You are here: Home / Archives for MDA

Destination Wellness – Medical Tourism in Los Cabos

September 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Travelers don’t just flock to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo for the year-round sunshine and gorgeous golden sand beaches, the abundant big-game sportfishing and spectacular seaside golf courses.

For many visitors–particularly from the U.S.–Los Cabos also offers an opportunity to receive high quality medical and dental care for a fraction of what they would pay at home.

Health and beauty options like cosmetic surgery or dental work may not be the sole reasons for the vacation, mind you. More likely, they’re added bonuses that can be fitted in between pampering massages and poolside margaritas.

But there’s no question that affordable medical care is a very real consideration, and that it contributes significantly to the overall attractiveness of Los Cabos as a travel destination.

The truth is, medical tourism is now big business in Los Cabos…and in Mexico as a whole, with the sector accounting for a whopping 4.6 billion dollars in 2016.

Medical Centers in Los Cabos

Los Cabos’ growth as a medical tourism destination has translated to an impressive new slate of state-of-the-art centers and facilities.

Most impressive, perhaps is Hospital H+ Los Cabos, which opened in 2016 in the 20-mile tourist corridor which connects Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo (at Km. 24.5, just behind the fashionable new fine dining food court, El Merkado). The spacious modern facility boasts a full range of medical services, from 24-hour triage and intensive care to surgical areas, specialty clinics, laboratories and blood banks, radiology and ultrasound imaging, and private rooms for extended patient stays. H+ Los Cabos also features a tremendous roster of on-call specialists: including doctors in Cardiology, Coloproctology, Gastroenterology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Pathology, Pediatrics, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, and Urology.

Hospiten is the next highly acclaimed medical center expected to open and rival H+ for state-of-the-art testing and treatment. It’s currently under construction just outside Cabo San Lucas (near Plaza San Lucas, the corridor based home to Walmart and other popular shops and stores). Hospiten is an international medical group, with several locations already serving patients in Spain, as well as throughout Latin America and the Caribbean; including in the premier Mexican resort destination of Cancun.

Choosing the Right Doctors & Facilities

Even with the most high-profile health care centers, a thorough vetting is recommended to ensure you’re completely comfortable with the quality and cost of your preferred services.

The easiest way to do this is simply to consult the approved list of hospitals and medical facilities that has been put together, and is constantly updated, by the U.S. Consulate General.

The U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana, in conjunction with its branch in Los Cabos, has compiled a list of regional clinics, hospitals and ambulance services that meet their criteria (read: U.S. standards) for quality care. High-quality treatment is rarely the reason for removal of hospitals and clinics from this list, by the way, but rather predatory billing practices. Feel free to contact the U.S. Consulate offices for more specific information about various regional medical facilities.

If the facility you wish to use is not approved by the U.S. Consulate, that’s not necessarily a black mark, since the Consulate generally only evaluates the very largest hospitals and clinics, and acts primarily on complaints. Ask your preferred medical care facility to share estimated billing costs ahead of time, and to provide you with a complete record of their official accreditations, as well as those of their doctors.

Insurance

Regardless of whether you’ve decided to pay for your destination health care out-of-pocket, it’s also important to investigate the possible insurance ramifications for accidents or other unforeseen health issues (complications from pre-existing conditions, etc.) while traveling abroad.

Many U.S. based health insurance policies are only in force domestically, and thus it may be advisable, as a purely precautionary measure, to enroll in a travelers’ medical insurance plan for the duration of your Los Cabos vacation.

For more information about medical tourism and health care in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

 Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes, USA Today and Cabo Living, as well as other websites and publications. 

 Photo credit: Hospital H+ Los Cabos.

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Festival) in Cabo San Lucas – TBD

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

Cruising for the Critters (Humane Society Fundraiser) – Nov. 3

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 7 – 11

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

 

 

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
September 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

September 22, 2018

This week was shut down for sport fishing by Monday afternoon due to a broad low pressure Topical system that slowly followed a path directly towards the Southern Baja Peninsula, north through the Gulf of Californian, drenching mainland Mexico and then in the South Western U.S. states. Hard to predict what a particular low pressure system might develop into, this latest storm left more rainfall than anything else, certain locations received as much as 15 inches of rain and there was moderate to heavy flooding to deal with. There were some isolated wind gusts to over 40 mph, for the most part the wind was more like 20 mph with. persistent rainfall, very intense at times. The Port was shut down form Monday afternoon until Thursday morning, though most fleets did not start back operations until Friday. So this was a shortened week.

