Cabo San Lucas - sometime soon
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sapphire
Contributor
Shellbird, here is our recent trip report... PM me if you have any specific questions. You will have a great time!
Cheers,
Cheers,
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Here's a piece from my "Dive Workshop" column of the Sep '00 issue of "Rodale's Scuba Diving":
Los Cabos is at the far southern tip of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and consists of Cabo San Lucas, the more developed, touristy city commonly referred to as just Cabo, and nearby, the much quieter, colonial San Jose del Cabo. Los Cabos is not dedicated to diving in the way that destinations such as Cozumel and Grand Cayman are. Rather, it attracts visitors who are looking for nice beaches (La Playita to La Ribera), excellent fishing (good chance to hook a marlin), golf (a Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole golf course), or heavy partying (dont miss Squid Roe and Latitude 22).
The Diving
This is not Caribbean diving, so dont expect bathtub-warm water, great vis and dense sponges or coral. Do expect diverse fish life, including a broader variety of butterflyfish and surgeonfish than in the Caribbean.
For a shallow and easy warm up dive, try Chileno Beach. Sites include Chileno Reef, a protected finger reef that starts at the beach and extends out about a half mile, and Santa Maria Cove. Somewhat deeper but easy and still close by are Sand Falls and The Abyss, where you can expect to see sea lions. At times, these sites can be crowded, and are popular with novice divers.
The big draws are Cabo Pulmo Marine Park and Gordo Banks, which are for at least moderately experienced divers due to depth and current. Boat rides to these sites are long, and dive operators charge a premium and require advance booking. You can drive to Cabo Pulmo in about two hours, or fly in on Aero California if youve got the bucks. Theres a dive operator thatll pick you at the landing strip and whisk you off for a day of diving. Cabo Pulmo is a national marine park, and is the only true living coral reef in the area. Sites include El Cantil, The Rock, El Bajo and the more advanced abyssal Los Frailes Trench to the south. Theres a chance youll encounter whale sharks and mantas in this region in season. Plan on diving in the 90- to 100-foot range. At Gordo Banks, well off San Jose del Cabo, hammerheads hang out in season, and bull sharks and dolphin can occasionally be sighted. You can easily go to recreational limits and below.
Dive Conditions
January to May is the winter season. Look for air temps ranging between 70F and 80F, water temps between 65F and 75F, although they somtimes drop to the mid to upper 50s in the dead of winter, and vis between 30 and 60 feet. June to December is summer season, with air temps between 80F and 95F degrees, water temps between 80F and 85F, and vis between 50 and 100 feet.
Dive Operators
Dive ops in Cabo San Lucas include Amigos del Mar, Cabo Diving Services, Cabo Acuadeportes and Lands End. You may stay at or dive Cabo Pulmo from the Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort, or go with an independent shop such as Pepe's Dive Center.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of accommodations in a variety of price ranges. Plaza Las Glorias is a nice resort right in town on the marina in Cabo San Lucas. The resort has a ferry to Playa Medano, where it has a hotel beach club. Those preferring to avoid the noise, bustle and incessant time-share sales pitches of downtown Cabo San Lucas will want to stay outside of town at places like the mega-resort Westin, all-suites Solmar, or a personal favorite, the small, intimate and not inexpensive Twin Dolphins."
Hope this was helpful
DocVikingo
Los Cabos is at the far southern tip of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and consists of Cabo San Lucas, the more developed, touristy city commonly referred to as just Cabo, and nearby, the much quieter, colonial San Jose del Cabo. Los Cabos is not dedicated to diving in the way that destinations such as Cozumel and Grand Cayman are. Rather, it attracts visitors who are looking for nice beaches (La Playita to La Ribera), excellent fishing (good chance to hook a marlin), golf (a Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole golf course), or heavy partying (dont miss Squid Roe and Latitude 22).
The Diving
This is not Caribbean diving, so dont expect bathtub-warm water, great vis and dense sponges or coral. Do expect diverse fish life, including a broader variety of butterflyfish and surgeonfish than in the Caribbean.
For a shallow and easy warm up dive, try Chileno Beach. Sites include Chileno Reef, a protected finger reef that starts at the beach and extends out about a half mile, and Santa Maria Cove. Somewhat deeper but easy and still close by are Sand Falls and The Abyss, where you can expect to see sea lions. At times, these sites can be crowded, and are popular with novice divers.
