Los Cabos is blessed with some world-class surf breaks. No matter which direction swells are coming, you can take advantage of being on the tip of the peninsula and finding waves. Summer and Fall bring the tropical storms and huge breaks. Winter and Spring are still great times to surf. In fact, you rarely go without some quality waves year round. Here we bring 7 properties near our famous surf breaks, currently available Fall of 2023. Remember prices are current and likely to change.
The Cove at Cerritos. MLS # 23-3075 Offered at $988k
This is a new project that has high quality finishes and superb amenities. This developer unit is loaded with extras and is the only pre-construction unit available on the market with an excellent pre-construction price, robust rental revenue and an impressive ROI projection. With 3 Br and just under 2k sq ft of living space, you will love a short walk to Cerritos and just 10-min drive away from the Punta Pescadero break.
This beachfront estate has one of the best views in Los Cabos. Enjoy the famous Monuments Beach only steps away. This extraordinary 6 bedroom home features over 9k sq ft. Enjoy your private infinity pool with jacuzzi, BBQ area and sunset rooftop perfect for social gatherings with view of the famous San Lucas Arch. If you’re looking for sun, ocean , surf and good restaurants, look no further.
This tidy 1 Bedroom is an affordable option with a great rental history. We are partial to this development with its multiple pools, restaurants nearby and a tranquil snorkeling beach within an easy walk. Surfers can watch the break at Monuments from their balconies and then decide to grab their boards and get busy. Enjoy low HOA fees and a fantastic location for a bargain price with great rental income.
Adjacent to the el Tule beach break is this fabulous Four Bedroom ground floor condo. Here is your opportunity to live inside the Coveted gates of Chileno Bay Resort and Residences. Featuring 4 generous bedrooms and over 4 k sqft of living space. The Private Pool/Jacuzzi combo makes it perfect for entertaining and a sought after rental. Easy access to all the amenities and a best of both worlds scenario-as the Villa ownership also comes with the privilege of joining the Chileno Bay Golf and Beach Club for an additional fee.
This extraordinary oceanfront penthouse offers the pinnacle of luxury living with breathtaking views and unparalleled amenities. Located in the prestigious Querencia community, this one-of-a-kind penthouse boasts five spacious bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and is perfectly situated on Costa Azul with 4 surf breaks, step inside and immerse yourself in sheer elegance. The penthouse features a sleek and modern design, complemented by high-end finishes and an abundance of natural light.
This two-bedroom is being sold un-furnished with an optional furniture package. It includes a cooktop and a dryer and features a plunge pool and a terrace. The Break at Arenal allows residences to coexist with the best elements of the Baja. Enjoy the rooftop terrace, pool and bar, wellness room, garden, and fire pit surrounded by mountains, and beaches.
Awe the tranquility of the East Cape is the epitome of the Baja. Casa Vista Punta Perfecta is an impeccably maintained 4-bedroom 2.5 bath 2-story home overlooking the famed Punta Perfecta surf break in the gated community of Punta Perfecta Esmeralda on the southern East Cape. Live off grid and enjoy the privacy and miles and miles of unspoiled beaches. This is the ultimate surf spot with shipwrecks, Nine Palms and Punta Perfecta right out your door.
You’ll want to own some off-road vehicles, surf rods, diving gear and kite boards as well as a quiver of surf boards. This is an excellent opportunity to own your own beachfront surf villa before the area becomes further discovered.
Diamante Cabo San Lucas, located 5 miles north of Cabo is the entrance to this 1500-acre development. There are many private golf course developments in Los Cabos from which to choose. What makes Diamante stand out is having two soon-to-be three championship courses. The top-ranked Dunes by Davis Love III, the Cardonal course by Tiger Woods, and the Legacy Course also by Tiger are being built now. In recent big news, the WWTC PGA tour event has chosen Diamante to host this tournament in November. In addition to these three incredible options is the Oasis executive par three course, amazing clubhouses, a golf academy, and practice facilities.
There is simply no other golfing community with as many golf course options. But what really makes this a great choice is the amount of nongolfing amenities for the whole extended family. Behind me is the 10-acre crystal lagoon. This is the largest pool in Mexico and is cycled directly from the Pacific Ocean. Making this a multi-sport amenity with safe swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boards, and featuring a floating water park, swim-up bars, restaurants, hiking, biking, beach volleyball, and other fun in the sun activities.
Rest assured Diamante is a golfers’ paradise but even your non golfing friends and family will have plenty to do. There are many real estate options from condos, homes, and custom lots. Plus they offer fractional ownership so you can buy a small piece of time that can be upgraded to full ownership.
Let’s take a look at a few real estate options currently available in June 2023. Please keep in mind these are current prices and are subject to change. Especially once the world sees this property featured at the WWTC PGA championship event!
The Dunes course was designed by Davis Love III and is considered one of the best courses in North America. The Cardonal course is the first golf course by Tiger Woods Design and is the course chosen for the PGA tour. The newest 18-hole championship course is also being designed by Tiger named Legacy and is where he is currently building his own custom villa.
Secure one of the Casa Cardonal homes currently listed between $4m to $4.8m featuring 4 Br and 4 1/2 Ba. These homes are gorgeously furnished and feature over 7k sq ft of indoor and outdoor living. This private golf development is currently the best-priced option in the entire area. We expect to see significant equity gains in the near future.
The Ocean Club Resort is their newest condo project with a commanding location right on the oceanfront. Choose between 1-4 bedroom dwellings that are generously sized and feature top branded appliances and tasteful furnishings. A fourth floor 2 BR is currently listed at $1.55m and is ready to move into.
Looking for a custom lot to build your dream home? Many options here with beach estates ranging from 1/2 to 3/4 acres and currently priced between $1.7- $4m. There are a few choice lots left in the Sunset Hills with great golf and ocean views starting at only $695k. Come secure your Cabo golf villa with plenty of sunshine, golf, beach clubs, and whale watching. You can thank us later.
Los Cabos is by far the top golf destination in Latin America. In fact, we have 10 of the top 20 rated courses in Mexico. These are not just nice courses but extraordinary in design, topography, upkeep, services and spectacular views. Our mountainous desert terrain lends itself to jaw dropping scenery. The old saying that developers build golf courses in order to sell real estate is true. Here we take you behind the closed gates of these private clubs and tour the very best villas currently for sale. If you always wanted a villa on a beachfront golf course, you have come to the right place. But you better hurry because the market for these golf club vacation homes is hot.
Diamanté Golf Villa #14 MLS #22-1291 Offered at $2.99m
This is a wonderful modern hacienda style villa centered around the enormous courtyard. With 4 bedrooms and over 6,500 total sq ft on one level, you and your golfing buddies will have all the comforts needed for a great golf vacation. The open living space is sandwiched between the center courtyard and the backyard pool, BBQ and bar area right on the Dunes driving range. Just jump into your golf cart and head out to any of the three courses, The Davis Love III award-winning Dunes course known for it’s challenging lynx style design, the Tiger Woods Cardonal and the fun for all ages short course. The Diamanté project is located a few miles north-west of Cabo and has a wide range of amenities. In addition, of their three courses they boast a huge 10 acre crystal lagoons, multiple restaurants, bars, fitness center and hiking trails. Offered at just $2,99 million this is one of the best values in Los Cabos.
Next up we head next door to Quivira St Regis Oceanfront Villa 4 MLS #22-16 offered at $10.5m
Quivira is a multipurpose development with three resorts, multiple residence communities and a ton of amenities. While the course is currently available to resort guests, they are planning a second course and the award-winning Quivira course is slated to go private. I just love playing this course, especially on a calm day. Be prepared to take your time since the combination of long distances between holes, the comfort stations and the jaw dropping scenery will have you stopping for selfies. The soon-to-be completed St Regis Los Cabos is much anticipated. This Villa 4 is directly on the sand at the southernmost beach on the Baja. Tucked in the corner below the mountain, you can hardly believe they built a golf course along its craggy, steep terrain. This enormous 6-bedroom villa has over 6,800 interiors and a whopping 10,000+ sq ft of outdoor space. Just look at the size of the pool. No one has dared design this much outdoor space in a world-class 5 diamond resort. The planned spa, fitness center, wellness programs and their multiple pools will have you loving your new Cabo lifestyle. Any unused time can be deposited into their rental program. This is a truly turnkey fully furnished option at $10.5 m.
Cabo Del Sol Villa Piñon 6 MLS#21-4264 Offererd at $3.1m
Villa Piñon is where France collides with Italy, with a touch of old world Mexico. This is timeless and sexy with 5,500 sqft that includes 4 bedrooms with ocean views, 5.5 baths, a quaint guest casita, three-car garage, gorgeous kitchen, marble everywhere, large palapa with bbq overlooking big ocean and golf views. This expansive villa is offered at $3.1m. Cabo del Sol has been the big kahuna for golfers ever since Nicklaus designed the ocean in 1994. Both the Ocean and Desert courses are undergoing transformations, but you can be sure the legendary golf will continue. With the new Four Seasons Cove Club being built and the soon to open Park Hyatt the stakes are high for this amazing oceanfront development.
Casa 26 Maravilla at Twin Dolphin offered $16,500,000
Boasting seven stylish bedrooms, eight, and a half bathroom, an infinity edge pool, and a sky lounge with fire pit, Casa 26 offers plenty of options for family members and guests to enjoy the laid-back Baja lifestyle. This stunning residence sprawls across more than 24,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor space. Spectacular ocean views from the private suites. The rooftop terrace, outfitted with lounge seating, fire pit, and built-in cooler, is the ideal gathering place for incredible Las Viudas beach. Twin Dolphin is yet another legendary historical development that has become transformed to this next level private club. The list of amenities is enormous and must be personally toured to fully appreciate. Is it the over the top beach club, the Fred Couples golf course, the legendary Santa Maria Bay or the comfort of knowing you are included in this private club called Twin Dolphin.
Just up the beach is Chileno Bay Golf and Beach Club. This is Chileno Point 105 offered at $25,995,000
This custom build includes five bedrooms, six, and a half bathroom, a media room, and a grand entry to welcome you into this stunning residence. The architectural elements lend to an open-air indoor/outdoor living space with plenty of light, complementing the terrace, pool, and spa. From the terrace and three bedrooms, views overlook Chileno Bay’s reef in the Sea of Cortez. Overall there are, 9842 sq ft of indoor outdoor living. Renowned for having the one of the most incredible waters in all of Los Cabos, Chileno Bay’s many protected swimming beaches offer the ultimate in Outdoor Pursuits. With 1,260 acres of natural desert terrain and two miles of spectacular coastline, Chileno Bay promises authentically inspired residences along the Sea of Cortez and the award-winning Tom Fazio designed big budget course.
Eldorado Golf and Beach Club Casa 125 $48m
Eldorado set the gold standard of what an exclusive private golf and beach club can be. This is a front row Eldorado stunner, was at one time next door to the George Clooney and Randy Gerber clans. After launching and selling Casamigos Tequila and selling it for a cool $1 billion, these celebrities sold their twin compound for the record breaking $100 million back in 2009. Adjacent to this is the 8,000 sq foot 6 bedroom 7 1/2 Baths mansion. Not to worry, there are plenty of A listers and titans of industry you will chum up with at this legendarily laid back club. Yes, you can play bare foot and bring your pup while jamming to your tunes on the course. Yet another Jack Nicklaus award winning design with the fastest greens this side of marble. Eldorado Golf and Beach Club offers every conceivable amenity 24/7. Just don’t expect to rent any unused time here since this is Eldo for god’s sake and if you have to ask how much the annual dues are you can’t afford it. We can’t either but it sure is fun to look at.
Palmilla Cove #7MLS# 21-3860 Offered at $7,288,000
Welcome to Cove 7, an incredible home that mixes the contemporary with traditional Mexican hacienda design. This 5 bedroom masterpiece offers sprawling indoor/outdoor living with broad ocean and city light views. Featuring an inviting main living space with chefs kitchen and pocket doors to flow to the large courtyard and iconic palapa. The home boasts an array of amenities to including a herb garden, a designated office, a gym, and a theater room. This impressive property should not be missed. While this is notably the only public golf course in this abbreviated list of golf villas, it has three sets of Nicklaus nines. Each is wonderful and different. The Mountain, Arroyo and Ocean nines give you variety plus there are other notable beach clubs, restaurants and amenities in which to choose plus a delightful walkable and swimable beach for you to enjoy.
Adjacent to Palmilla is Querencia Casa Brehm #50 MLS# 22-1016 offered at $4.8m
This is a lovely and highly livable villa with big sea views in the Las Colinas neighborhood of Querencia. Enjoy sunrises over the Sea of Cortez, lazy days poolside in the sunshine and finish the day with the city lights over San Jose del Cabo twinkling in the distance below you. With over 6,500 sq this 4 Br furnished villa is ready to be occupied. Completed in 2019, this nearly new home features seamless indoor outdoor living, an open concept great room, gourmet kitchen, wet bar and lavish Master bedroom suite complete with outdoor shower oversized jetted tub. Casa Brehm includes a Querencia private golf membership for their award winning Tom Fazio course. This high desert course is an engineers nightmare and how they ever built it is a wonder. They must be narcissists because the second course is being planned plus the new beach club will add a whole new dimension to this great private golf and beach club development.
And we end this video with the wonderful West Enclave Ritz Carlton Reserve, Puerto Los CabosMLS#21-4121 Offered at $7.8m
West Enclave, Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence 10 is crafted as single-level indoor/outdoor private residences, these contemporary homes offer a serene, private location, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for incredible Sea views, superbly appointed double kitchens, five en-suite bedrooms, media/entertainment room, spacious swimming pool, outdoor terrace, and a quietly efficient background of premium technology. Owners of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences benefit not only from the legendary, anticipatory service of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve but also from an unparalleled sense of place, and a dedicated residential management team. The courses are currently 9 Norman and 18 you guessed it Nicklaus designed desert meets the sea courses. They are planning 9 new holes for one private and one resort course. They also offer multiple comfort stations on the courses. The reason they are called comfort stations is it makes it much easier to look for wayward tee shots with a double strength margarita or three. Puerto Los Cabos has a world class marina for all your yachting needs including slips and dry storage. So you can fish in the morning and golf in the afternoon.
this concludes our finest golf villas for sale in Los Cabos. For a complete list of everything for sale please visit cabosfinest.com. There are plenty of affordable options so just reach out and let our team find the perfect fit for your Cabo dream home. Be sure to tune in to our youtube channel and subscribe to our site. Can I ask you a personal favor? If you like this video give us a thumbs up and be sure to share with your Baja loving friends. and as always, thank you for watching.
Everywhere you look there are new buildings springing up all over Los Cabos. Many of these are brand new or expansions of existing projects. Let’s look inside the current top new condominium projects based on quality, location, and price points.
