The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean converge at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, creating one of the richest marine environments on earth. Jacques Cousteau called it “the world’s aquarium” — and for anyone who spends time in the water around Los Cabos, it’s easy to see why. Here’s the complete guide to water sports in Cabo San Lucas.
Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
The Sea of Cortez side of Los Cabos has calmer, clearer water than the Pacific — making it ideal for snorkelling. The best snorkel sites are accessible by boat from Cabo San Lucas Marina:
- Santa Maria Bay — Protected cove with pristine water, colourful fish, and sea turtles. Accessible by charter or by car to the beach. One of the best snorkel sites within 20 minutes of Cabo San Lucas.
- Chileno Bay — A protected marine sanctuary with excellent snorkelling right off the beach. One of the few south-facing beaches with calm water in Los Cabos.
- Land’s End / El Arco — Boat-based snorkelling around the famous arch. Sea lions, tropical fish, and sometimes manta rays.
- Cape San Lucas Marine Park — Several excellent dive sites including的优点Gorda Bank, a large underwater reef.
Sport Fishing
Cabo San Lucas is one of the world’s great sport fishing destinations — known as the “Marlin Capital of the World.” The waters off Los Cabos have trophy game fish year-round:
- Blue marlin — Peak season August through November, though available year-round
- Black marlin — September through November
- Striped marlin — November through April, most reliable season
- Yellowfin tuna — Year-round, best November through May
- Dorado (mahi-mahi) — March through November
- Sailfish — December through March
Charter options range from shared boats at the Marina (from $150 per person) to fully private luxury charters with a crew, bait, and lunch included (from $1,500 for a half day). Our concierge arranges private charters with vetted captains — contact us for details.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Paddleboarding and kayaking are available at Palmilla Beach and Chileno Bay — both calm, swimmable beaches. Equipment is widely available for rent at $20-$40 per day, or most beachside vendors will rent to your group. Santa Maria Bay is also excellent for sea kayaking in the early morning when the water is glassy.
Whale Watching
December through April, humpback and grey whales pass through the waters off Los Cabos. Shared sailing catamaran tours depart the Marina daily from $80 per person. Private yacht charters — which offer a much more intimate experience — run from approximately $1,200 for a half-day. Our concierge arranges both.
Water Sports from Villa Paraiso
Villa Paraiso’s concierge arranges all water sports equipment and excursions — snorkel gear, paddleboards, kayaks, fishing charters, and whale watching tours. Palmilla Beach is a 3-minute walk from the villa, with calm, swimmable water year-round. Contact our team to arrange your water sports activities before or during your stay: Jack@villaparaisorentals.com or 877-300-4884.