The big draws are Cabo Pulmo Marine Park and Gordo Banks, which are for at least moderately experienced divers due to depth and current. Boat rides to these sites are long, and dive operators charge a premium and require advance booking. You can drive to Cabo Pulmo in about two hours, or fly in on Aero California if youve got the bucks. Theres a dive operator thatll pick you at the landing strip and whisk you off for a day of diving. Cabo Pulmo is a national marine park, and is the only true living coral reef in the area. Sites include El Cantil, The Rock, El Bajo and the more advanced abyssal Los Frailes Trench to the south. Theres a chance youll encounter whale sharks and mantas in this region in season. Plan on diving in the 90- to 100-foot range. At Gordo Banks, well off San Jose del Cabo, hammerheads hang out in season, and bull sharks and dolphin can occasionally be sighted. You can easily go to recreational limits and below.
Dive Conditions
January to May is the winter season. Look for air temps ranging between 70F and 80F, water temps between 65F and 75F, although they somtimes drop to the mid to upper 50s in the dead of winter, and vis between 30 and 60 feet. June to December is summer season, with air temps between 80F and 95F degrees, water temps between 80F and 85F, and vis between 50 and 100 feet.
Dive Operators
Dive ops in Cabo San Lucas include Amigos del Mar, Cabo Diving Services, Cabo Acuadeportes and Lands End. You may stay at or dive Cabo Pulmo from the Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort, or go with an independent shop such as Pepe's Dive Center.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of accommodations in a variety of price ranges. Plaza Las Glorias is a nice resort right in town on the marina in Cabo San Lucas. The resort has a ferry to Playa Medano, where it has a hotel beach club. Those preferring to avoid the noise, bustle and incessant time-share sales pitches of downtown Cabo San Lucas will want to stay outside of town at places like the mega-resort Westin, all-suites Solmar, or a personal favorite, the small, intimate and not inexpensive Twin Dolphins."
Hope this was helpful
DocVikingo
Although, I wish the diving was more exciting sounding, I am sure in contrast to New England it will be spectacular.
I am also looking forward to downing a few at Cabo Wabo, Sammy Hagar's place. I'll have a toast in your honor for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. Saltute
I am also looking forward to downing a few at Cabo Wabo, Sammy Hagar's place. I'll have a toast in your honor for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. Saltute
triggertravel
Guest
I've never been to Cabo but out of the 17 countries I've visited my favorite place is La Paz, Mexico, which is 100 miles north of Cabo on the Sea of Cortez. If you're into long boat rides, hammerhead sharks, mantas, sea lions, whale sharks, sting rays, large schools of fish, skates, whales, etc....this may be worth a day trip. You can read trip reports and baja expeditions web site to read about what they are seeing lately. The food and drink are also extremely cheap...something a little harder to find in Cabo from what I've read. No glitzy hotels and the nicer beaches are a short drive away.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Kat
Contributor
Shellbird,
Do you know where you want to stay. If you haven't picked out a place I highly recommend the Hacienda Beach Resort. www.haciendacabo.com ( not to be confused w/ the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar) I stayed in the Beach Cabana & loved it. You can walk to Cabo Wabo too. It's not close but we walked there & back twice. Have a Waborita - yummy,with a real kick! Also have dinner at the Crazy Lobster. Very inexpensive and the food is excellent.
Do a search here on the board, there were two of us who went last August & we both stayed at the Hacienda.
Do you know where you want to stay. If you haven't picked out a place I highly recommend the Hacienda Beach Resort. www.haciendacabo.com ( not to be confused w/ the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar) I stayed in the Beach Cabana & loved it. You can walk to Cabo Wabo too. It's not close but we walked there & back twice. Have a Waborita - yummy,with a real kick! Also have dinner at the Crazy Lobster. Very inexpensive and the food is excellent.
Do a search here on the board, there were two of us who went last August & we both stayed at the Hacienda.
squarepants
Guest
Here, here, Kat!
I totally agree. The Hacienda Beach Resort has a very traditional feel, and the pool 'rita's are awesome. The pool food is great too, and you can walk to anywhere in town. No taxi needed.