Once back operating, fleets dealt with slightly off colored water conditions and some strong currents. Put as ocean conditions settled down, water temperature was back averaging close to 84 to 85 degrees, lots of yellowfin tuna were being seen on these grounds, the tuna were mostly in the 50 lb. to 80 lb. range, but at times were very shy in taking any hooked offerings from anglers, through with persistence anglers could catch two or three during a morning trip. This action was all on bait, with live, or dead sardinas, strips of squid and some on live chihuil, which were not a sure bet trying to catch. So despite the yellowfin tuna action being sporadic and a bit finicky, this was still the best opportunity presently for catching quality gamefish. On Friday a private sport fisher out of Puerto Los Cabos reported landing a yellowfin tuna off of the Gordo Banks that was estimated at 280 lb. This is the first real super cow we have heard about from these grounds this season.

Other action was limited, some bottom action on the same grounds, but not a sure bet option, highlights were a handful of grouper and dogtooth snapper, these fish were hanging around the high spots, though trying to hook and turn these fish away from the rocks was a completely different story in itself, even on locked down 80 lb. tackle these fish will quickly terminate the battle by cutting lines off.

Only an occasional dorado being seen, a few reports of missed wahoo strikes or free jumping fish seen, this time of year we have minimal variety. Coming up in the fall season we do anticipate a great season, looking forward to more wahoo and dorado showing back up in the daily fish counts.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 35 charters for this storm shortened week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 2  striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 2 blue marlin, 3 dorado, 58 yellowfin tuna, 17 bonito, 6 red snapper, 3 dogtooth snapper, 4 cabrilla and 18 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

https://cabosanlucasblog.info/3053-2/

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , ,

Life Luxe Jazz & Golf Experience Coming to Los Cabos in November

September 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The Life Luxe Jazz concert series, a unique luxury cultural experience, will be held Nov. 1 – 4 at Quivira Los Cabos, an upscale resort community situated on the Pacific Coast north of Cabo San Lucas. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, an acclaimed adults-only beachfront hotel, will serve as the host site for this one-of-a-kind lifestyle event.

According to concert organizers, “Life Luxe Jazz…brings people together with common interests in music, culture and exceptional cuisine, with the goal of building bridges across borders.” To support cultural exchange, jazz workshops will be hosted to enrich the lives of and introduce jazz culture to Los Cabos youth through education and engagement with jazz artists.

Patrons can register to participate in the Life Luxe Jazz Golf Tournament at Quivira Golf Club, a spectacular Jack Nicklaus-designed course that scales the heights at Land’s End. The venue, named Golf Magazine’s “Best New International Course” when it opened in 2014, was recently voted to Golf Digest’s elite list of the “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.” Marked by sheer cliffs, massive dunes and desert foothills, the 7,085-yard, par-72 layout offers breathtaking thrills, unforgettable challenges and more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. In a destination revered for its unique mountain-desert-ocean setting, Quivira, an aesthetic tour de force with panoramic views of the Pacific from every hole, stands apart as one of the most daring, eclectic courses Nicklaus has ever built.

Registration for the tournament, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 a.m., is $295 per player. Fee includes green fees, golf cart, unlimited food and drinks (Baja cuisine, top-shelf tequila) at the club’s four comfort stations, swag bags and tournament awards. Completing the experience at Quivira is a thatched-roof clubhouse that offers a large rectangular bar, a casual steakhouse and ample outdoor seating overlooking the sea. Tournament winners will receive their awards and be recognized on stage at the concert event the night of Nov. 3.

The star-studded line-up will be led by Grammy-winning contemporary jazz and R&B singer Norman Brown, who has sold nearly two million albums. Other artists slated to perform, all of whom have reached the top of Billboard’s smooth jazz charts, include Mindi Abair, Bobby Caldwell, Boney James, Michael Manson, Keiko Matsui, Maysa, Meli’sa Morgan, Najee, Gregory Porter, Lin Rountree, Kirk Whalum and Zoe Wood.

