Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas was one of the ports we visited on our Cruising to Panama trip. It evolved from a destination for sports fishing and adventure seekers to what is now an affordable and romantic getaway. Once the tourists started arriving in larger numbers, the activities available expanded to include other water sports and golf. The harbor is well situated for cruise ships to disgorge their passengers.

Cruise ship passengers are delivered to a wide pier with vendors hawking their tours for the day. It is also the disembarkation point for some of the water tours available so it gets fairly busy.

Tours and activities in Cabo San Lucas are many and varied. There is a fully-restored 19th century Pirate Ship as well as catamarans taking different excursions to a number of scenic sites. There is a 45 minute ride in a glass-bottomed boat that offers a rather unique view of the underwater terrain as it takes you out to Lover’s Beach which is on the other side of Land’s End.

These are the excursions offered on the ship's option list which are also written on the Cruising to Panama page:

Cabo Del Sol Desert Course, a par 72 course
Dolphin Swim where you can swim with dolphins and take a belly ride or a dorsal tow
Dolphin encounter, a shallow pool where you can pet and hug the dolphins
4X4 Desert Safari, a guided eco tour off-roading through the heart of Baja California
Cabo Parasailing, breathtaking views from 400 feet in the air
Baja Jeep Safari exploring the Baja desert
Pacific Beach Horseback Ride through the ocean surf
Los Cabos Mini Sub Adventure, viewing the marvels of the sea on your own unique underwater scooter
Cabo Semi Sub Underwater Adventure, travel through the sea in a 33 seat watercraft
Fun and Sun Snorkel Cruise aboard a 70 ft. catamaran that includes a snorkel equipment and snacks
Surfing Safari
Resort Beach Getaway enjoying the amenities of an oceanfront resort near Land's End
Cabo San Lucas Sport Fishing including bait, tackle, fishing license, box lunch and drinks
Cabo's Premier Yacht Experience aboard a 72' luxury yacht while you sun, snorkel or just relax
Deluxe Coastal Cruise for 2 hours aboard a large catamaran going to Land's End, Los Arcos, secluded coves and unspoiled beaches

When you gaze from the pier over the boats moored, it is a sea of undulating people. They are relaxing on either their own yachts or rented boats… or preparing to leave for an afternoon of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving or sports fis.hing. Some will head out to find a less active beach to get some sun.

As you near the end of the dock and the sidewalk leading to the shopping and dining areas you are greeted by the Senor Frog establishment with its unique huge frog drawing your attention to it. It is both a restaurant and shop for souvenirs and beach wear. Not everyone enjoys being on the water so you can take a walking tour of the town. It is just a two block walk from the marina to the town square on Avenue Cabo San Lucas

Surrounding the plaza is the new Museo de las Californias, Mexican store fronts with a variety of offerings, and some Mexican restaurants such as Pancho’s. If you want a gastronomic delight you can head to the Pueblo Bonito Rose resort and savor the delicious food at Fellini’s Ristorante.

The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar’s Pitahayas is another winner. Both feature the catch of the day from the pristine waters of either the Sea of Cortez or the Pacific Ocean.

Although there is horseback riding on the beach available at Red Rose Riding Stables and other stables we opted to take a catamaran trip to Land’s End which is also known as Finisterra. All-Terrain Vehicle tours were tempting but it was hot and the breeze on the water was preferable.

The Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean on the other side of Land’s End and there is a beach called Lover’s Beach that is a great spot to sunbathe or take a ton of photos, whichever is your preference. The waters are clear and turquoise in some spots and bluer in others.

This is an area of Land’s End that has a lot of huge rocks. They have survived the erosion of the seas for centuries and you can frequently see seals taking a break from swimming and simply warming themselves in the sun.

One of the Celebrity Ships was visible through the rocks as it headed into the open area towards the pier.

This is a photo of another popular beach in the Land’s End area. It is less hectic than the beaches in town and there are cool breezes wafting over the sand.

The economy has hit most areas of the world and Cabo San Lucas isn’t immune to the recession.There are condos sitting, partially completed, that wait for better times to come. Although the hills are lined with great mansions of those that are wealthy and not as vulnerable to the financial meltdown, the condos that were built as time-shares or vacation homes for many middle-class foreigners sit vacant even if they are move-in ready.

The finished and unfinished condos line the shores. These were to be the prime view units, overlooking the water.

Para-sailing is alive and well in Cabo San Lucas. What a terrific vista from up in the air. These two examples were having a great time as their parachutes rode the breezes.

After a wonderful day in Cabo San Lucas it was back to the ship and we saw the ship tenders waiting to take us back out to the ship. I was ready for some air-conditioning and letting the old feet have a rest from stomping all over. However, it is an interesting destination.

A short jaunt by taxi to San Jose del Cabo (about 20 miles away) has a number of sidewalk cafes. The area between the two communities is called “The Corridor”. We had planned to take that side trip but it would have to wait for another visit.

Cabo San Lucas

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