EVENTFUL OCTOBER IN CABO by Destino Magazine

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

IN THIS ISSUE 6 6 7 8 14 20 22 24 24 26 27 28 30 30 32 32 32 34 34 38 40 41

BAJA 101 Destinations Useful Information Maps ACTIVITIES TOP BEACHES WANNA TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? DISCOVER A to Z - Things to do this season in Southern Baja Los Cabos Wildlife - White tip reef shark All that's Fishy, Monthly Fishing Report Expat Chronicles - Life in the Palapa ART & CULTURE The Character of Cabo Fresh Healthy Food for All Los Cabos Non Profits San José del Cabo Art District OUT & ABOUT Events Social Cabo Coupons Instaworthy

Publisher Owen Perry

Editor in Chief Michelle Monroy Art Michelle Monroy Writers / Contributors / Photographers Alex Navarro Ami Doss Gary Graham Doris Demmer Justin Porter Biel Justine Schock Kate Neal Laura Tyrrell Michelle Monroy Peter Cashmore Sabrina Lear Sonja Hahn PR and Marketing Manager Justine Schock - justine@destinoloscabos.com Advertising Account Executives Ali Lohrman - ali@destinoloscabos.com Justine Schock - justine@destinoloscabos.com Editor's Contact: michelle@destinoloscabos.com

letter from the EDITOR Summer is officially over, which in Los Cabos means that we get to shake-off the rainy and relaxing September days and get back into the action! This is a very exciting month that is full of events and things to do. The weather is cooling off, the ocean water is at a perfect temperature, and the desert is still alive and green from the summer rains. What's not to love about October? Don't miss our A to Z guide of things to do in Southern Baja, and also in this issue we've included a note about the amazing Cabo community and how locals gave their all to clean-up and volunteer after tropical storm Lidia.

Next advertising reservation closing date for our NOVEMBER issue: OCTOBER 8th. Próxima fecha de cierre para reservar espacios publicitarios en la edición del mes de NOVIEMBRE: 8 de OCTUBRE. For advertising rates and placement, please contact: advertising@destinoloscabos.com (624) 105-9700 / (624) 142-4949 DESTINO GROUP SA de CV

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Within the pages of Destino Los Cabos you can find useful information that will help you make the most of your vacation. Our goal is for you to have the best possible experience in Los Cabos. Don't forget that you can find all of our useful information online at: www.DestinoLosCabos.com. Enjoy!

Michelle Monroy Editor in Chief

ISSUE 105 OCTOBER 2017 Printed in USA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. © 2017 Destino Group SA de CV NÚMERO 105 OCTUBRE 2017 Todos los derechos reservados por Destino Group. Prohibida la reprodución total o parcial del contenido sin previa autorización por escrito de los editores. © 2017 Destino Group SA de CV

Imported by: Comercializadora Californiana, S. de R.L de C.V. DESTINO GROUP welcomes all written and photographic material. We cannot guarantee return. Rights to publish unsolicited material are retained for 12 months. Circulation throughout Southern Baja. For more information on distribution visit:

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Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

Los Cabos

(the capes) is located in the southernmost tip of the State of Baja California Sur and consists of four main areas: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, Todos Santos and the East Cape. La Paz is the Capital of the state. If you take a look at the Baja Sur map you can see that the highways and towns form a loop. The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet at the very tip of the peninsula. It's very clear when you're on the Pacific side; the waves are much larger and powerful and the winds are stronger. If you go further north along the Pacific side the climate and beaches are very different than on the Sea of Cortez. It's usually a few degrees cooler, which is very pleasant during the warm summer months. The mountains meet the desert and the desert meets the ocean. The Sierra de la Laguna is a mountain range that lies at the southern end of the peninsula. Above 800 meters in elevation dry forests transition to pineoak forests. The main climate of the region is arid to semi-arid; however, there are farming areas where the soil is wet, especially on the Pacific side of the Peninsula.

"The aquarium of the world"

is how Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez. It is said that eons ago, back when the Earth and Continents were still taking their shape, the edge of Mexico split from the mainland to form the Gulf of California and the Baja Peninsula. This allowed the Pacific Ocean to rush into the gap and create the Sea of Cortez, or as some call it, Mother Nature’s own fish trap. Hundreds of varieties of fish and mammals found their way into this "trap" and either stayed in the warm shallow waters or ventured down into the cool two mile-deep San Andreas Fault. For millenniums, the Colorado River has been dragging its rich minerals and nutrients into the Sea of Cortez, aiding the living species to thrive in these waters. In the months of January through March, Gray whales make their yearly migration from Alaska to give birth to their young in the shallow and warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Ready to explore? 6

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destinations Cabo San Lucas

This tourist friendly town, also just known as “Cabo,” is located on the tip of the Baja California peninsula and is full of entertainment for every age and liking. The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet at Land’s End, where you can observe the beautiful rock formations and the famous Cabo arch. In Cabo San Lucas you can find Medano Beach, the liveliest beach in the Los Cabos area, an impressive marina and countless restaurants and bars that keep the town alive day and night.

San José del Cabo

Walking around downtown San José will allow you to experience a traditional Mexican town. You will find yourself surrounded by colorful buildings and quaint cobblestone streets that lead to the town’s picturesque zócalo (main plaza). Over the years, San José has become an artistic and cultural centre with numerous fine art galleries in its downtown art district as well as world-class restaurants. San José has a beautiful beach where you can take a horseback ride to explore the estuary that is home to many different bird species.

The Corridor

The corridor is the 40 km highway that connects Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo (about a 20 minute drive). Along this road you can find various hotels, luxury ocean front homes, championship golf courses and beautiful views. Have your camera ready and make a roadside stop at the Costa Azul view-point for photo opportunities and a refreshing coco frío (cold coconut).

Todos Santos

Located on the Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula, Todos Santos is an oasis where artists and surfers flock to enjoy the culture and excellent surf. Home to the famous Hotel California, this charming town offers great restaurants and a cooler climate than Cabo San Lucas and San José due to the breezes coming from the Pacific.

East Cape

People often call it “the old Cabo” because of its pristine beaches and small fishing towns such as Buena Vista and Los Barriles. The East Cape begins just east of San José and extends about 100 miles up the Sea of Cortez coast. Sixty miles outside of San José is the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, Nationally Protected coral reef that offers outstanding snorkelling and scuba diving. Very popular for fishing and surfing, the East Cape also attracts kite surfers, campers and those who just want to get away from it all.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital of the state of Baja California Sur and is known for its warm people and beautiful beaches. This authentic Mexican city (as well as the general south Baja region) has been rated as one of the safest in Mexico and still maintains the small town feel that is very welcoming for tourists. La Paz is a departure point for tours and charters to the stunning Espiritu Santo Island as well as whale watching excursions. Stroll down the colorful malecón (boardwalk), walk hundreds of feet in waist high water at Balandra beach or have a fine dining experience; La Paz has a lot to offer.

Loreto

Loreto offers the best of both worlds for tourists who long to escape to an 'authentic-Mexico' with settings that take you back-in-time along with ocean activities that rival that of any other modern coastal city. In Loreto you'll find historic buildings such as the enchanting Mision de Loreto - a mission-style church that was built in 1697 as well as The Islands of Loreto which boasts Mexico's largest marine preserve where dolphins, seals, turtles and sea lions all play in the sea. For those who are partial to adventures on land; there is hiking, biking, and nature-tours that fill up a camera with pictures of radiant natural settings. Loreto is the perfect place for everyone from honeymooners to large families.

BAJA 101

useful information CURRENCY EXCHANGE Dollars are accepted almost everywhere and you will get your change in pesos. The exchange rate varies every day, but some places have a set rate.

ATMs - The easiest way to get pesos is to simply withdraw money from an ATM in Los Cabos. Bank ATMs give the daily exchange rate (best possible rate). Examples include Banorte, Bancomer, Santander, Banamex, and HSBC. Non-bank ATMs located in the street will charge higher fees. Some ATMs only give you dollars, some only pesos and some give you the option to withdraw both. Pay close attention to what currency you’re withdrawing and try to get as much cash as possible in one transaction to avoid paying high fees.

CASH OR CARD? Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are generally accepted, but you often run into cash only places. Always ask beforehand and carry cash. Your bank will most likely charge you international transaction fees if you pay with your card.

GROCERIES - In Cabo San Lucas, Wal-Mart and Costco are good options and easy to get to. You can always find a taxi outside of these stores. San José has a Wal-Mart and Mega. If you just need to grab something quickly, OXXO stores are small, reasonably priced convenient stores located all over town.

