Guide To San Jose del Cabo

About San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo is one five main locations in Baja California Sur - which include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Todos Santos and Loreto. All of these places can be discovered with Mexperience.

San Jose del Cabo is on Mexico's Baja Peninsula, the land immediately south of the United States, cut-off from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez, sometimes also referred to as the Gulf of California.

This region of Mexico is a real paradise - with its hot deserts, and cool, warm breezed oceans; its waters reflecting several different shades of blues and greens.

The region is a particular favorite with divers, golfers and people looking for sports fishing excursions.

San Jose del Cabo houses the seat of the local government, and is the main business center for the area. However, the town still looks and feels like a real old provincial Mexican town.

The city is full of interesting places to see, nice shops, good restaurants and cafés, and even some quality art galleries that stock local artists' works.

If you're looking for all of the attractions that Baja California Sur offers in terms of landscape, beaches, weather and activities, but don't want the commercialized feel of a developed resort, then San Jose del Cabo is the perfect alternative to neighboring Cabo San Lucas.

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Key Attractions

Great Beaches

San Jose del Cabo has a very laid back and easy going atmosphere about it, and the beaches here reflect this. Use the space around you to unwind and chill-out, while experiencing the authentic Mexican atmosphere San Jose offers.

Some fine remote beaches exist along the shoreline between los dos cabos ("the two capes" - San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas). These include Barco Varado, Chileno, Palmilla, Santa Maria and Vista del Arco Beaches. You'll need to rent a car to experience them - see Getting Around. These areas are great if you want get away from the crowds and see some stunning beaches and shoreline in this area.

Nature and Adventure Experiences in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a perfect base from which to enjoy Mexico's great outdoors and take part in a variety of Nature and Adventure experiences in Mexico.

The local ecology, the landscape, the climate and the proximity to the sea make this region a natural paradise for those who love enjoying nature. What more, you can find experienced and well prepared organizations in Los Cabos who are ready to help you enjoy the best of what this region offers.

Fishing, kayaking, sailing, camping, surfing, horseback riding, nature walks, fabulous bird watching, cliff hikes, sunset cruises, watching the amazing whales sea lions and pottery are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the area. Also See: Nature and Adventure Experiences in Mexico.

Water Sports

With its calm waters, fine weather and uncompromising beaches, its no wonder that water sports are one of the main attractions in San Jose del Cabo. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, water skiing and jet-skis are all firm favorite pastimes here.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Los Cabos is one of Mexico's top destinations for Sports Fishing! Read the Mexperience guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico.

Spas in San Jose del Cabo

Los Cabos is host to some of Mexico's finest Resort Spas. For more information about Spas in Mexico, and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience in Baja, connect to the Mexperience guide about Spas in Mexico

Local Cruises

There's no better way to enjoy the scenery than on a local boat cruise. Local cruises take you on tours around the many islets surrounding the tip of the peninsula, and include sunset cruises that let you eyes experience some of the most wonderful sunsets you'll ever witness in your life.

Whale Watching

From the Bering Strait, Whales migrate to the pacific coast of Baja California Sur between January and March of each year. To see the marvel of the great creatures, you'll need to visit 'in season'. There are 3 main areas where its best to view the whales - the main one being Magdalena Bay. Nature and Adventure in Mexico for more details and contacts.

Golf in San Jose del Cabo

The Climate in Baja California Sur is ideal for Golf all year-round, and the region is one of top venues in the world where gold is played. The region hosts some of Mexico's best golf courses and some people visit here simply to enjoy great golf in Mexico.

Other Attractions

Day Trips out to explore the local region, horse riding, All Terrain Vehicle tours are some of the other experiences you can enjoy in and around San Jose del Cabo.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can fly to San Jose del Cabo (the airport also serves nearby Cabo San Lucas) by plane from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Los Angeles (USA). Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines

By Bus - To get to Baja California Sur, your best bet is to fly there (see above); the bus journey from Tijuana to La Paz is about 27 hours; then a further 2 hours from there to Los Cabos.

By Car - Driving to San Jose del Cabo from the southern border of the United States will take you about 20-24 hours on Highway 1 and then a further 2 hours on Highway 19. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

By Ferry - If you are on Mexico's mainland, or want to get to it, there is a ferry that crosses the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (Topolobambo). The ferry trip to/from Mazatlan takes 18 hours and does not run daily; sleeping cabins are available with advance bookings. The ferry to/from Los Mochis (Topolobambo) takes around 8 hours and does not sail daily either. Check the Ferry's website at: www.bajaferries.com for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details. Note: from 2004, a new Catamaran ferry is being operated, and this has significantly reduced the travel times across the Sea of Cortez from Mexico's mainland to La Paz.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The same airport that serves San Jose del Cabo serves Cabo San Lucas although it is closer to San Jose del Cabo. Terrestrial Transport is available from the airport into town, or you can take a taxi (which can be shared). If you want to rent a car, agencies have desks inside the main terminal building (see below for details). Booking car rental in advance is likely to save you money.

Walking in San Jose del Cabo - The city has two main areas - the downtown area, where you'll find the shops, main plaza and cathedral, and the hotel area - which as you might expect, runs along the edge of the beach. You can walk between the two, but you're probably better of taking a local taxi.

Taxis - Taxis are widely available, but not metered, so agree your price before you get in. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Rent a Car - If you want to see all of the amazing beaches and scenery which reside within a short car ride of San Jose del Cabo, your best bet is to rent a car. This is best and most economical way to see the surrounding area and will enable you to travel to nearby Todos Santos and La Paz without the restraints of local transport (bus) or guided tours. See the Mexperience Travel Center for details about Car Rental in San Jose del Cabo. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

By Local Bus - Renting a car is the most flexible way to see the surrounding area, although if your budget is tight, local buses do run run frequently connecting La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos as well as other destinations further north such as Loreto, San Felipe and other destinations in Baja California.

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Local Events Calendar

Every July, you can experience the Cabo Jazz Festival in Cabo San Lucas. Held right on the beach, in the sand, under the stars with the water coming up to your feet while you sip on one of your favorite beverages. No where in the world can you experience all of this while listening to some of the worlds top names in Jazz. Link to festival's official website at www.cabojazz.com for full details.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of San Jose del Cabo. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's checks and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Note that your US Automobile Insurance will not cover you in Mexico -- you must get a top-up policy to be properly covered. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Beach Safety: The main beach, Playa Hotelera, is a safe beach to swim from, but take good care when swimming as some undertows do exist - check for and keep an eye on the surf and on weather conditions, especially in September, when the weather in the region is changeable. Don't venture out too far - especially if you're not a strong swimmer!

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in San Jose del Cabo
• Find a Hotel in Los Cabos (Search San Jose del Cabo & Cabo San Lucas Together)

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Restaurants

Zippers - On the beach, serving a variety of local food and drinks. Reasonably priced and offering a good atmosphere to dine next to the water.

Habaneros - Run by a local Canadian expat who lives in town; this restaurant offers an excellent menu including a range of good wines.

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When Night Falls

In stark contrast to Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo has a very tame night scene. Night entertainment consists of meals out at restaurant, or a quiet drink at one of the local bars. The choice really, is whether you want to spend the evening relaxing in town, or next to the sea.

Sunsets are amazing in this part of the world - so remember to be near the sea at dusk. Cabo San Lucas, just west of here is the best place to see the sun slowly melt into the Pacific Ocean, as it's at the tip of Land's end - but the sunsets at San Jose del Cabo are stunning as well - make time for this experience while you're there!

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What to Buy in San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo will offer you the opportunity to buy quality goods from some really unique craft shops. The town also offers a number of trendy clothing outlets and art galleries.

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Local Climate

The weather during the summer months will be extremely hot; cooler near the coasts. In the winter it can get cooler and windy, so if you're traveling in the winter, take some warmer clothes just in case the weather turns cooler (especially in the evenings) while you're there. The 'rainy season' is September (the one month when the weather can be changeable), otherwise this part of Mexico enjoys sunshine most days of the year.

Live Weather Report:

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