The all-day concerts will be held on an expansive stretch of pristine beach in front of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. Food and drink stations will be plentiful. The resort’s large circular firepits, artfully carved into the sand by the hotel staff, will be lit in the evening. In addition, several free concerts will be scheduled for the residents of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

A variety of ticket packages are currently on sale, ranging from luxury open seating, exclusive cabana loungers and stage-front sectional sofa loungers.  Elite VIP climate-controlled beachfront viewing areas in The Towers at Pacifica, an exclusive “resort within a resort,” are also available.

The four-day festival will feature a live jazz sunset cruise on Nov. 2 spotlighting the music of Ernest Quarles and Lindsey Webster. Guests can enjoy a specially prepared menu, multiple bars, and close-up views of El Arco (The Arch), Cabo’s iconic rock formation at Land’s End.

 For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Quivira Los Cabos.

Upcoming Event Calendar

 October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Festival) in Cabo San Lucas – TBD

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

Cruising for the Critters (Humane Society Fundraiser) – Nov. 3

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 7 – 11

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

 December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report – September 16, 2018

September 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment

September 16, 2018 

We are starting to see the first wave of early fall anglers arriving, still only moderate numbers, but more people than we have seen in recent weeks. This is now the four year anniversary of when Hurricane Odile devastated the Los Cabos area. This week the weather has been calm, last week we saw some isolated unpredictable thundershowers that did bring some fairly heavy rainfall amounts in some areas. No new storms that we see presently on the forecast, but tropical systems can develop rapidly this time of year, another few weeks of the normal storm season, so we will be watching closely. Meanwhile the Philippines is now enduring the battering of a Super Typhon and the East Coast of the United Sates is dealing with Hurricane Florence. All is quiet in the Eastern Pacific at this time. Winds were very light this week, swells were moderate, supplies of sardinas were sufficient and anglers were enjoying great ocean conditions, though days were still very warm and humidity is high, as it normally is during the month of September.

Anglers were using both sardinas and strips of squid, some chihuil also now being caught for bait as well. Yellowfin tuna were found from the Gordo Banks to Iman and San Luis. Smaller football tuna mainly being found on the Gordo Banks, though on Iman and San Luis the yellowfin tuna were avenging 50 to 70 lb. Finicky at times, lots of patience and persistence needed, drift fishing while chumming, dealing with lots of triggerfish and needlefish stealing baits. At times tuna could be seen boiling and jumping out of the water, but proved to have lock jaw, but then would go on the bite sporadically, some days early, sometimes much later in the day. Anglers were doing well to land one, two or three of these quality tuna.

Only a few dorado being found, most of these were under ten pounds, most of these a bit closer to shore than where the tuna were schooling. Wahoo were very few and far between, though every few days we heard about someone catching one. Only a few small roosterfish found close to shore. Off the bottom we did not see any consistent action, though a couple of nice cabrilla in the 40 to 50 pound class were accounted for. A handful of red snapper, bonito and a couple of dogtooth snapper in the 20 to 30 lb. range.

Heard of great striped marlin action on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, our local grounds produced scattered billfish action for sailfish, striped and blue marlin.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 62 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 9  striped marlin, 3 sailfish, 2 blue marlin, 3 wahoo, 14 dorado, 105 yellowfin tuna, 16 bonito, 2 barred pargo, 14 red snapper, 2 dogtooth snapper, 12 cabrilla and 75 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Newly Launched Website TheCaboRealEstate.Com Offers Premier Listings and Buyer/Seller Resources for the Los Cabos Real Estate Market

September 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos, BCS, Release:  September 12, 2018.  For Immediate Release.

Not just any real estate website, but www.TheCaboRealEstate.Com  launched this week, establishing for the first time an authoritative, “go-to” online resource for those interested in buying or selling property in the exciting and rapidly growing Los Cabos real estate market.

Although the trademark registered website is new for 2018, its launch has been highly anticipated thanks to a uniquely impressive pedigree. www.TheCaboRealEstate.Com  owner and lead broker Michael Aviani has been a trusted name in Los Cabos real estate for over 30 years, founding benchmark local property management companies Los Cabos Real Estate www.LosCabosRealEstate.Pro   and Los Cabos Vacation Rentals www.LosCabosVillas.Com , and helping countless numbers of people fulfill their lifelong dream of owning ocean view homes in a sun-splashed tropical paradise.