HOW DO I DIAL? The local area code is 624 To dial to other countries: 00 + country code (1, 2 or 3 digits) + number From a Mexican land line or cell phone: To a Mexican long distance number: 01 + 3 digit area code + 7 digit number To a Mexican cell phone number: 3 digit area code + 7 digit number To a U.S. phone number: 00 + 1 + 3 digit area code + 7 digit number From your U.S. cell phone: To a Mexican land line or cell phone: 011 52 + 3 digit area code + number To a U.S. phone number: 00 + 1 + 3 digit area code + number Some U.S. cell phone carriers have arrangements with Mexican carriers and when you travel here your cell phone uses their towers. If this is your case, you will have to dial as if you had a Mexican phone. U.S. TOLL FREE NUMBERS (International rates will apply): To a 1 (800): 00 + 1 + 880 + phone number To a 1 (888): 00 + 1 + 881 + phone number To a 1 (877): 00 + 1 + 882 + phone number To a 1 (866): 00 + 1 + 883 + phone number DRIVING Renting a car will allow you to enjoy the freedom of exploring Los Cabos. Driving in Mexico might be intimidating, but if you just go with the muddled flow, you will realize that there is some organization within the chaos. If you are pulled over by local police for committing a driving infraction, the standard procedure is for them to take your Driver’s License. You will then have to go to the Police Station to pay your ticket and pick-up your license. There are two types of gasoline: Magna, which is regular, and Premium. Lleno (pronounced ye-no) means full. Major credit cards are accepted. Tipping the gas station attendant around $10.00 pesos is customary. There is a toll road that takes you from the airport to Cabo San Lucas or to the Todos Santos highway. By taking this road you avoid the taxi and shuttle traffic on the main highway. The cost varies from $63.00 to $75.00 pesos, depending on your destination. ALTO STOP

CUATRO ALTOS FOUR WAY STOP

4 ALTOS

NO ESTACIONARSE NO PARKING

ESTACIONAMIENTO PARKING

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS EMERGENCIES: 066 from a local number ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: 074 from a local number POLICE DEPARTMENT: - Cabo San Lucas 143-3977 - San José del Cabo 142-0361 FIRE DEPARTMENT: Dial 116 or: - Cabo San Lucas 143-3577 - San José del Cabo 142-2466 HIGHWAY PATROL: 146-0573 TOURIST POLICE: 143-3977 HOSPITALS: Amerimed: - Cabo San Lucas 105-8500 - San José del Cabo 105-8550 Baja Medical Response: 144-3434 Blue Medical Net: - Cabo San Lucas Hospital 104 3911 - San José del Cabo Clinic 142-3511 Cabo Surgical Center: 172-6030 Hospital H+ Los Cabos: 104-9300 North American Hospitals and Clinics: 142-2770 One World Hospital: - Cabo San Lucas 143-4911 - San José del Cabo 142-5911 - Todos Santos (612) 145-0600 Saint Luke's Hospital: - Cabo San Lucas 143-4911 - San José del Cabo 142-5911 Walk-in Medi Clinic: 130-7011 * For a complete directory of Doctors, hospitals and clinics in Los Cabos, visit: www.loscabosdoctor.com AIR AMBULANCES: SkyMed International Air Ambulance: (624) 154-4919 Air One Ambulance: (800) 236-8080 U.S. CONSULATE: 143-3566 CANADIAN CONSULATE: 142-4333 TAXI CABO SAN LUCAS: 143-2221 TAXI SAN JOSÉ DE CABO: 142-0401 IMMIGRATION: 143-0135 AIRLINES: Aero Calafia: 130-7822 Aeromexico: 146-5097 Air Canada: 01 (800) 719-2827 (Toll free within Mexico) Alaska Airlines: 146-5166 American Airlines: 146-5302/5303 Continental Airlines: 146-5050 Delta Airlines: 146-5005/146-5217 Interjet: 01 (800)-011-2345 (Toll free within Mexico) Southwest: 01 (800) 435-9792 Spirit Airlines: 1 (800) 772-7117 Sun Wing: 1 (800) 668-4224 Volaris: 01 (800) 7VOLARIS (Toll free within Mexico) US Airways: 146-5380 West Jet: 1 (800) 538-5696

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

BAJA 101

Baja Sur

Baja Peninsula

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BAJA 101

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1 Buccaneer Queen, Cabo Escape, Cabo Legend 2 Cabo Fitness 3 Cabo Flyboard 4 Cabo Trek 5 Cabo Wabo 6 Desperados 7 Drip Spa 8 La Dolce 9 Paraiso Residences 10 Playa Grande Spa 11 Puerto San Lucas 12 Sea Cabo Activities 13 REmexico Real Estate 14 Sun Rider Sea Tours 15 Tarzan Boat - Cabo Fun Experiences

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

BAJA 101

San José del Cabo

1 1 Cabo Fitness San Jose 2 Tienda 17 3 Wirikuta / La Kermés

The Corridor

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Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

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Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

BAJA 101

BOATING & FISHING

With calm waters, extraordinary fishing and perfect weather, some may argue that boating is the most popular attraction in Los Cabos. Whether you want to take a cruise to Santa María Bay on a luxury yacht or wake up at the crack of dawn for a fishing adventure, there are endless options to fit your needs.

SEASONAL FISHING CHART

Photo courtesy www.WildCanyon.com

BOAT RENTALS Private yachts and sailboats There are several charter companies that can accommodate your needs. What you do on your trip is really up to you, but it will typically consist of a tour of the landmark arch, a few hours of fishing, and a cruise to one of our beautiful bays for a swim. Most boats have fishing equipment and a knowledgeable crew, but the biggest difference between a yacht and a fishing boat rental is the cost. Fishing Boat Rentals You can always fish on a yacht, but cruisers, pangas and super-pangas are a more affordable option. Cruisers accommodate larger groups and are more comfortable when the sea is rough on a windy day. THE MARINAS Marina Cabo San Lucas The area’s largest commercial marina features 380 slips and accommodates vessels of up to 375 feet. Amenities include 24-hour security, electricity and potable water, a fuel dock, and convenient laundry and shower facilities. Puerto Los Cabos Located in La Playita just north of San José del Cabo is the newest marina in the area with 200 available slips 14

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for boats up to 400 feet. Amenities are similar to Marina Cabo San Lucas, though the boatyard’s 150-ton travel lift can accommodate larger vessels. FISHING There’s a reason why the world’s richest fishing tournament - the Bisbee’s Black & Blue - has taken place in Los Cabos for over thirty years. This part of the world offers abundant sea life and an exceptionally high catch success rate, no matter what your level of fishing experience is. What to Expect Most charters include a fishing license, bait, tackle and equipment. Some also include food and drink or these amenities can be added at an additional cost. It is better to leave early; trips usually begin at 6:00 and 7:00 am and last around 6 hours. Cost will depend on the number of people in your party and the size of the boat you choose to rent. It is customary to leave the crew a gratuity of 15% to 20%. Bait and Tackle Most likely, the boat you charter will include your bait and tackle. If you need your own fresh bait, you may buy it along the Cabo San Lucas Marina or the crew you hire may also stop to buy it from the local fishermen on your way out.

SPORT FISHING FLAGS COMMONLY SEEN IN LOS CABOS

BOATING AND FISHING TERMS IN SPANISH Captain - Capitán Aboard - Abordo To fish - Pescar To float - Flotar Wind - Viento Tide - Marea Fish - Pescado Bait - Carnada Fishing rod - Caña de pescar Hook - Anzuelo Life preservers - Salvavidas Throttle - Acelerador Anchor - Ancla Bow - Proa Stern - Popa

BAJA 101

SNORKELING & SCUBA DIVING

Prepare yourself for an incredible show of nature as you swim side by side with colourful schools of fish, eels, rays, octopus, sea turtles and more. The Sea of Cortez or the “Aquarium of the World” offers many opportunities to experience incredible underwater wildlife.

SCUBA DIVING DESTINATIONS Note: travel time is from the Cabo San Lucas marina. Land’s End Intermediate-Advanced - 50’-60’ Five minutes by boat and you can share the water with sea lions and moray eels, with a sunken boat visible in the Falls. Sand Falls Beginners - Advanced - 30’-100’ Steep sand banks drop sharply into a canyon filled with tropical fish. The canyon runs from the depths of the Cabo San Lucas bay to within 30 feet of the beach. Pelican Rock Beginners - 25’-80’ This large rock attracts many tropical fish and is only five minutes from shore. Neptune’s Finger Advanced - 80’-100’ A spectacular canyon wall dive. Cabeza de Ballena Beginners - 20’-40’ A 25-minute boat ride leads to a dive through large boulders with many fish. Santa María Cave Beginners - 20’-40’ Reachable from the shore or a 35-minute boat ride, the entrance to Santa Maria canyon has a huge variety of fish which feed right from your hand. Chileno Beginners - 30’-70’ This location offers parking, sea turtle sightings, tropical fish, and night dives over a sandy and rocky bottom following a 35-minute boat ride. El Gavilán Intermediate/Advanced - 70’-100’ This rocky ledge leads into a canyon where groupers and larger fish are often sighted; 35 minutes by boat.

Blow Hole Beginners/Advanced - 30’-70’ 35-minutes from San Lucas, or just 10 minutes from Chileno beach, this dive offers rocky valleys presenting a variety of fish. Las Salinas Beginners - 30’-45’ - A sunken Japanese fishing boat attracts a large assortment of fish at this beginners’ dive; about 80 minutes from Cabo San Lucas or one hour from La Playita. Gordo Banks Advanced - 110’-120’ - A seamount provides views of marlin, hammerheads, skip jacks and at times huge manta rays; one hour from La Playita. Cabo Pulmo Beginner-Advanced - 30’-100’ A one hour drive east of San José or five minutes by boat and you’ll find the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. SNORKELING SPOTS Cabo offers several methods for snorkelling. You may drive to a local beach and swim out, book a tour with one of the many popular companies, or charter a private boat. Tours are typically two or three hours. Stay away from the Pacific side of the peninsula; its strong currents make it very dangerous for any kind of water sports. Pelican Rock

A quick five-minute ride from the Cabo San Lucas marina or Medano Beach is all it takes to get to this fish-attracting rock.

Lover’s Beach This popular and uniquely-named beach is accessible only by boat. Be on the look-out, however, as the water is not roped off for swimmers. Santa Maria Bay Snorkel tours regularly visit Santa Maria Bay. If you choose to drive there, it’s an easy swim from the shore to the reef on the right side of the cove. Chileno Bay Snorkelers will find a safe, roped-off area for swimming at this common tour destination. Cabo Pulmo A Natural Marine Reserve in the East Cape, and may offer the best snorkelling in the area. This eight-fingered coral reef is about a 1.5-hour drive from San José del Cabo, but it is well worth it!

ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES Photo courtesy Wild Canyon

Adventure Parks There are several adventure parks in Los Cabos where you and your kids can experience zip-lining, backcountry ATV tours, a camel safari, and more. Zip-lines are appropriate for kids of 8 years and up and be prepared to hike from 5 to 15 minutes from line to line. Most companies include transportation. Parasailing If heights over land are not right for you, try a parasailing trip and gain some altitude to enjoy beautiful views of Cabo while tethered firmly to a speedboat!

