Destino Magazine February 2013

FREE • GRATIS

New Look • NOW MONTHLY

FEBRUARY 2013

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

EVERYTHING YOU

NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT LOS CABOS

MAPS • BEACHES • GOLF

Cabo San Lucas PARTY CRUISES

LIVE MUSIC • RESTAURANTS • NIGHTLIFE

REAL ESTATE

FISHING • SURFING • SNORKELING

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

www.DestinoLosCabos.com

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Baja’s

Learn more about them on page 14

Destino Cover Photo and whale photos

by Luis Enrique Achoy Cota, photographer, historian tour guide and owner of Malmarrimo Whale Watching tours, Guerrero Negro

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

Los Cabos (the capes) is in the southern most tip of the State of Baja California Sur and consists of three main areas: Cabo San Lucas, the Corridor and San José del Cabo.

If you look at the Baja Sur map bellow, you can see that the highways and towns form a loop. The main points of the loop are San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, La Paz and the East Cape, with smaller towns and points of interest in between. There are ongoing road improvements and new highway constructions, so getting from one place to another will only get easier. The newest highway from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos is impressively well done and made Todos Santos only 45 minutes away versus the 1 ½ hours that it used to take.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, also just known as “Cabo”, is a tourist friendly town located on the tip of the Baja California peninsula that’s full of entertainment for every age and liking. You will find the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meeting at land’s end and the beautiful rock formations that create the famous Cabo arch. Cabo San Lucas has the liveliest beach in the Los Cabos area, an impressive marina and countless restaurants and bars that keep the town alive day and night.

The Corridor

The corridor is a 40 Km highway that connects Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo (about a 25 minute drive). Along this road you can find various hotels, luxury ocean front homes, championship golf courses and beautiful views. Have your camera ready to snap some photos of the beautiful beaches and make a roadside stop at the Cabo Real arroyo for a refreshing coco frío (cold coconut).

San José del Cabo

Walking around San Jose’s quaint and colorful streets and its picturesque zócalo (main plaza) will be a more traditional Mexican town experience that Cabo San Lucas. Over the years, San José has become an artistic and cultural town with numerous fine art galleries in its downtown art district. From November through June the popular “Art Walk” takes place every Thursday evening where the galleries welcome guests to view their exhibits, sip wine and dine at one of the five star restaurants. San José has a beautiful beach where you can take a horseback ride and explore the estuary that is home to many different bird species.

Todos Santos

Located on the Pacific Ocean side, 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 Pacific’s cool breezes.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital 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 colourful 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.

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. 60 miles outside of Los Cabos is the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, an eight fingered coral reef that offers outstanding snorkelling and scuba diving. Very popular for fishing, the East Cape also attracts kite surfers and folks who just want to get away from it all.

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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Useful Tips

Gas stations - There are two types of gasoline: Magna or verde (green) which is regular and Premium or roja (red). Lleno means full. Tipping the attendant around $10.00 pesos (less than a dollar) is customary.

Driving

Money and Currency

Renting a car will let you enjoy the freedom of exploring the Los Cabos area without having to depend on taxis. Driving in Mexico might be intimidating to some, but if you just go with the muddled flow, you will realize that there actually is some organization within the chaos. Here are some tips if you’re behind the wheel: Road Signage - Most signs are self explanatory, but here are a few that might need interpretation: ARROYO

TOPE

ALTO

Dry riverbed

Speed bump

Stop

NO ESTACIONARSE

ESTACIONAMIENTO

No parking

Parking

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Exchange rates - Dollars are accepted almost everywhere and you will most likely get your change back in pesos. The exchange rate varies every day, but some places have a set rate of $12.00 pesos to $1.00 dollar.

Cash or Card? - Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are generally accepted but you often run into cash only places, especially at restaurants, so always carry cash or ask before.

ATMs - There are many ATMs all over Cabo. Some only give you dollars, some only pesos and some give you the option of pesos or dollars in one. Pay close attention to what currency you’re withdrawing.

Try to get as much cash as possible in one transaction to avoid paying more commissions. Commissions on the street ATMs are higher than going to a bank’s ATM.

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

IN THIS ISSUE LOS CABOS OVERVIEW

3

SUNSET CRUISEs

8

Mexican Gray Whales

14

REAL ESTATE

Buyging in Mexico

MAPS

16

Baja Sur

5

Cabo San Lucas Marina

10

Corridor

11

Cabo San Lucas

12

San José del Cabo

21

San José art district

24

Todos Santos

25

ACTIVITIES Top beaches

6

Live Music

12

Nightlife

13

Restaurants

13

Boating and fishing

17

Snorkeling

18

Golfing

20

Surfing

22

DESTINO GROUP SA de CV

Los Cabos, BCS Ph (011 52) (624) 142-4949

email: destinoloscabos@gmail.com ISSUE 50 February 2013 Printed in USA. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. © 2013 Destino Group SA de CV Numero 50 Febrero 2013 Todos los derechos reservados por Destino Group prohibida la reprodución total o parcial del contenido sin previa autorización por escrito de los editores. © 2013 Destino Group SA de CV 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 advertising rates and placement, Please contact: destinoloscabos@gmail.com www.destinoloscabos.com

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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Lover’s Beach - Playa del Amor Getting to Lover’s Beach is an adventure in itself due to the fact that it’s only reachable by boat or kayak. The easiest way is to take a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas Marina or Medano Beach. Prices are around $15.00 per person. Ask your captain to 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 that you will instantly want to go explore. Walk to the other side of the beach and you’ll now find yourself looking at the Pacific Ocean; the locals call this Divorce Beach and this side is very dangerous for swimming because of its powerful undertow, so only swim on the Lover’s Beach side.

Location: Land’s End beside the famous arch. Only accessible by boat.

Tips:

• There are a couple of vendors that offer beers and water but you won’t

Medano Beach

Medano Beach

find any other services.

• A good idea is to spend the day at Medano Beach and take an hour or two to go to Lover’s Beach; this should be enough time to explore and enjoy this natural wonderland.

Medano Beach is where the action is! “El Medano” (as the locals call it) is a 2 mile stretch of hotels, restaurants and bars right on the sand and just steps from the water. It’s a swimmable and family friendly beach with endless options for souvenir shopping. All water sports are available and you will not lack the opportunity to run into someone offering you deals on activities. If you want to take a water taxi to Lover’s Beach, this is the spot to do it. Medano beach is everything but private, but its stunning view of land’s end and the vast entertainment options makes it a must-see.

Location: In the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas. You can walk through the east side of the marina or access it via Avenida del Pescador street.

Tips:

• Get prepared to be approached by souvenir vendors. If you’re not there for the shopping, the only thing you can do is say “No Gracias!”

• Prices don’t vary too much from one water sports rental place to another; just talk to someone and break out those negotiation skills.

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Lover’s Beach

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

Las Viudas

Chileno Bay

Las Viudas (The Widows) beach is not visible from the road and is probably the most private beach you will find on this list. What makes it so unique are the rock formations that create pools and coves where you can have a private and peaceful beach day. This beach is swimmable with caution, but it is not recommended for young children.

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 for excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. This is the only beach with rest rooms and it has plenty of palapas for shade which makes it a very family friendly beach.

Location: Turn right at Km. 12.5 of the corridor and follow the dirt road down to the beach. There is a sign that reads “Las Viudas” but keep your eyes peeled because the entrance sneaks up on you.

• If you visit Chileno on a weekend make an effort to

Tips:

You won’t find any services or vendors so bring all your beach essentials with you.

Santa Maria Santa Maria is a stunning horseshoe cove with coral coloured sand and an 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.

Location: Follow the sign that

reads “Santa Maria” and exit the highway at Km. 13. Follow the dirt road until you reach the parking area.

Tips:

• No services and hardly any shade. You can rent umbrellas on the beach, but if you happen to have one bring it anyway.

• Bring snorkelling gear!

