Bahia Chileno
If you ask a local, “where’s the best snorkeling in Cabo?” There is a good chance that they’re going to tell you Chileno. This protected bay beach is a peaceful stretch of sand located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. It features very calm waves and weak currents, two components that make snorkeling ideal (the third being the crystal clear water). Chileno is a favorite of families thanks to not only those calm waters, but the fun tide pools kids will love to explore. If you visit Chileno Beach, you’ll notice that more than snorkelers are hitting the water. This is a popular jumping point for divers, fisherman and paddleboarders.
The White Sand Awaits
There is certainly no shortage of stunning, pristine beaches running along Baja California Sur. From Villa La Estancia’s own Medano Beach, to the crystal clear Chileno, and the famous Divorce Beach, here’s a list of some of the best Cabo beaches.
Playa El Medano
Villa La Estancia Cabo is located on “Medano Beach” and provides comfortable lounges and umbrellas, along with attentive waiters to bring you that drink or snack when you’re ready. Consisting of several miles of safe swimming beach beginning at the east side of the Cabo San Lucas marina harbor entrance all the way to Villa La Estancia, Medano Beach is the main and most popular beach in Cabo San Lucas. Pick from the many activities available like swimming, jet skiing, kayaking, waterskiing, banana boating, parasailing and more.
Playa El Cerritos
Novice surfers and families flock to Cerritos for the beautiful scenery, cool beach bar and gentle wave break. Situated on Baja’s Pacific Ocean coastline, Cerritos is an easy 40-mile drive from Cabo San Lucas on the newly improved Highway 19. Cerritos is Baja’s only swimmable Pacific Ocean beach between Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas.
Playa Monumento
Playa Beach is a small beach popular with the surfing set and has the closest surf to Cabo San Lucas —just a few miles east of town. It can best be seen from poolside at Da Giorgio’s Restaurant at Misiones del Cabo as sunset approaches. Turn off the main road at the entrance to Misiones del Cabo, just before the main entrance you need to park and walk down to the beach. It’s just below Sunset da Mona Lisa.
Playa Costa Azul
The “Blue Coast” Beach is that beautiful half-mile stretch before Palmilla Bay. Here, surfers enjoy the world famous surf break called Zippers. It’s fast, exciting and popular. Exit the highway at Km. 28.5, right at the bridge, and proceed to the beach. Check out the surf camp, rental cabañas, (awesome) beach restaurant and convenience store.
Playa Santa María
Further along the highway at Km. 12, “Santa Maria Beach” is yet another must-see beach. Located next to the Hotel Twin Dolphin, look for the beach access sign and follow the dirt road to the parking area. It is a short walk to this beautiful protected cove. As you gaze out to the azure sea, you will see the peaceful horseshoe shaped beach with sand the color and consistency of pink rice. Relatively secluded, Bahía Santa María, Santa María Bay, is a protected marine sanctuary. Bring along a bag of bread or tortillas and feed the multi-colored creatures of the deep. This is an excellent spot for snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach.
Playa del Amor
“Lover’s Beach” is located on the Sea of Cortez side of Land’s End, only accessible via water taxi. This is the beach behind the world famous arch and is a good spot for swimming and snorkeling. Divorce Beach is on the other side of Lover’s Beach, and fronts the Pacific Ocean. Unlike Lover’s, Divorce beach is very dangerous and swimming in NOT recommended. There are strong currents, crashing waves and rip tides there. It simply isn’t worth the risk, and swimming is much better and calmer at Lover’s anyhow.
Playa Palmilla
Los Cabos, Mexico is known for the incredible stretches of sand. And for good reason! These Baja beaches are amazing! While Villa La Estancia Cabo sits on one of best beaches in Cabo San Lucas, Medano, there is no reason you can’t get out for a little beach exploration.
Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Palmilla Beach is a quiet stretch of sand with calm waves. You don’t get much in the way of services and concessions, but you also won’t run into a lot of beach vendors. It’s a trade off, and can be a very nice break from the hustle and bustle of some of the other beaches.
Chileno Beach is also one of 20 “Blue Flag” beaches in Mexico. This high-distinction, eco-label was awarded to the beach as a reflection of the water quality, beach cleanliness, available facilities, educational opportunities and more.
El Estero
Beginning at the eastern end of the Playa Hotelera, “Hotel Beach” is San José’s famed estuary. The freshwater lagoon has over 350 species of wildlife and lush vegetation. Fed by underground aquifers, the river and lagoon are one of the few oases in the otherwise nearly desolate lower Baja peninsula. For a little exploring, rent a variety of concessions including horses, mountain bikes, kayaks or ATVs adjacent to the Presidente Intercontinental Los Cabos Resort. Kayaking in the lagoon is an option depending on the water level.