Cabo Advice needed!

[Samanthaleigh]

Hi all,

Posted this in the intros and figured it would also do good to ask you fine folk in the regional forums! I'm an instructor who hasn't been diving in awhile and looking to get back into the game on my upcoming vacation - going solo!

On an impulse I booked an air ticket to Los Cabos for the second week of August (the 7th- 15th 2013) and am looking for advice on good places to dive (for an experienced solo) and mellow places to sleep, ideally with a hammock for afternoon naps (no other amenities required). Ideally I'd love to see some pelagics and a variety of sea life or interesting underwater topography. Unfortunately I'm on a budget (still recovering from being a student). I've been researching staying in and diving La Paz - Cabo Pulma - Cabo San Lucas (is the party madness worth the diving?). Can one take local buses between the cities to max out the full week? I'm not a fan of rental cars - can one rent scooters/motorcycles? Advice? Recommendations? Warnings?

Oh yah, can one just go hiking or just rent kayaks off a beach? Everything seems to be so excursion-tour operator based and after working on a cruise-liner, I'm a do-it-myself kinda girl now.

Thanks!

 

[tajkd]

Great! Cabo is one of my favorite destinations to date. I posted a trip report 4 years ago here, hope it helps. I have friends who live there on and off during the year so still hear the news. Things to remember: renting a car can be more expensive than a hotel stay so decide IF you really need one. You can get good inexpensive hotels there but expect to be away from the coast (read: need a car). The buses are a good option but you need to plan to stay near a station and plan on the extra time required. You didn't mention gear so I assume you'll rent and not have to carry it. You will see pelagics off Land's End but mostly false mantas and an occasional shark. You would be better going to Cabo Pulmo or La Paz to see the scalloped hammerheads. The hike to Land's end imho is not challenging but is a good diversion for a few hours. Any other hiking is far from town. You are correct about the tour-excursion nature of Los Cabos. There is little do-it-yourself available from what I know.

On another note, I was also solo down there and I was uncomfortable at times with the criminal element. I didn't feel in danger but I was aware of various realities; drugs, prostitution, etc. I would be cautious if I were a single female down there. Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I may be able to connect you with some friends if they are currently there.

 

[La japonesa]

I live in Cabo Pulmo National Park and dive with Cabo Pulmo Watersports...we can find you cheap accommodations that are all solar powered...we can book you a place with a kitchen or if you prefer to eat out Caballeros is inexpensive (around $6 for breakfast)...Just email Chris @ www.cabopulmowatersports.com or check out their webpage. It is definitely off the grid here, but DEFINITELY worth the effort...not a party town. Check it out on google....good luck! Aiko

 

[thymex01]

Hola Samantha !

My name is Thierry and I have lived in Cabo Pulmo for the last 12 years : I run dive trips in the Marine Reserve in Cabo Pulmo, specialized in small groups of divers and personalized service.

As for accomodation, there are different options available in Cabo Pulmo: The most unexpensive would be 40 USD per night for a room per night.

Right now, the dive conditions are not optimal, but it's the time of the year we experience a change in the water visibility and temperatures, so when you are here, you can contact me and I would let you know about the dive conditions.

Please check my website : Cabo Pulmo diving - Dive trips in Baja California Sur and send me an email so I can give you more information about Cabo Pulmo and La Paz. My email is on the website.

I have been in your position in the past, OWSI traveling on a budget, and I am glad you are coming back to the diving after a few years...I'll try to accomodate you and can give you a fair price accordingly.

Happy bubbles !

Thierry
Cabo Pulmo diving - Dive trips in Baja California Sur