First up is Las Cascadas in Cabo San Lucas. Pre-Construction is available NOW for the much anticipated building 9 at the highest elevation in the development. Huge views, quietest location, and very private. All within the secure gates of Pedregal. Las Cascadas offers 2 pool areas with BBQs, Jacuzzi’s, sun decks plus a Club House with a full gym. Ownes enjoy full access to Pedregal’s amenities of a beautiful beach, El Rincon Spa, tennis courts, organic market, children’s parks, and hiking the mountain with the beautiful views. Prices range from $559,000 for a large 2 Bedroom second-floor unit to $617,000 for the three-bedroom unit.
Marea is in the downtown area near the Paraíso Mall and an easy walk to the marina. All the restaurants, the beach, and the nightlife is a short walk out your door. These are designed for short term vacation rentals but can be enjoyed year-round. The amenities include common areas and a large pool in the center of the property. The prices are affordable starting at $365k for a 1483 sq ft 3 Bedroom unit.
Vista Vela 2 and 3 The wildly successful Vista Vela is expanding again. The final building in phase 2 has recently been released. These have impressive views and range in price from $339k for a first-floor 2 bedroom to $555k for the 3 bedroom penthouse with a huge roof deck. Vista Vela phase three is the newest offering and priced to sell below Phase 2. That is because they will not have views. Prices starting at just $110k for a one-bedroom to $310k for their roomy 3 bedroom. These attract investors looking for resort amenities as well as short and long-term rentals.
Solaria is up the hill from Vista Vela in El Tezal with unblockable views. This has been a popular project because it has an easy location with a paved road in a gated community with spectacular views. They are currently adding the new towers A, B, and C for 7 towers total.
These contemporary-styled condos have open floors and big views. They enjoy multiple pools, clubhouse, fitness center, pickleball, and underground parking. Prices start at $299k for a one-bedroom to $599k for a 3 bedroom penthouse with a large roof deck.
Mystiq Los Cabos is another new project in El Tezal with promises of great views, amenities, and solid rental income potential. It is nice to see a different style with its unique wavy design and modern flair. These are developers that have done successful projects in Tulum and are doing their first one here in Cabo.
They feature a state-of-the-art Gym, Pools, Club House, Solarium, Parking Lots, Elegant Gardens, and other Amenities. Owners will be able to satisfy their recreational needs without having to leave the complex. Prices currently range from $369k for their lower unit 2 bedroom to $599k for the fourth floor 3 BR penthouse with roof deck.
Cabo Costa is currently breaking ground on a large development in the hills above Santa Carmela. This sloping hill offers upper floor residents spectacular views. With a wide assortment of price points and sizes. Cabo Costa appeals to both full-time residents and investors looking for rental income. Bask in the services and amenities Cabo Costa offers, including a wet bar, a well-equipped fitness center, a pool, and concierge services. Current prices range from $299k for ground floor 2 BR to $490k for a large 4 bedroom Penthouse with roof deck. Next, we head up the Corridor to Vistamar.
Vistamar is in the El Tule area in the middle of the Golden Corridor. Halfway between the two towns where you can enjoy the best of both worlds, you are close to hospitals, supermarkets, & restaurants. The area boasts beautiful desert landscapes and magnificent beaches. Vistamar offers everything that you have been waiting for, from amazing views of the Sea of Cortez to comfort and privacy with the perfect location in paradise. Prices range from $355k for a lower level 2 BR to $525k for the 3 Bedroom Penthouse. All condominiums offer covered parking, exclusive pools, backup generator, water reservoir tanks, and 24/7 security.
Ladera is yet another outstanding option for those looking for a gated community in the heart of the corridor. Located near to Koral Center and easy access to the wonderful charms of San Jose while still being only 15 minutes to the nightlife of Cabo. These modern-styled condos range from $194k for a small one-bedroom to $391k for their top-floor 2 bedroom condo. They feature a wide variety of amenities including a kids club, pools, and fitness center.
And finally, we bring you, Serena. With an enviable location on Hotel Row in San Jose. It is a short stroll to the beach and a short bike ride to Centro San Jose. This is beach living at a great value. Prices start at $352k for their first floor 2 Br with just 804 sq ft. Penthouse ocean views residences are offered at $1.05mil and come with open, airy living spaces. Amazing ocean views from the terrace and the Rooftop which features a jacuzzi and fire pit to enjoy with friends and family.
Are you are thinking about a Los Cabos vacation or as a place to own a second home or even better as your next permanent home? Well we say ‘Great Idea!’ In today’s episode, we investigate why it is one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in the World.
Location
Los Cabos is at the far end of the gorgeous Baja Peninsula. While we have always loved the long road trip down the interpenisular highway, most simply fly into one of our international airports. Getting here is the easy part, leaving here is the hard part.
While Los Cabos is surrounded by the deep blue Pacific on the NW and the remarkable Sea of Cortez to the NE, you get the feeling you are on a mountainous island but lucky for us it is a peninsula. Preferable if you ever want to drive out of here.
Climate
We have one of the best climates in the world. With an average temperature of 75 degrees F and 340 days of sunshine coupled with a dry desert climate with cool ocean breezes, you will be hard-pressed to find a better place to call home.
Culture
As anyone that has ever visited this country will tell you, México is a cultural haven. From its colorful fiestas to its soulful demeanor México is a wealth for the senses. Los Cabos is a melting pot of the best México has to offer. Mexicans from all 32 states bring their local charms, culture, and Grandma’s recipes along as they have moved here for wonderful economic opportunities.
Cuisine
One of our best features is the wide variety of excellent food. We enjoy the best Mexican food from all over the great regions of Mexico. Unesco World Heritage recognized Mexican cuisine in 2010 as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. When we say “Mexican cuisine”, we’re actually talking about a great collective of culinary traditions, full of variety and diversity and colors just like the Mexican people. Unique flavors from Puebla, Yucatan, Oaxaca, Mazatlan are only a few examples of just how different each regional cuisines are. Los Cabos is blessed with the freshest cleanest seafood right out of our Oceans plus the remarkable international options. Yes, you have a seemingly endless list of established and new restaurants up and down Los Cabos. Plus with the remarkable mixologists, sommeliers, and good ole cold Mexican beer, you will not go thirsty.
Los Cabos has amazing natural beauty.
I suggest you take a window seat on your next flight so you can marvel at the natural beauty as you descend into this place where the mountainous desert meets the ocean. Our state BCS has more shorelines than Florida and less than 800,000 inhabitants. These lucky few are blessed with endless bays, beaches, estuaries islands, and a web of offroad trails. This is truly an explorer lover’s dream. Below the water’s surface, we have one of the most diverse seas on the planet with over 5,000 species. Parts of the southern Gulf are a Unesco World Heritage Site and was called by Jacque Coustou as the Aquarium of the World.
And that is only half of our shoreline. The rugged Pacific keeps us cool and fresh. Just be careful swimming south since it is over 7,000 miles to land in Antarctica.
While we can espouse endlessly on the long list of things we love about Los Cabos it all boils down to is Los Cabos is just plain fun. It brings out the kid in you from the moment you land ’til the time you leave. Just ask anyone that is a frequent visitor, Cabo has everything except downhill skiing to keep you entertained.
Let’s examine the two hottest Mexican travel destinations and compare them head to head against each other! Let’s take a detailed look at these great travel destinations and you can decide which is better for you.
Location-
Cancun and the Mayan Riviera is like the Florida of Mexico. With it’s jungle terrain, white sand beaches and Mayan ruins you have great options. Due to it’s eastern location it has long been the destination for eastern/central USA, Canada and Europe. With so many non stop flights from these major cities it is no wonder why it is the #1 destination for Mexican tourism.
Los Cabos has traditionally attracted the western USA and Canada. If Cancun is Florida then Cabo is México light with a California twist. With the expansion of flights to the Eastern cities they have recently seen a massive change to the number of people visiting from the east. Also surprising is how easy it is to get to Los Cabos. iCabo is closer to Texas than California and due south of Phoenix and in the Mountain time zone.
Verdict- Cancun wins in ease of travel, but Cabo is less crowded due to this location difference. Plus so many have done Cancun so many times that Cabo is a refreshingly delightful change.
Resort Choices-
Cancun is the largest tourist destination by far in all of Mexico. In fact they recently surpassed over 101,000 rooms and climbing annually with 3,000 currently in construction in the state of Quintana Roo. They have plenty of rain and ground water for endless expansion plans. The far majority of the oceanfront resorts are all inclusive hotels. They have a wide variety of prices and styles. If you prefer all inclusive properties you will love Cancun and Riviera Maya. People tend to stay put at their resort as a result or take a crowded tour bus to the Disneyesque cultural centers, underground rivers and cenotes.
Los Cabos is still small in comparison but growing. Only recently have they seen the large international resort chains like Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Four Seasons, Montage and Hard Rock etc… opening there. Currently there are approximately 21,000 hotel rooms and much more spread out than the Cancun area. This is changing and the number of new properties is growing at an alarming rate considering the lack of rain and ground water in this desert on the beach.
Verdict- Cabo wins this category. While there are more choices in Cancun there are mainly only All Inclusive options. So Cabo has a wider choice of newer and in some cases much more luxurious resorts in which to choose. Unless huge mega resorts are your thing Cabo has a boutique feel to it. Tulum is an alternative to the mega resorts and also Isla Holbox, Cabo has many small boutique hotels that are affordable alternatives and the surrounding Pueblos offer great boutique options as well.
Climate
Cancun
As you would expect in a jungle you have warm and moist which means more rain and more bugs. There are 112 rainy days and over 51” a year but like Florida it doesn’t rain the whole day. The gorgeous beaches however have been suffering from an excessive bloom of sargassum which has really put a damper of the beach experience.
he most ideal climates in the world. Sometimes called Scottsdale on the beach. Being a dry desert in the tropics is unusual plus there are tall mountains that also bring winds that keep it cooler during the summer. With barely 12 days a year of rain and an annual rainfall less than 9 “ it is a dry climate and guaranteed sunshine with less creepy crawlers and barely a mosquito. Cabo has a longer peak season as a result.
Verdict- Climate is a personal choice and is easily influences by where you are coming from as well as the time of year you are traveling. Overall Cabo wins with a milder dryer climate with less bugs.