Aviani’s decades of regional experience are on full display in www.TheCaboRealEstate.Com , which features a comprehensive directory of local property listings, from luxurious homes and villas to scenically situated condos and residences. The website’s slate of real estate tools and resources also includes up-to-date information on what’s new, and spotlights the best of what’s available in the most exclusive neighborhoods and communities in Los Cabos.

Los Cabos, of course, is the Baja California Sur municipality that’s home to popular resort destinations Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, as well as the tourist corridor which connects the cape cities, and other lightly populated but stunningly beautiful coastal communities overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez.

Los Cabos is currently in the midst of an unprecedented building boom, with a spectacular portfolio of residential properties under development from the Pacific Coast north of Cabo San Lucas to the Bay of Palms on the region’s breathtakingly beautiful East Cape.

What that means is that there has never been a better time to buy or sell real estate in Los Cabos, or a better time to unveil a comprehensive and trusted resource like www.TheCaboRealEstate.Com  than right now.

For more information and to see first-hand all the premium listings and tools now available at the site, visit https://thecaborealestate.com .

 About Michael Aviani, Owner/Broker for TheCaboRealEstate.Com

Michael Aviani is the Los Cabos real estate pro, with over three decades of experience buying and selling properties in the Land’s End region.

Michael fell in love with Los Cabos at first sight, but it took more than 35 trips after his first visit in 1985 before he decided to relocate permanently. He sold his house in Capistrano Beach, California in 1991 and settled into a new life in San Jose del Cabo, founding Los Cabos Real Estate in 1992, and sister company Los Cabos Vacation Rentals in 1998. He’s been a full-time resident ever since, and became a dual citizen of Mexico and the U.S. in 2005.

 Press Contact:

Name:  Michael Aviani

Company:  Los Cabos Real Estate

Phone:  866-568-7859 from the U.S.; 624-142-2100 in Mexico

Email:  Info@TheCaboRealEstate.com .

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report – September 9, 2018

September 9, 2018 by Leave a Comment

September 9, 2018

Light crowds of tourists now, will not be long before the busy fall season begins. Tropical storm season is in the peak period now, when historically the most Hurricanes have formed and also made landfall on the Southern Baja Peninsula. At this time there are no new systems threatening, Hurricane Olivia has headed far off on a westerly track heading for possible landfall in Hawaii. The next Eastern Pacific storm will be named Paul, hard to predict the weather more than a few days in advance this time of year. On Wednesday we did have some isolated heavy rainfall, but only in small areas, not widespread. This is the time of year when forecast call for almost daily scattered thundershowers, more often these form over the hills in the afternoon, but they are always very unpredictable as exactly where and when they happen. Ocean temperatures are warming, up into the 85 to 87 degree range. Swells were moderate for this time of year. Winds were gusting more than last week, mainly after mid-day.

Schooling sardinas were once again found in closer range, now off the San Jose Estuary. Slabs of squids were also a main bait source being used. Most productive area where local fleets are now fishing have been from the Gordo Banks to Iman and San Luis Banks. Yellowfin tuna remained the most common gamefish species being found. Sizes of the tuna have ranged from 10 lb. to 90 lb. Higher numbers of the larger grade of fish were found near Iman and San Luis Banks, but a handful of the nicer yellowfin were also found on the Gordo Banks. Gordo was producing a lot of the smaller sized tuna as well, while Iman and San Luis there were mainly larger sized fish being hooked into. The bite was sporadic, some day’s early, other days late, other day’s finicky, typical tuna fishing. The best method was to have both sardinas and squid, drift fishing while chumming. A few anglers reported success catching chihuil baitfish and slow trolling them, though these baitfish proved difficult and time consuming to try and catch. Anglers seriously targeting the tuna were accounting for an average of one to three of the nicer sized fish, when targeting the smaller tuna, often they were able to catch quick limits of five fish per person.

Very few dorado were seen this past week, we heard of reports of good numbers of these fish being found in the San Diego area, maybe this is where they all are, last season the better dorado action locally was later in the fall and through December, that might be the same pattern this season. Very few wahoo were reported this week, an occasional fish on the troll, but nothing consistent and no particular time of day either.