Buggy, Atv, Or Bike Rentals There are several local companies which offer ATVs, buggies, and other off-road vehicles for trail and beach cruising. Strap on some goggles and hop behind the wheel of one of these off-road racers for an afternoon of fast-paced fun! Vehicles include typical ATVs or enclosed rail buggies or RZR ATVs. Tours are typically three hours, and drivers must be 16 years of age with a valid drivers’ license. If pedal-powered rides are more your speed, look into renting a mountain bike, beach cruiser, or joining a guided bicycle tour of town. Just make sure to wear a helmet!

Wet Fun Water Park Located about 20 minutes from San José, this water park has shallow pools and small slides for young children, water mushrooms, a pirate ship and a giant bucket that dumps water on the bystanders bellow. For the adrenaline seekers, several fast and large slides stand tall and mighty and offer a great view of the beautiful surrounding mountains. To get there take HWY 1 north from the San José International Airport towards La Paz and East Cape. After about 15 miles, the exit for Caudaño and the water park will be at km 66. Follow this road for a few minutes and you will find the park on your right. Turtle Release Every year, several species of endangered sea turtles nest in the warm sands of Los Cabos. Your family will have the opportunity to help these fragile and tiny creatures make it safely into the sea. Children will learn about the importance of conservation and they will surely enjoy the experience of helping these little friends.

Horseback Rides, Nature Walks, and Bird Watching Los Cabos (particularly San José del Cabo) offers a number of horseback excursions for all ages. Saddle up for a sunset guided beach ride, venture up Sol de Mayo Waterfall Cascade a hidden canyon trail, or just sit back Located about an hour and a half in the shade while experienced horse away from Los Cabos, the Sol de Mayo trainers give the kids lessons in horseOasis is yet another natural beauty of manship – there’s something for evethe Southern Baja California region. ryone! San José also boasts a natural The hike leads the adventurous to estuary and nature preserve. Enjoy a a majestically beautiful oasis where peaceful, self-guided nature walk to everyone can swim and even dive into observe some of the lushest landscape the cool, serene waters. Be sure to in the area. Species of flora and fauna pack a lunch, and take plenty of waare abundant: dozens of species of cacter. There are plenty of signs to guide tus, lizards, and birds can be spotted everyone to this wonderful piece of on this solitary walk, just a few minparadise. After arriving in Santiago, utes from downtown. Cactus-lovers turn right up the little hill towards the may also want to check out the nearby town square. The cost is $6 US per cactus gardens Wirikuta, offering a person to access the easy hike to the large variety of cacti laid out in an artclear-water falls. ful outdoor setting. Everything you need to know about Baja Sur 15

BAJA 101

FLYBOARDING

SURFING

Baja Sur has been a popular surfing destination since the ‘50s. The East Cape is popular for kite surfing and the Pacific coast has several surf breaks where you will find less crowds. See our Baja Sur map and look for this symbol to locate the surf spots mentioned bellow. SAN PEDRITO Level: Advanced. Direction: Right, left. Location: Pacific side right before arriving to Todos Santos. Have you ever had a dream about flying like Superman or maybe swimming like a dolphin? Dreams can come true in Cabo! The FlyBoard is a device connected and powered by a personal watercraft, which allows propulsion underwater and in the air. Users are connected to the board by wakeboard boots, under which, water pressure provides thrust. A certified trainer controls the power and height and you control all the movement. Available at Medano beach or in the Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San José del Cabo.

STAND UP PADDLING

There is something special about paddling out and finding yourself floating in the ocean with just a paddle and a board. Stand up paddling is a great way to see marine life and to get a great workout and while enjoying nature. At Medano beach you can rent boards in several locations. Certain companies offer paddling lessons and some have yoga classes on the board.

KITE SURFING

This sport is most popular in the East Cape due to the El Norte winds. Playa Norte (the north-east side of the beach) in Los Barriles is said to be the most popular destination and is also the location for a professional kite-boarding school. La Ventana is also a popular spot and is closer to La Paz. There is less wind in Los Barriles than in La Ventana, but the surf is bigger. The best months are January, February, March, October, November, December. Every January, the Lord of the Wind tournament takes place in Los Barriles. 16

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CERRITOS Level: Beginners. Direction: Right, left. Location: Pacific side at Km 65 of the Cabo San Lucas- Todos Santos road. MONUMENTS Level: Advanced . Direction: Left. Location: at Km 6.5 of the Corridor, closer to Cabo San Lucas. EL TULE Level: Advanced . Direction: Right, left. Location: Exit at Km 16.2 at El Tule bridge COSTA AZUL consists of three breaks: The Rock or La Roca Level: Advanced. Direction: Right. Zippers Level: All level. Direction: Right. Acapulquito Level: All levels. Direction: Right. Location: at Km 28.5. Access is below the Costa Azul bridge. LA BOCANA AT THE ESTUARY Level: All levels. Direction: Right, left. Location: San José del Cabo’s main beach, close to the Holiday Inn. SHIPWRECKS Level: Advanced. Direction: Right. Location: East Cape, about 25 Km from San José del Cabo. NINE PALMS Level: All levels. Direction: Long rights. Location: East Cape, about 30 Km from San José del Cabo. SEASONS June through November The summer months are known to be the best as the Southern Hemisphere’s swells send great waves to the Pacific, Cabo San Lucas, San José and the East Cape. December through February East Cape and Costa Azul are on the flatter side. The Pacific can be good this time of year because it’s exposed to the west swell. March through May This is the windy season. Swells are consistent and you’ll run into fewer crowds.

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

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Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

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Imagine floating in a turquoise bay with pink sand, snorkelling with colorful fish or walking for hundreds of yards in waist-high water, every beach in South Baja offers something unique. Here is a list of the must-see beaches to help you decide which is the one for you or just visit them all!

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MEDANO BEACH

If you’re looking for the action, this is where it is. El Médano (as the locals call it) is a 2-mile stretch of hotels, restaurants and bars, right on the sand. It’s a swimmable and family-friendly beach with endless options for souvenir shopping. Numerous activities and water sports are available. If you want to take a water taxi to Lover’s Beach, this is the best spot to do it. Its stunning view of Land’s End and the vast entertainment options make this beach a must-see. Location: In the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas. The beach is accessible by foot through the east side of the marina or via Avenida del Pescador. Tips: Be prepared to be approached by souvenir vendors. If you’re not there for the shopping, just respond with “No gracias.” Water sports are available such as jet skis, parasailing, flyboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. Visit Lover’s Beach while you’re there.

LOVER’S BEACH

Getting there is an adventure in itself, due to the fact that it is reachable only by boat, kayak or stand up paddle board. The easiest way is to take a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas Marina or Medano Beach. Your captain will cruise by the arch and the sea lion rock for some great photo opportunities. Once you arrive, you’ll notice the striking rock formations and caves. Walk to the other side of the rocks and you’ll find yourself looking at the Pacific Ocean; the locals call this Divorce Beach. This side is very dangerous for swimming because of the powerful undertow, so swim on Lover’s Beach only. Location: Land’s End beside the famous arch. This beach is accessible only by boat. Tips: There are a couple of vendors who offer beer and water, but you won’t find any other services. An hour or two should be enough time to explore this natural wonderland.

SANTA MARIA

Santa Maria is a stunning horseshoe cove with coarse coral-colored sand and abundant marine life. Boat excursions and private charters often stop here to enjoy the snorkelling and scuba diving that this National Marine Preserve offers. This family-friendly beach is relatively secluded; therefore, you rarely run into beach vendors. However, the beach does have brand new bathrooms and palapas. Location: Travelling west from Cabo San Lucas towards San José, follow the sign which reads “Santa María” and exit the highway at Km. 13. Follow the dirt road until you reach the parking area. Tips: Swim from the shore towards the rocks on the right side of the beach for a great snorkeling experience.

CHILENO

Chileno is a very popular location for snorkelling, swimming or just spending the day under the newly-installed palapas. You’ll find tide pools at the east end of the beach and beautiful reefs offering excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. Public restrooms are available and there are plenty of palapas for shade. Location: Going from Cabo San Lucas towards San José, follow the signs for Chileno Beach Club near Km. 14 of the main highway. Tips: If you visit Chileno on a weekend, make an effort to arrive early; snorkelling visibility is often better in the mornings, you’ll avoid the mid-day snorkel tours and, if you beat the crowds, you’ll be guaranteed a palapa to yourself for some much-needed shade. Bring snorkelling gear!

PALMILLA

Palmilla beach is known for its family-friendly calm waters and a mile-long stretch of beach. Located within the resort community of Palmilla, you will find yourself surrounded by oceanfront luxury homes, the One&Only Hotel and the world renowned Jack Nicklaus Ocean Nine golf course. Pangas and

fishing cruisers are available for charter, but you won’t find water sport rentals such as kayaks or jet skis. Location: Take the Palmilla ramp exit at Km. 27. Follow the signs and turn into the main beach parking area before the entrance to the One&Only Hotel. Tips: Palmilla is popular among local families on the weekends, so arrive early if you want a palapa, or bring your own umbrella. No services are available here.

COSTA AZUL

If what you’re looking for is a good surf spot you can find it here without driving out of town. Head over to Zipper’s for a surf session and lunch and beers at the restaurant. To the west of Zippers is Acapulquito beach where the Cabo Surf Hotel and Mike Doyle Surf School are located. You can find surf shops in the area where you can rent surf and stand-up paddle boards and set up lessons. The surf is bigger during the summer, and in the winter this is a good spot for snorkelling and swimming. Location: Exit into the arroyo at Km. 28 via the Costa Azul Bridge. Tips: Swimming with caution is possible in this area but keep an eye out for surfers.

