BEACHES

ShoresStunning DRAMATIC WAVES, SANDY BAYS, AND UNDERWATER WONDERS ARE ALL YOURS TO DISCOVER.

By Rick Stedman

Featuring nearly 100 miles of coastline, the municipality of Los Cabos is home to numerous beaches that draw visitors from the world over.

Whether it’s snorkeling, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, or kayaking, the local beaches are a highlight of every visit. There are ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain this exquisite natural resource Jacques Cousteau described as “the world’s aquarium,” referring to the Sea of Cortés.

One of those efforts is the worldwide standard

set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which established the Blue Flag designation. This is the gold standard for beaches worldwide that receive this designation, making it easier for visitors to identify the safest and most environmentally sound beaches for swimming or snorkeling. The Blue Flag is a prestigious honor to target sustainable development, demanding strict standards in water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety.

The effort to go green has paid off along Mexico’s Baja California Sur coastline. Of Mexico’s 70 Blue Flag–designated beaches, 22 are in Los Cabos. Those beaches include Acapulquito, Chileno, Corsario, El Surgidero, Hacienda, La Gaviota, Las Viudas, Palmilla, Santa Maria, La Ribera, Breathless, Casa Dorada, Club Cascades de Baja, ME Cabo, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonito Rosé, Riu Palace Los Cabos, Riu Santa Fe, Villa de Palmar, Villa del Arco, Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa, and Monuments Beach.

CABO SAN LUCAS

Best swimming beach: Médano Beach, one of the most popular destinations in Los Cabos, is easily accessible from area hotels and is the epicenter of daily nonstop action. In addition to beachcombing and people watching, Médano features a round-theclock party vibe. Mango Deck and The Office on the Beach are just a couple Médano Beach watering holes. Regardless of the season, it’s spring break

» 100 MILES OF COASTLINE: Whether it’s snorkeling, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, or kayaking, the local beaches are a highlight of every visit.

on the Mango Deck, which opens daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Don’t miss the all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet until 1 p.m. After the partying, there are Jet Skis and parasailing; or visitors can hop aboard a water taxi or glass-bottom boat to get a different perspective of the bay and below.

Just across the bay from Médano is Lover’s Beach and its neighboring Divorce Beach, near El Arco at Land’s End. To get there, visitors will need to hire a water taxi or other water-based

transportation. Lover’s Beach is on the Sea of Cortés side of the bay, while Divorce Beach can be reached through a break in the rocks on the Pacific Ocean side. It’s recommended

not to swim or snorkel on the Pacific side due

to riptides and rough waves.

Also on The Corridor is Monuments Beach, a somewhat small beach and surfer’s favorite. It

has easy access and is located a few miles from downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Though not recommended for swimming due to its powerful surf, Playa Las Viudas is a small sandy beach worth visiting. The beautiful scenery makes for a memorable day at the beach. Amenities include public restrooms, showers, lifeguards, beach umbrellas, and parking.

Playa Bledito, also known as Tequila Cove Beach, is also on the Los Cabos Corridor. Located at Km. 19.5, Playa Bledito sits in front of the Meliã Cabo Real and the Hilton Los Cabos.

It’s a safe swimming beach, thanks to a manmade breakwater.

THE CORRIDOR

Best swimming beach: Sheltered by scenic coves, the crescent beaches at Santa Maria and nearby El Chileno both feature calm waters and dramatic landscapes. Santa Maria is a perfectly shaped horseshoe, and in such an idyllic location, it always draws a weekend crowd. Santa Maria offers a visitor’s kiosk, bathrooms, and outdoor showers. El Chileno has public restrooms and is on the snorkeling tour circuit. Early morning is best, not only to enjoy the beach but for snorkeling as well.

SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

Best whale-watching opportunity: Punta Palmilla, along The Corridor at Km. 27, offers the best time to see whales between

January and March. Arguably as impressive as Santa Maria, Punta Palmilla is another very swimmable beach worth a visit. Best surfing beach: Playa Acapulquito takes that honor on The Corridor. Located at Km.

28, this is a hit with both beginners and longboarders. The Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa sits just above the beach and is home to the Mike Doyle Surf School, providing rentals and lessons. After tackling the waves, head to nearby 7 Seas Seafood Grille for a tasty meal.

EAST CAPE

The small village of La Ribera is about 50 minutes’ drive northeast of Los Cabos

International Airport. Reminiscent of Cabo 30 years ago, its laid-back atmosphere is even more appealing given its fabulous beaches. Visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, and strolling along the white-sand beach.

At Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, you can enjoy a swim and some of the finest snorkeling in the world. Visitors often see hundreds of

colorful fish swimming along the reef and rocks just a few dozen yards from the shore.

Seeing and experiencing the world underwater in Los Cabos and surrounding areas is an unforgettable experience. Be prepared to encounter hundreds of vibrant tropical fish species like pufferfish and delicate butterfly fish. You may also peek at sea creatures such as giant manta rays, sword-nosed marlin, toothy sharks, groupers, and sea turtles.

One thing is certain: You will not be disappointed with your underwater experience.