Beaches

By RICK STEDMAN

Whether you surf, lounge about digging your toes in the sand, or snorkel amid marine marvels, Mother Nature blessed Los Cabos with beaches ideally suited to every inclination — from the tranquil beachcomber to the active thrill seeker.

Blue Flags fly at 22 beaches that have earned their certification from the elite global Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

During the past few years, the destination has focused on its local beaches to

meet the FEE’s stringent eco-certification standards for water quality, safety, cleanliness, accessibility and shoreline protection. The most recent additions to the admirable list are El Surgidero, La Gaviota and Monuments Beach.

Of the Blue Flag tally, 12 flank resorts and hotels lining the two-mile stretch of Médano Beach, long recognized as Los Cabos’ safest swimming destination. Starting with Playa Hacienda, the names of these beaches reflect the accommodations they front. The roster includes Breathless, Casa Dorada, Club Cascadas de Baja, ME Cabo, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonito Rosé, Riu Palace Los Cabos, Riu Santa Fe, Villa del Palmar, Villa del Arco and Villa La Estancia. This Blue Flag stretch is lively with rentals of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and wave runners.

Bordering the entrance to Marina Cabo San Lucas — steps from what was once the most productive fishing cannery in Latin America — the Cannery Beaches are a succession of small strands frequented by locals. But don’t be confused, as many refer to the area as Locals Beach or Old Peoples’ Beach, or individually as Playa Empacadora, Playa Balconcito and Playa Coral Negro. After eyeing the stellar Land’s End scenery from Médano Beach, hop onto a water taxi for a close encounter with the iconic Arco, the dramatic end point to Baja California’s 1,000-mile long peninsula. Water taxis drop guests off at Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor), a national marine park where snorkeling under calm conditions is among the best in the area. A short stroll across an opening in the rock formations leads to the Pacific coast’s Divorce Beach, which is exclusively for lounging, strolling and sunbathing due to crashing waves and strong currents. Be sure to pack supplies and gear as there are no amenities at either.

At Widow’s Beach (Playa Las Viudas) on The Corridor, dramatic volcanic rocky coves conceal fascinating little nooks. While swimming isn’t recommended, this beach offers an absolute treasure trove for photographers, beachcombers and shell hunters.

Other certified beaches along the route include Acapulquito, La Ribera, Chileno Bay, Playa Palmilla and Santa María Bay, with the last three considered Los Cabos’ Blue Flag pioneers.

The white sand sanctuary of Playa Palmilla nudges the left side of the ultra luxury One&Only Palmilla. The protected offshore cove’s serene conditions are so reliable it serves as the swim leg of the annual Ironman Los Cabos. Amenities include beach chair and umbrella rentals, palapas, bathrooms, showers and lifeguards. There are no food concessions, but the nearby resorts can certain that, and the whale sightings in the winter add a bit of magic to an already otherworldly scene.

Nearby Chileno Bay and Santa María Bay are busier after a few property openings, but their calm waters, dramatic landscapes and lively underwater scenery makes them well worth a visit.

Lover’s Beach is a popular destination whose serene waters are great for snorkeling — not so with the adjacent and aptly named Divorce Beach.