Nature’s Bounty in Baja

Though many visitors to Los Cabos are there in search of the popular resorts, golf, shopping, and nightlife of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the undeveloped East Cape offers a different kind of experience. The region’s stretch of unspoiled coastline sets the stage for adventures in nature.

Located just north of San Jose del Cabo, the East Cape runs nearly one hundred miles along the Sea of Cortes. While it’s close enough to San Jose and Cabo for daytrips, there is enough to see here to warrant a stay of one to two nights.

Be sure to visit Cabo Pulmo, a national marine park with one of only three living coral reef systems in North America. Snorkelers and divers can see 200 fish species, sea turtles, whales, and sea lions here, as well as explore the remains of a sunken fishing vessel. A good base for exploring the marine park is the quiet town of Cabo Pulmo, from which visitors can also hike to an ancient petroglyph site.

Another draw of the East Cape is its world-class sportfishing, with a history of attracting such well-heeled fishermen as John Wayne and President Dwight Eisenhower. Anglers here regularly pull in marlin, Dorado, roosterfish, tuna, and sea bass.

The small town of Los Barriles is a good base camp from which to explore the East Cape. Visitors here will find a selection of lodging, snorkeling, kayaking, sportfishing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, as well as options for bird-watching, hiking, ATV excursions, mountain biking, and horseback riding.