Bottom action was limited to a few bonito, cabrilla, red snapper, pargo and triggerfish. Not much inshore action seen, not the time of year for that.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 50 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 2 black marlin, 3  striped marlin, 2 sailfish, 4 dorado, 3 wahoo, 112 yellowfin tuna, 9 bonito, 5 yellow snapper, 3 barred pargo, 10 red snapper, 7 cabrilla (leopard grouper), and 24 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Viva Mexico! Celebrating Mexican Independence Day in Los Cabos

September 4, 2018 by 1 Comment

September is the hottest month in Los Cabos, and traditionally the heart of the cape cities’ low tourism

Cozumel, Mexico

season. The idea of “high” and “low” seasons has started to wane over the past few years due to rapid regional growth, increased international flights and a more consistent year-round flow of visitors. But some months are still better than others, and the busiest months tend to be when the largest and most representative local events are held.

Of the many food and wine festivals, arts fairs, fishing tournaments, and other signature fiestas held annually in Los Cabos, it is telling that none are held in September. October, on the other hand–the traditional start of high season–sees Sammy Hagar’s birthday bashes, four major fishing tournaments (including the world’s richest, Bisbee’s Black & Blue), and a weeklong culinary festival in San Jose del Cabo.

What a difference a month makes!

But hot and slow as it is, September does bring one headline event, a national holiday celebrated passionately across Mexico. So if you’re visiting Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo this month, keep an eye out for all the fireworks and festivities surrounding El Dia de la Independencia, or Independence Day. Officially, it’s honored on September 16, but the proclamations and partying begin the night before…and keep right on going.

Many U.S. visitors confuse Cinco de Mayo with Independence Day, but the two are markedly different, not only in terms of where they fall on the calendar, but in what they represent and mean to average citizens.

Cinco de Mayo recalls the heroic victory of the Mexican Army over occupying French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite its Mexican roots, the holiday was largely popularized on the U.S. West Coast. In Mexico, celebrations of Cinco de Mayo are few and far between, although bars in tourist areas like Los Cabos will dutifully offer a few “holiday specials” aimed at gringo revelers.

Independence Day, by contrast, is the major patriotic holiday, the Mexican equivalent of the 4th of July. The date itself honors what is now known as the Grito de Dolores, essentially a call to arms uttered by a priest named Miguel Hidalgo on the evening of September 15, and again the following morning in the year 1810.

By that time, Spain had been in control of Mexico for over 280 years…and since the day Hernan Cortez and his conquistadors toppled the island capital of Tenochtitlan in 1521, Spaniards had ruthlessly exploited the country for its abundant natural resources.

For a little more context…the year of Hidalgo’s immortal call to arms, 1810, coincided with the imperial reign of Napoleon, whose European wars and intrigues often produced far-reaching upheavals. For instance, French troops first occupied Spain in 1808, and soon afterwards Napoleon installed his brother as puppet ruler…a move that destabilized colonial governments throughout Latin America, and led directly to the independence movements spearheaded by Simon Bolivar and others.

Miguel Hidalgo was, in a sense, the Bolivar of Mexico, although his leadership in the rebellion that became the War of Mexican Independence was tragically short lived. Despite some early victories by his insurgent army, six months after his stirring grito–delivered in the small town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo)–he was captured. Soon after that, he was executed. But the fight continued, and by 1821 Mexico had finally earned its freedom.

Thus, like Independence Day in the U.S., Independence Day in Mexico celebrates not the actual achievement of independence, but rather the symbolic birth of a new nation through the assertion of self-rule.

Contemporary celebrations of Independence Day in Mexico begin ceremoniously, with public officials–from the president to small town mayors–reenacting the grito at 11 p.m. on September 15. This reenactment always concludes with the same phrase, repeated three times: ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico! There is then a symbolic bell ringing, followed by live music, traditional food and drink, and festive fireworks celebrations. The party is on!

Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo each have their grito reenactments, with large parades the next morning, on September 16th. September visitors to Los Cabos in search of activities and entertainment are encouraged to seek out both, as they offer interesting glimpses of authentic Mexican culture.

For those whose interests run more to cervezas and margaritas, rest assured that virtually every local bar and restaurant offers some sort of patriotically themed drink special.

Just remember to raise your glass for a toast. ¡Viva Los Cabos! and ¡Viva Mexico!

by Chris Sands

  • Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes and USA Today, as well as other websites and publications. 

 For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of Virginiambe and Wikimedia Commons.

