Our travel partner offers in-depth insights to this remarkable region of Mexico, underpinned by close-knit working relationships with local community service providers. Choose from set date tours, or request a custom itinerary to suit your dates and travel preferences.

Whale watching season in Mexico

The Grey Whales journey from the icy waters off the coast of Alaska to arrive at the warmer coastal lagoons along the Baja California peninsula during the month of January. 

• The breeding season is short and advance planning is essential.
• Peak viewing begins in late January.
• The whale watching season ends in late March.

The coastal lagoons near Guerrero Negro are located on the 28th Parallel, virtually halfway between the northern and southern reaches of Mexico’s Baja region.

Mexico’s Baja peninsula is a narrow but very long tract of land, so to make the best use of time, our associate recommends that visitors fly at least one-way.

Planned tour: As part of your tour package, your tour transportation, accommodations, most meals, and all assistance services will be provided to ensure that your time is spent absorbing the experience and not concerning about the travel logistics.

Set-date itineraries take a picturesque road trip to Guerrero Negro and fly back from there on a small private aircraft to an air strip in Ensenada, with ground transportation to San Diego.  Your party may be combined with other parties on ground transport during these set-date tours.

Custom itineraries are formed according to your party’s schedules, interests, and transportation preferences. A custom tour offers full flexibility and ground transportation is exclusively assigned to your party on custom itineraries.

Accommodations. Hotels chosen for the tour are attractive local hotels and inns, and all rooms have private baths.  They provide comfort amidst the natural scenic locations where they are situated.  You can expect excellent service with friendly and attentive staff, and the water and food are safe.

A unique tour in an extraordinary location that will create lifelong memories for you and your party

These tours, carefully crafted by a highly skilled tour operator based in Baja and working hand-in-glove with local indigenous communities in the region, offer one of the most awe-inspiring travel experiences available in Mexico.

The highlight of tour is being in the company of the grey whales and their baby offspring. Many dream of meeting a whale and feeling its majestic presence nearby, and this tour opens an opportunity for you and your family and friends to realize that encounter in a way that respects nature and the whales themselves as they frolic in the natural habitat where they arrived to give birth to their progeny.

Highlights of the Tour

Your tour will be composed of a series of activities that will bring you close to the rugged and breathtaking beauty of Baja’s deserts—a place that provokes inward contemplation and provides inspiration for our senses.

You can join a set-date group tour, or request a no-obligation quote for a fully customized tour to suit your party’s schedules, interests, and travel preferences.

In all cases, knowledgeable and passionate English-speaking guides will provide detailed insights and narratives about the natural history and the local culture as you travel through and absorb this remarkable experience.

Extraordinary whale encounters

The coastal lagoon area off the coast of Guerrero Negro is one of the best places in the world to meet and encounter with gray whales. You may have the chance to see mothers with their newborns; some whales encourage their offspring to frolic with the humans and you may even touch them during carefully-managed encounters.

Birdwatching in Baja

Guerrero Negro is also known one one the world’s ornithological hotspots, as the region provides a vast natural and unspoiled habitat to host migratory birds as they meet and mate among its pristine estuary ecosystems and isolated salt flats.

Iconic garden, ancient caves and a salt mine

Hike and wonder among the whimsical granite boulders and boojum trees of Cataviña, an iconic garden of cacti and hidden cave paintings. A guided tour into the largest salt mine in the world is also possible; this a remarkable experience that leads you in to a pearl white landscape of mountains composed entirely of salt rock.

Wine tasting tour

You’ll be passing through the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, one of Mexico’s top and most renowned wine producing regions. The tour offers an option to visit one of the great vineyards of the region where you will take lunch, taste from a variety of fine wines produced on the estate, and have an opportunity to buy some wine to take home with you, directly from the producer.

Active touring on foot and water

Depending on your timescale, interest, and physical ability, local hikes can be included as well as kayaking in the local lagoons. This can include a hike along coastal volcanoes with a wonderful view of surrounding wetlands.

Visits to local points of interest

Itineraries also include visits to local cultural centers, museums, and other local community centers, reserves and local initiatives to help you gain deeper insights into the local culture and its people.

Local restaurants and eateries

The tour will include visits to hand-picked places to eat, including popular local restaurants and quaint local eateries, with fresh oysters and other seafood being one of the local delicacies due to the proximity of the ocean and the Sea of Cortés. Special dietary arrangements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Small airplane travel

Small aircraft fly lower and slower than commercial jets.  The tour operator offers an option to climb aboard a small aircraft to return to Ensenada and in doing so encounter a bygone era of air travel, when the experience was valued over speed.

The ~300-nautical mile (two-and-a-half hour) flight offers passengers a birds-eye view of the areas you explored on ground, including majestic mountains that rise-up from the vast desert landscapes to the east, and the foam and spray of the inspiring and powerful Pacific Ocean to the west.

Optional Road Cruise northward

If you would prefer not to fly back to Ensenada, you may opt for a Land Cruise back north, with a side trip to visit the Sea of Cortés.  This land cruse return option adds one or two nights to your timescale and itinerary.

Typical 6-day itinerary

Tours typically last six days and begin and end in San Diego, California; or in Tijuana, Mexico.

Baja whales and nature tour prices

These carefully designed tours to visit the whales in-season, combined with other local attractions in the Baja region, are offered on set-dates with a preset itinerary or via a customized quote to suit your own dates (season runs from January to March), activity interests, transport options, and tour timescales.

• Six-day tours are priced from US$1,920 per person.
• Make a request for dates in 2024/2025 and receive a no-obligation quote from our travel associate.

Make a Baja Whales & Nature tour request

Complete the request form below and our Baja travel associate will be in direct contact with you to share a detailed itinerary for set-date tours or provide a no-obligation quote for a customized tour.

They begin arriving in November and from December to the end of March each year, there’s an opportunity to catch glimpses of the amazing Whales …

About Whales

Whale is the common name for marine mammals which belong to the Cetacean order, which also includes Dolphins and porpoises. Whales collectively inhabit all the world’s oceans and number in the millions, with annual population growth rate estimates for various species ranging from 3-13%.

Whale Migration to Mexico

Every year, over 1,500 California Gray Whales migrate from the cold Bering and Chukchi waters near Alaska to the warm Pacific waters off the coast of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. The 6,000 mile journey brings these magnificent marine mammals to “sanctuaries” situated in lagoons off the shores of Baja California Sur.

The California Gray Whales were a species under threat; it was estimated that their numbers had diminished to less than 2,000. However, with a series of international treaties protecting them and a sterling effort by the Mexican government to protect these remarkable creatures, populations of the California Gray are recovering, and there are now estimated be around 20,000 in existence.

The whales leave their feeding waters off the shores of Alaska at the end of the summer and reappear off the coast of Mexico’s Baja peninsula sometime during November each year.

They arrive here to form courtship groups for mating or to bear the calves which were conceived the year before. When the mating and births are complete, and the temperatures in the northern hemisphere begin to rise, the whales return to the food-rich Alaskan waters pregnant, or with their newly born calves around mid March.

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Whale Watching in Mexico

The whale watching season in Mexico is reasonably short: December to March each year. To see the whales you really need to take an organized boat trip (or a private boat charter) operated by an experienced skipper who knows where the whales are and how to approach them in the vessel without scaring them off. If you can’t take the boat ride, the best place to try and see whales from the shoreline is from the beaches near Todos Santos and the beaches facing south west near Cabo San Lucas.

Advice for Whale Watching in Mexico

To help you prepare for your whale watching excursion, we have published a number of tips.

When to Go

You need to be in the Baja California Sur region of Mexico between December and March, which is when the California Gray Whale can be found in Mexican waters.

Breakfast

Eat a good, wholesome, breakfast; porridge or cereals and fruits are ideal. Don’t go whale watching on an empty stomach; also, you are less likely to suffer from motion sickness if you have eaten than not. Avoid too much greasy food and avoid alcohol before and during your excursion.

Binoculars and Camera

If you are experienced with binoculars, bring them along. Most people will not find them much use: it’s an art using binoculars on a moving boat and the field of vision is quite restricted.

A good camera with a zoom or telephoto lens is ideal. If it’s a non-digital camera bring plenty of film, if it’s a digital camera bring additional batteries.

Appropriate Footwear

Bring rubber soled shoes that will support your feet and your ankles as the boat moves and the waves hit up against the side of the vessel causing shudders or sudden movements. Flip-flops and heels are not appropriate on a whale cruise boat.

Motion Sickness

If you have never been on a long boat trip before, you might like to take some motion sickness medicine with you. You could purchase this at home or from any pharmacy in Mexico. You will need to take the medications before you board the vessel; it’s no use taking it once you are on the water.

Sun Block, Hat & Sun Glasses

Be sure you pack a high-factor sun block and a hat as there is little protection from the sun once you are out on the open waters of the Pacific (besides the boat canopy which may only provide partial cover). Over 50% of the suns rays bounce off the ocean’s surface and hit you – so you can burn even in shade. You can also sunburn under overcast skies as the sun’s UV rays can penetrate cloud. If you are traveling with children, be sure they are well protected from the sun with sun block a hat and sun glasses. The reflection of the water in your eyes over a prolonged period can give you temporary blindness and/or cause a headache.

Dress in Layers

The temperature on the open sea can be considerably lower than the temperature on land. Dress in layers and be sure you can keep warm. You might get wet and, if you do, you can also feel very cold in the wind. It’s a good idea to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood, as an outer layer in case the seas get choppy and the boat gets sprayed.

Upper Deck or Lower Deck?

Most Whale Cruise boats have two decks; an upper deck, which offers better distance visibility and a lower deck, which is closer to the water (and thus the whales, when they appear) but with restricted visibility at distances. It’s impossible to predict when or how the Whales will appear. There are very strict maritime guidelines about how a boat should approach and be maneuver around whales and the skipper may not be able to go in the direction that you think will offer you the best view.

Traveling with Children

A lot of time on a whale watching excursion can be taken up with waiting for the whales to appear. Children, especially young children, can get bored quickly with nothing to see or do. Bring crayons, coloring pads, books and small games to keep your children entertained during the day. Also pack a picnic lunch and bring plenty of bottled water.

Picnic Lunch

Pack a lunch with plenty of snacks, especially if you are traveling with children. fresh fruits, dried fruits, trail mix, bottled mineral water, etc are ideal foods that will give you and your children the energy you need to get through the day without creating a sugar-rush.

YouTube: Whale Watching in Baja California

Whale Watching Tours in Mexico

Whales can sometimes be seen swimming off Mexico’s Pacific Coast as well as in the waters around Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortes. Your viewing experience will depend on climatic and sea conditions, as well as how close or far the whales are from the shoreline.

However, for your best chance to see the whales, you should take a tour on a boat. Tours are organized by experts who know the local waters and know the best places to find the whales.

La Paz is one five main locations in Baja California Sur – which also include Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos and Loreto. All of these places can be discovered individually with Mexperience.

La Paz—meaning “Peace”—is on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the land immediately south of the United States, and cut off from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortes, also known as the Gulf of California.

This region of Mexico is a real paradise with its hot deserts, breezy oceans and cool waters reflecting several different shades of blues and greens and is a particular favorite with divers, golfers and people looking for sports fishing excursions. There are two golf courses in La Paz: Mogote Golf and Costa Baja.

La Paz still exhibits the old world charm of Mexico’s Baja region. The city is the state capital of Baja California Sur, and there are four universities in the city which are a source of cultural and academic events.

No other town or city in Baja California Sur offers the range of medical facilities available in La Paz, so if you’re traveling in the region and need some medical assistance, La Paz is your best stop.

La Paz boasts good hotels, well developed infrastructure and a friendly laid-back atmosphere—a perfect recipe for a first-class family holiday and increasingly popular with expats who are choosing to settle here.

Tropical deserts and fascinating wildlife make this venue a great place for people looking for an Eco Tour. Unspoiled, remote beaches are just a short ride away from the town.

