Vacationing in Los Cabos


The average year-round temperature is 78°F. During the high tourist season, October to April, the temperature is typically 80°F.The climate is arid with over 300 days of sunshine, some reports over 350 days. Average annual rainfall is 5-10 inches.

Sculpted terrain beside the sea... colonies of gentle sea lions basking under the sun... endangered whales finding a safe harbor... Here, at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, land ends and the Gulf of California mixes with the great Pacific Ocean. Miles of breathtaking beaches line the refreshing resort towns of Los Cabos-- lively Cabo San Lucas and laid-back San Jose del Cabo. Cabo is the Marlin capital of the world and boasts Mexico's best golf with four world-class 18 hole courses. All this, plus an exciting nightlife combine to make"Cabo" the perfect vacation spot for every sun and sport enthusiast.

The resort town of Cabo San Lucas sits right on the edge of the long Baja California Peninsula, known as Land's End. Referred to as Cabo by the locals, this destination was made famous for it's world class big game sportfishing (notably the powerful Marlin). Cabo has grown to become much more than a fishing village, with many popular night clubs, restaurants, land activities, diving, and of course the famous arches beyond Lover's Beach. The quieter and more laid back village of San Jose del Cabo is to the east of Cabo San Lucas, and is actually the county seat of administration. Its wonderful tree lined streets attract a somewhat older crowd, and cafes, shops and small restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the more traditional central plaza. Further up the coast along the gulf is the area known as the East Cape, which stretches east from San Jose del Cabo and then north up to Los Brailes. The East Cape is a continuous series of coves and beaches that also include some growing small developments. And finally, the Corridor is defined by the four-lane highway that connects Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. It is home to many beaches and coves, as well as a number of first-class hotels and private developments. The geographical features of Baja California Sur, comprising a mountain range to the east and plains to the west, contribute to its varied climate, which is hot and dry on the Pacific Coast and hot and humid on the Gulf of California. Los Cabos has a desert climate with a dry heat tempered by ocean breezes. Though temperatures can soar to 100°F in the summer, the humidity is low and rain storms are rare. Evenings can get windy and chilly in the winter months. Be sure to bring a jacket.

The Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol has been called one of the five most beautiful in the world. A Jack Nicklaus signature course, this spectacular masterpiece is referred to as "the Pebble Beach of Baja," and features seven holes on the Sea of Cortés. Cabo del Sol skirts the shore of the Sea of Cortés, and is situated at Playa Barco Varado, about halfway between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Ranked among the "Top 100 Courses in the World" by Golf Magazine, the course was host to the 1996 Shell Wonderful World of Golf and the 1995 and 1998 SENIOR PGA TOUR Senior Slam.

The Palmilla Golf Club was also designed by Jack Nicklaus, offering golfers spectacular views of the Sea of Cortèz from nearly every hole as it winds through centuries old cardon cacti and rugged desert mountain terrain, making each hole a memorable experience for golfers of every skill level. The course is divided into the Arroyo Nine, the Mountain Nine and the Ocean Nine. The five sets of staggered tee boxes ensure golfers, from beginners to professionals, an exciting game.

Cabo Real is an 18-hole, par 72 championship layout located by the beach, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. It plays 6,945 yards and is definitely not for short hitters. Almost every hole has a wonderful view of the Sea of Cortés, with the 15th right on the beach. With four tees per hole, the course provides plenty of hardships for the low-handicap player, yet can be fun for the average golfer.

The Cabo San Lucas Country Club offers a challenging Par 72, 18-hole course designed by Pete Dye. With an idyllic setting overlooking Land's End, this magnificent course features waste deep bunkers, subtle terracing, and a 607-yard par five (the longest golf hole in Mexico). Dye said the 72-par course is a challenge for golfers on all levels, because with the multiple tee boxes, it can range from a very short course to a rather challenging one with enough hazards, obstacles and bunkers to make it interesting.

Los Cabos is home to four world-class championship golf courses. Golf has quickly become a major attraction here. Where else can you catch a marlin in the morning, play eighteen holes, and still be home by early afternoon?

Casual dress is appropriate for nearly all occasions in Mexico. However, Mexico has some particular customs regarding dress for certain situations. Bathing suits are not to be worn away from swimming pools and beach areas. Flashy or suggestive clothing is inappropriate in smaller resorts and inland cities. Shorts should never be worn when entering a church. In big cities, evening attire tends to be more formal, while casual dress is generally appropriate for beach resort dining.