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Los Cabos Records Historic Tourism Growth in First Quarter of 2022

April 26, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Last week, the Los Cabos Tourism Board announced a record 13 percent growth in domestic and international visitors during the first quarter of 2022, a historic increase fueled largely by the destination’s swift response to the pandemic and strict health and safety protocols enforced over the last two years. In 2021, Los Cabos welcomed an approximate 2.8 million travelers achieving a complete recovery of its tourism activity. In March 2022, Los Cabos recorded nearly 325,000 tourist arrivals—marking a successful and historic month with a record increase of 18 percent in arrivals when compared to 2019.

Los Cabos’ business model combining private and public funding allowed the destination to focus on the implementation of state-wide safety measures, heighten its health and security protocols, and elevate its marketing and communication strategy to keep visitors, consumers, industry partners, and the local community informed throughout the destination’s phased recovery. The strategic approach has led to a significant increase in demand, especially from affluent travelers, which has strengthened Los Cabos’ position as Mexico’s top luxury travel destination.

“As a destination that has been challenged over the past few years by the pandemic and international tourism restrictions, we are glad to see tremendous growth driven by our unique business model and the demand among travelers for exclusive and authentic travel experiences,” said Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “The pandemic gave us the opportunity to elevate our tourism offering, create new ways of working with our partners, and fine-tune our business model.”

The United States is Los Cabos’ top priority market and American travelers represented about 98 percent of all international travelers that visited Los Cabos in 2021, defying national trends by driving a 5.4 percent growth in visitation from the market. The growth in tourist arrivals led to an expansion of the Los Cabos International Airport which will increase connectivity with the United States by 30 percent to accommodate the steady demand of American travelers. Today, Los Cabos has over 500 weekly flights connecting 26 cities in the United States with the destination. A projected growth of 1.3 million seats is expected to be added during the first half of 2022.

Los Cabos Tourism Board forecasts bookings to the destination will remain strong during the spring travel season, with a projected increase of 11 percent in anticipated bookings for the month of April 2022, 22 percent in May, and 10 percent in June.

Additional data insights and updates reflecting Los Cabos’ historic turnaround include:

  • Over 325,000 travelers in March 2022, a record visitation representing an 18 percent increase when compared to 2019.
  • 70 percent average hotel occupancy in Q1 of 2022, with an average hotel daily rate of US$455, the highest in Mexico.
  • 4 percent increase of United States travelers in 2021 when compared to 2019, surpassing arrivals of international travelers nationwide and leading the recovery of international travel.
  • 6 percent projected increase in seats to Los Cabos from the United States over the next six months when compared to 2019. Air connectivity is increasing mainly from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Denver and New York.
  • Close to 80 percent growth in arrivals of international travelers via private aviation in 2021 when compared to 2019, representing 26 percent of all air travel activity.
  • 98 percent of all international travelers come from the United States, Los Cabos’ priority market.

Along with this impressive growth, residents report a change for the better. In a recent report, 58 percent of Los Cabos residents believe that with the tourist growth of the last five years there is greater awareness in the care of the environment and 54 percent report more protection of natural resources and regulation on the subject.

This response comes as two new funding measures were announced: The Environmental Sanitation Tax and the Embrace It Contribution. The Environmental Sanitation Tax, led by the Municipality of Baja California Sur, calls for approximately US$1.69 daily, per room to be collected from visitors by hotels, timeshares, and lodging facilities across the destinations. The funding is set to go into effect on June 1, 2022, and will support government investment on environmental infrastructure, sustainability practices, and safety and security, among other projects.

In addition, the reinstatement of the Embrace It Contribution went into effect earlier this year. First launched in 2019 under the name “Fund for a Sustainable Baja Sur,” the program was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was reintroduced in February 2022 as the Embrace It Contribution. All international travelers visiting the State of Baja California Sur for more than 24 hours are asked to contribute approximately US$20 to support important initiatives needed to strengthen statewide infrastructure, social projects, and the overall economic progress of the people that live and work in Los Cabos. Contributions can be made via the state’s website or at the kiosks installed at SJD International Airport.