CERRITOS

Cerritos beach is a popular surf spot and swimming here is relatively safe. The scenic 45-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas is well worth the trip as you drive along the pristine Pacific coast. The Cerritos Beach Club Restaurant is a perfect spot to spend a relaxing day, maybe even get a massage on the beach. If you want to be active, you can take a surf lesson at Baja Surf Camp or rent surf and boogie boards at the Costa Azul Surf Shop. Location: Exit at Km. 66 of the Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos Highway. Watch the markers and look for the signs. Drive about 1.7 miles to the beach area. Tips: Lounge chairs, restrooms, food and drinks are available at The Cerritos Beach Club Restaurant. The ocean currents are strong and the waves can be quite powerful on a big day, so swim with caution.

LOS ARBOLITOS - Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is a Natural Marine Reserve in the East Cape, and may offer the best snorkelling in the area. This eight-fingered coral reef is about a 1.5 hour drive from San José del Cabo, but it is well worth it. Location: Take Highway 1 towards Los Barriles. Exit towards La Ribera and continue south towards Cabo Pulmo. Pass the small town of Cabo Pulmo and in about 4 km you will find a gate on your right to access Los Arbolitos, this is where you pay the access fee. Tips: There is a small $30.00 pesos fee to access this beach which will allow you to use a fresh water shower and bathrooms. Palapas are available, as well as kayaking equipment rentals. Bring cash!

BALANDRA

A stunning bay that will take your breath away. You can walk back and forth in the bay in waist high water that is crystal clear with shades of blue turquoise. Follow the shore towards the north-east side and you will find the famous “mushroom rock” as well as other interesting rock formations. Pictures just don’t do it justice. You won’t regret visiting Playa Balandra! Location: About 30 minutes from the boardwalk in La Paz. Simply follow the main drag along the boardwalk, then through Costa Baja Golf Course and continue to wind around the coast and through the mountains until you see the signs for the beach. Tips: No bathroom facilities. There is a truck where you can buy water and snacks, but it is recommended to bring your own in case they are closed. There are palapas, but not a lot. You can rent kayaks and snorkel gear.

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

by G ar y Gra ham

or two weeks each October, Los Cabos – the very tip of Baja – becomes the epicenter of the sportfishing world. Last year, nearly 2,000, top professional captains and crews, tournament staff , anglers – both professional and amateur – along with scores of spectators, converged from the world’s four corners to the remarkable “fishing field of dreams, “ where, arguably, some of the best billfish and tuna fishing anywhere on the planet is found. They were drawn to the back-to-back Los Cabos Billfish (LCBT), Los Cabos Offshore and Black and Blue tournaments held in October where they competed for a staggering $4,735,900. The three events share two fundamental components: big fish and big money (the amount determined by the number of entries in each event). But beyond that, each of the three has its own nuances. Although the actual competition on the water each fishing day is not exactly spectator-friendly, those interested can follow the minute-by-minute action online as the day unfolds. Hookups are required to be called in

by radio or cell phone to “Tournament Control”; and that information is instantly recorded on “Catch Stat” which is linked to each of the events’ individual websites. Many of the activities are open to the public, allowing anyone a glimpse into the exciting world of tournament sportfishing. The fishing day always begins with a flaregun start that can be observed from shore or from some of the local harbor cruise companies offering morning party cruises. Each afternoon, the weigh-stations are open to the public. The LCBT has their weigh-station on the Malecon near the entrance to the harbor where teams bring their catches for weighing and photographs. The Bisbees’ scale is centrally located at Puerto Paraiso Mall surrounded by sponsors and other booths creating a festival atmosphere, open to the public. Lively music blares as staff members climb to the top of the scale and fling beads and trinkets to the outstretched arms of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. The anglers’ excitement is infectious and the crowds can’t resist the fun which continues until the last fish is

Friday morning, the participating boats must be checked in and at the starting line at Land’s End before the 8 a.m. flare-gun start.

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weighed or the scale officially closes. The 19th annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, presented by Los Cabos Tourism returns October 15-19. Team size is limited to six anglers which can include the captain and mate. Minimum weights of 300 pounds are consistent for both blue and black marlin in all three events. Striped marlin, sailfish and spearfish are all released with the exception of any striped marlin exceeding 175 pounds in LCBT only. Also in LCBT, gamefish include dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo with a minimum weight of 25 pounds and the entry fee across the board in all categories is $20,000. Last year, 37 teams with 204 anglers competed for a purse of $451,000. The Pangalisa team of Mike Hennessy, Gonzalo Castillo, John Domanic, Phillip Davis and Alfredo Castillo, earned $84,650 for their efforts along with an invitation to the Offshore World Championship. The 19th Los Cabos Billfish, the first event of the series, begins with registration on October 15 at the Playa Grande Resort Beachside Terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean and continues until 4:30 p.m. on October 18.

The Pangalisa team of Mike Hennessy, Gonzalo Castillo, John Domanic, Phillip Davis and Alfredo Castillo, earned $84,650 for their efforts along with an invitation to the Offshore World Championship.

Weigh-in will be at the Marina Fundadores weigh station and is open to the public. Gala Awards Banquet, Playa Grande Resort Beachside Terrace will be on October 19. Bisbee Los Cabos Offshore Tournament, October 1922, is long considered a warm up for the big show, the “Black and Blue” which follows a few days later. Billfish minimum is the same as LCBT; however the gamefish included in this tournament are dorado (minimum 30 pounds) and yellowfin tuna (minimum 40 pounds). There is no limit to the number of registered team members. Lastly, the across-the-board entry fee for the Los Cabos Offshore is the least of the three – $12,500 for this twoday contest. Registration is October 19, and daily weigh-ins are all at Puerto Paraiso Mall; spectators are always welcome. Friday morning, the participating boats must be checked in and at the starting line at Land’s End before the 8 a.m. flare-gun start. Many spectators enjoy the black smoke and white water as the bright red flare

streaks across the early morning skies and 100-plus boats come up to full throttle as they race to their favorite fishing hole, hoping to land a big one before the lines out at 5 p.m. Last year, 108 boats with 778 serious fisher folks competed for more than $773,000 in prize money, underscoring the popularity of this combo billfish/game fish format. Open to tournament participants and their guests only, this year’s winners will be honored at a lavish Awards Celebration at Maria Corona on Sunday night. October 23, 5 to 8:30 p.m., is the Sponsor Appreciation Cantina Crawl. The start/end of the Baja Cantina is closed to the public, however the parade from “Pub to Pub” is along the Main Street, beginning in front of the parking lot. A miniature Mardi Gras, the parade is a steady stream of fun and laughter as beads are thrown from the prized spots on the fire truck to the spectators. The final event of the series is the 37th Annual Bisbee Black and Blue, October 24-28. This event primarily targets black and blue marlin weighing a minimum of

300 pounds to qualify. All others, including the smaller striped marlin, sailfish and spearfish are released with special prizes for the top release teams; plus the largest dorado exceeding 30 pounds and yellowfin tuna over 40 pounds. This year’s across-the-board entry is $71,500, plus the winner-take-all “Chupacabra Challenge” of $60,000 boosts the total entry to $131, 500. Last year’s winning team, Quiteña claimed the biggest share of the $3.5 million jackpot –$2,183,000, and the crew aboard C-Bandit captured Second Place honors worth $685,000. Registration at Puerto Paraiso Mall on October 24 from 2 to 6 p.m., followed by the 7 to 9 p.m. Opening Ceremonies: Flag Honors with Mexican Naval Escort, Mexican National Anthem, Pre-Colombian New Fire Dance, Lighting of the Tournament Torch, Japanese Taiko Drums, Music by Cabomax. The public is welcome. Saturday night, October 28, 2017, the Special Awards Celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Cruise Ship Pier. Starting with cocktails and a silent auction for the Bisbee Conservation Fund benefitting the Green Scholarship Program, Bisbee's Offshore Tagging Projects and Feeding Los Cabos Kids, it will be followed by a special Baja Cantina dinner buffet dinner and a big screen presentation of the tournament video. The awards presentation starts after viewing the tournament video before introducing special entertainment by "David Pack's Legends Live" to Los Cabos consisting of 70s and 80s stars including John Elefante the lead singer of Kansas, Kelly Keagy the lead singer of Night Ranger, Jim Peterik the lead singer of Survivor, Gary Wright and of course, David Pack, the lead singer of Ambrosia. For those who have competed in or followed the October event, it’s become known over the years for its last minute twists and turns. Many a winning fish has come to the scales on the last day – or in some instances last hour – throughout its 36-year history, adding a twist to the scenario to the first day or so of fishing. As history reflects, it will more than likely once again be filled with the high-stakes drama and last minute machinations that may alter the final outcome ... all in plain view of participants and spectators collectively holding their breaths as they wait for results on the largest Sportfishing Stage anywhere in the world. October 28 will conclude the 2017 Cabo San Lucas Sportfishing version of “Do you want to be a millionaire?” i

Registration at Puerto Paraiso Mall on October 24 from 2 to 6 p.m., followed by the 7 to 9 p.m. opening ceremonies.

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

DISCOVER

B aja's treasures

uggies: If you like ATV`s, you will love buggies. Look thoroughly into it as there are some great choices to choose from. Some offer Baja 1000 style race cars and others Can Am/BRP type vehicles.

harter a fishing trip: This activity is one of the best for a few reasons. First, you get to go out deep into nature in the beautiful ocean waters enjoying a wonderful time on a nice boat having some refreshing beverages and tasty snacks. And at the end of the day, you might just get a lovely fish to make fresh sashimi or a great fish plate. The perk is you`ll probably have plenty of fish to take back home too.

ive and dance: Scuba diving, if you are into it, is something you might want to think about since we have many first-class dive sites in the area. And less than a couple of hours away is the amazing reef called Cabo Pulmo, which is also a protected Marine National Park. In Cabo San Lucas, Pelican Rock is a great dive spot for all levels. And of course if you are in Cabo, you have to shake your body at any of the countless bars and dance clubs on the strip.