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

 December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

February

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report September 2, 2018

September 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment

September 2, 2018 

Light crowds of visitors now arriving, many families are now busy preparing for the start of the new school semesters, also waiting for cooler weather and for the tropical storm season to pass. At this time we are seeing a flare up of tropical storm development, we have Hurricanes Miriam and Norman, now farther off to the west, not impacting land, but increasing local humidity, now forming to the south we will have Olivia and Paul within the next week, looks like Paul might be the system the comes closest to land. Forecast do call for some scattered thundershowers in the coming week. More moisture is needed, but everyone is hoping that we do not see any damaging high winds, the next several weeks is when all eyes will be focused on the tropical weather forecasts.

Anglers were finding sardinas a bit harder to find, these schooling baitfish had been found off the northern shoreline near Vinorama, then off of the San Jose del Cabo Estuary and now they are finding them off of Chileno. This means bait netters are back tracking south, then back towards the marina in order to supply the sportfishing fleet, which have been fishing in the direction of the Gordo Banks, La Fortuna, Iman and San Luis Banks. Other bait option continue to be slabs of squid, also some skipjack, bolito and chihuil be found on the offshore grounds and used for slow trolling.

Main species being found were the yellowfin tuna, hitting on the strips of squid and sardinas, ranging in sizes from footballs, up to 80 pounds. Fish were finicky, some days being more active early, other days later in the day, moving around to the various spots, trying to find some cooperative fish. Catches ranged from one or two yellowfin, up to ten. Matter of being on the right sport, at the right time and having sufficient supplies of bait. This is normally the time of year where we see the largest of cow sized yellowfin tuna start to lurk around the local high spots. There were a couple of reports in recent days of large fish being lost after extended battles on the grounds near the Gordo Banks, presumably these were thought to be big tuna. The same Gordo Banks is now producing some action for larger marlin, including one fish landed mid-week from a 22 ft. panga that was an estimated 500 lb. black marlin. Best chances for these larger marlin is to slow troll larger sized baits, lots of patience is needed, but rewards can be high.

Only an occasional dorado being found, most of these under 15 lb. found fairly close to shore. Water is now clear and blue within one mile of shore, ocean currents are warming, now averaging 82 to 86 degrees. Moderate swells, could be increasing with all of the storm activity to the south, will depend on how close these system pass off of the Southern Baja Peninsula.

Limited bottom action, a few snapper, bonito, cabrilla, amberjack, but most charters are targeting the finicky tuna, which has proved to be the best bet for getting a nice amount of fresh fillets.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 51 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 1 dogtooth snapper, 1 black marlin, 3 sailfish, 2 striped marlin, 18 dorado, 108 yellowfin tuna, 12 bonito, 6 yellow snapper, 5 barred pargo, 3 amberjack, 8 red snapper, 11 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 6 roosterfish and 32 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Iron Discipline Meet Golden Views in the Los Cabos 70.3

August 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

For most of us, it sounds like a sure way to ruin a perfect day in paradise: start with a strenuous 1.2 mile swim, take a not so leisurely bike ride for 56 miles, then run like your life depended on it for 13.1 more miles. And, if you’re lucky, thousands of people will be chasing you.

For those hale and hearty souls with a more rugged disposition, an iron constitution if you will, it sounds exactly like the perfect day in paradise.

 It, of course, is the Ironman Los Cabos 70.3, the numerical aspect of which refers to the total amount of miles covered. That total, incidentally, is only half of what is required for a traditional triathlon.

The Ironman (or Ironwoman as the case may be) lifestyle began under the tropic Hawaiian sun in the late 1970s, when a debate started between members of regional swim and running clubs about which sport produced fitter athletes. A U.S. Navy officer threw a monkey wrench into the dispute by noting it was a cyclist who had the highest recorded “oxygen uptake”, and…well, you can see where this is going.

Hawaii birthed the idea and the first race, held in Oahu in 1978. The 50th and final U.S. state remains an important stop for Ironman, hosting the annual world championship in Kailua-Kona. The difference today is that it is just one of many locations around the globe. Over three dozen Ironman triathlons were held in 2018, on six different continents. The 70.3 races have proved even more popular. At last count, there were more than 80 taking place annually (including the one in Los Cabos), although in a break from the 140.6 triathlon tradition, the 70.3 world championship is held in a different international location each year.

