Los Cabos
Greens fees quoted include off- and high-season rates and are subject to frequent change.
Los Cabos has become one of the world's top golf destinations, thanks to two factors. First came the support of Fonatur, Mexico's government tourism-development agency. In 1988 it expanded Los Cabos' appeal beyond sportfishing by opening a 9-hole course in San José. The second reason is that the Cabo area features some of the best winter weather in North America—Los Cabos doesn't experience even the occasional frigid winter possible in the southern United States. Green fairways dot the arid landscape like multiple oases in the desert. You will encounter many sublime views of the Sea of Cortez, and, on a few courses, play alongside it. Otherwise the motif is desert golf. The other strength of the area is that the overall quality of golf is quite high, with the likes of Tom Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones II, Tom Weiskopf, Roy Dye, Greg Norman, and now Tiger Woods applying their design talents here.
One of the most popular, practical, and eco-friendly ways to explore the pristine coves that dot Los Cabos' western shoreline is by kayak. Daylong package tours that combine kayaking with snorkeling cost anywhere from $70 to $150. Single or double kayaks can be rented by the hour for $15 to $20.
Expert divers head to the Gordo Banks (100–130 feet; also known as the Wahoo Banks), which are 13 km (8 miles) off the coast of San José. The currents here are too strong for less experienced divers. This is the spot for hammerhead sharks—which are not generally aggressive with divers—plus many species of tropical fish and rays, and, if you're lucky, dolphins. Fall is the best time to go.
The Corridor has several popular diving sites. Bahía Santa Maria (20–60 feet) has water clear enough to see hard and soft corals, octopuses, eels, and many tropical fish. Chileno Reef (10–80 feet) is a protected finger reef 1 km (½ mile) from Chileno Bay, with many invertebrates, including starfish, flower urchins, and hydroids. The Blowhole (60–100 feet) is known for diverse terrain—massive boulders, rugged tunnels, shallow caverns, and deep rock cuts—which house manta rays, sea turtles, and large schools of amberjacks and grouper.
The waters off Los Cabos are home to more than 800 species of fish—a good number of which bite all year-round. It's easy to arrange charters online, through hotels, and directly with sportfishing companies along the docks at Marina Cabo San Lucas. Indeed, to select a company yourself, consider hanging out at the marina between 1 pm and 4 pm when the boats come in, and asking the passengers about their experiences. Rather than book through an independent agent roaming the marina, it's best to reserve through a reputable company in an actual office. Do not give a deposit to any agent walking along the marina since there is no guarantee someone will be there the next day to follow through. Cheaper boats often have engine trouble at sea, resulting in passengers switching to a lower category vessel without financial compensation. Yes, you might get an incredible deal from an independent agent, but you get what you pay for.
Prices range from $200 or $250 a day for a panga (small skiff) to $500 to $2,700 a day for a larger cruiser with a bathroom, a sunbathing deck, air conditioning, and possibly a few other amenities. The sky's the limit with the larger private yachts (think 80 feet); it's not unheard of for such vessels to cost $5,000 or $7,000 a day. No matter what you pay, rates should include a captain and crew, tackle, bait, drinks, and—sometimes—lunch. If you plan to spend a full day at sea, it's best to purchase an all-inclusive package rather than a bare bones trip lacking in services. Factor in the cost of a fishing license (about $16), required for all passengers over 18 years of age regardless if he or she is fishing. Slightly more affordable fishing licenses can be purchase through the CONAPESCA website (www.conapescasandiego.org). Most hotels in San José will arrange fishing trips. All of the Corridor hotels work with fishing fleets anchored at the Cabo San Lucas marina and a few with boats in Puerto Los Cabos, so any one of them can help you set up your fishing trips. Note that some hotels send customers to the company with the highest commission, so double-check recommendations and do your research. The major drawback of arranging a fishing trip from one of the Corridor hotels is the travel time involved in getting down to the water. It takes up to half an hour or more to reach the docks from Corridor hotels, and most boats depart at 6:30 am.
You can rent a board right at the beach at Costa Azul in San José del Cabo, or at the Cabo Surf Hotel, and paddle right into the gentle, feathering waves at the Old Man's surf spot. If you're at the intermediate level or above, walk a short distance eastward to La Roca (The Rock) break. Big waves are best left to the experts up north, in Todos Santos.