E xplore, Explore, Explore: Try a new adventure

THINGS TO DO

THIS SEASON IN SOUTH BAJA by Alex Navarro

that takes you off the beaten path. Baja is very magical and around any corner you will encounter beautiful surprises.

Fly: Take a ride on an ultralight off the beach

in front of your hotel, or maybe go skydiving or take a day trip on a small local airline to Bahia Magdalena to see the whales during the winter months.

orditas: This is a Mexican dish. It is made from corn like a tortilla, but is sliced on the side and filled with different stuffing like cheese and peppers, pulled pork, beef stew, beans and cheese, scrambled eggs, etc. They are delicious!

ide from the crowds: Only you know how to do this. But maybe rent a vehicle and go to La Paz, Todos Santos or Los Barriles. Or another idea could be a sunrise yoga session and an early run on the beach.

I mmerse yourself in hot springs: Go to the town of Santiago, one hour north of Los Cabos

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and get directions to Agua Caliente, which is only 15 minutes from Santiago. Other great hot springs in the area are in Santa Rita ranch. Get directions from a local in Santiago. It is only about 20 minutes away. This is the most relaxing adventure you can do!

ump off cliffs: Don´t do anything past your own limits and always check the depth of where you will land first. So maybe take some jumps off boulders when you visit the hot springs or Miraflores, or also when you are at Pelican Rock snorkeling or scuba diving.

ombucha: Check out the delicatessen store or local farmer`s market and look for locally bottled Kombucha. This fermented mushroom tea has many health benefits and tastes delicious when served chilled. Here in Cabo the locals make it by mixing it or infusing with mango, hibiscus and many other natural fruits and herbs.

L a Sierra: La Sierra refers to the local mountain

range here in Baja Sur called Sierra de La Laguna, meaning Lagoon Mountain Range, which is a protected National Park. All the locals and tourists who visit love La Sierra because it offers so much beauty and adventures like the hot springs I mentioned before, as well as the wondrous waterfalls, and abundant flora and fauna. Plus, indescribable hiking, camping and star gazing.

iraflores: I want to mention the town of Miraflores because I just went a few days ago and had the most fun time I’ve had in a long time. It has been raining in Baja the last couple months and the streams are running strong. The cold pools are full of water and the waterfalls too have lots of water, the most I have seen in many years. Miraflores is just south of Santiago. From San Jose Airport, it is about a half hour drive north. There is a great zip line there if you wish to do something like that, or you can just have a fun time playing in the cold pools and river boulders.

avigate the sea: If you are not into a fishing trip, you might want to try a snorkel tour on a boat to a nearby cove or little bay like Chileno Reef or Santa Maria Bay. Or try a dinner cruise or sunset boat tour to the famous arch.

O ysters on the shell: Find somewhere where they serve this savory dish. I love them! You can have them baked with grilled cheese, but for me, raw on the shell with only lime and sea salt please. Thank you!

alapa time: A palapa is a thatched roof shade made from palm tree leaves, usually situated on the beach or poolside. You need to spend at least 51% percent of your vacation time under one of these.

Q uestion: Question locals about the area. We love to talk about our beautiful Los Cabos.

R un on the beach: A little exercise every day of

your vacation will set the perfect tone and balance the days and nights during your visit.

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outfitters offering ATV tours in Los Cabos, you are sure to have an unforgettable time by choosing any of them. Some operator’s routes pass through dry river beds, others on sand dunes or dirt trails through the mountains, and many other sceneries as well. No matter what company you choose you will most likely have a wonderful experience. All companies have great gear and guides, as there is a lot of local market competition here in Cabo for those type of businesses, so they all usually offer high quality services.

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ATV's: With so many options and different

DISCOVER

while in Cabo. I like to think we have some of the best sushi on earth, so please get a reservation at one of the prestigious sushi spots in town. A surf session or lesson must be part of your trip for sure. Cabo is amazing for surfing! And perfect for learning to surf at spots like Acapulquito beach and Cerritos beach.

werk: Ladies! The Cabo party strip will not let you down. The famous bars and clubs are undeniably a non-stop party and the tunes will inevitably have you twerking.

Underwater pictures: Take home all

your memories, even those when you were submerged underwater.

Video: Maybe I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to mention, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to take some cool videos with your smart phone and make a cool video when you get home.

Wedding:

Cabo is a top wedding destination for sure. If I get married, when I get married, I will probably do it in Cabo. We have unbeatable and unbelievable weddings down here! The weather, the food, the beaches, the great accommodations and services

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S ushi and surf: Two must do things

are wordless. It is the perfect place for a special wedding.

X oloescuincle: Xoloescuincle is a dog

breed we have here in Mexico. It is a very peculiar dog that comes in miniature and standard sizes. One of its main characteristics is that it is hairless. They have a very warm body temperature (warmer than most dogs) and are known for healing abilities. The name comes from the Nahuatl dialect. They have nothing to do with Los Cabos specifically, but I couldn`t come up with anything else for the letter X, and a couple friends have Xolos here in Cabo.

Youthful

spa treatment: The hotels here in Cabo are specialists in the best spa services. With innumerable types of treatments, the menu is vast to love yourself this vacation. Go back home feeling youthful and rejuvenated even after you partied like a rock star.

Z ip lining: Zip lining has become very

popular in Los Cabos. The cool thing about the zip lines here are that the scenery is stunning. In one zip line you can be flying fast over a running stream filled with huge boulders, and on another one you can be crossing deep desert canyons filled with amazing cacti all around.

Have a great vacation and come back soon. Thanks for visiting us!

DISCOVER

by L aura Ty r rel l, PA DI I D C St af f inst r uc tor and d ive guid e at C ab o Trek When we think of sharks, I’m sure most of us born close to the Jaws generation will conjure up images of man-eating robotically-enhanced sea monsters waiting just off shore for a tasty human feast. This is very much NOT the case. Sharks with the worst reputation (think great whites, tiger sharks and bull sharks) have had a nibble or two on a surfer here or a swimmer there, most probably through mistaken identity, hoping more for an injured animal than that yucky human leg. Have you seen how much a surfer looks like a turtle from underneath their board? In any case, sharks come in all shapes and sizes so we must resist lumping them all into this ‘jaws’ category: most are afraid of the loud clumsy movement of humans and stay well out of our way. We are lucky enough to have reef and nurse sharks at many dive and snorkel sites in the waters of Los Cabos and they allow us to get close enough to observe them in their natural habitat. I have dived and snorkeled at Pelican Rock hundreds of times and they haven’t tried to nibble my leg once. The most common local shark sighting is of whitetip reef sharks at Pelican Rock: What are they? What do they do? The small, slim whitetip doesn’t normally exceed 1.6 meters and congregates in small rock caves below 30 feet. Unlike other sharks, they do not need to swim to pass oxygen through their gills, and for this reason they are able to lie still. Therefore, it is possible to approach them from below nice and slowly and get quite close. Move too quickly or descend above them and they will swim away trying to find some space. They rest alone or in groups. During the day they conserve energy for the nighttime hunt where they eat anything from various bony reef fish, crustaceans and octopus. The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) has classified the white tip as Near Threatened. Like all shark species the reproductive age is late (around 2 years old), the gestation period is long (between 10 and 13 months), and they don’t birth many pups. Global overfishing means fish stocks are at an all-time low, reducing food supplies for this apex predator. And it’s not just the whitetip that is in trouble. Sharks are going extinct: 90% of sharks have been wiped out in 40 years thanks to overfishing, destructive fishing practices, the shark finning industry and human impact. Without sharks, the reef ecosystem will fail and in turn the coral reef, which produces the world’s oxygen, will die. Never has it been so important to protect the sharks we have left and to take this opportunity to observe them in their own environment and educate future generations. So, for all you sports fishermen out there, please think twice before bringing a shark back to the marina. If you want to see a shark, go diving instead! i

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DISCOVER

Mont h ly F ishi ng R e p or t by G ar y Gra ham

n August 31, 2017, Hurricane Lidia roared onto the tip of the Baja Peninsula with wind and record-shattering rainfall leaving destruction, disruption and fatalities in its track as it passed over Cabo San Lucas and continued northward up the peninsula. Within only a few days, services were restored and cleanup was underway, and although some of the sportfishing fleet had to repair damages on their boats, others resumed fishing immediately as visiting anglers arrived on scheduled trips. As usual following a storm, all along the coast, the beaches were covered in logs, palm fronds and other rubbish that had washed up onto shore. As expected, the water along the shore was coffee-colored and filled with the same debris and miscellaneous items from all the storm runoff in the arroyos. Though it looked awful, there was a silver lining to the mess. Just a mile or two offshore, the water had begun to clean up and all of the debris suddenly became an angler’s friend. All that trash becomes cover for the chain of life that has sustained the Pacific and Sea of Cortez for centuries. The little “squiggles” called plankton find security in the shade beneath the flotsam. These are followed by a procession of the smallest of baitfish which attracts larger bait; then the hungry pelagics arrive in search of an easy meal ... dorado, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo along with many others species all join in the feeding frenzy before moving from that patch of trash to the next. Frigates and other sea birds circling above them make it easy for Captains and their crews to spot the sea life from a great distance. Knowing what is probably beneath the birds, they race towards them and their passengers are soon rewarded with the kind of remarkable fishing for which Baja Sur is famous. For many, in addition to the fun of the catch, seasoned veterans often save a few of their fish to have prepared to order at their hotel or favorite restaurant. It’s hard to beat fresh-caught dorado, tuna or even wahoo delivered from hook to table. Farther offshore, the abundance of fish is an attraction to the larger billfish that have begun to arrive as the fall season begins. Striped marlin and sailfish are joined by the much larger blue and black marlin that are the featured quarry for huge tournaments in October, literally attracting teams from around the world. As the runoff subsided mid-month and the water returned to its usual clarity the inshore action continued to improve, and offshore the number of billfish and larger tuna should increase as well and they should provide plenty of choices for anglers ... maybe a full day offshore or inshore for the hardcore or perhaps a half- day trip inshore. It’s little wonder then, that Captain Mark Rayor of JenWren Sportfishing remarked as he walked along the East Cape beach in front of his home following the storm, “This might look like debris to you, but it looks like Dorado City to me.” i

It’s hard to beat freshcaught dorado, tuna or even wahoo delivered from hook to table.