When the first Ironman race was run in Los Cabos in 2013, it was as a traditional (140.6 mile) triathlon under the sponsorship of the Ford Motor Company. With that inaugural race in March 2013, Los Cabos became the second location in Mexico–after Cancun–to host the Ironman series, unveiling a rigorous course that included a swim leg in the protected waters off Punta Palmilla, a bicycle leg that featured several back-and-forth trips between cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and a full-length marathon that concluded in front of City Hall in San Jose del Cabo.

As the managing director of the Ironman race operations, Steve Meckfessel, noted at the time: “This is truly a spectacular addition to the Ironman circuit. The vitality of Los Cabos’ natural beauty combined with the challenging course that our team has laid out really sets Ironman Los Cabos apart.”

He was right on many counts. The race course was rich in natural beauty and spectacular views, and it proved popular immediately…with both locals and visitors. However, as one might imagine with a race of such epic size and scope, logistics can and have been an issue. Traffic problems accompanied the first few races, but after a seasonal move from spring to autumn, and a slimmed down 70.3 version with a faster, flatter course layout, Ironman finally seems to have hit its stride in Los Cabos.

This year’s Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2018. In addition to pride and $50,000 in prize money, the half-triathlon offers 30 coveted qualifying spots for the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Messenia, Greece.

Registration is still open, but time is running out for those who want to raise their fitness from “very good” to “potential race finisher” or “potential winner” in the grueling Ironman series event.

by Chris Sands

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

 Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes, USA Today and Cabo Living, as well as other websites and publications. 

 Photo courtesy of Ironman Los Cabos 70.3.

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

 December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

February

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report – August 26, 2018

August 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

August 26, 2018 

As Hurricane Lane is presently dangerously close to the Hawaii Islands, conditions locally in Los Cabos have remained calm, with no new tropical storm systems seen developing at this time. We still have another full five weeks of the normal tropical storm season, we are all hoping that no major storms approach Baja. Weather continues to be very warm, increased humidity as well, some afternoon rain squalls to the north of San Jose del Cabo, normal pattern for this latter part of summer. Minimal wind, primarily only slight afternoon breezes, moderate swells, always need to be careful along the shoreline during these summer months.

With continued reports of great fishing action coming out of Southern California for bluefin tuna, yellowtail, white seabass and as a result crowds are lighter than normal now in Los Cabos. Local fleets are now mainly concentrating their efforts on fishing grounds from the Gordo Banks, Iman and San Luis Banks. Anglers were using slabs of squid, sardinas, as well as skipjack and small tuna for baits. Iman and San Luis was the best place to find a nicer grade of yellowfin tuna, everyday these grounds are producing tuna to over 70 lb. No huge numbers, fish were also finicky and shy with the ever present boat pressure, but with patience and consistent drifting and chumming over these high spots there were good chances of hooking into yellowfin. The Gordo Banks produced mainly a smaller grade of tuna up to about 12. Lb. It is the time of year that we normally see the cow sized tuna appear on these famous grounds.

The Gordo Banks and on the grounds near Iman, there were several black marlin catches reported this week, these fish were hooked into while slow trolling larger rigged baits, the white skipjack proved especially effective, the fish that were landed weighed in the 200 to 300 lb. range.

Only a scattering of mostly smaller sized dorado were being found. Over last weekend and at the start of this week, there were wahoo being hooked into while trolling Rapalas and other lures on the normal grounds from Iman to San Luis, a handful of charters got into this action, with a couple of wahoo landed and others lost, these fish were in the 15 to 40 lb. class. As the week progressed this action faded out as some anglers did target this action but could not entice any strikes. The ocean temperature warmed this week, back up into the 81 to 87 degree range, too warm of water often will make species such as wahoo more lethargic, less active.

Bottom action was limited, most anglers were opting to target other surface species, though a few dogtooth snapper and amberjack were reported, as well as some red snapper, bonito, yellowfin snapper and cabrilla. Best chance for these fish was early in the day, using various baits, as well as opportunities using yo-yo jigs.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 57 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 3 dogtooth snapper, 3 black marlin, 2 sailfish, 17 dorado, 7 wahoo, 96 yellowfin tuna, 14 bonito, 8 yellow snapper, 6 amberjack, 17 red snapper, 9 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 3 roosterfish and 42 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »