Water Activities

Top Four Water Activities

Autumn has arrived, at least on the calendar, but Cabo is still quite warm. So is the water in this “Two Seas, One Paradise” destination where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Here’s our pick of the four best water activities in the land of endless summer.

Scuba Diving. If scuba diving is your passion, Cabo’s underwater ecosystem—crystal blue waters, large marine animals and schools of tropical fish--is the place to be. Among the many amazing diving spots worth exploring are the underwater sand waterfalls near Land’s End (discovered by Jacques Cousteau in the 1960’s), the sea lion colony in the vicinity of El Arco, the Gordo Banks, and Cabo Pulmo, a national marine park that’s home to North America’s largest living reef. No need to pack all your gear—local dive shops provide top-notch equipment and organize memorable excursions.

Snorkeling. Not a certified diver but still interested in exploring the wondrous world hidden below the ocean’s surface? Strap on a pair of goggles and fins to feast your eyes on the region’s sun-dappled reefs and shimmering marine life as you glide over the depths. The best local beaches for snorkeling are Chileno Bay, its broad strand leading to shallow entry points and clear sheltered waters; and Santa Maria Bay, where brightly colored fish swim along sunken shelves of coral-encrusted rock at both ends of the crescent beach.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). This is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. It looks easy, and it is easy if you can stay balanced on the board, but the core workout gets everyone’s attention. It’s a fun way to get fit and a great way to explore one of the prettiest bays in the world. Outfitters on Medano Beach, the popular town beach in Cabo San Lucas, welcome novices and usually offer free lessons with rentals. After a safety tutorial and basic instruction on shore, beginner paddle strokes are learned on the bay’s calm waters. More experienced paddlers can explore the rocky coastline that leads to El Arco at Land’s End.

Blue Flag Beaches. Los Cabos is home to nearly 20 eco-certified Blue Flag beaches. (When you see a Blue Flag flying in Los Cabos, you know the beach is clean and accessible, has excellent water quality, meets high safety standards, and is working to protect local shorelines and ecosystems). For a family-friendly frolic in gentle surf on a warm day, our favorites include Medano Beach on the doorstep of Blanco and Rose, Pueblo Bonito’s two downtown resort hotels, where the water is always calm and refreshing; and Las Viudas (“The Widows”), a local favorite sheltered by mountains that offers a sense of solitude. For strong swimmers, the water is ideal for swimming once you get past the first wave break. Landlubbers can beachcomb or simply enjoy the spectacle of the surging waves crashing into shore.