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

DISCOVER

EX-PAT CHRONICLES

Li fe in t he Pa la p a BY JUSTIN PORTER BIEL My eyes open, thrust awake from the depths of a dream I cannot remember. Senses are blurred and everything is unfamiliar. I awaken in a fit of confusion, lost in some new place, where normalcy doesn’t exist. What country is this? Whose bed is this? Where is this? I scan the world, trying to make sense of the surroundings. There’s little to discern; brick walls beside my face, the whirring of an industrial fan passing over my body, wind cutting across dried leaves, and a warm half-covered body under a sheet. Eyes focus and a face comes into view, formulating into a cohesive shape and form. I see her. The dark skinned woman, high cheekbones, with large doe eyes. Her scent grounds me, but sleep pulls me down, the dream world tempting me to return. I almost let it take me, but then I hear it again. That noise. It’s a crushing, trampling sound, like something has landed on the roof above my head. I sit straight up, eyes frozen on the underside of the palapa roof. Fully awake now, it all comes back; the road trip through the Baja, the small colonial town with the square and the church, the dusty roads outside Todos Santos, my palapa home with the mango trees, the hibiscus plants, and the fresh rosemary in the garden. I am home and safe. Everything is as it should be. Still, I cannot figure out one thing. What the hell is on my roof? 6:51 A.M. Dark espresso drips into a tiny cup. I add a half-scoop of golden sugar and stir. Taking a sip I stare out the window of the palapa. Beside the Pacific, on a hill with dirt, cactus and wildflowers, the day is just beginning. The world is awakening in the space between darkness and light. I remain still, as quiet as I can. I don't want to miss anything. I want to hear it all. The music of Mexico has just begun. Roosters call out in hoarse, raspy voices and the barking of dogs echo’s across the valley. The birds’ take a turn, their melodies more beautiful than the rest. They fly and sing past my window while the sun continues to rise. Low lying insects hum and buzz, and scratch the dew off their tiny, rigid wings. 9:45 A.M. Startled, I stand up from my desk, sweating in the morning heat and walk to the kitchen door. Peering out through the bug screen, I look into the yard. Woven hammocks twist in the breeze under a covered deck beside a table and chairs. Just then, I hear it again - the unmistakable neighing of a horse. 28

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I look behind the fence toward the back of the house. A wild brown colt is standing there, his head poking over a hedge, his eyes big and wet and black. He’s thin, his rib cage exposed, his knees bony and covered with small sores. He stares at me, his mane shining and shaking upon his muscular, bristled neck. As I approach, he drops his head and bites at dry grass with spotted lips and stained yellow teeth. Done eating, he extends his head over the fence in my direction. There are burrs stuck to the sides of his mouth. I go inside and return with a handful of carrots. I offer them to the colt, my hand flat and open, pushed through the fence. He snatches them up, crushing them between his large teeth, the muscles in his jaw rippling. He eats every last one and then raises his head. I rub a hand along the length of his jaw as he swallows the remaining bits of food. I pull burrs from his lips until he saunters off. I keep an eye on him after he’s left, watching as he wanders on the desolate hillside. 1:15 P.M. I’m headed towards Cerritos for to surf, bumping down a dirt road when I pass a grey F-250. Inside there are two tan-skinned men hanging out the windows, their arms waving erratically. I check my speed and they continue to wave, making larger motions with their hands. I lower the music, hit the brake, and roll down the window. They reverse the truck in my direction, a cloud of dust encompassing my car as they skid to a stop. “Fresh fish bro?” says the man. He’s wearing a baseball cap and dark sunglasses. Long, sunbleached hair falls over his shoulders. “Speared it just a few hours ago.” He pulls a cooler from the back of his truck. It’s filled ice, Tecate lights, and vacuum-sealed packages of striped grouper. I buy a bag with two filets for dinner, paying close attention while they offer cooking instructions. “Throw on a little olive oil, lemon and garlic,” says the man. “Low heat, four minutes on each side. That’s all you need. Enjoy.” 3:49 P.M. It’s hotter in the afternoons now. August has brought more humidity and temperatures into the nineties. In the distance, big black storm clouds hang over the mountains, but still, there is no rain. Inside the palapa, my fingers click away at a keyboard. I’m done with my work for school and halfway through a piece for Destino Magazine. Today, I’m writing about life in the Palapa. My fiancé thinks people will be interested in how we live. I’m not totally convinced. I pull my fingers off the laptop and stare at the words on the page. Will anyone care about my daily routine? Is it really all that different? Is it really worth writing about? I’m pondering this question when two lizards fall from the ceiling. One lands directly on the keyboard. The other thumps down on the side of the desk. I’m not sure who is more stunned, the lizards, or me, but I am the only one who screams. The reptiles recover quickly and split directions, climbing up the brick walls toward the palapa roof. I’m left breathing hard and laughing and taking the lords name in vain. My fiancé hears the commotion. “What’s going on over there?” She says. “Lizards are falling from the ceiling.” “See,” she says, “It’s a sign.”

DISCOVER 5:45 P.M. Striped grouper sizzles in a pan on a hot stove. The aroma of fish and garlic and steamed vegetables fill the house and fresh tortillas are cooking in oil. I’m washing the dishes, my hands covered in soap and water. Rose is by the stove, flipping tortillas. When the food is done, Rose pulls out a bottle of red wine. Just as we sit down to eat the dogs appear. The small one, Linda, arrives first. She is white and tan with short hair. Outside the screen door her body wiggles in anticipation, her nimble spine twisting from side to side with the wagging of her tail. She seems to have the better nose of the two, as she always arrives first. The larger one, Pecas, shows up a few moments later. He has a golden-brown coat, black spots on his tongue and resembles a miniature lion. They look inside expectantly while we finish the meal, with Pecas disappearing once or twice to check the trash. After dinner I bring fish out to the dogs. They chomp down the bits, licking their mouths, and then head back out the front gate, running off in the direction of the hotel where I’ve heard they live. 7:01 P.M. I’m driving a four-wheeler on a deserted beach 10 minutes from our house. Rose is sitting on the back. The air is warm and treaded tires pull easily through the sand below. I pull to a stop besides a large dune. We both get off and walk together in the direction of the sunset. Over the Pacific, the sun is receding, the dark seas consuming all but the last traces of orange. i

About the Author: Leav in g h is h o m e s t a t e o f C o l o r a d o behin d , J u s tin n ow c a l l s t h e b e a c h e s of B a ja Ca lifor n ia h o m e . A w r i t e r and r e c e n t e xp a t, h e i s a r e s i d e n t o f Todos Sa n tos , M e x i c o .

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

ART&CULTURE

Images by Jorge Garrido, courtesy of @CABOSTRONG (Find them on Facebook)

By Kate Ne a l

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The saying goes that there are no bad days in Cabo San Lucas, and most will agree this is truth. It’s a tough mantra to argue with considering fun afternoons of play spent in paradise, cocktail in hand and not a care in the world. Still, every so often Los Cabos is indeed hit with a bad day, and August 31st was one of them. Tropical Storm Lidia rolled through town with thrashing 65 mph winds, dumping 27” inches of rain in a 24-hour period - more than the area has seen since 1933, according to Baja California Sur Governor Carlos Mendoza. The destruction the storm caused was overwhelming, and the devastation could be seen along the tourist corridor from downtown Cabo to the outreaches of San Jose and beyond. The rain combined with inadequate drainage systems caused extensive flooding, and massive mudslides let loose from the mountains that act as the backdrop to an otherwise idyllic tourist destination. And when it was all over, Cabo got to work. The helpless victims of Lidia found themselves relying mostly on the kindness of strangers. And the strangers showed up, showing the character of Cabo, with arms extended. Immediately, donation drives for food, water and clothing were set up by independent citizens, with drop off locations popping up all over town - from Eclectic Array to Drip Spa to Tanga Tanga. For weeks, community members collected and dispersed items to those in the greatest need. The barrios of Los Cabos, where poverty is highest, were hit hardest by the storm, with ramshackle homes slapped together within the arroyos - dry creek beds meant to act as drainage for prolific rains. Living in a gulch in the direct path of the downpour - let alone the intended line of the effusion itself, caused countless homes to simply wash away, with everything a family owned inside. Clearly, the barrios needed urgent assistance. Faryn Massy, an American with a home in Cabo, established a crowdsourced Go Fund Me campaign with the goal of collecting $50,000 toward the relief and rebuilding efforts of Los Cabos. Once the fund has been sourced, the money will be used for food, water, clothing, hygiene and medical supplies and more. Massy is currently funding her personal pilgrimage out of her own pocket, maxing credit cards to give as much as she can. And she’s not the only one. Small groups and singular efforts across town have dug deep into their wallets, funding their own private relief undertakings where nothing official exists. But the money, while integral to the endeavor, is the tip of the iceberg. Daily shopping trips and subsequent disbursement of food and goods were a next step, both a humbling and rewarding experience for volunteers. One local restaurateur choreographed with an independent group to provide raw ingredients for several prepared meals, in turn committing their time, staff, and facilities to prepare enough food to serve upward of 300 souls at one time. The commitment is an ongoing one- so long as the materials are provided, the bargain is met on the other side. And from there, begins the disbursement. For this particular donation, the prepared food is loaded up in cars alongside purchased 5-gallon refillable water bottles, and other items meant to provide relief to those most in need. Caravanning to a new barrio each day, the group systematically sets up an assembly line of service out of the back of their cars - serving up a hot meal, and handing out water or Gatorade, bags of dog food, and donated clothing and diapers. With each trip to the barrios, word spread fast that assistance had arrived, as laughing children, often sans shirts and shoes, run full speed toward the volunteers, and cars packed with entire families arrive, eager for a hot meal. One local group created a plan they coined Clean for Food. Armed with extra-large black trash bags, they called on the children of the neighborhoods to fill one up with garbage before they were awarded a plate of food. The outcome was not only a cleaned up arroyo, but a game of sorts as children happily ran around picking up the strewn about trash, and ultimately feeling great pride in earning their meal. Another group organized an afternoon with a local senior center, handing out ziplocked packages of toiletries and sundries, endless bags of donated clothing, and serving up a meal and drinks to the grateful residents. As live music played, the volunteers danced alongside the elderly, making the experience as much about a day of enjoyment as about service, and the smiles and thanks were what one volunteer called “a natural high”. The benevolence and altruism of a few who care for so many without a thought for themselves is especially inspiring. The continued efforts are cause for exhaustion to be sure, but the emotions brought about by the experience- among them, a deep sense of humility, and even a bit of fulfillment at the found smiles of so many hurting, are worth every moment. What has risen from the tragedy of Lidia is heart, and it’s been said no beauty shines brighter than that of a good one. Cabo San Lucas has stood up after Lidia knocked her off her feet, she brushed herself off, and has shown her heart, proudly displayed upon the sleeves of a selfless community. i