Shellbird,
I don't know where you usually fly out of, but Americawest Vacations usually offers a good deal for air+hotel at the Hacienda. There is another hotel called Hacienda Del Mar or something like that, so don't get the two of them confused. The Hacienda Beach resort's location is really wonderful, as it's right by Land's End, and within walking distance of anywhere. Cabo Acuadeportes is the dive op on the beach at the hotel, and we enjoyed diving with them. If you get a chance to dive with them please tell Molly, Gary & Frank that Harold, Gayla and Mike from Washington State/last Feb said "hi!".
Also, if you like to try off-the-beaten-path type restaurants walk yourselves over to Misiones De Kino. They are on the same street as Cabo Wabo (Vicente Guerrero), but one block north of Av.Lazaro Cardenas. The food is really good and it's locally owned and operated. The DM's at Cabo Acuadeportes will probably give you a coupon for a free 'rita. Just make sure you show it before you order.
Party on!
Gayla
I totally agree. The Hacienda Beach Resort has a very traditional feel, and the pool 'rita's are awesome. The pool food is great too, and you can walk to anywhere in town. No taxi needed.
Shellbird,
I don't know where you usually fly out of, but Americawest Vacations usually offers a good deal for air+hotel at the Hacienda. There is another hotel called Hacienda Del Mar or something like that, so don't get the two of them confused. The Hacienda Beach resort's location is really wonderful, as it's right by Land's End, and within walking distance of anywhere. Cabo Acuadeportes is the dive op on the beach at the hotel, and we enjoyed diving with them. If you get a chance to dive with them please tell Molly, Gary & Frank that Harold, Gayla and Mike from Washington State/last Feb said "hi!".
Also, if you like to try off-the-beaten-path type restaurants walk yourselves over to Misiones De Kino. They are on the same street as Cabo Wabo (Vicente Guerrero), but one block north of Av.Lazaro Cardenas. The food is really good and it's locally owned and operated. The DM's at Cabo Acuadeportes will probably give you a coupon for a free 'rita. Just make sure you show it before you order.
Party on!
Gayla
Thanks for the responses! I am staying in a friend's time-share at the Villas Del Palmar. It is the last resort before the protected sea turtle sanctuary from what I understand. We are flying America West and I think we could have gotten better rates but too late now, tickets are bought, room it paid for, no regrets at this point. 7 days of sun, fun and diving here I come!!! 
Diver_Jan
Contributor
Hi Shellbird,
Cabo is my favorite place to dive!!! The dive operator I used and NOT mentioned was Diversions. They were WONDERFUL!!! Top notch. (Could it be that the owner is from Southern California???) http://www.loscabosdirectory.com/ca...nderwaterdiversions/underwaterdiversions.html
I was suprised that no one mentioned the ACTUAL dive spots in Cabo. Most are a quick 10 minute boat trip.
They include: Pelican Rock, Neptunes Finger, Lands End, Lovers Beach, and if the tides are calm, The Arch. There is also a blow hole too that is pretty good diving. I do believe the new Hilton is built near there. There is a cool dive called 'Sand Falls' but is an advanced dive due to depth. It's basically an underwater waterfall of 'sand'. Cool none the less. Lots and lots of really cool sea life due to the TWO ecosystems merging together: Pacific vs Sea of Cortez. I saw oodles of angel fish, schools of blow fish, groupers, sea horses, eels, ect. You will not be disappointed.
Depending on where you are staying, a taxi ride to town can be expensive. I have stayed at the Fiesta Americanna several times just because I don't like the crowded resorts that are there in town. I go to Cabo to get away from the crowds, not to join them. LOL (Unless it's for the night life). I would take the bus into town from the resort. It's a great way to 'feel the culture'. It's about a buck each way.
Speaking of night life, also check out 'The Office' It's a bar and restaurant right on the beach. They have a Mexican Fiesta and entertainers representing the different dances from the states of Mexico. It's a MUST SEE. The Fiesta takes place on Sunday and Thursday nights. Reservations a must for good seating. While you're there, have one of their mango margaritas! Yummy............
I most likely will be going back myself. I usually go in May, for it's right before it gets too hot.