Key Attractions

Best Beaches

If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world – and which will easily rival any you may have seen in the Caribbean or elsewhere – look no further than a few miles from La Paz. Soft sandy beaches and crystal clear waters reflecting the unmistakable blues and greens of perfect tranquility are waiting here for you to experience and enjoy them.

La Paz is a commercial port, so swimming in the waters nearby the city is not always ideal. The most popular beach for swimming is La Concha, which is just north of town. Beach tours will take you out to the more remote beaches, away from the crowds and the ships.

Nature and Adventure Experiences in La Paz

La Paz is a perfect base from which to enjoy Mexico’s great outdoors and take part in a variety of nature and adventure experiences in Mexico.

The local ecology, the landscape, the climate and the proximity to the sea make this region a natural paradise for those who love being in nature. What’s more, you can find experienced and well-equipped local adventure companies in La Paz who are ready to help you enjoy the best of what this region offers.

Fishing, kayaking, sailing, camping, surfing, horseback riding, nature walks, fabulous bird watching, cliff hikes, sunset cruises and watching the amazing whales and sea lions are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the area.

See Also: Nature and Adventure Experiences in Mexico

Water Sports

With its calm waters, fine weather and uncompromising beaches, water sports are one of the main attractions in La Paz. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, water skiing and jet-skis—if it’s water based, you can experience it here.

See Also: Water Sports in Mexico.

Local Cruises

What better way to enjoy the scenery than on a local boat cruise? Local cruises take you on tours around the many islets surrounding Baja California Sur and can include a visit to the largest sea-lion colony in the area (see below for more details about these) and sunset cruises that let you experience some of the most wonderful sunsets you’ll ever view in your life.

Whale Watching & Sea Lion Colonies in Baja

From the Bering Strait, whales migrate to the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur between January and March of each year. To see the marvel of the great creatures, you’ll need to visit ‘in season’. There are 3 main areas where it’s best to view the whales – the main one being Magdalena Bay off the Pacific Coast – check the Mexperience Travel Center for details of these organized Eco Tours (link below). You can also take a cruise to one of the islands just off the coast of La Paz, and see Baja’s largest sea-lion colony.

See Also: Whale Watching in Mexico

Sports Fishing Experiences

La Paz is one of Mexico’s top destinations for Sports Fishing.
See Also: Sports Fishing in Mexico.

Away from the Water

Although water-oriented activities dominate La Paz’s activity scene, don’t miss some of the drier attractions waiting for you inland here.

The Anthropology Museum and City Theater are two main attractions worth looking at if you’re in need of an in-door activity. The museum is open six days a week. Check locally for scheduled theatrical presentations.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can get to La Paz by air from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana and Los Angeles (USA). The airport is about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of La Paz. Land transport is available from the airport into town; For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – To get to Baja California Sur from the United States, your best bet is to fly there; the bus journey from Tijuana to La Paz is about 27 hours; then a further 2 hours from there to Los Cabos. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to La Paz from the southern border of the United States will take you about 20-24 hours on Highway 1. There is a car ferry that makes a crossing from La Paz to Topolobambo (near Los Mochis) and Mazatlan. See Ferry, below. Also read additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To properly explore Mexico’s Baja Peninsula consider renting a car for your visit. Car rental agents are available inside the airport terminal and booking in advance will save you money. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Ferry – If you are on Mexico’s mainland, or want to get to it, there is a ferry that crosses the Sea of Cortes (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (Topolobambo). The ferry trip to/from Mazatlan takes 18 hours and does not run daily; sleeping cabins are available with advance bookings. The ferry to/from Los Mochis (Topolobambo) takes around 8 hours and does not sail daily either. Check the Ferry’s web site at: http://www.ferrytmc.com/ for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details. A catamaran ferry service between Topolobambo and La Paz has been introduced which cuts the journey time in half based on the previous ferry services. See the Baja Ferries web site (link above) for details.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beach-side towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Local Bus – Local buses are available, but most of La Paz is accessible on foot provided that you’re not adverse to a good walk! If your budget is tight or if you want to see more of local life, local bus services are available which connect La Paz, Los Cabos and Todos Santos as well as other destinations further north such as Loreto, San Felipe and other destinations in Baja California.