ART & CULTURE

Image: Sonja Hahn, Andromeda Divers/Milky Way Cafe

Image: Kate Neal

Image: Peter Cashmore

Image: Doris Demmer

Image: Kate Neal

HOW YOU CAN HELP VICTIMS OF TROPICAL STORM LIDIA? •

•

Monetary donations can be made by clicking the link at the top of our Destino Magazine or Baja Home Facebook pages or by going to www.gofundme.com/lifeafterlidia. 100% of all proceeds will go to those in need with absolutely no funds used for administration, marketing etc. Tax write off receipts can be provided upon request. Physical donations of non-perishable food, water, baby food, formula, diapers, first aid kits, clothing of all sizes, underwear, shoes, furniture, blankets, bedding, towels, etc. can be dropped off at Eclectic Array or the Drip Spa in downtown Cabo or in San Jose in Plaza Pescador. Don’t forget our animal friends! Dry and wet pet food, cleaning supplies, blankets, towels, dog bowls, collars, leashes, etc. can be dropped off at the Drip Spa in downtown Cabo or by contacting Cabo Critters on Facebook (@CaboCritters). Donations are not only used for animals living at the shelter, but also distributed to locals with pets in need! Keep your Los Cabos travel plans or BOOK A TRIP to Cabo! Every tip and tourist dollar spent in this area helps the locals get back on their feet!!

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

ART & CULTURE

Giving Guide Cabo San Lucas / San José Del Cabo

h 7 h by International Community Foundation h 7 h According to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 800 million individuals experience chronic hunger, meaning about one in nine people lack the food they need to lead an active and healthy life. In 2013, International Community Foundation (ICF) and several partner organizations formed a working group to research the state of food insecurity in Baja California Sur (BCS). This effort led to the formation of the Southern Baja Food Security Alliance (SBFSA); a vibrant alliance of diverse actors (from public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors) working together to identify strategies to provide healthy and fresh food to low-income and at-risk families in the urban and rural communities in the region. That same year ICF worked with local BCS partners to carry out an assessment survey of 600 families living in at-risk communities in southern Baja, finding that approximately half of the respondents reported that on a weekly basis their families lack sufficient access to fresh food. Furthermore, according to a baseline survey conducted in 2015 by the Mexican Secretariat of Social Development (SEDESOL), 37% of all food produced in Mexico is wasted, which holds true in BCS. It was shocking to learn that in a region known for some of the finest culinary experiences in Mexico and organic farms specializing in growing and exporting fresh produce, so many local residents struggle to put fresh and healthy food on their table. The reality of food insecurity and food waste is costly to the environment, the economy, and the health of the most at-risk communities in BCS. ICF and local partners took these survey results as a call to action, and over the past couple of years they have developed and expanded a partnership with Mexico’s national program SinHambre (“No Hunger”), to implement a project that links productive and educational gardens to hot meal kitchens in Los Cabos and La Paz. Garden staff work with local kitchen volunteers to prepare the land and install needed infrastructure; and over the course of the growing season volunteers receive lessons on gardening, nutrition and healthy cooking. This project serves to teach and empower volunteers (members of local communities with the highest rates of food insecurity) to use organic gardening to enhance the nutritional value of the meals at the kitchens and to provide healthy foods in their own homes. The project also leads to the identification of leaders for future initiatives, such as the promotion of home gardens and agricultural production cooperatives amongst the most underserved and marginalized communities. Another strategy identified to make fresh and locally-grown food available to food insecure families, is a gleaning or food rescue program. This program would salvage a considerable percentage of the crops that are left to rot or are disposed of because they fail to meet export standards. The program creates connections between local food producers and consumers through the establishment of community food rescue and distribution teams and makes fresh food available to hot meal kitchens and through fresh food basket programs, coordinated by the newly formed State Food Bank, Banco Estatal de Alimentos San Ignacio de Loyola (BEASIL). ICF has begun to identify farms eager to make donations, and as this program gets under way have plans to expand it to include food rescue of prepared foods from hotels and restaurants. If interested in learning more please contact ICF’s Senior Program Officer, Health and Human Services: Alana Ortez (alana@icfdn.org). To supporting this initiative, http://bit.ly/2eUZhOD i 32

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Amigos de Los Niños (Friends of the Children) www.adlncabo.org - 624 144 3195 Baja SAFE, Salud de los Animales y Familias con Educación A.C. www.bajasafe.com The Bomberos Voluntarios (Volunteer Fire Department) Cabo San Lucas: 624 143 3577 - San José del Cabo: 624 142 2466. Building Baja's Future www.buildingbajasfuture.org - 624 355 4314 Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas, A.C. www.casahogarcabo.com - 624 123 1285 Gala de Danza A.C. www.galadedanza.com Gente Joven Por Un Cambio, A.C. www.gentejovenac.org H+ Foundation Fund www.donatricfdn.org Liga M.A.C., A.C. (Mexican American Canadian League) www.ligamac.org - 624 120 1060 Los Cabos Children's Foundation, A.C. www.loscaboschildren.org - 624 157 3851 Los Cabos Humane Society www.loscaboshumanesociety.com - 624 129 8346 Los Niños del Capitán, A.C. www.losninosdelcapitan.com - 624 173 3807 Mobilize Mankind www.mobilizemankind.org - 624 129 8223 Red Autismo www.redautismo.org - 624 166 8186 Sarahuaro www.sarahuaro.org - 624 122 4955 Solmar Foundation Fund www.solmarfoundation.com Vifac BCS www.vifac.org - 624 688 5062, 01 800 362 2207

SAN JOSE DEL CABO ART DISTRICT

View art as you stroll the enchanting streets of the Gallery District in downtown San Jose del Cabo. Later end your evening with a dining experience at one of the many exquisite restaurants in the area.

East Cape

Amigos para la Conservacion de Cabo Pulmo, A.C. (ACCP) www.cabopulmoamigos.com East Cape Community Urgent Care Clinic, A.C. www.eastcapemedical.com East Cape Guild www.eastcapeguild.com

Todos Santos

The Palapa Society Todos Santos, A.C. www.palapasociety.org Todos Santos Community Fund www.donate.icfdn.org

La Paz

Centro Mujeres, A.C. www.centromujeres.org Como Vamos La Paz, A.C. www.comovamoslapaz.com Fundación Ayuda Niños La Paz, A.C. (FANLAP) www.lapazninos.org Fundación Cántaro Azul, A.C. www.cantaroazul.com - Water and environmental solutions. La Paz Community fund www.donateicfdn.org Pelagios Kakunjá www.Pelagioskakunja.org Raíz de Fondo Jardines y Educación, A.C. www.raizdefondo.org

Magdalena Bay

Vigilantes de Bahía Magdalena, A.C. Facebook: @vigilantes.bahiamagdalena

Loreto

Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. www.ecoalianzaloreto.org

Musical Tuesdays

Enjoy traditional Mexican music and complimentary drinks at participating venues. Starts at 6:30 pm every Tuesday.

EAT SHOP PLAY

www.artcabo.com

ART & CULTURE

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

OUT&ABOUT

EVENTFULL OCTOBER 2017 by Ami Doss, Sabrina Lear, Michelle Monroy

October is a month FULL of exciting events for everyone! by Sabrina Lear

Baja California Sur Turns Forty-Three - On October 8, 1974, a year after the completion of the 1,000-mile long Transpeninsular Highway "MEX 1," the South Territory of Baja California achieved statehood, becoming Baja California Sur with La Paz as its capital. So, what was today's Los Cabos like back then? In San José del Cabo, Hotel Palmilla was "the" place, along with the Corridor's Hotel Cabo San Lucas, now Chileno Bay. In Cabo San Lucas, the Hotel Hacienda reigned at the end of Medano Beach while the majestic Hotel Finisterra sat high on the spine of Land's End, cliff side. The Hotel Mar de Cortez was "downtown" (and still is) with Solmar Suites on the Pacific side, close to Land's End. Dredging of what would become today's marina was well underway, replacing the landing strip and the cannery employees' housing. (The cannery, built in 1927, would remain active until 1980.) With the new harbor, ferry service to Puerto Vallarta began, connecting the southern peninsula to the Mexican mainland until 1986. October is the busiest month for fishing in Los Cabos with three tournaments running back to back beginning with the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament from the 15th to 19th. The Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore (aka the Little Bisbee's) runs the 19th to 22nd and the granddaddy of them all, the Bisbee's Black & Blue, from the 24th to 28th. The Black and Blue is the world’s richest marlin tournament with 2016 first place earnings topping two million dollars. It’s an exciting and very fun time to be in Cabo San Lucas, even if you don’t fish! If you’re looking for a break from all the Cabo action, consider a day trip to Todos Santos during the town’s Fiestas Tradicionales from the 12th to 15th. Only 45 minutes away on the Pacific side, this small, easygoing village is a wonderful respite from Cabo’s party scene. An artists’ colony with first-rate restaurants, Todos Santos just might be the getaway you’ve been looking for. And don’t forget Cabo’s quieter sister, San José del Cabo, 20 miles to the NE, known for its colonial downtown, historic church and internationally known Art District. With a microbrewery and many galleries and boutiques, plan to stay for dinner at one of the area’s excellent restaurants. While the district’s Thursday night Art Walk doesn’t kick in until November 2, there’s still plenty going on until then.

www.DestinoLosCabos.com

15-19

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

If you are an avid fisherman, you might as well plan to stay the entire month of October in Cabo San Lucas. However, The Big Show isn’t the only tournament in town this month. The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is a three-day competition in which the team that tallies the most billfish points per pound takes home top honor. Release trophies and cash prizes will also be awarded to the top three teams that score the most billfish release points. There will also be optional marlin, tuna dorado, and wahoo cash and prizes. Please check out www.loscabostournaments.com for complete rules and schedule of events.