Location:

Follow the signs for Chileno Beach Club near Km. 14 of the main highway.

Tips:

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 for that much needed shade.

• Bring Snorkelling gear!

Palmilla Palmilla is known for its family friendly calm waters and mile long stretch of beach. Located within the resort community of Palmilla, you will find yourself surrounded by oceanfront luxurious 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.

beach where Cabo Surf Hotel and Mike Doyle surf school are located. You can find surf shops in the area where you can rent surf and SUP boards or set up lessons.

The surf is bigger during the summer and in the winter it’s a good spot for snorkelling and swimming.

Location:

Exit at Km. 28 via the Costa Azul Bridge.

Tips:

Swimming with caution is possible in this area but keep your eye out for surfers.

Cerritos Cerritos beach is a popular surf spot and swimming 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 peaceful day on the beach or 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 - Todos Santos highway. Watch the markers as there is no sign. Drive about 1.7 miles to the beach area.

Tips:

Lounge chairs, restrooms, food and drinks are available at The Cerritos Beach Club Restaurant.

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.

Palmilla

Tips:

• Palmilla is popular among local families on the weekends, so arrive early if you want a palapa or bring your umbrella.

• No services available.

Costa Azul If what you’re looking for is a good surf spot that doesn’t require driving out of town this is it. Head over to Zipper’s for a surf session and some lunch and beers at the restaurant. To the west of Zippers is Acapulquito

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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Cabo San Lucas

SUNSET CRUISES (and late night)

Experience a perfect evening on a cruise by combining all of Cabo’s greatest attractions: boating, sunsets, dinner, drinks, dancing and even whale watching during the winter months. A variety of sunset cruises depart daily from the Cabo San Lucas Marina that cater to different experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner cruise or you simply want to dance the night away, keep on reading to find the one that fits your needs. Don’t forget your camera and jacket or sweater in the winter and arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure time.

Pez Gato

What’s unique about it: Fun party boat, yet family friendly.

Cost: $39 usd per person. Children 5-11 are half price; 4 and under are free.

Includes: Open bar, dancing and entertainment.

Departs: Monday through Saturday; Winter months 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; Summer months 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Dock # 4.

Contact: (624) 143-3797 melanie@pezgato.com www.pezgato.com

Cabo Rey

Sunset Dinner Cruise What’s unique about it: this 144’ triple deck catamaran means triple the fun!

Live music and show.

Departs: daily from cruise ship terminal at 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm OCTAPR and 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm MAY-SEP Cost: $92 usd per person. Children under 10 half off.

Includes: Domestic open bar premium bar option available at an additional cost; 6 gourmet dinner options with salad, mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables; kids menu;

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Dessert; mariachi and tango show.

Margarita Cruise What’s unique about it: delicious hors d’eourves including sushi and a live international band.

Departs: daily from cruise ship terminal at 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm OCTAPR and 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm MAY-SEP. Cost: $59 usd per person. Children under 10 half off.

Includes: carne asada, chicken fajitas, rice, beans, guacamole, chips and salsa; domestic open bar.

Contact: (624) 105-1976 caborey@prodigy.net.mx www.caborey.com

Sunrider Sunset Cruise

What’s unique about it: The Sun Rider 100 is a new catamaran designed and built with environmental “Green” technology. Bring your appetite!

Departs: Monday through Saturday from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Directions will accompany your reservation.

Cost: $60 usd per person. Add Lobster for $10.00. Children under 10 are half price (one per adult – additional children are charged as adults) .

Includes: Open bar, entertainment, full

dinner - BBQ beef and chicken kebabs, baked potato, beans, cheese fondue, fruit, guacamole and tortilla chips Contact: (624) 143-2252 info@sunridertours.com www.sunridertours.com

Buccaneer Queen

What’s unique about it: this 96-foot tall ship has been featured in many commercials and films including Cutthroat Island, which is why they put on a great pirate show!

Departs: Daily from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm (winter) or 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (summer) Cost: $59 usd per person. Children 8 to 13 $25 usd. Ages 1 to 7 $15 usd.

Includes: Pirate show, Open bar, snacks, games, dancing.

Contact: (624) 144-4217 www.buccaneerloscabos.com

Cabo Escape

Cabo Fajita Sunset Dinner Cruise What’s unique about it: upper deck cocktail lounge style area. All ages welcome!

Departs: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (NovMar); 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Apr-Oct); Dock #3 Cost: US $59.00 per person Includes: chips, salsa and guacamole bar; fajita dinner buffet: chicken, steak or vegetable fajitas with quesadillas, guacamole, regional fresh salsas,

homemade beans and rice; open bar Sunset Booze Cruise What’s unique about it: the name says it all, booze while you cruise at sunset and bring your dancing shoes.

Departs: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (NovMar); 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Apr-Oct); Dock #3.

Cost: US $45.00 per person.

Includes: chips, salsas, guacamole and veggie dips; open bar.

Night Cruise (floating disco) What’s unique about it: for the late nighters! Dance to current hip-hop and electronic hits. Over 18 only.

Departs: Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00 pm to 12:00 am; Dock #3.

Cost: $45.00 usd per person Includes: cruise, MC and music on the bay; premium open bar.

Contact: (624) 105-0177 info@caboescapetours.com www.caboescapetours.com

Tropicat

What’s unique about it: smooth sailing on an elegant catamaran, contemporary Jazz, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Departs: Daily from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (summer) or 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (winter); Dock #4.

Cost: $59 usd per person. Children 5-11 years old are half price. Children Continued on page 10

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

ABOARD THE CABO MAR...

Fiesta Dinner Cruise

From the moment you arrive, the friendly crew of this 65’ double-decker, super power motor catamaran will warmly welcome you aboard. You can feel the excitement in the air as the Cabo Mar departs the Cabo San Lucas Marina and begins touring the coastline of Land’s End. The boat will cruise by the iconic landmarks such as Lover’s Beach, Pelican Rock and the famous Arch, giving plenty of time for amazing photo opportunities with the sun setting behind the rock formations. If you are visiting in the winter months you will most likely spot a few whales, and if you’re lucky, they might even put on a show by breaching right in front of the boat. As you enjoy the colorful sunset, the aromas from the grill begin to travel through the air as the chef prepares the delicious marinated beef and chicken tacos with homemade salsa, guacamole, quesadillas, rice, beans and freshly grilled vegetables. Make a pit stop at the open bar with Sergio the bartender to enjoy the tropical fruit cocktail of your choice or choose from the wide selection of international spirits that they offer. As the sky turns dark and the lights of the bay come to life, get ready for some dancing on the upper deck to today’s top hits and Latin inspired rhythms. The MC and lively crew will make sure everyone is having a good time by organizing dance choreographies and conga lines. This is a family friendly tour that’s enjoyable and fun for all ages. The Cabo Mar also offers their “Weekend Breakfast on the Bay” cruise as well as private events for up to 150 passengers.

Cost: $59 usd per person. Children 5-11 are half price; 4 and under are free Includes: Open bar, full dinner, onboard entertainment Departs: Monday through Saturday; Winter months 5:00pm to 7:30pm; Summer months 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm; Dock # 4 Contact: (624) 143-3797 cabomar@pezgato.com www.cabo-mar.com

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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4 and under free.

Includes: international open bar and premium wines; gourmet hors d’oeuvres; jazz music.

Contact: (624) 143-3797 melanie@pezgato.com www.tropicatcabo.com

Jungle Regae Booze Cruise

Sunset Booze Cruise What’s unique about it: This is the ultimate Cabo San Lucas wild sunset booze cruise. If you’re here for the famous Cabo spring break, this is the tour for you. No children allowed.

Departs: Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (winter) or 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (summer).

Cost: $35 usd per person. 18 years old and up only.

Includes: All-you can drink booze, dancing, reggae and party music. No dinner included, make sure you eat before the tour!

Floating Disco & Club What’s unique about it: the one and only late night floating club with optional open bar or bottle service, VIP tables and STAR lounge. No children allowed.

Departs: Friday and Saturday from 9:30 pm to 12:30 pm Cost: $35 usd per person. 18 years old and up.

Includes: premium international open bar, dancing to current hits, hip-hop and electronic music. No dinner included, make sure you eat before the tour!

Contact: (624) 143-7530 or (624) 143-8150 www.caboboozecruise.com

Sunderland Historical Pirate Ship -

Shiver Me

Timbers Sunset Cruise

What’s unique about it: Built in 1885, this historical vessel is the oldest English tall ship left in the world that is sailing in the Mexican Riviera. Real working cannons complete the feeling of stepping backward through time.

Departs: Daily from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Nov-Mar); 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Apr-Oct). Dock #0, located next to the Hotel Hacienda Beach near the entrance to Medano Beach.

Cost: $69 usd per Adult. Kids 5-12 are half price and Children 4 and younger are free.

Includes: hot dinner, appetizers, fruit, open bar and fun and games Contact: (624) 105-0177 TheCaboPirateShip@gmail.com www.thecabopirateship.com

ECO Sunset Cruise

What’s unique about it: customize your experience; #1- just the cruise #2- cruise and choice of cocktails or BBQ dinner or #3- cruise, cocktails and VIP dinner.

Departs: Monday through Saturday 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm (winter) and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (summer). The EcoCat office is located on the marina in front of the Wyndham Hotel.

Cost: Sunset Cruise: $39.95 usd per person. Includes chips and salsa. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Sunset Cocktail Cruise:$49.95 usd per person. Includes all you can drink national bar or BBQ dinner.

VIP all inclusive cocktail/dinner combined Sunset Cruise: $57.95 usd per person. Includes the above Sunset Cruise plus steak, sea bass or chicken BBQ served buffet style with sushi, caesar salad, potatoes, veggies, rice and beans; domestic open bar.

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Children 5 to 11 half off; 4 and under free.

Contact: (624) 157-4685 info@caboecotours.com www.caboecotours.com

La Princesa

What’s unique about it: Children under 7 ride for free.

Family friendly.

Departs: Daily from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (winter) or 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (summer).

Cost: $39 usd per person. Children 8-12 years old are half price. Children 7 and under free.

Includes: Guacamole, Mexican Salsa, Chips and Open Bar. Contact: (624) 143-7676 reservations@laprincesacharters.com www.laprincesacharters.com

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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by Marilyn Graham

CABO SAN LUCAS

Jungle Bar

Daily at 9:30, Estrogeno. Rock.

The Office On The Beach

Mondays & Wednesdays, Pulpo en Su Tinta, rock; Tuesdays, Pura Vida, rock, world beat; Thursdays, Mexican fiesta mariachis; Fridays, The Daline Jones Group, standards & jazz, Daline Jones, vocals, Diego Ramirez, keyboard and Joaquin Gonzalez, drums; Saturdays, Shalom with Tito Rodriguez, Edgar & Francis Mendez; Sundays, Pura Vida, rock 624.143.3464 Cabo Wabo

Tuesday to Friday, 7:15 pm, Cabo Uno acustic rock patio set; Tuesday to Sunday 10:30 pm Cabo Uno electric rock set Mondays, 7:15 Estrógeno patio set, 10:30 electric set 624.143.1188 Los Cabos Winery

Wednesdays, Daline Jones, vocals and Diego Ramirez, piano 624.143.8088 Doc Wine Bar & Italian Restaurant

Thursdays, Diego Ramirez, keyboard & Greg Haugesag, trumpet 624.143.8500 Two For The Road

Cabo Jazz Spot Monday to Saturday 7:00 pm to Midnight, Kathy Daniels, vocals & Montana on keyboard 624. 143.7759

SAN JOSE DEL CABO Flora Farms

Tuesday, The Shamans, classic rock; Wednesday, David Cantoni, saxophone; Thursday, Robert Drake, guitar; Friday, Howie Clifton, saxophone; Saturday, The Shamans, classic rock; Sunday Brunch, Jazz Duo: Nahuel Bailo, piano and David Cantoni, saxophone 624.355.4564 Don Sanchez Cantina

Dancing Tuesdays thru Saturdays, Cuban jazz band & salsa; Mondays, Howie Clifton on saxophone 624.142.2444 Tropicana Inn Bar & Grill

Mariachis outside; Tuesdays, Rosalia, Cuban music; Saturday, Totoy, rock 624.142.1580 Baja Brewing Company San José

Thursdays, Kilometro 624.146.9995 Zippers

Fridays, E.C Davis; Wednsdays Sundays, Hot Steel 624.172.6162

&

7 Seas Seafood Grille

Full Moon Jazz Concerts 624.142.2666 The Westin

Fiesta American Grand Los Cabos

Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday, Howie Clifton, saxophone 624.142.9066

Solmar Hotel

Cabo Azul

Monday & Saturday, Diego Ramirez, piano 624.145.6200 Thursdays & Fridays, Shalom with Tito Rodriguez, Edgar & Francis Mendez 624. 145.7575 Nikki Beach Cabo

Friday, Hot Steele with Robert Dudley 624.145.7800 Pueblo Bonito Rose

Sundays, SHALOM, Edgar & Francis Mendez, keyboard, vocals & drums, Tito Rodriguez, guitar 624.142.9797

Baja Brewing Company- Ground floor of Puerto Paraiso mall on the Marina

Tuesday, Chaplin, guitar; Thursday, Kim Bara, Latin fusion; Friday, Los Pulpos en Su Tinta, American & Mexican rock; Saturday, Los Trillizos, Latin Fusion 624.144.3805

Baja Brewing Company Cabo Villas Beach Resort

-

Rooftop of

Fridays, Los Trillizos, Latin Fusion and salsa; Saturdays, Hot Steele with Robert Dudley, Kiki on guitar & Joaquin Gonzalez on drums (oldies and dance music) 624.143.9199 (ask for Baja Brewing Company)

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Mondays, Hot Steel with Robert Dudley 624.163.5100 Grand Mayan

Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Luna Itzel; Thursdays, 8:00 to 10:00 pm, Luna Itzel

CORRIDOR

Esperanza Resort Cabo

Tuesday, Hot Steele with Robert Dudley 624.145.6400 Sheraton Hacienda del Mar - Los Tomates Restaurant

Saturdays, 6:30 - 8:30, Luna Itzel Secrets Marquis Resort

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Karla Kassanet, vocals 7:00 – 10:00 pm 624.144.2000 Cerritos Beach Club

Km. 66.5, Highway 19 to Todos Santos Sunday, 2:00-5:00, Daline Jones, vocals and Diego Ramirez, keyboard 624.143.4850; 143.4851 For corrections or additions to this schedule, please email Marilyn Graham at marilynmgraham@yahoo.com

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

IRONMAN in

LOS CABOS

MARCH 2013!

The SWIM will take place in a rectangular shaped course along the protected cove of Palmilla Beach located inside the luxurious Palmilla development.

BIKING will take place along the 33 km tourist corridor that connects Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and will be linked to the San Jose-airport toll road to complete a 90km course which will be circled twice.

The RUN will be a 3 lap 14 km course around the streets of downtown San Jose, with the finish line in the main plaza in front of City Hall.

Date: Sunday, March 17th, 2013.

Distances: 2.4 miles swim (3.8 km) 112 miles bike (180 km) 26.2 miles run (42.2 km)

Limited to: 1,500 triathletes.

Entry fee:

$650.00 USD. Major credit cards only (VISA, MASTER CARD); cash or checks will not be accepted.

Cancelation policy:

Entry fees are not transferable, are valid only for this race and edition (2013), and there is no refund on it.

Prize money: $75,000.00 USD (ROLL DOWN)

Participant benefits:

Race bag.

Official conmemorative item.

Race numbers (body (2), bike, helmet and bags).

Swim cap.

Pasta Dinner.

Closing party.

Electronic athlete guide.

Winning Time chip (during race).

Bike water bottle.

5 race bags (pre swim, run and bike special needs, bike and run gear)

ENTRIES OPEN on MARCH 1st Entries will be made through: www.active.com

CABO’S

PARTY SCENE

Mandala When you’re waking the main street of Cabo, you will surely notice Mandala’s striking entrance and sleek Asian decor. If you are looking for the stylish nightclub scene in Cabo and great dance music, this is where you want to be.

El Squid Roe You can feel the high energy the moment you walk into this three story night club and restaurant. It’s very well known for its lively staff that not only serve you, but will entertain you all night long.

Gigglin’ Marlin Just a fisherman’s bar in the beginning, this Cabo landmark is now a seafood restaurant that becomes a lively night club once the sun sets. The large image outside of a man hanging upside down next to a “giggling marlin” is hard to miss. One of the traditions of this bar is to hang brave souls upside down while they do a tequila shot!

The Nowhere Bar A happening open-air bar with dance music and dance floor that’s located right on the beautiful Cabo marina. Known for its popular Tuesday lady’s night, Nowhere Bar is a hot place for celebrity sightings and has an excellent staff and service. Visit during the day for a refreshing happy hour beer or at night for a fun and stylish party scene.

Cabo Wabo Cantina A Cabo San Lucas icon, Cabo Wabo has been owned by the famous rock star Sammy Hagar since it’s opening in 1990. You are guaranteed some amazing live rock music with their talented house band and if you’re lucky you might even see Sammy or any other big name artist hop on stage on any given night.

Mango Deck Mango Deck is possibly the ultimate representation of spring break in Cabo. They have entertainment all day and night, a great happy hour and a lively staff. Located on right Medano beach.

Pink Kitty Known for its club scene and cosmopolitan style atmosphere. Pink Kitty is a popular spot for dance and house music. They often feature famous DJs that fire up the crowd on the dance floor until 4:00 am.

The Jungle Bar Locals bar for good tunes, live music every night and local culture. Located in Plaza de los Mariachis, bellow Cabo Wabo.

Jungle Martini Outdoor martini bar that also offers many other beachy cocktail concoctions for a guaranteed fun time. In Plaza Bonita.

Passion

Nightclub Sexy atmosphere, cozy indoor cabanas, special champagne cocktails and a spacious dance floor. Ladies night on Thursday. Guest DJs on Fridays. Located inside the ME Hotel by Melia San Lucas. www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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Baja Sur offers the rare opportunity to commune closely with

these mammals of the sea

By Susan Carol Editor Destino Los Cabos Magazine In the center of the lagoon a massive, barnacle-encrusted mother gray whale keeps a watchful eye on her young calf. At just 3 weeks old, the 15-foot, 2000 pound calf can barely make it alone in the protective waters. Thousands of whales have migrated from the Artic oceans, further than any other animal on earth, to arrive at the Mexican lagoons, difficult to see from the sea, but significant in the life of the Gray Whale. As one proud boat guide said; “all the Grays birth in these lagoons, making all the Gray whales Mexican!”. This yearly 5000 mile migration – one way - from the Alaska Bering Sea to the Baja Peninsula lagoons is undertaken by all Gray Whales every year for their life, and they never leave site of land. This predictable pattern has sometimes brought them almost to the point of extinction a couple of times, but has also made them accessible to biologists and whale watchers in our times.

It’s a very special treat for all visitors to the lagoons, to commune closely with our mammal friends, whales and dolphins. Swimming with the dolphins in Cabo San Lucas brings easily accessible joy at the fun and intelligence these animals add to their encounters with humans. The existence of whale lagoons in our State of Baja Sur, and the small panga boats, close to the water that bring us in touching distance of these gentle giants of the ocean, are truly gifts and a rarity on the planet. When a whale chooses to play and interact with your boat, you feel a sense of connection to a wild animal that you tend to feel proud and humble with the experience Gray whales are mammals like humans. They belong to the category called cetaceans that also includes dolphins and porpoises.

They breathe with lungs, they are warm-blooded and give birth to live young that suckle their moms like other mammals. There are about 80 species of cetaceans living in the world’s oceans with sizes ranging from 4-100 feet and weigh from 70300,000 pounds. All cetaceans eat other animals, but only the Orca or “killer whale” regularly eats warmblooded animals and is the major enemy of the gray whale. The rest of the whales enjoy a vast array of cold blooded foods like anchovies, a shrimp-like krill, herring and even giant 50-foot squid along with specific bottom sand creatures.

The favorite food of the gray whale – tiny amphipods - is found in the shallows of the northern seas where they have to suck the dirt through their baleen to get to them.

Gray whales like humpbacks

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and the giant Blue whales are called baleen whales because they are toothless and use a thick moustache like material, the consistency of fingernails, to capture and strain krill and small swimming creatures and drifting or burrowing animals from sediments. In place of teeth on the upper jaw, the baleen hangs down from the roof of the whale’s mouth in a series of horny, overlapping plates. A feeding whale opens its mouth, takes in a huge mouthful of animal rich marine soup, then forces this mixture through the baleen which acts as a natural sieve, trapping the small animals inside the whale’s mouth while the water flows back out. A large whale can take in many pounds of food in a single gulp.

Amazingly, the earliest ancestors of whales lived on land about 50 million years ago. What would make a land animal move into the sea? As they adapted to the water over many generations, they first lost their body hair. Then their nostrils gradually migrated from the tip of their snout to the top of their skull. Their front legs turned into broad, flat paddles and their back legs disappeared evolving into a powerful, muscular tail with two horizontal blades called flukes at the tip.

Scientists have yet to find a link from the ancient whales evolved from land and today’s gray whale. Fossil remains found so far for the gray whale go back just 50,000 to 120,000 years and some speculate that like the walrus, the gray whale evolved in the north Atlantic and migrated to the north Pacific during warmer times and higher sea levels. So Scientists gave the grays their own family, Eschrichtidae. Today their home is only in the Pacific Ocean. The majority of whales migrate along the coast of North American and Baja Mexico, while a small group migrates to Korea.

An adult gray whale is around 45’ long and up to 35 tons….the same weight of 10 good size elephants. A gray does not have a dorsal fin but a series of knucklelike ridges, which is different than any other species of whale. A gray’s triangular craggy head takes up 1/6 of it’s body length. Eight feet from the tip of the jaw are the whale’s eyes, which are each about the size of a baseball. They do not have stereoscopic vision like humans with this eye placement, so have to move their heads from side to side to see the front.

The two blowholes on top of the whale are like nostrils, and a whale barely has to break the surface to breathe. These blowholes connect directly to the lungs

There are about 22,000 gray whales today

that are still endangered.

Do whales sing? Gray

whales lack vocal cords but do have a voice.

They produce sounds by forcing air from their nasal passages into sacs, without exhaling any air. so a whale can be feeding with a mouth full of water, and still breathe.

Gray whales, more than any other cetacean, carry a huge amount of parasitic barnacles. Gray whales are in fact born black, but barnacle stains cause the skin to gray. Thousands of invertebrates of a special breed live permanently attached to the gray’s skin. Life aboard a gray whale is good. The barnacles do not feed on the whale but eat by sticking out feathery feet to grasp passing plankton. They form hard limestone shells in little colonies especially on the whales’ head, flippers, back and tail flukes. The barnacle patterns are often how a whale can be identified year after year in a lagoon.

Whale lice do feed off whales and damage their tissue. Up to one hundred thousand have been found on a whale. When the whales enter the Baja lagoons a naturally evolved whale skin-care fish, feeds on the whale lice and barnacles receiving an abundant source of protein rich food. These topsmelt silvery fish also help the whale by ridding it of it’s passengers which

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

causes friction and drag as the huge whales slide through the water. Nature truly evolves in balanced and unpredictable ways that seems to work for all.

LIFE IN MEXICO The Gray whales are not the only animals migrating on their route annually. They are joined by other mammals…seals, dolphins…and smaller fishes, birds reptiles and insects. During the several months they enjoy their mating and socializing time in Baja, they live almost solely off the fat they built up when feeding in the protein rich summer seas of the north. When in the Bering Sea they gain 16-30% of their total weight, sifting nearly 100 acres of bottom sediment to ingest 67 tons of food. Scientists have found that in some areas of the Bering Chukchi and Beaufort seas, 40% of the bottom has been scarred with sifting pits representing 156 million tons of sediment moving through whale mouths.

Cows and bulls reach mating age from five to eleven years of age. Bulls and cows start flirting along the migratory path while going south and breed mostly in late November and December. They are basically promiscuous as cows outnumber bulls, and they mate with many partners. Rather than bulls fighting for cows, they build up massive amounts of sperm and try to out-number a competing male’s sperm in the same cow. Scientists call this evolutionary “sperm competition”.

The pregnant for 13 months cow, seems to head to the lagoons when it’s time to give birth, though many stay out in the open sea. By January all the calving lagoons are full of whales, with the most northern one at Guerrero Negro birthing the first new whales. As the whale population increases, whales are also calving around Cabo San Lucas and as far north in the Sea of Cortez as Bahia de los Angeles.

Most births occur between January 5 and Feb. 15. Few people have ever seen a gray whale birth, but general consensus is they come head first, and mothers are alone in shallow water, unattended by others.

Newborns are about 15 feet long and 2000 pounds and practically helpless at birth. Their flukes are weak and curled from their tight stay inside mom. The mother supports her calf at the surface for it’s first few breaths, and within about three hours it can swim and keep itself afloat.

There are recessed shallow folds on the mother’s belly, and muscles push a nipple out forcibly directing a thick stream of nutritious whale milk that is 50%

fat. Calves drink around 50 gallons of this fat-laden milk every day. A cow is very close with it’s calf, and is even tender in human words. The the female “cow” frequently pulls the calf alongside, or on top for a ride. They are very protective of their young, and one boater described the mother whale lifting their boat up from below when it got between her and her calf. The whalers found out how ferocious a mother can get if her calf is threatened….thrashing tail, attacking and pummeling boats.

Do whales sleep? Usually they are seen wide awake day and night when migrating. However, in quiet parts of the lagoon they have been known to lay close to the surface, floating like logs in what is perceived to be sleeping.

The activity of the gray whales in the lagoons is more animated than in the open ocean. You’ll see whales extending their head vertically out of the water and looking around. Called spy-hopping, you wonder how a whale does this with its huge body floating in one place. As a whale dives it flips it’s tail high into the air to increase it’s depth. Sometimes it uses it’s tail to smack the water, often repeatedly (21 times by one, according to my cousin whale watching off the coast of Cabo San Lucas in February) The most exciting-to see is a breaching whale, where it will leap 3/4 of its body out of the water and crash back down in a huge splash.

Often it will breach 2-3 times, 15 seconds apart. This impressive show of strength could be part of courtship, or a warning, or an attempt to dislodge barnacles or just plain fun.

HUNTED TO EXTINCTION The gray whale’s predictable migratory path, and highly visible breathing spout pattern made it an easy target for the first whalers. Evidence uncovered on the Aleutian Islands of Alaska points to whaling cultures thousands of years before the first European whalers arrived. The Nuchanult or Noootka on Vancouver Island and the Makah on the Olympic Peninsula were well known for their whale hunting abilities.

The Makah called the gray whale, sih-wah-wihw, the “beings with itchy faces.” Using canoes and mussel shell blades on their spear sticks, a team would hunt the whale, and a catch was cause for a village ritual of thanks. Other tribes would soak their spears in poison,

and wait for the dead whale to float to the surface after death. Whale hunting today is still practiced by the Inuit of Alaska and Canada and the natives of north Siberia.

The most well known whale hunter in the usa is Charles Scammon (1825-1911). As captain of the whaling ship Boston he discovered the shallow Laguna Ojo de Liebre or “Jackrabbit Spring Lagoon” in 1855, named by the missionaries and later referred to as Scammons Lagoon. In this lagoon and two others further south, whale hunters from Hawaii and San Francisco found gray whale mothers and calves easy prey for their harpoons. Whaling ships flocked to the area, and the slaughter continued killing over 10,000 whales in the next 20 years just to harvest their blubber for lamp oil.

The Guerrero Negro lagoon and town was named after one of these whalers. The names translates as Black Warrior. The whale oil laden ship smashed against the shore as it was being towed out of the lagoon in 1958. By 1880 few whales had survived this slaughter, Siberian natives suffered massive starvation and luckily inexpensive kerosene was invented and used to replace whale oil. The last gray whale was killed off the Pacific Monterrey coast in 1905. However 700 humpbacks were hunted down for their blubber used in soap until the industry died in 1925.

The last of the gray whales fled to the seas off the coast of Korea and Japan, and were rediscovered there in 1912. Then efficient, whale processing ships were launched by Norway, joined by the Japanese and Americans killing 181 gray whales from 1924-1929. Stiffer laws finally protected the few remaining gray whales in 1946.

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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Whale Watching Tours CABO ADVENTURES

High speed inflatable boat. $85 USD for adults. $65 USD for children of at least 5 years old.

Cabo San Lucas and San JosĂŠ (624) 173-9500 www.cabo-adventures.com

OCEAN RIDERS

Price per adult: $84 USD. Children 6 to 12: $60 USD (998) 193-3360 info@dtraveller.com www.oceanriders.com.mx

BUCCANEER QUEEN

Cabo San Lucas $45 USD Children (8-13) only $20 USD Baby (1-7) $10 USD (624) 144-4217 www.buccaneerloscabos.com

PEZ GATO

Two daily whale watching tours. $39 USD for adults $19.50 USD for Children.

(624) 143-3797 www.pezgato.com

ECOCAT

Two different tour options. Prices start at $27.99 USD (624) 157-4685 www.caboecotours.com

WHALE WATCH CABO

Cabo San Lucas whale watching tours: small groups of 10 guests. $68 USD. Cabo San Lucas private boat whale watching tours: Includes photo archive of the tour. $295 USD Magdalena Bay tour: round trip resort shuttle and flight, boat tour lunch. $495 USD (624) 105-1004 www.whalewatchcabo.com

MAGDALENA BAY TOUR

Basic Eco-Adventure package, 2 days, 1 night: $250 USD. Includes approx. 7 hrs whale watching over 2 days.

Special Eco-Adventure package, 3 days, 2 nights: $380 USD. Includes approx. 11 hrs whale watching over 3 days.

Xtasis Eco-Adventure package, 4 days, 3 nights: $510 USD. Includes approx. 15 hrs whale watching over 4 days.

(613) 104-8932 www.magbaytours.com

SEA QUEST EXPEDITIONS

Magdalena Bay kayak whale watching tours. For pricing and more info visit their website or call from USA and Canada (360) 378-5767 www.sea-quest-kayak.com

TOUR BALLENAS by Aero Calafia For pricing and more info visit their website or call (624) 143-4302 www.tourballenas.com

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Horseback Riding At Rancho El Cajon

All proceeds benefit the animals.

Located 20 KM outside of La Paz, on the highway to San Juan de la Costa, you will find Rancho El Cajon, an authentic Mexican ranch that offers the ultimate experience in horseback riding and camping adventures. Whether you are an experienced rider or a first-timer, Rancho El Cajon can customize your trip to meet your level of experience. From a relaxing horseback ride along the beach to a much more challenging experience involving camping and horseback through the mountains, Rancho El Cajon is an experience not to be missed! For more information regarding the trips offered through El Cajon, please visit our facebook page Rancho El Cajon or contact volunteers Jennifer Brock jenniferbrock2010@hotmail.com 612 102 6954 or Larry Harmon - 612 128 9120.

- Jennifer Brock, jenniferbrock2010@ hotmail.com, 612 102 69 54, La Paz

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

Yes you Can!

Owning Real Estate in Los Cabos

by Blake Harrington REmexico Real Estate

You’ve been to Cabo a few times and with our perfect weather year-around, beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and attractive lifestyle, you are now considering a more permanent move to Cabo. You are not alone! In the past 10 years, thousands of residents in Cabo have migrated from the United States and Canada making Los Cabos their home. Owning Real Estate is entirely possible and many foreign investors/buyers have come to the market to pick up on great deals in stable, safe Baja Sur. The basics for foreign investment revolves around the method of purchase available for foreigners, a bank trust called the “Fideicomiso”.

The Mexican government realized they needed to make foreign investment available in Mexico and passed the Foreign Investment Act of 1993. Since the Mexican Constitution prohibits foreigners from owning property within 60 miles of the U.S. border, or within 30 miles off the coastline (as Los Cabos is), a secure form of holding title was needed and created with the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994. The “Fideicomiso” is a trust, just like an estate trust in the U.S., which gives the Purchaser all rights of ownership and is the legal equivalent of Deeded Property, as we refer to it in the States. In order to obtain rights of ownership, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City issues a permit to the Mexican bank of the buyer’s choice, which allows the bank to act as “Purchaser” of the property. Simply put, the bank acts as the “Trustee” for the trust and the Purchaser is the “Beneficiary” of the trust. The trust is not an asset of the bank - the banks only act as the Trustee to hold the trust.

Just like living wills and estate trusts in the U.S., the Mexican bank,

or Trustee, takes instruction only from the Beneficiary of the trust.

The Beneficiary has the right to use, occupy, lease/rent and possess the property, including the right to build and improve the property as well. The Beneficiary may also sell the property by transferring the rights to another individual. The term of the trust is 50 years, but the trust can be renewed for additional periods of 50 years indefinitely, thus allowing long term control over the property.

Another question that is popular is about financing for foreigners.

Mortgages are currently available to Mexicans with many of the major national Mexican banks, and the loans are done in pesos. However, currently there is little to no availability for traditional financing through American banking institutions.

Some hard money lenders are available, but interest rates can easily be in the double digits. What many buyers are exploring now is “seller financing”. In some cases, seller’s offer financing on their property with specific terms that depend on down-payment, interest rate, and length of financing. This is becoming a more popular trend in Cabo, but it is only offered on a case by case basis and depends entirely on the seller’s willingness to finance a buyer

and required terms.

The housing market steadily improving over the last 18 months, 2013 shows great promise. I believe we are looking at exciting times to come in Cabo Real Estate as there are new developments building again and great pricing on quality properties all over. Our brokerage has seen a greater number of buyers in the market now compared to in the last few years and market times for listings are starting to decrease, showing a stronger, healthier market.

If you have any questions about Cabo Real Estate, REmexico takes pride in explaining the process of home ownership in Cabo and will gladly step you through the process. You can educate yourself on our market, search all listings in the area, and stay up to date on community news and events at www.CaboRealEstate.com.

Blake Harrington is a licensed CA Realtor and the Managing Partner of REmexico Real Estate Group with offices in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose, and Loreto.

U.S. Realtors SpotLight Mexico!

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) announced a new program to Spotlight affiliated, premium countries. During the first year (2013) the Spotlight will be on Mexico. This exciting news includes Los Cabos hosting the NAR Realtors convention in June.

NAR will initiate special promotions for Mexican Real Estate, develop articles and realtor training in the North about the benefits of investment in Mexico., Partner with realtors throughout Mexico with special events, webinars and joint trade conference participation.

They also have a plan to coordinate with NAR affiliates and educators to introduce comprehensive education in Mexico, and finding graduate students for the Realtors® University.

Local Real Estate Broker Clint Suveges is scheduled to speak about this new opportunity in Mexico for American realtors, at the Realty World America 40th Annual convention in April in Las Vegas.

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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

BOAT RENTALS Private yachts and sailboats

There are several charter companies that can accommodate you depending on what you need. What you do on your trip is really up to you, but it will typically consist of a tour around the arch, fishing for a couple of hours and a cruise to any of the beautiful bays for swimming.

Most boats have fishing equipment and a knowledgeable crew, but the main difference between renting a yacht and a fishing boat is the cost.

Fishing Boat Rentals

You can always fish on a yacht, but cruisers and pangas are more commonly used. Pangas are the less expensive of the two but cruisers will fit more people and will be more comfortable.

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 an abundant sea life and an exceptionally high catch success rate. No matter what your level of fishing experience is, Cabo won’t disappoint you.

What to Expect

It’s recommended to make a reservation at least one day before.

Most charters include a fishing license, bait, tackle and equipment.

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Some also include food and drink or can be added at an additional cost. The earlier you leave the better; trips usually begin around 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. 15% to 20% of your charter cost is a customary tip for the crew.

Bait and Tackle

Most likely, the boat you charter will include your bait and tackle.

If you need your own fresh bait you can buy it along the Cabo San Lucas Marina or the crew you hire can also stop to buy it from the local fishermen on your way out.

CHARTER COMPANIES

Marlin Masters Sportfishing (624) 144-4481 Minerva’s (624) 143-1282 / 143-2766 Paradise Sportfishing (624) 143-1033 Picante Sportfishing (624) 143-2447 Pisces Fleet Sportfishing (624) 143-1288 / 143-9488 / 143-8388 Portus Sportfishing (624) 104-3775 / 355-4561 Rafael’s Sportfishing Fleet (624) 143-0018 RedRum Sportfishing (624) 172-0085 Salvador’s Sportfishing Charters USA : (406) 980-1588 Silverados Sportfishing (624) 147-0594 Slippery Lizzard Sportfishing (624) 155-8656 Solmar Sportfishing Fleet (624) 143-0646 / 143-4542 Top Anglers Sportfishing (624) 122-1643

Sport Fishing Flags commonly seen in Los Cabos

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

US State Department Recognizes Safety of La Paz and South Baja Fall 2012 LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, Mexico

For the first time, new travel notices for Mexico specifically separates Baja Sur, confirming it as one of the safest cities in North America.

In a significant move that recognizes the safety of La Paz and Baja California Sur, the U.S. State Department’s latest 2012 travel update states no security concerns for the region. For the first time, the regular update includes “no advisory” in effect for La Paz and the entire South Baja region. The move reaffirms the reputation of La Paz as the city of peace and abundance on the Sea of Cortez, and one of the safest places in the world to live in and visit.

“We applaud the U.S. State Department for recognizing what every visitor to La Paz experiences here: That it is a beautiful, peaceful city, and – along with the entire South Baja region – it is an entirely secure and rewarding place for vacations, for owning a second home, or for retirement,” said

Agustin Olachea, President of La Paz Tourism Board, and spokesperson for the La Paz Developers Tourism Council.

The report marks the first time that the State Department has broken down its Mexico travel update into specific populated areas and regions. According to an unnamed State Department source, the “granularized” report was compiled at the request of American business groups interested in employee security. It was not done to appease various boosters of Mexican tourism. Previous to this report, the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued travel warnings to larger, more general areas for Americans visiting Mexico. The result was confusion, with some tourists curtailing plans for visiting Mexico in spite of huge areas of the country unaffected by recent drug-related violence.

The safety of Baja Sur in particular was also underscored by the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other international leaders at last month’s G20 Foreign Ministers Summit in Los Cabos.

Ultra Marathon Runners Caballo Blaco Memorial Race

50 Mile Copper Canyon trails - March 3, 2013 - Run with the Raramuri (Tarahumara)

EVENT DETAILS: www.ultracb.com

GO GREEN!

Water is a scarce resource in the Baja. Growing population, increased tourism and an arid environment impact LOS CABOS! HELP US CONSERVE! • Take short showers • • Do not leave water running • • Report leaky toilets & faucets •

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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There are a few ways to snorkel in Cabo: book one of the popular snorkel tours, drive to a beach and swim off the shore or charter your own private boat. Tours last around two or three hours and cost around $40.00 dollars per person. If you’re venturing out on your own, stay away from the Pacific side; its strong currents make it very dangerous for any kind of water sports.

moray eels. Also a sunken boat can be seen in the Falls.

SNORKELING SPOTS

Beginners 25’-80’ Just 5 minute boat trip to this large rock that attracts many tropical fish.

Pelican Rock

This rock attracts many fish and is just an easy five minute boat ride from the Cabo San Lucas Marina.

Lovers Beach

Accessible only by water taxi. Be aware that this is a high boat traffic area and it’s not roped off for swimmers.

Santa Maria Cove

Santa Maria is a regular destination for snorkel tours. If you choose to drive there, it’s a very easy swim from the shore to the reef.

Chileno Bay

This bay is also a common destination for snorkeling tours and has a safe roped off area for snorkelers.

Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is a Natural Marine Reserve in the East Cape that offers possibly the best snorkelling in the area. To get to this eight fingered coral reef you have take about a 2 hour drive from San José del Cabo, but it’s well worth it.

SCUBA DIVING DESTINATIONS

Note: travel time is from Cabo San Lucas marina

Land’s End

Intermediate-Advanced 50’-60’ and just 5 minutes by boat you’re swimming with sea lions and

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Sand Falls

Beginners - Advanced 30’-100’ Steep sand banks go down sharply into a canyon filled wit tropical fish. A short boat ride from shore, the canyon runs from the depths of Cabo San Lucas bay to within 30 feet of shore, making the Bay one of the deepest in the world.

Pelican Rock

Neptune’s Finger

Advanced 80’-100’ Spectacular canyon wall dive.

Las Salinas

Beginners 30’-45’ 1.4 hours by boat from San Lucas, or 1 hour by boat from La Playita. A sunken Japanese fishing boat attracts a large assortment of fish.

Gordo Banks

Advanced 110’-120’ 1 hour boat from La Playita, there is a seamount where you can see marlin, hammerheads, skip jacks and at times huge manta rays.

Cabo Pulmo

Beginner-Advanced 30’-100’ 2 hour drive East of San José then 5 minutes by boat you’ll find the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

SNORKELING and SCUBA DIVING COMPANIES Adventure Cabo Deep Blue (624) 143-7668 Amigos del Mar (624) 143-0505 Andromeda Divers (624) 143-8232 Cabo Adventures (624) 173-9500 Cabo Expeditions (624) 143-2700 Cabo San Lucas Tours by Johann & Sandra Toll-free from Mexico 01-800-822-4577 Eagle Divers (624) 143-9286 Manta (624) 144-3871 Nautilus Dive Tech (624) 143-0067 Ocean Riders Toll-free from Mexico 01-800-727-5391 Oceanus (624) 143.39.29

Cabeza de Ballena

Beginners 20’-40’ 25 minute boat ride to dive through large boulders with lots of fish.

Santa Maria Cave

Beginners 20’-40’ 35 minutes by boat, or dive from the beach. The entrance to Santa Maria canyon has a huge variety of fish who feed right from your hand.

Chileno

Beginners 20’-40’ 35 minutes boat ride and a sandy and rocky bottom. PARKING Lots of turtles sited here, tropical fish, night dives.

El Gavilan

Intermediate - Advanced 70’-100’ 35 minutes boat time.

Rocky ledge leading into a canyon where groupers and larger fish are often sited.

Blow Hole

Beginners – Advanced 30’-70’ 35 minutes boat ride from San Lucas, or just 10 minutes from Chileno beach. Rocky valleys present a variety of fish.

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

SAN DIEGO

HOW DO I DIAL FROM MEXICO?

The local area code is 624 From a Mexican landline 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 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 To dial to other countries: 00 + country code (1, 2 or 3 digits) + phone number

From your U.S. cell phone…

To a Mexican landline or cell phone: 011 52 + 3 digit area code + phone number To a U.S. phone number: 00 + 1 + 3 digit area code + phone number

YOU ARE HERE San Diego, USA to Cabo, Mexico is 1031 miles through 2 States, Baja California and Baja California Sur. Surrounded by 2 seas, the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.

If you don’t have an international plan, be careful with internet data usage, calls and text messages; international charges can get very high. 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. It can be confusing, the best thing is to try both options and see what works.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS (Just in case)

Emergencies: (equivalent to 911) – 066 Hospitals: Amerimed Cabo San Lucas (624) 105-8550 San Jose del Cabo (624) 105-85-50 Blue Medical Net Cabo San Lucas Hospital (624) 104 3911 San Jose del Cabo Clinic (624) 142-3511 Baja Medical Response (624) 144-3434 U.S. Consulate: (624) 143-3566 Canadian Consulate: (624) 142-4333 Police Department: Cabo San Lucas (624) 143-3977 San Jose del Cabo (624) 142-0361 Fire Department – Dial 116 or: Cabo San Lucas: (624) 143-3577 San Jose del Cabo: (624) 142-2466

DESTINO IS NOW MONTHLY! DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING IS ON THE 15th OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH. For advertising rates and placement, Please contact: destinoloscabos@gmail.com

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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Green fees vary based on the membership status of the golfer, time of day, season of the year and other factors. Many courses also offer a reduced rate later in the day during twilight hours.

Appropriate golf attire is required on all courses and club rental prices range from $35 to $ 65.

and Arroyo courses all boast Jack Nicklaus Design and a fun and challenging layout with canyons and elevation changes.

(624) 144-5250

Cabo San Lucas Country Club

Punta Sur Golf - Formerly Mayan Palace Golf

This course was designed by Roy Dye and is conveniently located outside of Cabo San Lucas and is the only one with views of Land’s End. It has more than 80 bunkers and slightly inclined fairways and one of the longest holes in all of Mexico at 610 yards.

18 holes, 7,220 yards, par 72.

(624) 143 4654

Cabo del Sol

Ocean Course - A Jack Nicklaus signature course with six ocean front holes (1.5 miles). Known for it’s “3 finest finishing holes in golf” the Ocean Course is said to be one of the most difficult yet beautiful courses in the area.

18 holes, 7,075 yards, par 72.

Desert Course – Designed by

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Tom Weiskopf, this course winds through the desert above the Ocean Course and challenges the golfer with risk vs reward type decision-making.

18 holes, 7,049 yards, par 72.

(624) 145-8200

Cabo Real

The newly renovated Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course is one of the Corridor’s first championship courses and boasts beautiful views of the sea of cortez, elevation changes, and has hosted two PGA Senior Slams.

18 holes, 7,037 yards, par 72.

(624) 173-9400 ext. 1

Palmilla

With 27 holes of Golf, each 9 hole course offers something different. The Ocean, Mountain,

This 9 hole course is a friendly course but make sure you hit ‘em straight because throughout the course you are surrounded by homes and condos in beautiful San José. A fun course for any level of golfer.

9 holes, 3,141 yards, par 35.

(624) 142-0900

Club Campestre San José

Make sure you bring your creativity for the greens at Club Campestre, the newest Jack Nicklaus Design in Los Cabos.

Almost every green has 2 or 3 different tiers, so spend some time on the practice green before your round.

18 holes, 7,055 yards, par 71.

(624) 173-9300

Puerto Los Cabos

The only ‘composite’ course in the area with two different 9 hole courses designed by two legends of golf, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman respectively.

Oceanfront holes, elevation changes, and incredible vistas make Puerto Los Cabos a unique and special experience for any golfer at any handicap.

18 holes, 6,818 yards, par 73.

(624) 173-9300

GOLF NEWS!

Tiger Woods has just signed an agreement to design a new 18 hole additional Diamante, a private golf course on the Pacific ocean north of Cabo.

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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Pueblo Magico Event Calendar Feb. 7: MEET THE ARTIST, presenting Jill Logan from 5 to 6 pm at Cafelix, Internationally famous for her paintings with brilliant colors, energetic designs and sensual women.

Feb. 10: TODOS SANTOS OPEN STUDIO TOUR, 10 am to 5 pm. An annual event with over 30 participating artists.

Feb.13 thru 17: TODOS SANTOS ART FESTIVAL/FESTIVAL DEL ARTE DE TODOS SANTOS. Held throughout Pueblo Magico. The Skull Project is one of the exhibits. Any artist/crafter is invited to decorate a skull and they will be displayed at Galeria de Todos Santos and sold by silent auction to benefit Casa Hogar del Niño. More info, nancyserfas@aol.com.

Feb. 14, 15, 16: TO SALSA WITH LOVE Live theatre under the open skies, Popular scripts with a local twist.

Valentine Dinner Feb 14, 6 pm, Show 7:30 all nights.

Feb. 14: RECEPTION FOR ERIC DURAZO, 5 to 7 pm at Caffé Todos Santos. Info, oscarntori@yahoo.com Feb. 20: TODOS SANTOS SHADES OF BLUE, 5 to 7 pm at Cafelix, TS. A community art show of 2 or 3 dimensional pieces that celebrate the

many beautiful shades of blue. More info, oscarntori@yahoo.com Feb. 21 thru 28: TODOS SANTOS FILM FESTIVAL/EL FESTIVAL DE CINE DE TODOS SANTOS, held throughout the Puebla, to benefit the Youth in Video Program. More info, www. todossantoscinefest.com.

March 7: ART RECEPTION for Mike MacAllister, from 5 to 7 pm at Caffé Todos Santos. Always a favorite for his pastel pictures of old cars or local scenes, Mike will share new works.

More info, oscarntori@yahoo.com March 14: MEET THE ARTIST, Vincent Lamote from 5 to 6 pm at Cafelix, in Todos Santos. He will speak about his artistic inspiration and his thoughts on the future. More info, oscarntori@ yahoo.com March 23 & 24: ANNUAL CHILE y FRESA FESTIVAL in Pescadero. This quaint, agricultural area is famous for its chiles and strawberries, so come out and celebrate the beautiful produce plus arts and crafts, great food booths and entertainment. It’s held at the Town Stadium just 2 blocks east from the highway on the main boulevard into town.

LIVE THEATRE IN TODOS SANTOS

Teatro de Luna Intimate Outdoor Setting In Las Tunas

Celebrating their 10th year of live theatre, their next original play ‘To Salsa with Love’ that takes a comic look at love and life in the Pueblo Magico town.

The stage is in a beautiful classic setting with huge arched windows, and doorways, that remind you of ancient Greece. There is ample room for seating and a long bar under a palapa roof, that puts out some wonderful food and drinks. You will be surprised to find this gem of a place right here in Baja, and entertained beyond belief.’

To Salsa With Love - Tickets 200 pesos at Tecolote Bookstore. WIll call at bluemooninbaja@yahoo.com Opening Night - Thursday Feb. 14 - Valentine Dinner. 6pm, Showtime 7:30pm Friday Feb. 15, Saturday Feb. 16 - Friday March 1, Saturday March 2 Friday March 8, Saturday March 9 Doors open at 6:30pm, Showtime 7:30pm www.teatrolunaazul.com

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www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

Dzochen Buddhism UPCOMING RETREATS DHARMA EVENTS TSEGYALGAR WEST, BCS Los Naranjos (1 hour north of SJ airport)

Michael Katz on DREAM YOGA in Todos Santos Feb 8-11: Dream Yoga Retreat at TW Feb 11: Losar party at the Gar Feb 15-25: Mandarava Chudlen Sangha retreat with webcast March 5 - April 2: Nina Robinson teaches Mandarva and Chod. Group practice retreats.

APRIL 26-28: Rimpoche’s retreat in Mexico City May 1-3: Teachings form the book of CHNN : “Life, Birth and Death” In Todos Santos TBA MAY 8-12: Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche VISIT TO BAJA. Dzogchen Teachings TBA. MAY 13-20: Song of the Vajra Dance part II with Bodhi Krause at the Gar (The first part will be in Mexico city on April 8-14.) www.Tsegyalgarwest.org tsegyalgarwestsecretary@gmail.com

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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Cabo has been a popular surfing destination since the ‘50s, but with its enormous growth and the quick and daily flights coming in from California, it has now become a surfer’s paradise.

El Tule

Level: Advanced Direction: Right and left Location: Exit at Km 16.2 at the El Tule bridge

Costa Azul

Costa Azul is made of three spots:

The Rock or La Roca

Level: All levels Direction: Right

March through May

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 and left Location: San José del Cabo’s main beach, close to the Presidente Hotel

Shipwrecks

San Pedrito

Level: Advanced Direction: Right, left Location: Pacific side right before arriving to Todos Santos

Cerritos

Level: Great for beginners

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Monuments

Level: Advanced Direction: Left Location: at Km 6.5 of the Corridor, closer to Cabo San Lucas

Level: Advanced Direction: Right Location: East Cape, about 25 Km from San José del Cabo

Nine Palms

The summer months are known to be the best as the Southern Hemisphere’s swells send great waves to the Pacific, Cabo and East Cape.

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.

Zippers

Direction: Right and left Location: Pacific side at Km 65 of the Cabo San Lucas-Todos Santos road

June through November

December through February

Level: Advanced Direction: Right

MAIN SURF SPOTS

SURF SEASONS

Level: All levels Direction: Long rights Location: East Cape, about 30 Km from San José del Cabo

This is the windy season. Swells are consistent and you’ll run into fewer crowds.

CABO SURF SHOPS For surf gear, board rentals and lessons:

Baja Waterman Surf Central (624) 172-6110 Cabo Surf Shop and Mike Doyle Surf School (624) 172-6188 Costa Azul Surf Shop (San José and Cerritos) (624) 142-2771 SUP Mexico (624) 172-6046 Punta del Cabo Surfshop (624)105-24-29 Mario Surf School (Pescadero) (612) 142-6156

www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

BAJA

SHAKESPEARE

Alive and Well for the 13TH season in Los Barriles

by Roxanne Rosenblatt

Returning after their stellar 2012 production of the famous British Pantomime, Cinderella, Baja Shakespeare’s 13th season presents, ALOHA, A HAWAIIAN NIGHT’S DREAM, a Polynesian version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream filled with hula skirts and flowered shirts, at The Theatre Under the Stars at Rancho Buena Vista Resort from Thursday, March 21st through Sunday March 24th. Doors open at 6:00 pm and shows start at 7:00. Tickets are still an extremely reasonable $20 usd or 250 pesos and Will Call is now taking reservations; contact Anne at nanatembden@ymail. com or call 624-141-0593. Rooms at the Resort can be reserved by contacting Tommy at the front desk 624-141-0177.

Auditions took place back in November and twice as many folks turned out than were speaking parts.

Wow, things have sure changed since the first couple of years when “auditions” were held by going into the bars in Los Barriles and twisting arms.

To say the productions are “crowdpleasing” is an understatement; Baja Shakespeare is like no other Shakespeare company in the world.

The show is cast in November. Actors congregate one day a week starting in January to learn lines from a script that is cleverly rewritten to include local references and shorten the play to an only an hour and half. Eleven days before the show opens, the directors, Bob and Lesley Currier of Marin Shakespeare fame, fly down from the states and the actors and crew give up all personal activities to plunge into an intense rehearsal schedule. All the shows are filled with ribald jokes, lots of music, dance and laughs. Oh, did we mention the laughs?

If you’d like to discover the fabulous benefits by becoming a Friend of Shakespeare, contact Anne at herschleb@gmail.com. She’ll be happy to reserve your theatre seats for you, invite you to our special FOS Meet and Greet the Artists party, as well as the after party following the show you attend. Don’t wait to reserve your seats because every show last season was SOLD OUT! www.DestinoLosCabos.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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