La Paz Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of La Paz. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Note that your US Automobile Insurance will not cover you in Mexico — you must get a top-up policy to be properly covered. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace—from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Local Climate

The weather during the summer months will be extremely hot; cooler near the coasts. In the winter it can get cool and windy, so if you’re traveling in the winter, take some warmer clothes just in case the weather turns chilly, especially in the evenings. The rainy season is September, otherwise this part of Mexico enjoys sunshine and dry weather most days of the year.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

San Jose del Cabo is one of five main locations in Baja California Sur which include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Todos Santos and Loreto. All of these places can be discovered with Mexperience.

The region is a particular favorite with divers, golfers and people looking for sports fishing excursions.

San Jose del Cabo is quieter than neighboring Cabo San Lucas. The city is full of interesting places to see, quaint shops, good restaurants and cafés, and some quality art galleries that also showcase local artists’ works. Some of the finest resort hotels and spas can also be found here, offering top quality services and amenities as well as beautiful views across the ocean and pristine, secluded beaches for guests to enjoy.

If you’re looking for all of the attractions that Baja California Sur offers in terms of landscape, beaches, weather and activities, but don’t want the commercialized feel of a developed resort, then San Jose del Cabo is the ideal alternative to neighboring Cabo San Lucas.

Key Attractions

Great Beaches

San Jose del Cabo has a very laid back and easy going atmosphere about it, and the beaches here reflect this. Use the space around you to unwind and chill-out while experiencing the authentic Mexican atmosphere San Jose offers.

Some fine remote beaches exist along the shoreline between los dos cabos (“the two capes” – San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas). These include Barco Varado, Chileno, Palmilla, Santa Maria and Vista del Arco Beaches. You’ll need to rent a car to experience them – see Getting Around. These areas are great if you want to get away from the crowds and see some stunning beaches and shoreline in this area.

Nature and Adventure Experiences in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a perfect base from which to enjoy Mexico’s great outdoors and take part in a variety of nature and adventure experiences in Mexico.

The local ecology, the landscape, the climate and the proximity to the sea make this region a natural paradise for those who love being in nature. What’s more, you can find experienced and well-equipped adventure and eco-tourism companies in Los Cabos who are ready to help you enjoy the best what this region offers.

Fishing, kayaking, sailing, camping, surfing, horseback riding, nature walks, fabulous bird watching, cliff hikes, sunset cruises, watching the amazing whales and sea lions are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the area. See Also: Nature and Adventure Experiences in Mexico.

Water Sports

With its calm waters, fine weather and uncompromising beaches, its no wonder that water sports are one of the main attractions in San Jose del Cabo. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, water skiing and jet-skis are all favorite pastimes here. See Also: Water Sports in Mexico

Sports Fishing Experiences

Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s top destinations for sports fishing! Read the Mexperience guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico.

Spas in San Jose del Cabo

Los Cabos is host to some of Mexico’s finest resort spas. For more information about Spas in Mexico and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience in Baja, connect to the Mexperience guide about Spas in Mexico

Local Cruises

There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery than on a local boat cruise. Local cruises take you on tours around the many islets surrounding the tip of the peninsula and include sunset cruises that let you experience some of the most wonderful sunsets you’ll ever witness.

Whale Watching

From the Bering Strait, whales migrate to the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur between January and March of each year. To see the marvel of the great creatures, you’ll need to visit in season. There are three main areas where it’s best to view the whales – the main one being Magdalena Bay. See Also: Whale Watching in Mexico

Golf in San Jose del Cabo

The climate in Baja California Sur is ideal for golf all year-round, and the region is one of the top venues in the world where golf is played. The region hosts some of Mexico’s best golf courses and some people visit here simply to enjoy great golf in Mexico.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to San Jose del Cabo (the airport also serves nearby Cabo San Lucas) by plane from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and key cities in the USA. Taxis and vans are available from the airport to take you to your final destination; to save time and secure your space, consider pre-booking an airport shuttle so that someone is there to meet you at the airport when you arrive. See Airport Transfers, below. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – To get to Baja California Sur, your best bet is to fly there (see above); the bus journey from Tijuana to La Paz is about 27 hours; then a further 2 hours from there to Los Cabos. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to San Jose del Cabo from the southern border of the United States will take you about 20-24 hours on Highway 1 and then a further 2 hours on Highway 19. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To properly explore Mexico’s Baja Peninsula consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Ferry – If you are on Mexico’s mainland, or want to get to it, there is a ferry that crosses the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (Topolobambo). The ferry trip to/from Mazatlan takes 18 hours and does not run daily; sleeping cabins are available with advance bookings. The ferry to/from Los Mochis (Topolobambo) takes around 8 hours and does not sail daily either. Check the Ferry’s web site at: http://www.ferrytmc.com/ for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details. Note: from 2004, a new Catamaran ferry is being operated, and this has significantly reduced the travel times across the Sea of Cortez from Mexico’s mainland to La Paz.

Walking in San Jose del Cabo – The city has two main areas: the downtown area where you’ll find the shops, main plaza and cathedral, and the hotel area, which as you might expect, runs along the edge of the beach. You can walk between the two, but you’re probably better off taking a local taxi.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Local Bus – If your budget is tight or if you want to see more of local life, local bus service are available which connect La Paz, Los Cabos and Todos Santos as well as other destinations further north such as Loreto, San Felipe and other destinations in Baja California. However, the services are limited and infrequent in comparison to buses on Mexico’s mainland. If you want to see all of the amazing beaches and scenery which surround you as you travel to and from San Jose del Cabo, then rent a car locally.

San Jose del Cabo Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of San Jose del Cabo. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Note that your US Automobile Insurance will not cover you in Mexico — you must get a top-up policy to be properly covered. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Beach Safety: The main beach, Playa Hotelera, is a safe beach to swim from, but take good care when swimming as some undertows do exist; check for and keep an eye on the surf and on weather conditions, especially in September, when the weather in the region is changeable. Don’t venture out too far – especially if you’re not a strong swimmer!

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Local Climate

The weather during the summer months will be extremely hot yet cooler near the coasts. In the winter it can get cool and windy, so if you’re traveling in the winter, take some warm clothes just in case the weather turns chilly (especially in the evenings). The rainy season is September (the one month when the weather can be changeable), otherwise this part of Mexico enjoys sunshine most days of the year.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Cabo San Lucas is one five main locations in Baja California Sur – which include La Paz, San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos and Loreto. All of these places can be discovered with Mexperience.

Cabo San Lucas – ‘Cabo‘ means cape – is at the far tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the land immediately south of California in the United States; it is cut-off from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California.

This region of Mexico is a real paradise, with its hot deserts, breezy oceans and cool waters reflecting several different shades of blues and greens.

The region is a particular favorite with divers, golfers and people looking to take part in sports fishing excursions.

Like many of Mexico’s thriving beach locations, Cabo San Lucas was a quiet fishing village before it was developed. Today, Cabo is an elite party town on Mexico’s Baja California Sur coast; luxury hotels, trendy bars, restaurants and night clubs are everywhere.

Cabo attracts people looking for relaxation, water sports and golf. Golf has taken off here in recent years with the development of some of the world’s finest golf courses and near year-long perfect weather for golfing.

If you want to experience a getaway destination that promises luxurious relaxation just across the border, then Cabo San Lucas could be just the place you’re looking for.

Key Attractions

Beach Life

Cabo San Lucas has a great ‘principal’ beach – called Medano. You can rent snorkeling equipment and non-motorized water equipment right on the beach. This is a good place to sunbathe and swim as well.

Farther out of town, you can find some remote beaches along the shoreline between “the two cabos” (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo). These include the Barco Varado, Chileno, Palmilla, Santa Maria and Vista del Arco Beaches, for those who want to get away from the crowds and see some stunning beaches and shoreline. You’ll need to rent a car – see Getting Around, below.

