Situated along the north Mexican Pacific coast, Baja California Sur is an incredible region that has long been on most travellers’ radars.
Here we can find expansive golden sand beaches that go on as far as the eye can see, incredible surfing conditions as well as a great year-round climate. Also within this region we can find a diverse range of cities and towns to explore, such as the bustling Cabo San Lucas, colourful La Paz and sleepy Todos Santos.
In this guide we’ll explore some of the very best things to see and do in the Baja California Sur region of Mexico. As well as looking at major tourist highlights you must see, we’ll also look at some of the lesser-known gems of the region too.
The 6 Best Things To Do In Baja California Sur
Below we’ll now explore the very best experiences and things to do in Baja California Sur, as well as anything important you need to know when planning your own trip here.
Enjoy A Deep-Sea Fishing Trip In The Mexican Pacific
One of the more novel experiences you can have when in Baja California Sur, deep-sea fishing doesn’t get any better than in this region of Mexico.
Here fishing conditions are great regardless of the month you visit, with all kinds of exotic species to be spotted out at sea – and as such is often considered one of the best sport fishing destinations on the planet. This includes Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna, and those looking for the best chance of reeling them all are best off heading to Cabo San Lucas. Various fishing charter companies can be found here, such as Boats Baja who specialise in deep-sea trips around the Mexican Pacific.
If you’re still wondering if there is an overall best month to come here for fishing, then August and September are rated as some of the very best for catching the biggest game fish.
See The Iconic Arch Of Cabo San Lucas
One of the most famous sites in the entire state, the arch of Cabo San Lucas really is a majestic side to see. A completely natural rock formation, it makes up part of the stunning Pacific horizon when looking out from Medano Beach.
Even better is to get closer up for a better view, which is possible when heading out on a boat tour (which departs at all hours from this popular beach of Cabo). As well as visiting the arch, many tours will also allow you to stop-off at Playa del Divorcio – which is the perfect place to go snorkelling with bright schools of fish in these calmer waters.
Given it’s such a popular destination, we suggest heading on an early morning tour before the crowds arrive – as it can get quite crowded with dozens of boats here in the early afternoon.
Go Surfing In Todos Santos
Mexico’s Pacific coast is already well-known for its many legendary surfing destinations, where the waves here can get very big. Todos Santos is one of these, which is a small town that is just an hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. In fact the surfing here is so good, that they often hold annual surfing competitions – which attracts some of the finest pros from all over the globe.
Now if you’re a beginner or have little surfing experience, then we can also find calmer parts of the coast here which are ideal with smaller, more forgiving waves. Cerritos Beach is arguably the best place of all in Todos Santos to ride your first wave, and is usually the place when surfing instructors hold their lessons.
Again like with the other activities already mentioned, surfing is great to experience all months of the year. However, for beginners, the dry season will be better – which starts in late November and lasts until April.
Visit The Idyllic Espíritu Santo Island
One of Baja California Sur’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Espíritu Santo Island is located some 26 km off the coast of La Paz – which is another popular destination to visit in the state.
It’s often referred to as “the Galapagos of North America”, given its rich abundance of both land and marine species, which include Sea Lions, Frigatebirds, Ospreys, Snakes and Manta Rays. Because of this, it’s an absolute must-visit for travellers who love nature, and especially for those who want to experience new endemic species of the island such as the Isla Espíritu Santo whiptail snake and black-tailed jackrabbit.
On the island we can also enjoy some of the most pristine beaches of the region, such as Playa Ensenada Grande – which in a recent year was voted the most beautiful beach in Mexico!
Experience The Mighty Whales Of The Baja California Sur Region
Regardless if you’re a wildlife pro, or just want to see something new – heading on a whale watching tour has to be one of the most memorable things you can do in Baja California Sur. Those who want to see the biggest and most mighty whales of the region will want to start in Cabo San Lucas.
Between the dry season months of December and April, Humpback Whales and Blue Whales can be spotted in the Mexican Pacific as they continue their annual journeys to warmer waters.
Whilst heading on a tour is a great way of seeing them, you can also spot them when heading on a fishing tour or when hiring a luxury catamaran in Cabo San Lucas for the day. It’s also possible to swim with Whale Sharks too in La Paz, which frequent the Sea of Cortez between here and Mexico’s mainland. The best time of year for this particular unforgettable experience is between October and April.
Go Beach-Hopping Around Baja California Sur
Mexico is often considered one of the very best beach destinations in the Western Hemisphere, and it’s no different up here in the Baja California Peninsula. With good planning, it’s possible to visit multiple, beautiful beaches on your trip throughout this region.
In Cabo San Lucas, Chileno Beach ranks as one of the very best for snorkelling and swimming – given others around the city have strong riptides. A 30 minute drive from the city, it will also be more relaxed than the heaving Medano Beach. Having said that, those who want a lively and atmospheric beach can do no better than Medano – which is right next to the touristy harbour area and is lined with all kinds of great restaurants and late-closing bars.
Those after the most beautiful beach of the region will want to head to Balandra Beach in La Paz, which has stunning multicoloured waters with a unique desert backdrop of cacti and deserted plains.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo