LOS CABOS

If you happen to be visiting Cabo to escape the winter, you might spot some whales with the same idea. They migrate south to mate and give birth before returning to the colder waters of Alaska in the summer.

If you are in town from December to April, consider booking a whale watching trip. Choose a responsible, reputable provider that makes sure to observe engine-off rules within certain distances. Also, balance your desire to safely get close with your desire for the amenities of a larger vessel (and less sea-sickness!) Alternatively, we were able to spot whales from our hotel - keep your eyes peeled in the morning and just before sunset.

There are multiple species of endangered sea turtles that call Cabo home and return here to lay their eggs. Their journey from the nest to the water is a dangerous one, and less than 1% of babies will survive to adulthood. Conservation efforts exist to help give the hatchlings their best chance of survival and provide the opportunity to safely observe these first moments of their lives late summer to early winter, depending on species. 

Beyond the beaches and resorts, Cabo's landscape is made of mountains, gullies, and desert. Get your blood pumping from the back of an ATV or dune buggy as you explore the inland scenery. If you're looking for a different view of Baja or want to do something a little more fast-paced, look into the option for an off-roading tour.

Cabo can be whatever you want it to be - a relaxing beach getaway or an adventure hotspot. Look into zip-lining, mountain biking, hiking, fly-boarding, and more while you're here.

This is the postcard you think of when you think of Cabo. The beautiful rock formations work as a divider between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific.

You can catch the view from some of the hotels and restaurants, but it's best from a boat, especially if you plan to step on Lovers' Beach or Divorce Beach. I recommend a trip at sunset and / or one that combines snorkeling or whale watching to make the most of your day.

Want to get active as you explore the water? Consider renting a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak. Cabo has a variety of places to choose from including near El Arco, reefs, and the estuary. Consider hiring a tour to make sure you get the most out of your experience. These activities are also sometimes included as a part of other boat or snorkeling trips. I happened to be able to try paddle boarding for the first time while on our snorkel trip, and I was glad I did! It didn't take long to get used to and was a totally different way to explore the water.

As an equestrian, I am partial to this one, but I think there's something that's really special about riding a horse on the beach! Cabo puts an interesting twist on this and has some groups which offer camels as their mount of choice. Other tours also give you the option to combine your ride with an off-roading excursion, in case you can't decide between the two. Some groups also segment their tours by ability level - that way you have nothing to fear if you have never been on a horse before, but you can also opt for a more exciting tour if you're a bit more seasoned.

Sometimes you have to get below the surface to appreciate the true beauty of the ocean. Not all beaches in Cabo are safe for swimming, but some of the bay areas host impressive schools of fish for snorkelers.

If you SCUBA dive, there's plenty to explore. Tectonic movement creates the unique "sand falls," which tumble off the edge of an underwater cliff near El Arco. The marine park at Cabo Pulmo is home to a naturally sheltered reef and shipwrecks perfect for divers of all skill levels, while La Paz is a great spot to catch a look at sharks or migrating whales. Diving gives you the opportunity to see whales, sea lions, hammerheads, eels, manta rays, octopus, and more.

Cabo offers some of the best sport-fishing in the entire world. This is especially true for Marlin although there are a variety of species you can fish for, including grouper, Wahoo, mackerel, snapper, swordfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), sailfish, and tuna. Part of the reason the fishing here is so great is that there are regulations depending on the fish as to what you can bring ashore. That said - there are some fish that you can catch and  later have cleaned and prepared for dinner. Consider hiring a charter during peak Marlin season from May to December. This site also has a great breakdown of which times are best for which fish.

When you hop off the plane, there will be plenty of golf clubs going around the baggage carousel, and at the hotel, you will surely see polo-clad early risers headed out to meet their tee time.  There are a number of courses to choose from including courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Tom Weiskopf, Greg Norman, and more. The natural beauty of Cabo sets the stage for some stunning venues to play. The holes perched on the edge of the sea or winding along the foot of the mountains make for a view that's hard to beat. While I personally haven't played here, I've heard it's prudent to book tee times as far in advance as possible to ensure availability.