beach)
Best known for: Médano Beach is party central come spring break, and the place to go for water activities rentals all year.
Insider tip: Don’t miss Mango Deck’s risqué competitions. Amazing prizes go to the winners of these, so stop on in.
Not: Médano is not the place for those looking for a quiet afternoon with a good book.
Getting there: This centrally located beach can be accessed from several points in downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Offers: Here you’ll find certified beach lifeguards, portable toilets (bring paper), souvenir vendors, watercraft rentals, horseback riding, massage services, food and drink vendors, restaurants, fine dining, hotels, parking, and even jetpacks.
Playa Las Viudas (Widow’s Beach)
Best known for: Make your way to Playa Las Viudas for romantic midnight strolls or casual explorations of the tide pools.
Insider tip: Recent construction in the area requires caution while driving on the access road.
Not: Swimming is not a good idea here; the water is too rough.
Getting there: Exit the Tourist Corridor at km 11.5 and follow the dirt road toward the beach.
Offers: There are portable toilets.
Bahía Santa María (Santa María Bay)
Best known for: This dog-friendly beach is an awesome spot for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Insider tip: There’s a path to the top of a hill that provides a lovely view of the water.
Not: Don’t expect a party atmosphere here.
Getting there: Exit the Tourist Corridor at km 12 and follow the dirt road. Stay to the left.
Offers: There are portable toilets as well as the occasional snack vendors and lifeguards.
Bahia Chileno (Chileno Bay)
Best known for: Chileno is an excellent spot for families and those who like to sit and people watch. It’s a favorite of locals and in-the-know tourists in large part because of its versatility: Chileno is great for snorkeling, sunning, and snapping photos. During whale season, it’s not uncommon to spot humpbacks nearby.
Insider tip: There are actually several access points to the beach here. On the way to the main beach, just before the boardwalk, an access road runs to the east and west. Take this road uphill, and there are two more sweet little beaches.
Not: Chileno doesn’t have the party vibe of Médano, but you’re unlikely to find total seclusion, either.
Getting there: Look for the signs at about km 14 along the Tourist Corridor. Take the paved road to the parking lot below.
Offers: There’s handicapped access, including a boardwalk to several shade palapas, bathrooms, showers, numerous additional palapa umbrellas, and two lifeguard stands.
Playa Palmilla (Palmilla Beach)
Best known for: Check out the coral-covered rocks and fishermen selling fresh catches around brunch time.
Insider tip: Charter a panga (skiff) for the day to do some fishing.
Not: This perennial locals’ favorite is not to be missed.
Getting there: Exit the Tourist Corridor at km 27 and turn left.
Offers: There are limited amenities.
La Playita (Little Beach at Puerto Los Cabos)
Best known for: Families can feel comfortable bringing children here to swim, surf, and host celebrations.
Insider tip: A recent upgrade introduced modernized restrooms and showers.
Not: The all-purpose beach is not where you’d want to plan a romantic rendezvous.
Getting there: Take the East Cape road from Mijares Boulevard in central San José (opposite the Bomberos and Telmex building) and follow the signs to Puerto Los Cabos marina about two miles away.
Offers: A play structure and an inner swimming bay are just perfect for kids; there’s also ample parking and palapas for shade.
Playa los Arbolitos (Little Trees Beach)
In Cabo Pulmo National Park
Best known for: There are some amazing rock formations, little caves, amazing snorkeling and insane photo opportunities.
Insider tip: Take the trail up the rocks on the western border of the parking lot for just under a mile.
Not: The beach area is accessible for most visitors. However, the trail requires considerable mobility and is not for the faint of heart.
Getting there: Follow signs toward Cabo Pulmo, past La Ribera and Cabo Pulmo to a sign marked Los Arbolitos, about hour from La Ribera. Follow the road for about a mile to the parking lot.
Offers: There’s great parking and portable toilets. Bring everything you need; this is a remote location.
Bahia Los Frailes (Friars Bay)
Best known for: Camp, roast s’mores, and enjoy sunrises, sunsets, stargazing, and snorkeling.
Insider tip: There are camping spots right on the beach; don’t settle for the spots without checking the beachfront spots’ availability.
Not: This pet-friendly beach is not fancy, but it is fabulous.
Getting there: Follow directions toward Cabo Pulmo, continuing beyond Cabo Pulmo and Los Arbolitos to Bahia Los Frailes.
Offers: There are portable toilets and palapas. But bring everything you need, including water. This is a remote location.
The Directory
Choose your own adventure with this guide to Los Cabos activities
Whether your idea of fun under the Baja sun runs to wine tasting or world-class golfing, salsa dancing or big-game sportfishing, Los Cabos has an activities company that’s sure to meet your needs. Here are a few of our favorites, listed by category.—Chris Sands
Adventure Parks
Cabo Adventures: The popular activities outfit boasts a roster of adventures that includes scuba diving, mountain biking, camel safaris, zip line canopy courses, and luxury sailing cruises. Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 173-9500, www.cabo-adventures.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $$–$$$$
Wild Canyon: This big, bad theme park features plenty of hair-raising rides, ranging from zip lining and bungee jumping to sling swings, camel jaunts, and off-road racing. El Tule Bridge, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4433, www.wildcanyon .com.mx. All major credits cards accepted. V $–$$$
Hang Gliding
Cabo Sky Tours: Hang glider pilot Ernesto Magaña never disappoints. Head out with him for tours that showcase spectacular aerial views of all the local landmarks. Camino Viejo a San Jose, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-1294, www.skytourscabo.com. Cash. V $$–$$$$
Off-road Adventures
Baja Buggys: Buckle up for high-octane off-road explorations of picturesque beach and desert terrains. Calle Miguel Hidalgo 2706, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 105-9331, www.bajabuggys.com. MasterCard and Visa accepted. V $
Camino Aventura: Join Camino Aventura for romantic seaside horseback rides as well as memorable ATV tours along the peninsula’s rugged Pacific coast. Km 19 on Carretera Federal, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 105-8413, www.caminoaventura.mx. Master Card and Visa accepted. V $–$$
Wide Open Excursions: What’s it like to race in the legendary Baja 1000? Sign up for one of Wide Open’s arrive-and-drive race programs and find out about the most challenging off-road racing on the planet. Paseo de la Gaviota, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 105-0500, www.wideopenbaja.com /Cabo. V $$$$
Water Activities
Buccaneer Queen: Set sail for for pirate-themed fun with Cabo’s scurviest crew. Snorkeling and sunset cruises, plus occasional plank walking. Dock 1, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4217, www.buccaneerloscabos.com. MasterCard and Visa accepted. V $–$$
Cabo Dolphins: A family favorite, Cabo Dolphins’ offers dolphin encounters, swims, and trainer-for-a-day programs that provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences for both children and adults. Now open in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Lote 7, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 173-9500, www.cabodolphins.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $$–$$$$
Cabo Expeditions: Discover the ecological wonders of Baja California Sur with Snuba (a snorkel-scuba hybrid) and underwater helmet dives in Cabo San Lucas Bay, city tours, and day trips to the gorgeous Espíritu Santo Island. Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-2700, www.caboexpedi tions.com.mx. MasterCard and Visa accepted. V $–$$$$
Cabo Mar: For a fabulous night of dinner, drinks, and dancing, try Cabo Mar’s fiesta-themed dinner cruise, which features Mexican comfort food favorites, Latin rhythms, and views of Land’s End. Camino del Cerro 215, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-3797, www.cabo-mar.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $–$$
Caborey: Luxury catamaran Caborey is famous for its five-star cuisine and a Las Vegas–style floor show featuring Latin American singing and dancing. Margarita cruises, parasailing, and fast boat tours are also available. Cabo San Lucas, (624) 105-1976, www.caborey.com. MasterCard and Visa accepted. V $$
Cabo Sails: Cruise the seas of Cabo San Lucas with private sailboat charters courtesy of Cabo Sails. From family outings to romantic sunset sails, all charters are customized to meet your specific needs. Dock A, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 355-6386, www.cabosails.com. All major credit cards and PayPal accepted. V $$–$$$$
EcoCat: Cabo San Lucas’s sleekest sailing cat features snorkel and kayak tours, romantic sunset cocktail and dinner cruises, plus three bay snorkels aboard the EcoToo. EcoBar and Grill, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 157-4685, www.caboeco tours.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $–$$$$
Fly Hooker: Los Cabos Magazine’s fishing expert George Landrum knows how to bag the big ones. Join the captain and his crack crew for customized fishing charters, with all-inclusive packages available. Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-8271, www.fly hooker.com. All major credit cards and PayPal accepted. V $$–$$$
La Princesa: Snorkel the pristine waters of Santa María Bay or enjoy one of La Princesa’s ever-popular theme cruises, which include masquerade parties and salsa nights. Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-7676, www.laprincesachar ters.com. All major credit cards and PayPal accepted. V $–$$$$
Pez Gato: Pez Gato knows how to party. Join the fun-loving crew for drinks, dancing, games, and an unforgettable sunset celebration. Dock 4, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-3797, www.pezga to.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $–$$$$
Picante Bluewater: The fleet of 14 fishing boats ranges in size from the 24-foot Picantito to the 68-foot custom yacht Pegasus, which means Picante can meet any angler’s budget. Puerto Paraiso Local 39-A, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-2474, www.picantesportfishing.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $$–$$$$
Silverados Sportfishing: Silverados has been fishing the local waters for 25 years. Let knowledgeable captains and salty crew lead you to marlin, tuna, sailfish, dorado, and other denizens of the deep. Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4903, www.silveradosportfishing.com. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. V $$$$
Sunrider Tours: Snorkel pristine bays, sample fresh local seafood, and enjoy lively entertainment with Sunrider’s snorkel-lunch and sunset-dinner cruises. Private charters are also available. Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-2252, www.sunridertours.com. MasterCard and Visa accepted. V $–$$$$
Tropicat: Savor Cabo San Lucas seagoing with fine wines, cool jazz, and spectacular sunset views of Land’s End and Lover’s Beach. Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-3797, www.tropicatcabo.com. AmEx, Mas-terCard, and Visa accepted. V $–$$
