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Things to Do in Los Cabos, Mexico

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By Lisa Marie Mercer
Things to Do in Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos, Mexico is located on the Baja California Peninsula. Its main areas include Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo and Todos Santos. Both the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean are in close range of most hotels. Enormous waves, as well as a surfing season that lasts from March to November make Los Cabos a popular destination for those who long to catch a wave. Water temperatures range between 70 and 85 degrees F. Whale watching, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and biking are also popular Los Cabos activities.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is a popular winter activity in Los Cabos. In late fall, gray whales make the 6,000 mile migration from the cold waters of Siberia and Alaska to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. They stay in the area until March. Although the gray whale predominates the Los Cabos waters, other species, such as the blue, humpback, fin and orca, make it a temporary home. While the whales are often close enough to the shores of Los Cabos to see them in action, a visit to the breeding waters of Magdalena Bay lets you watch the mothers and their newborn calves in action. Aereo Calafia offers day trips to the area. Tours take place during January, February and March.

Aereo Calafia
Street Adolfo Lopez Mateoz Mza. 2, Lt. 11 Infonavit arenal colony Centro
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
143-4302, 143-5280

Surfing

Zippers is the closest surfing break in San Jose Del Cabo. Since it is the site of many surf competitions, it is one of the most famous surfing breaks in Los Cabos. Unfortunately, fame brings crowds, so if you are looking for a more peaceful location, consider Shipwrecks, which is only accessible by a four-wheel drive vehicle. While most of the surfing in Los Cabos is geared towards advanced riders, Acalpulquito, located between San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas, is suitable for beginners. It is home to the Mike Doyle Surf School.

Mike Doyle Surf School
Playa Acapulquito, Km. 28
San Jose del Cabo, B.C.S
(858) 964-5117

Fishing

The allure of the Los Cabos fishing experience can be attributed, at least in part, to author Zane Grey. In his 1925 book entitled "Fishing Virgin Seas," he talks about catching nine yellow fin tuna in one day. Today, the waters of Los Cabos are filled with roosterfish , blue marlin, grouper, yellow fin tuna, striped, blue and black marlin, wahoo, dorado and sailfish. There are more than 350 charter boat companies in Los Cabos. Some are basic, humble vessels and others are on luxury yachts. No matter which type of charter you take, you will be required to purchase a $20 fishing license. The use of nets is prohibited, and you will be allowed up to 10 fish daily, and no more than five of each species. Certain hotels, such as the Cabo Inn, will allow you to set up a grill and cook your catch.

Cabo Inn Hotel
20 de Noviembre entre Leona Vicario y Narciso Mendoza
Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S. CP 23410 Mexico
(624) 143-0

Snorkeling

Triggerfish, anglefish, goatfish and parrotfish reside in the marine paradise of Los Cabos. You can visit their underwater dwelling by taking a snorkeling excursion. Catch a water-taxi at the Cabo San Lucas marina and take it to Lover's Beach, which is a prime Los Cabos snorkeling site. Two-hour guided snorkeling tours include equipment and boat ride. You can also catch a snorkeling tour at Playa el Médano, which is also one of the few Los Cabos beaches whose tide is gentle enough for swimming.

About The Author

Lisa Marie Mercer authored "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness," "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County" and "101 Fitness Tips for Women." She's worked as a fitness professional, tour guide and ski resort employee. Her work has appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "The Professional Skier," "Pregnancy Magazine," and "Wired."
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