The 2016 Bisbee's Black & Blue Tournament winners. Photo: Gary Graham.

20-28

Bisbee’s World Famous Fishing Tournaments

Whether you’re an avid fisherman or just love some Cabo beaches, it’s hard to deny the electricity The Bisbee brings with it when in town. Well, it’s that time again! The world’s richest fishing tournaments return this month for a series of back-to-back events. Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament kicks off the month of competition from October 20-22. Registration will be at Puerto Paraiso Mall on the 19th. For a complete list of events and dates for “Little Bisbee’s”, please visit www.bisbees.com The Los Cabos Offshore Tournament leads right into the Big Show—Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament from October 23-28. Bob Bisbee started the Black and Blue in 1981 with six teams and a purse of $10,000. In 2006, the tournament paid out the largest payout in sportfishing history with a cash payout of $4,165,960. The tournament annually boasts more than 150 teams with millions of dollars on the line. There will be a week of events that will keep the marina busy and energized. In front of the Puerto Paraiso Entertainment Plaza will be a constant source of entertainment, as huge fish are being constantly hauled in and weighed for competition. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience that we get to witness once a year here in Cabo! The fun kicks off Monday at Baja Cantina with a sponsored Cantina Crawl. Registration will be Tuesday in front of Puerto Paraiso Mall between 2:00-6:00. Please check their website for a complete list of events, as well as jackpots and prizes. www.bisbees.com/Tournament/ BisbeesBlackAndBlue/Schedule

9-14

Sammy Hagar's Birthday Bash

WHERE THE LAND ENDS AND THE PARTY BEGINS

Since opening in 1990 the Cabo Wabo Cantina has long been one of the topmost places to party in Mexico, and the world. Featured on MTV, VH1, E-Channel, Travel Channel, the Cantina holds distinguished status among the world’s greatest fiesta-goers.

October is an exciting month that kicks off with legendary rocker Sammy Hagar’s 70th Birthday Bash on the 9th, 11th, 13th, and 14th, at Cabo Wabo, Sammy’s signature club. This year features The Circle with Sammy, Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, & Vic Johnson along with special guests. In year’s past, Red Rocker fans have lined up for the highly coveted tickets (almost all are pre-sold online) the night before each show. If you’re a diehard fan and don’t have tix, check at the club on Guerrero near L. Cardenas, you may get lucky.

Cabo Wabo is a lifestyle. Something that requires only a willingness to enjoy your life and embrace all that makes you happy. That's the reason the Cantina was created.

- Sammy Hagar

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

OUT & ABOUT

UPCOMING EVENTS N OVEMBER 01 - 0 4 Los Cabos Tuna JackPot

www.loscabostunajackpot.com

NOVEMBER 4 Cruising for the Critters

Enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise out of Cabo San Lucas Bay aboard the Pez Gato power catamaran, Premium wines, cocktails, hor d'oeuvres and LIVE MUSIC. Tickets $75 USD/$1,200 MXN. Reserve early - space is limited!

N OVEMBER 8 - 1 2 Los Cabos Film Festival www.cabosfilmfestival.com

NOVEMBER 1 2 Ironman Los Cabos

www.ironmanloscabos.com

D ECEMBER 2 Sabor a Cabo

www.saboracabo.com

ONGOING EVENTS S at u r d a y s : Bird walks at San Jose Estuary Reservation in advance is required Please contact: birdingloscabos@gmail.com ph: +1(624)151-1565

M o n day s & T h u r s days : Stargazing /Astronomy programs Reservation in advance is required Please contact: bajastargazing@gmail.com ph: +1(624)129-8701 Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

OUT & ABOUT show, don’t forget to drop a few dollars into their collection hat because these boys work only for tips! @CaboBreakerFamily Speaking of the Mango Deck, being closed for a week didn’t stop this group of hard working employees. Not only did they help clean up the beach, but they also spent several days cleaning and sweeping streets leading to Medano, around Marina Sol, up the hill to Hacienda Beach Club, and all the way out to Lázaro Cárdenas, the main street through downtown Cabo. @MangoDeck

by Just i n e S c h o c k , y o u r g u i d e t o the Cabo Social Scene

Other restaurants and hotels including Cabo Villas Beach Resort/ Cachet Beach Hotel Los Cabos, Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa, and Billygan’s Beach Club led their own massive beach cleaning efforts to transform Medano Beach back to its original beauty and proving that the people of Los Cabos are truly unstoppable! @CaboVillasBeachResort @CachetBeachCabo @CasaDoradaCabo @BillygansBeachClub In anticipation of a slow and stormy month, The Office on Medano Beach closes every year for the entire month of September for cleaning, remodeling and staff vacations. This year The Office will be having a reopening party on Monday October 2nd. All proceeds from the reopening will be donated to the Cabo San Lucas Fire Department who collected and distributed donations immediately after the storm. More information can be found on their Facebook page. @TheOfficeOnTheBeach Milky Way Café was also closed all month, explaining “Closed all September for employee vacation and some heavy cleaning up after the Storm” @MilkyWayCABO

The Cabo Villas & Cachet Beach Club Staff - Photo courtesy Cachet Beach Club

As of September 7, about half of restaurants around Cabo had reopened with most others opening in the following days. Some restaurants opened quickly after the storm, including Cabo Wabo, Tiki Bar on the marina, Cabo Bakery, Sancho’s and Cabo Cantina, however, others like Misiones de Kino were not quite so lucky. The GoFundMe page set up for the owners and staff of Misiones de Kino describes, “The restaurant endured an electrical and gas fire caused by an enormous amount of rain from Tropical Storm Lidia…Their kitchen, interior and palapa suffered a total loss. Misiones de Kino has been in Cabo for nearly 22

OCTOBER

marks the beginning of the high season in Los Cabos. Tourist activity increases dramatically during the winter months as visitors from the United States & Canada book vacations to escape the chilly weather back home and “snowbirds” (expats who live in Mexico half the year) begin returning to their Cabo homes. This season will be especially important for businesses, bars and restaurants in Los Cabos, many of which suffered considerable damage and lost income after Tropical Storm Lidia hit the Baja California peninsula on August 31 - September 1, 2017. For employees who depend primarily on tips, being out of work for days or even weeks after a storm can be devastating. Fortunately, Los Cabos is full of amazing people and dedicated workers who have worked diligently to get Cabo clean, beautiful and ready for visitors once again! Immediately after the storm, while many of the restaurants and bars along Medano Beach were waiting for health authorities (COFEPRIS) to allow them to reopen, hotel and restaurant employees, vendors and even some tourists began picking up trash and sifting sand to get the beach picture perfect in only a few days. Despite losing his leg in an accident at only 1 year old, resident break dancer Max Martinez could be seen shoveling debris along the beach with his Baja Breaking dance crew including members Aaron, Roberto, David, Benjamin, and Antonio. “It's important that we all cooperate cleaning up our beaches. Not only this time, but all the time.” [translated] said Martinez. The Baja Breakers are a group of incredibly athletic young men who perform acrobatic dance shows all around Cabo. You can catch their break dancing routine daily at Mango Deck on Medano Beach. If you enjoy their 38

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Photo courtesy Mango Deck

OUT & ABOUT years, let's keep them going by helping them rebuild and keep their employees employed.” Sadly, some staff lost not only their jobs and livelihood but their homes too! You can find more information and donation link on their Facebook page. @MisionesDeKino Despite the destruction, Cabo looks as good as new. If you are ready for a vacation, now is a wonderful time to book a trip to Los Cabos! Airlines and hotels are offering great deals to promote tourism in this area and get locals back on their feet. Cabo and the people living here thrive on tourism, so one of the best ways to help, beside monetary and physical donations, is by spending your vacation dollars here in Cabo. Most hospitality workers (maids, bartenders, servers, pool staff, etc.) earn between $8-$10usd salary per day. Some lost everything during Tropical Storm Lidia and/or Hurricane Odile back in 2014, yet still show up to work every day with a great attitude and smile on their face. So please remember to always tip, and tip well. A few extra dollars will make someone’s day. One of my favorite things about living in Mexico is the people. They are always ready and willing to help and make your stay a memorable one. The moral of the story is…Cabo is safe…Cabo is strong…and Cabo is ready and waiting for you!

#CABOSTRONG

#Unstoppable

#DestinoLosCabos

D o you k n o w a b u s i n e ss t h a t s h o u ld be featured? Con t a c t : J u s t i n e @ D e s t i n o Lo s Cabos.com

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OUT & ABOUT

recommended

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OUT & ABOUT

@exploringbaja

@michmonroy

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

La Paz, Baja California Sur

Everything you need to know about Baja Sur

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Everything you need to know about Baja Sur