Nature and Adventure Experiences in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a perfect base from which to enjoy Mexico’s great outdoors and take part in a variety of Nature and Adventure experiences in Mexico.

The local ecology, the landscape, the climate and the proximity to the sea make this region a paradise for those who love nature. What’s more, you can find experienced and well prepared organizations in Los Cabos who are ready to help you enjoy the best of what this region offers.

Fishing, kayaking, sailing, camping, surfing, horseback riding, nature walks, fabulous bird watching, cliff hikes, sunset cruises and watching the amazing whales and sea lions are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the area.

Water Sports

With its calm waters, fine weather and beaches, it’s no wonder that water sports are one of the main attractions in Cabo San Lucas, including snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, water and jet-skis. If it’s water based, you can experience it in Cabo San Lucas. See Also: Water Sports in Mexico.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s top destinations for sports fishing. See Also: Sports Fishing in Mexico.

Spas in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is host to some of Mexico’s finest resort spas. For more information about spas and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience guide to Spas in Mexico.

Local Cruises

There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery in this area than on a local boat cruise. Local cruises take you on tours around the many islets surrounding Baja California Sur, and include sunset cruises that let you experience some of the most wonderful sunsets you’ll view in your life.

Whale Watching in Baja

From the Bering Strait, whales migrate to the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur between January and March of each year. To see the marvel of these great creatures, you’ll need to visit in season. There are three main areas where it’s best to view the whales – the main one being Magdalena Bay off the Pacific coast. See Also: Whale Watching in Mexico

Golf in Cabo San Lucas

The climate in Baja California Sur is ideal for golf all year-round, and the region is fast becoming one of the top places in the world to play the game. Baja is host to some of the world’s finest golf courses and many people visit the area simply to enjoy great golf in Mexico.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can get to Cabo San Lucas by plane from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and various places in the USA, especially Los Angeles, CA. The same airport that serves Cabo San Lucas serves San Jose del Cabo, although it is closer to San Jose del Cabo. Taxis and vans are available from the airport; to save time and secure your space, consider pre-booking a shuttle so that someone is there to meet you at the airport when you arrive (see Airport Transfers, below). For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – To get to Baja California Sur, your best bet is to fly there (see above); the bus journey from Tijuana to La Paz is about 27 hours; then a further 2 hours from there to Los Cabos. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Cabo San Lucas from the southern border of the United States will take you about twenty to twenty-four hours on Highway 1 and then a further two hours on Highway 19. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To properly explore Mexico’s Baja Peninsula consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Ferry – If you are on Mexico’s mainland, or want to get to it, there is a ferry that crosses the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (Topolobambo). The ferry trip to/from Mazatlan takes 18 hours and does not run daily; sleeping cabins are available with advance bookings. The ferry to/from Los Mochis (Topolobambo) takes around 8 hours and does not sail daily either. Check the Ferry’s web site at: http://www.ferrytmc.com/ for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details. Note: from 2004, a new Catamaran ferry is being operated, and this has significantly reduced the travel times across the Sea of Cortez from Mexico’s mainland to La Paz.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Local Bus – If your budget is tight or if you want to see more of local life, local bus service are available which connect La Paz, Los Cabos and Todos Santos as well as other destinations further north such as Loreto, San Felipe and other destinations in Baja California.

Cabo San Lucas Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of Cabo San Lucas. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy travelers’ checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Note that your US Automobile Insurance will not cover you in Mexico — you must get a top-up policy to be properly covered. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Beach Safety: The main beach, Medano, is a safe beach to swim from, and areas of the nearby water are roped off to protect swimmers from motorized water craft that operate in the area. Keep an eye on the surf and monitor weather conditions—especially in September when the weather in the region is changeable.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Local Climate

The weather during the summer months will be extremely hot; cooler near the coasts. In the winter it can get cooler and windy. The rainy season is September (the one month when the weather can be changeable), otherwise this part of Mexico enjoys sunshine most days of the year.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico