Boating in Los Cabos and The Sea of Cortez
This region of Mexico is, maybe, besides the Cancun region and the Riviera Maya, one of the most exclusive destinations of the country, visited by tourists from all over the world. Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas offer the sailing enthusiast various marina options to tie up their boat, and once on land, first level entertainment options are available such as golf courses, restaurants and high-end resorts.
Cabo San Lucas Marina
These facilities, property of Island Global Yachting (IGY), form a worldwide marina, offering a series of services to the boat owners. The marina has 380 slips that allow boats of up to 12 feet in length to dock. Arriving by sea the distance is 1000 miles south of San Diego, right in the extreme of the Baja California peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez joins the Pacific Ocean.
Puerto Los Cabos Marina
With ample capacity for up to 500 boats, and with amenities such as stores, restaurants, beach and gymnasium, amongst others, this marina represents a strong attraction for sea visitors to this beautiful destination of South Baja California. Puerto Los Cabos Marina is only 20 minutes from San Jose del Cabo International Airport.
Marina Palmira in La Paz Bay
Located in La Paz Bay, in the heart of the Sea of Cortés, this Marina has been in operation for more than 20 years, benefiting from the preference of its users. It has a capacity for 180 boats, with facilities such as Hotel-Spa, Restaurants, grocery store, etc... As a natural attraction, the Espíritu Santo Island, which is reviewed next, is located only 13 nautical miles north from this place.
Espíritu Santo Island
This natural treasure located in the Gulf of California, is connected with the Partida Island. It is an area protected by the UNESCO, and does not have permanent inhabitants. In its coasts, the Ensenada Grande beach has been declared as âThe Most Beautiful Beach in Mexicoâ by âTravel Magazineââ¦Definitely a place you should visit!
San José Island
This island is located 60 kilometers north of La Paz, and it{s known by its rock formations and cliffs. It is a refuge of many bird species, so if you are anchored nearby, you will possibly be able to admire them in their natural habitat.
Loreto
This city dates back to 1697⦠no wonder it has an ample legacy in history and buildings! In its coasts there are different beaches such as Nopoló, Juncanito, Ensenada Blanca, Agua Verde and San Bruno. It offers the visitor diverse activities like Diving, Golf, Tennis, Camping, Kayaking, etc.
Agua Verde
This place, also characterized for its rocky scenery, offers places to camp for the camping enthusiast. It is located 86 kilometers south of Loreto. Anchoring in its calm waters offers the traveler a resting area for observing nature, as well as an excellent place for sport fishing.
Golf Courses
Now, letâs review the main and most famous golf courses of this region.
Cabo del Sol
This site has two 18-hole golf courses. The first, designed by the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus, has a length of more than a mile, following along the coast. Holes 5 and 17 are considered within the list of âThe Best 500 Holes of the World,â according to the âGolf Magazineâ in its edition of January 2000.
The second course, designed by Master Tom Weiskopf, offers a balance between desert and ocean environments. In it, we can find streams and a wide variety of vegetation, which makes it more attractive and competitive.
Los Cabos Port
With a unique design, 9 holes with the signature of Jack Nicklaus and 9 with that of Greg Norman, this place offers the connoisseur player both Mastersâ game styles and experiences. All the holes offer beautiful ocean views and present challenging changes in elevation throughout their trajectory.
Cabo Real
Its facilities have held two Senior PGA Slams. Its design is accredited to Robert Trent Jones II and it is around 15 years old. However its constant maintenance makes it look as it was on its first day. The customer service is outstanding and goes hand in hand with its green fee.
One and Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
This course, with the signature of Jack Nicklaus, is ornamented with cactus, streams and a panoramic view of the Sea of Cortés. It is a 27-hole field, divided into three parts of 9 holes each: The stream, the mountain and the ocean. In its facilities there is a golf store, with a whole range of articles, as well as the convenience of golf clubs rentals; and for those that are not too skilled in golf, there are golf lessons offered during the day.
CostaBaja Golf Club
A novelty, since it is the first course in Mexico with the signature of Gary Player, it was recently inaugurated in November 2010. Of 18 holes, 72 par, 14 of them have the Sea of Cortés as a background. Its construction is environment-friendly, in order to preserve the surrounding eco system. Its club house offers articles for sale as well as a panoramic restaurant that will make your visit a memorable occasion.
As we have seen, the visitor to this tourist region of Mexico will find many reasons to extend his or her stay: It may be to navigate in his boat visiting the ports in the area, or to visit the beautiful golf courses of the region, or simply to admire and visit the unique marvels found in each of these magnificent destinations!
Article produced by the Editorial Team of "Explorando Mexico".
Copyright Explorando México, All rights reserved.
Photo: Jorge Aboumrad Vega