Safety-
Cancun has a higher homicide rate than average for Mexico in general. For the average tourist it remains a stable and safe destination for all who visit. Unless you are putting yourself in drunken state at the wrong side of midnight at the bad part of town the odds are slim you will have any problems in Cancun.
Cabo had a spike in drug related crime back in 2018 but has since seen a below normal homicide rate. The economy has survived the pandemic and the road to recovery is strong.
Verdict- Cabo wins the Safety comparison. In a recent study Mexicans were asked to rate the safety of their home cities. Cabo is the second safest while Cancun is dead last. Keep in mind both destinations are safer than the average large city in the USA but that isn’t hard is it? The size difference makes Cabo a safer option but Cancun is fine for family vacations in comparison to the rest of the world.
Cuisine-
Cancun and the Riviera Maya has mostly all inclusive resorts that cater to quantify over quality. There are some notable exceptions but these come at a great price bump. I find that all inclusive resorts are good if you plan to stay put at your resort and not explore the local flavors.
Cabo in contrast has a wider variety of resorts that are not all inclusive. The options for both Mexican and international are quite exceptional. Historically Cabo catered to the wealthy and they demand great food. Los Cabos delivers as well as Todos Santos, La Paz, San Jose and the expanding options in the East Cape.
Cabo again wins this category.
Beachs and Adventuring
Cancun has one of the largest coral reefs in the Atlantic and the diving is definitely world class. There is the concern of pollution from cruise ships and the recurring sargassum issue. The once white sandy beaches have been clogged with rotting sargassum for years. The resorts have to rake the beaches everyday. The amount of tourist flocking to this area makes it difficult to find nature without crowds. The Mayan ruins are simply amazing but are also quite crowded. The reason it is so popular is because of it is easy to get to location and because it has natural beauty.
Los Cabos has a mountainous terrain spilling into its sandy beaches and craggy bays. With both the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez easily accessible you have one of the greatest yachting destinations on the planet. There are many ways to adventure including above land and below the surface. I crowded reefs at Cabo Pulmo, endless bays and beaches with few others make this an ideal place to get back to nature.
Verdict- Both are great but the Baja has more diversity with less crowds.
Final Verdict-
Both Cancun and Los Cabos are two of the worlds most popular destinations for a reason. Both bring you amazing travel options. But if you want to get away from the resorts and explore the culture and natural beauty of Mexico, Los Cabos edges them out in most every way. Of course as much as we try to be unbiased we are not impartial judges. We are Cabosfinest and this is how we see it.
Cerro Colorado and Rancho Colorado in Los CabosJourney with us as we take you inside the gates of these two oceanfront neighborhoods and look at 5 gorgeous villas for sale in the SJD Golden Corridor…
These neighborhoods are perched high above the breaking waves with immense vistas spilling down toward Playa Punta Bella next to Palmilla Sur. Walking on this beach is a favorite pastime of residents who like the miles of soft sand with rocky sculptures, arches, and often swimmable coves. While every beach in Mexico is public, these connecting beaches are hard to get to and typically uncrowded. Both have security gates and maintained roads but few amenities. Having fewer amenities is very appealing for those who do not want expensive recurring HOA fees. Sure you don’t have the private restaurants, bars, spas, and private golf and beach clubs like so many of the luxury neighborhoods in Los Cabos. But that may be one of the driving appeals since you have plenty of great restaurants, bars, and beach clubs that are public. The money you save in monthly club fees will surely pay for many activities and nights out on the town.
First up we look at Cerro Colorado, the smaller of the two private gated oceanside developments. Currently, there are 24 finished villas with 3 for sale. Lots available for custom build-out starting at just $194,000 contact us today for details.
Cabo Colorado Villa 10 Offered at $1.89m.
This 6 bedroom villa comes fully furnished and ready to move in. With over 11k sq ft of indoor-outdoor entertaining, you and your friends will have plenty of home to enjoy your Cabo lifestyle. Panoramic views to the southeast will bring you spectacular sunrises and nice shade in the late afternoon. The 3 car garage plus storage allows you room for all your beach and desert toys.
Casa Coral Paseo del Rey Offered at $2.88m.
This modern cliffside stunner is directly over the whitewater and commands big views east toward Punta Palmilla. This is 6,000 sq ft villa has 4 bedrooms, a huge chef’s kitchen, and 4,000 sq ft of outdoor space. It is offered unfurnished so you can get creative and make it your own. There are some remodeling that needs to be completed so this is an excellent fixer-upper at a reasonable price and only $380 a month HOA fees.
Next, we go to Rancho Colorado across the dry river bed to see three more villas. First up Villa Colinas Del Mar.
This contemporary villa is fresh on the market and is being built for completion in February 2022. Priced to sell at $1.09m. Get in early and work with the architect to make it your custom home. With 3 bedrooms, with maids quarters featuring 2,500 sq ft of interior and 1,300 sq ft exterior space. Most rooms have unobstructed views of the gorgeous Punta Bella Beach a short walk from the home.
Next, we head down the hill closer to the beach to Casa Mañanitas, offered at $1.695m
Big sea views, old-world charm, and modern comfort blend at Casa Mananitas to create an idyllic sanctuary for your life. Baja California sunshine and the sound of the Sea of Cortez below fill the rooms of this charming hand-crafted seaside home. Built in the Palmilla style of the early 1990s and fully updated and restored in 2016. Featuring 4 nice bedrooms spread out over 2,800 sq ft of interior and another 2,000 sq ft of outdoor lounging with views.
And finally, we bring you Casa De Cascadas Offered at $5.995m.
Old-style Hollywood meets the Sea of Cortes. Built in 1990, and located beachfront in the exclusive Rancho Colorado, this impeccably maintained home is perched on the tip of the promontory. Wrap-around terraces take full advantage of two distinct views. Winding pathways take you down to two secluded swimmable beaches giving this home a small private resort feeling. Two pools, multiple terraces, unbeatable views, and 250 ft of beachfront are just some of the exterior advantages of this home. Inside, all bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, the open kitchen, gym, and office all have ocean views. With a whopping 11,500 sq ft of indoor-outdoor living with 6 oversized bedrooms on multiple floors.
In this episode, we are bringing you the essential things to know, so you can have a great and safe Cabo vacation. This list is from over 18 years of living and loving Cabo and traveling all over our beautiful desert on the beach. So Let’s get started.
10- Arriving at the airport- We are blessed with a wonderful and modern International airport in San Jose del Cabo. Making it thru customs can be trying especially if you arrive mid-day or on Friday or Saturday, so try to arrive early or later and mid-week. Once you clear customs be sure to keep the tourist card in a safe place as you will need it when you depart. The number one complaint is the aggressive activity providers that want to give you free stuff by attending a presentation. Nothing wrong with that if you want but beware the 90-minute tour is rarely 90 minutes. Insider Tip- Keep walking and don’t make eye contact and proceed to your transportation.
9- Local Transportation- Getting around Los Cabos is easy with tons of choices. It is best to book your preferred option before arriving. The cheapest way is shared shuttles but we always prefer to secure a car rental. Taxis and private cars are safe and convenient but expensive. Ubers do work here but only once you are away from the airport. Insider tip- once you are comfortable renting a car be sure to know the insurance rules before you get to the counter.
8- Where to stay- We find that where you stay has a big influence on how much you like a place. There are a wide range of options and an even wider range of prices for where to stay. If you want a luxury suite at a 5-star oceanfront resort, then be prepared to shell out the big bucks. There are all-inclusive options, private villas, downtown economy hotels, air BnB´s and everything in between. Go to our website Cabosfinest.com and watch the dozens of videos where we take you inside each of these categories so you can take the guesswork out of this important step.
7- Currency Exchange- people often ask us about using money. Los Cabos makes it easy by accepting dollars as well as pesos. Pesos has the best rate but at least you won’t be stuck if you only have dollars. The airport has ¨no commission´ currency exchange booths but the exchange rates are terrible, so do not go this route. Better to exchange at your resort or at a bank or at an ATM at a bank or grocery store. Credit cards are accepted at most places. Avoid the high international rates at the ATMs on the streets and marina.
6- Natural Wildlife- You will notice flying into Los Cabos the natural beauty of this amazing destination. We have the Sierra de la Laguna mountains with waterfalls, endless beaches, bays, estuaries, and more. Do your homework and make some plans to get out there and enjoy some adventure. Whether it is a day at Wild Canyon, a dive trip to Cabo Pulmo, or a whale watching trip you have a wide range of incredible natural wildlife.
5- Swimming in our Ocean and Sea. People often ask me is it safe to go into the ocean? Well, that depends on when, where, and your level of experience. Every beach in the world has times when it is unsafe to swim so be aware. There are many safe swimming beaches as well as guided diving and snorkeling tours. If it is your first time you might want to stick to the resort pools. If you want to swim in the ocean learn about rip tides and how to time the entry and the exiting in regards to wave sets. Remember to be safe and always keep a wary eye for sneaker waves when walking the beaches.
4- Activities- This is yet another big list of things to do that you will want to plan before arriving. Everybody is different and you can either relax and recharge or be very active or something in between. We suggest you make a list of the top 5 things you want to do and then prioritize them. Set a budget if you are on a tight one or splurge because this is your vacation and isn’t it time to reward yourself? A good idea is to go to Cabos Finest YouTube and or cabosfinest.com and view the videos about what the experiences are like so you can judge for yourself if the activity is a good match.
3- Partying- In Los Cabo partying is world-class both day and night. Again everyone is different and has their own idea of a good time and your options are aplenty. We are advocates of daytime partying at the beach, resort pool, or cool beach club and then ending the night with a great dinner. The young-at-heart crowd have late-night options galore. Just remember that the least safe thing to do is get hammered late at night at a crowded club. Insider tip: rotate a designated member of your group that keeps tabs on everyone. We like to see you have a great time and remember to drink responsibly.
2- Local culture- Mexico is one of the greatest countries in the world and the culture is a key ingredient. The best way to experience it is to get out of your resort and explore the wider area. There are guided trips you can use or just grab a bus or a rental car and go. We recommend the 4-hour loop road where you can circle the mountain range and see both sides of the tip. Another great option is to add a night or 2 to your itinerary and stay in one of the smaller Pueblas at a boutique hotel in Cerritos, Todos Santos, La Paz, Los Barriles, or the gorgeous East Cape. Again do your homework and be prepared to be impressed.
And finally, we give you our number 1- Food. Los Cabos has an impressive amount of amazing cuisine choices. Of course you have to try the various Mexican options starting with the famous Baja Fish Taco. Lumping all Mexican food together is a mistake as the regional varieties are immense. Being the fastest-growing tourist destination also means we have Mexicans moving here from all over the country. Lucky us that they bring their grandma’s recipes of regional delicacies with them. In addition, the global gourmet options are everywhere with Italian, Asian, French, Mediterranean, and fresh seafood prepared every way possible. Yes, Sushi in Cabo is awesome. Couple this variety with trained mixologists, sommeliers, and tasty Mexican beer and you can see why we kept the best for last.
So there you have it, the top ten things to know when visiting Los Cabos. The simplest way to do your homework prior to arriving is to go to Cabosfinest.com and become a Cabo Genius. Who knows you just might want to stay and become a local. That is what we did and we are happy to assist you. In fact, that is what we do.
This is what happened, well sort of, don’t quote me.
The tip of the Baja was a dangerous and desolate destination known by a few Pericu natives. Scrounging for seeds, roots, and shellfish in the waterless desert was not exactly luxurious.
After Cortez raided México, and the Spanish Galleons laden with stolen New World riches for the crown, Pirates appeared. Sir Francis Drake was the first known taker and was called the ‘scourge of God’ by the Spaniards. Later on, in 1587 Thomas Cavendish another particularly scourge sailor lay in wait for the heavily leaden 700-ton Spanish galleon Santa Ana and made pirate history.
The fearsome Jesuits made inroads in 1697 and were hated and later extinguished by the oppressed locals. Replaced by the barely more tolerable Dominicans in 1773. They at least knew how to farm and brought some vines. Come 1804 the Spanish crown divided the Baja into North with Franciscans and South with the Dominicans but it hardly mattered. The Mexican American War ended and the Baja was saved from those northern squatters who didn’t see the value of the slim pickings. After the Gold Rush ended up north gold was discovered in Triunfo just south of La Paz and a new influx of craggy smelly miners spilled into the Sierra de la Lagunas. A few even made some dough but most just discovered tequila. Could be worse for sure.
By the 1950’s the lower Baja was still pretty isolated. The fortunate few who called this paradise home lived by simple means, paid no tax nor had much law. Except for the common decency prerogative that is really all one needs. Taking care and treating each other with respect requires no government assistance. One day they spied a small single prop plane bringing some rich dude that wanted a marlin. Not any small catch but a big fat ornery Black Marlin. Unfortunately, he was very wildly successful and retold his tale of an adventurous monster-slaying in Cabo. And THAT was the beginning of the ruin.
Turns out his story went viral and the in-crowd of Hollywood took notice. Bing, Lucy, the Duke plus a bunch of oilmen from Texas started their own private clubs which they eventually called hotels for local jurisprudence’s sake. Things remained idyllic for quite some time since there were no crowds due to the fact that you couldn’t just fly Southwest on budget. Then to make the trip to the tip of the Baja took grit, determination, and most important cash, lots of mullah in fact. You either flew private or floated in a boat big enough to get there and back without support which meant no gas – no go. The few new places to stay were legendary in style, Hotel Las Cruces outside of La Paz, Hotel Palmilla in San Jose, the Hotel Cabo San Lucas at El Tule were all private social clubs pretending to be hotels. Then they built the Hacienda on Medano, Twin Dolphin beside Santa Maria, Solmar, and Finnestera on the Pacific side of Cabo.
The wild idea of building cliffside mansions at the Pedregal began at the same time as the Marina, the inter-peninsular highway, and statehood in 1974. This was the beginning of the modernization of this once-forgotten formerly isolated and desolate Cape.
Now it became possible for the middle class to drive down or fly commercial but what really escalated things was the invention of Timeshare. Blue-collar folks could stumble off the cruise ship and pony up a few thousand and own a week each year. Once they sold out the first timeshare they added more and once that sold out they kept at it ’til every available beach between Cabo and San Jose became either a hotel, an RV park, oceanfront houses and or golf courses. Jack Nicklaus has been credited for both promoting and destroying the Cape. Since fishing was so excellent back in the day, catching a whopper in the morning with time to tee off in the afternoon was the two-sport day. Then of course there was the nightlife. Squid Row opened on a dirt road not too far from the Giggling Marlin and then Sammy got in on the game and opened Cabo Wabo in 1990.
By the time this drunk narrator got wind of Cabo, it was 2004 and the place had just scored Costco. Should have bought more land back then when it was still $8 a meter square. Do miss the open beaches and fence-free trail riding as well as the quiet drive to San Jose for some authentic chili rellenos. Now 17 years later here I sit with a half-empty bottle of El Jimador, a cooler of remaining Modelo Especiales, and a tightly rolled spliff with my loyal companion Oakley and my lovely, lovely reminding me to be a better boy.
Well, that’s what happened – sort of.
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