Brush up on your Spanish, for you will have more fun, get better deals (lots of haggling for great jewlery!), and will be more freely accepted with the local folk than those that fall off of the cruise ships. Point being, my dear daughter needed to use the bathroom. We went into the burger king and I asked in 'English' where it was. I was told in 'English' that they did not have a bathroom. I then asked in SPANISH, and then was told in Spanish that it was around the corner near the back wall.
Resort dining can be very expensive as well. There are lots of places to eat locally too. All you can eat fish tacos (Marlin) Yummy...like eating white steak! Had authentic mexican food that fed 4 of us, plus drinks for a total of $5. LOL Just ask the locals, they will tell you where to go if you are sincere and don't care about aesthetics.
If you have any other questions, email me.
Have a GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!
Remember, do not drink and dive!
Jan
Cabo is my favorite place to dive!!! The dive operator I used and NOT mentioned was Diversions. They were WONDERFUL!!! Top notch. (Could it be that the owner is from Southern California???) http://www.loscabosdirectory.com/ca...nderwaterdiversions/underwaterdiversions.html
I was suprised that no one mentioned the ACTUAL dive spots in Cabo. Most are a quick 10 minute boat trip.
They include: Pelican Rock, Neptunes Finger, Lands End, Lovers Beach, and if the tides are calm, The Arch. There is also a blow hole too that is pretty good diving. I do believe the new Hilton is built near there. There is a cool dive called 'Sand Falls' but is an advanced dive due to depth. It's basically an underwater waterfall of 'sand'. Cool none the less. Lots and lots of really cool sea life due to the TWO ecosystems merging together: Pacific vs Sea of Cortez. I saw oodles of angel fish, schools of blow fish, groupers, sea horses, eels, ect. You will not be disappointed.
Depending on where you are staying, a taxi ride to town can be expensive. I have stayed at the Fiesta Americanna several times just because I don't like the crowded resorts that are there in town. I go to Cabo to get away from the crowds, not to join them. LOL (Unless it's for the night life). I would take the bus into town from the resort. It's a great way to 'feel the culture'. It's about a buck each way.
Speaking of night life, also check out 'The Office' It's a bar and restaurant right on the beach. They have a Mexican Fiesta and entertainers representing the different dances from the states of Mexico. It's a MUST SEE. The Fiesta takes place on Sunday and Thursday nights. Reservations a must for good seating. While you're there, have one of their mango margaritas! Yummy............
I most likely will be going back myself. I usually go in May, for it's right before it gets too hot.
Brush up on your Spanish, for you will have more fun, get better deals (lots of haggling for great jewlery!), and will be more freely accepted with the local folk than those that fall off of the cruise ships. Point being, my dear daughter needed to use the bathroom. We went into the burger king and I asked in 'English' where it was. I was told in 'English' that they did not have a bathroom. I then asked in SPANISH, and then was told in Spanish that it was around the corner near the back wall.
Resort dining can be very expensive as well. There are lots of places to eat locally too. All you can eat fish tacos (Marlin) Yummy...like eating white steak! Had authentic mexican food that fed 4 of us, plus drinks for a total of $5. LOL Just ask the locals, they will tell you where to go if you are sincere and don't care about aesthetics.
If you have any other questions, email me.
Have a GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!
Remember, do not drink and dive!
Jan
Diver_Jan
Contributor
One more thing, depending on what time you arrive, say morning...you will not be able to dive that day. So, take advantage of going to one of the time share presentations. For two hours of time, you will get free taxi service from and to the airport; free diving; parasailing; waverunners; glass bottom boat; meals; tequilla; mexican blankets; rental car. You can haggle your gifts.
My gf and I went and we EACH got the taxi service from the airport, diving, tequilla, buffet lunch, and mexican blanket for two hours of our time. We were upfront and said that we were only interested in the gifts.
Ok, think I have covered everything. You could go to more than one time share, and have ALL of your activities for FREE for the entire week, including a rental car.
Jan
My gf and I went and we EACH got the taxi service from the airport, diving, tequilla, buffet lunch, and mexican blanket for two hours of our time. We were upfront and said that we were only interested in the gifts.
Ok, think I have covered everything. You could go to more than one time share, and have ALL of your activities for FREE for the entire week, including a rental car.
Jan
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