Beyond The Lover’s Beach Arch
Siting beautifully at the meeting spot of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, Cabo San Lucas is Mexico’s Grand Lady of Baja.
She is splendid to behold, a marvel of sea and sand with water so deep blue in color it was as if it was painted by van Gogh. In the bright sunlight, Cabo’s water sparkles like a lovely lady’s eyes.
Certainly the marlin know a good thing when they see it. These magnificent fish love clear, blue water and their presence attracts adventure fishermen from all over the world seeking the ultimate rod-and-reel thrill.
But for the younger set, most of the fishing in Cabo comes in the bars searching for temporary companionship. Beyond its beauty and endless water activities, Cabo is best known as one of Mexico’s wildest party destinations.
Cabo is where people from California and other Western U.S. states go to cut loose. It is a small town with simplistic nightlife, giving it a friendly community atmosphere which makes it a bit like the Mayberry of Mexico. It’s not unusual to know nearly everyone vacationing in Cabo within a couple of days.
Yet this is no place for Opey and Aunt Bea. It’s a single’s spawning ground for insignificant others. Romances are created on the spot, a result of the free-pouring tequila and ceaseless cervezas. The party starts when one wakes up in the morning (or afternoon, as the case may be) and continues pretty much until one decides it’s time to quit.
Cabo San Lucas Orientation Guide
Arrival and Accommodations
Cabo ‘s casual airport is serviced by several airlines, with most flights departing from the Western or Southwestern United States.
The airport is in a remote location, 45 minutes from town. Shuttle vans are available for 120 pesos; taxis cost a whopping 700. Whatever your choice, have the driver stop at the “cheap” liquor store away from the airport to stock up on beer and booze. There, it’s about a buck a bottle for the local brew. At the airport, one will set you back four times that amount.
Most people arrive through a combined airline/hotel travel package which include airport pickup and return, hotels (some all-inclusive) and other perks like poolside drinks.
For the others, when searching for a room, look for a place either right in town or on the beach at Playa Medano. The later is where jet skis can be rented, boats to Lover’s Beach and snorkeling tours are found and food and drink can be had – in abundance if one so chooses – from several places on the beach. Also expect to be approached often by locals selling blankets, jewelry, hats, even illegal drugs. There are also several resorts along the coast halfway between the airport and Cabo. While offering magnificent views, they do require a 20-minute (200+ peso) ride to town.
Avoiding Trouble In Cabo
Life is pretty basic in Cabo but there are three things that will get you into trouble: Drinking out of bottles in the street, getting into fights and urinating in public. There are also some locals who prey upon some unsuspecting visitors, so be sure and pack your common sense.
Getting Around Cabo San Lucs
Since it’s fairly compact, it is possible to walk almost anywhere in Cabo. Those staying in the heart of town, such as by the harbor, may wonder why any other means of transportation is even necessary. The clubs are within easy walking distance one one another and for those content to lay by the pool or the beach in the daytime, not much else is needed.
The liveliest beach, Playa Medano, is about a 20-minute walk from town. A few hotels are located here; taxis provide transportation for about 100 pesos. Water taxis make regular stops between the beach area in front of The Office, the prime daytime bar, and the port. They also go to Lover’s Beach from either location for about 50 pesos. They will drop you there; getting one for the return ride is a as easy as catching a cab in New York City.
Cabo San Lucas Sightseeing And Activities
One could have a good time in Cabo just participating in the many activities without ever visiting a cantina.
There are more activities in Cabo than there are bars. Since the water is as inviting as the hookers behind Squid Roe, there is a natural interest in swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, snorkeling, booze cruises and nature journeys aboard a Zodiac. But there are other activities to experience, as well, such as ATV rides through sand dunes, golf and horseback riding. One can choose do it all, or do nothing.
Cabo is the World Capitol of Sportfishing. Marlin love clear, blue water and Cabo has it in abundance. The area hosts several large tournaments in the fall, and experts and novices alike cruise the high seas at all times during the year in search of big game. Be sure and insist to your captain you want to release your catch, if in fact you are fortunate enough to land a fish.
The late nights make early-morning excursions difficult and deep-sea fishing a real challenge, but there are several options for those wanting or needing to sleep in and still do activities.
One of the most entertaining is the snorkeling booze cruise three-hour tour. Deck time is spent swilling cocktails and rocking to music. No worries signing up; recruiters cruise the beach throughout the day.
A must-do is to take a water taxi out to Lover’s Beach. This is Cabo’s signature spot, the natural archway at the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez. Snorke, swim and nap on the small beach, but when in the water be careful of the strong currents on the Pacific (far) side and leave before high tide.
Among the most popular daytime excursions are the various All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) tours. For prices ranging from $45-100 USD, one can explore sand dunes, river beds and natural water springs, an old Indian village or a lighthouse.
Hitting the links in Cabo is as easy as opening your wallet. Spectacular golf courses line the seaside, although at $150-300 USD a round, it’s as expensive as Pebble Beach.
Those in Cabo on an extended stay – more than the “California-style” three-day weekend – can rent a car and explore the outlying area. The Glass Factory just outside of town has locals blowing glass in front of your very eyes.
An hour drive along the Pacific Coast leads to the small artists colony of Todos Santos. A trip in the other direction along the dirt roads toward the East Cape sections of Buena Vista and Los Barriles is rewarded with numerous beach spots and secluded coves that are great for sunning, picnicking and snorkeling.
Exploring these and other adventures is a snap. Most hotels hand out promotional pamphlets on each and will be happy to make all the arrangements. Transportation is usually arranged and all you have to do is be in the lobby at the designated time.
When to Go To Cabo San Lucas
CAbo hits its stride in April and May. Memorial Day, the last weekend in May, is one of its busiest weekends of the year. The first weekend of September for Labor Day is another high time. Hurrican season is from mid-August thru September. Summer is hot and humid, which makes it the slow season. Those serious about fishing go from August to October.
Cabo San Lucas Time Zone
Cabo is GMT -7, putting it in the same time zone as the Central United States.
Cabo San Lucas Weather
The sun shines nearly year-round in Cabo, so getting a tan is pretty much a given. Because it so so far South, the summer months become extremely hot (90+ degrees) and the sand is scorching.
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