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:  Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos

Upcoming Events Calendar

April

Festival Sabores de Baja – Apr. 3

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

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

End of Whale Watching Season – Apr. 15

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6

May

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6

Country Fest Los Cabos – May 4 – 7

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 5, 12, 19, 26

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

June

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing – Jun. 2 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 22 – 26

July

East Cape Dorado Shoot Out  – Jul. 16

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament – Jul. 20 – 24

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Aug. 1 – 6

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 2 – 6

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot – Aug. 20

September

Mexican Independence Day –  Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 16 – 20

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 20 – 23

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 25 – 29

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 2 – 5

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

Todos Santos Film Festival – Nov. 3 – 8

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Day – Dec. 12

Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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Easter Season Happenings: April Events in Los Cabos

April 5, 2022 by Leave a Comment

April is the rare month with no fishing or golf tournaments in Los Cabos, but it does bring one of the region’s signature off-road racing events, the NORRA Mexican 1000 – aka, “The Happiest Race on Earth” – a vintage rally style race that starts in Ensenada and concludes 1000 miles later in San Jose del Cabo with a boisterous finish line fiesta.

April is also a big month for cultural and culinary celebrations in Los Cabos. The Festival Sabores de Baja returns after a pandemic-induced layoff, showcasing festive music and dancing, not to mention delicious food and flavors, in the organic farming community of Miraflores. Art Walk also continues, lighting up the downtown area of San Jose del Cabo with art and revelry each Thursday evening until it ends its seasonal run in June.

Festival Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – April 3

The small town of Miraflores is notable for several reasons, including the unusual longevity of its residents and its annual summer harvest festival celebrating pitahayas, the favorite fruit of the area’s indigenous inhabitants. Mainly, though, it is known as the foremost organic farming community in the Los Cabos municipality, the place the region’s best restaurants go to source their produce. It’s the perfect place, in other words, to host an organic food festival that focuses on the traditional cuisine and culture of Los Cabos. The 5th annual Sabores de Baja (sabores translates as tastes or flavors) will be hosted by Doña Pame Restaurante from noon to 5 p.m. on April 3rd, and will feature live music and dancing.

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

The historic Gallery District in San Jose del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season–November through June–when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m., when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis.

Semana Santa – April 10 to 17

At its core, México remains a profoundly Catholic country. It should come as no surprise then that Holy Week, the week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holiday periods in the country. In fact, it may even exceed Christmas in terms of seasonal travel. Semana Santa (the Spanish name for Holy Week) is equivalent to Spring Break for college students, but collegians are hardly the only ones to take advantage of the time off. Many Mexican families travel en masse to beachfront locales on both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, including Los Cabos. For U.S and Canadian travelers, the important things to note about Semana Santa are the week-long closure of most banks and virtually all government offices, and of course the increased competition for accommodations of all kinds.

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 29 to May 6

The world’s most rugged off-road race, the legendary Baja 1000, has for better than four decades been run under the SCORE (Southern California Off-Road Enthusiasts) banner. But that wasn’t always the case. Back when the Baja 1000 was inaugurated, in 1967, it was organized by NORRA (the National Off-Road Racing Association). NORRA returned to the peninsula’s off-road racing scene in a big way in 2010, when it kicked off the first Mexican 1000, a fun, vintage-style rally race meant to evoke the flavor of the early Baja 1000s. The new version revs up in Ensenada, then courses down the peninsula before concluding in Los Cabos, where it is celebrated with a huge after-party and awards ceremony.

Swim with Whale Sharks Season – August to May

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, reaching up to 40 feet in length, and weighing as much as 47,000 pounds. There is no risk in swimming with these gentle giants, however, since they subsist solely on plankton. Baja California Sur’s capital city of La Paz is the premier place to indulge in this interactive and unforgettable wildlife adventure, with the majority of swim tours occurring near the tip of the El Mogote peninsula. Complimentary round-trip transportation from Los Cabos is provided by several respected activities providers.

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: Festival Sabores de Baja

Upcoming Events Calendar

April

Festival Sabores de Baja – Apr. 3

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

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

End of Whale Watching Season – Apr. 15

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6

May

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 5, 12, 19, 26

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

June

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing – Jun. 2 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 22 – 26

July

East Cape Dorado Shoot Out  – Jul. 16

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament – Jul. 20 – 24

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Aug. 1 – 6

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 2 – 6

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot – Aug. 20

September

Mexican Independence Day –  Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 16 – 20

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 20 – 23

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 25 – 29

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 2 – 5

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

Todos Santos Film Festival – Nov. 3 – 8

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Day – Dec. 12

Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing to Kick Off Summer Fishing Season in Los Cabos

March 22, 2022 by Leave a Comment

It’s official. We’re now just a little more than two months away from the start of fishing tournament season in Los Cabos, as the summer slate of events kicks off June 2 – 5 with the Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing.

It’s great news for fishermen and fisherwomen, as well as for those who simply love Los Cabos.  After two record breaking years of fishing tournaments, excitement is at an all-time high for 2022. Bisbee’s trio of tournaments offered a combined 13.2 million in prize money last year, breaking all the records previously set in 2020. It’s expected records for attendance and payouts in these and other tournaments will be broken again this year.

And it all starts with the estimated $500,000 on the line for the 8th Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament in Cabo San Lucas. Fifty teams and 213 anglers competed in 2021, with Team Laguna Madre taking first place in the billfish division, breaking the tournament record for prize money in the process, with a winner’s share of $131,000 out of the combined half a million dollar prize pool. Over 140 billfish were documented during the course of last year’s tournament.

So those are numbers to beat in 2022, and the rules remain the same. There are two categories: billfish and gamefish. Species eligible in the former category include blue, black and striped marlin, as well as sailfish, spearfish and swordfish. Of these, blue marlin, black marlin and swordfish are the most valuable, counting 300 points per properly documented catch and release. Striped marlin, sailfish and spearfish count 100 points each. Documentation is done via video evidence and radio verification.

Game fish like tuna, dorado and wahoo, meanwhile, are assigned points at the rate of one point per pound. A 30 lb. wahoo, for example, is worth 30 points.

There are four divisions for daily jackpots. Billfish jackpots are paid out according to the most billfish release points each day, while tuna, dorado and wahoo jackpots are paid out based on the single heaviest fish caught of each species, each day.

We mentioned fishermen and fisherwomen earlier and this was not mere political correctness. A future sport fishing superstar, 8-year-old Evelyn Schultz from Detroit, boated a 30.2 lb. yellowfin tuna solo to win a daily jackpot in the 2019 event; and Kim Bullman’s performance in 2021 was even more impressive. She took home the awards for Top Female and Top Overall Angler, helping to propel Team Laguna Madre to their first place finish by accounting for 800 of their 1300 points.

Both the kick-off party and the post-tournament awards ceremony this year will be held at Baja Cantina on the Marina, also the headquarters for Bisbee’s fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas. Registration for the event is open now, and will remain open until June 10th, the day before fishing officially begins. Base entry is $3,500 per team (up to six anglers), with $72,500 across-the-board for all jackpots and challenges. Prize money is tied to the number of teams entered, of course, but a reasonable expectation relative to 2021 puts the estimate in the 500,000 overall range for this year’s Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament.

Tournament sponsor Pelagic Gear is, as most of our readers probably know, a Newport Beach based company that’s one of the world’s leaders when it comes to lifestyle apparel and high-performance gear associated with watersports like fishing, boating, diving and surfing.

In addition to their Cabo San Lucas based tournament, Pelagic also hosts fishing tournaments in Palm Beach, Florida (Pelagic Shamrock Shootout), Costa Rica (Blue Marlin Classic), Puerto Rico (Rockstar Puerto Rico), and San Diego, California (Pelagic California Tuna Challenge).

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: Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing

Upcoming Events Calendar

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

Cheese and Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – Mar. 12

April

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

End of Whale Watching Season – Apr. 15

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6

May

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 5, 12, 19, 26

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

June

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing – Jun. 2 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 22 – 26

July

East Cape Dorado Shoot Out  – Jul. 16

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament – Jul. 20 – 24

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Aug. 1 – 6

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 2 – 6

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot – Aug. 20

 September

Mexican Independence Day –  Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 16 – 20

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 20 – 23

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 25 – 29

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Virgin of Guadalupe Day – Dec. 12

Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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Los Cabos by the Numbers:  Tourism Statistics and Projections for 2021 – 2022 Continue Positive Upsurge

November 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Statistics don’t always reveal a complete picture, but when you put enough of them together over a larger sample size they do tell a compelling story.

In this case, the story of a destination: Los Cabos.

Based on the latest statistics, for example, it is now quite clear that Los Cabos has achieved a nearly complete recovery of pre-pandemic tourism, in some cases even surpassing numbers from 2019. This despite the fact that tourism numbers for Mexico have been down overall.

And the best part is…there’s still a lot of room to grow. While U.S. tourists have returned to sunny Los Cabos in droves, Canadian tourists have been largely absent since early 2020 due to stricter travel regulations and reduced or suspended flights. However, that’s now changing as flights resume and regulations relax. Flights from Edmonton and Toronto to Los Cabos over the next six months are both expected to exceed 2019 levels.

Cruise ships have also been absent…at least until recently. After a lengthy suspension of service following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, cruise ships have now resumed visits to Los Cabos, opening up (or, if you prefer, reopening) another important tourism sector for the destination moving forward.

With this in mind, here are some of the most recent (and most interesting) statistics released by the Los Cabos Tourism Board…

National Travel Numbers for Mexico

  • In Aug. 2021, 2.77 million international tourists arrived in the country (18% fewer than in Aug. 2019). 52% were inbound tourists.
  • In Aug. 2021, the total number of inbound tourists decreased by 29% compared to the previous month.
  • There is an 18% decrease in the total number of inbound tourists compared to Aug. 2019.
  • 85% arrived by air, and 15% did so by land

Travel Numbers for Los Cabos

  • In Aug. 2021, Los Cabos International Airport recorded the arrival of 136,654 international tourists, up 16.2% compared to Aug. 2019. American tourists represent 99.4% of the total.

Passenger Arrivals in Los Cabos

  • In Sep. 2021, Los Cabos International Airport recorded a 30.3% (+47.3 thousand) increase in the total number of passengers arriving at the destination compared to Sep. 2019.
  • Passengers on domestic flights (85.7 thousand) represent 42.1% of total arrivals. These increased by 19.4% (+13.9 thousand vs. Sep. 2019).
  • Passengers on international flights (117.75 thousand) represent 57.9% of total arrivals. These increased by 39.6% (+33.4 thousand vs. Sep. 2019).

Domestic Air Connectivity to Los Cabos

  • There are 721.6 thousand seats scheduled for the next 6 months, 42.6% more compared to the same period in 2019.
  • However, when comparing the seats scheduled for the next 6 months against the 2020 schedule (pandemic), the volume of programmed seats is 47.6% higher.
  • There are 31.7% more available seats expected for Oct. 2021 than those scheduled for Oct. 2019.
  • Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana are the most relevant issuing markets, having 48%, 13%, and 20% of total available seats (for the next 6 months), followed by Monterrey (9%), Culiacan (7%), Leon (2%), and Hermosillo (1%).
  • Seats from Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tijuana increased by 43%, 9.9%, and 176.5%, respectively (when compared against 2019).
  • For the next 6 months, 51% of the available seats will be provided by Volaris, followed by Viva Aerobus with 33% and Aeromexico with 16%. Interjet has dropped to 0%.

International Air Connectivity to Los Cabos

  • For the U.S., there are 1.37 million seats scheduled to Los Cabos in the next six months, which is 39.1% more seats compared to the same period in 2019.
  • For Oct. 2021, the United States expects 55% more available seats than those scheduled for 2019.
  • Los Angeles (+69.4%), Phoenix (+46%), Houston (+19.4%), Dallas-Fort Worth (+32.6%), Denver (+81.2%), and Seattle (+28.3%) had the most significant increase vs. 2019.
  • However, when comparing the seats scheduled for the next 6 months against the 2020 schedule (pandemic), the volume of programmed seats is 40.5% higher.
  • Los Angeles is the main issuing market in the U.S. (20% of the market), followed by Dallas-Fort Worth (11%), Houston (10%), and Phoenix (9%).
  • American, Alaska, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines are the most relevant (91% as a whole).
  • When comparing the seats scheduled for the next 6 months against the 2020 schedule (pandemic), the volume of programmed seats is 15.6% higher.

Yacht Activity in Los Cabos

  • 42 yachts arrived at the Port of Cabo San Lucas in Sep. 2021. This represents an increase of 31.3% over the same period in 2019 but a 6.7% decrease compared to 2020.
  • 71% were medium-sized vessels that measured between 50 and 80 feet in length. This vessel size proportion is the highest recorded since 2019.

Cruise Ship Activity in Los Cabos

  • In Aug. 2021, cruises resumed operations in the port of Cabo San Lucas, which recorded the arrival of 1 vessel (Carnival Panorama) with 2,780 passengers.
  • Since then, several major cruise ships have resumed regular service to Los Cabos, including Carnival Miracle and Carnival Panorama; Ruby Princess, Grand Princess and Majestic Princess (Princess Cruise Lines); Norwegian Bliss (Norwegian Cruise Lines); Viking Orion (Viking Cruises); Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean); and MS Koningsdam (Holland America Line).
  • Over the 38 days remaining in 2021, there are 16 cruise ship visits scheduled in Los Cabos.

Tourist Surveys for Los Cabos Visitors

  • In Sep. 2021, 64% of tourists rated their experience in Los Cabos as better than expected.
  • The number of tourists who visited restaurants increased by 77%.

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:  Mexico Daily Post

Upcoming Events Calendar

November

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13

Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6

Life Luxe Los Cabos Jazz Festival – Nov. 4 – 8

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 10 – 17

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Nov. 26 – 27

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Sabor a Cabo Rural – Dec. 5

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Dec. 9 – 10

El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season in Los Cabos – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Taco Fest 2021 at Casa Dorada – Dec. 17

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada – Dec. 31

January 2022

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13

Tropic of Cancer Music Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 12 – 16

February 2022

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March 2022

Fiestas Tradicionales in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Not Yet Announced

April 2022

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

May 2022

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

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Leisure Plus Luxury: 3 Tips for Planning the Perfect Los Cabos Golf Vacation

February 16, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Over the course of a little more than 30 years, Los Cabos has become one of the world’s greatest golf destinations, boasting no less than 18 first-class courses from a who’s who of legendary players and designers, including Jack Nicklaus, who has designed six of them, and Tiger Woods, who is currently working on his third.

It’s not just the designers who are remarkable, however, but the settings. Nearly every course features spectacular ocean views, and many layouts wind through desert or dunes, and offer backdrops of rugged mountains, before the inevitable jaw-dropping crescendo of crashing waves (Pacific Ocean side), or idyllic palm-framed greens against a serene sea (Sea of Cortez side), with the postcard perfection of each only magnified by passing pleasure yachts and seasonally breaching whales.

It’s a place, in other words, that every destination golfer must visit at least once.

That said, it’s not the kind of golf destination where you just grab your clubs and head for the nearest airport or private jet FBO.

A little planning is in order if you want to optimize and maximize your time – on and off the course – in this sun-kissed paradise along the southernmost rim of the Baja California peninsula.

With that in mind, here are three simple tips for planning the perfect Los Cabos golf vacation.

Pick Out the Courses You Want to Play Beforehand

The 18 currently operating courses in Los Cabos (yes, more are on the way!) fall into three broad categories: public, private, and playable with some restrictions.

In the first category are the courses at Cabo Real, Cabo San Lucas Country Club, Campestre, Palmilla, Puerto Los Cabos, and Vidanta at Grand Mayan. All are open to the public and playable without any restrictions.

In the second category are Querencia and El Dorado. If you are not a property owner at one of these developments, or friends with one, these course are inaccessible.

The largest category by far, however, is the third: courses playable with some restrictions. This group includes Diamante’s Dunes Course, ranked among the world’s 100 best, as well as Tiger Woods’ El Cardonal and Oasis Short Course. It also includes Quivira Golf Club, Jack Nicklaus’ latest local masterpiece, Tom Fazio’s Chileno Bay Golf Club, the Greg Norman designed Rancho San Lucas, Fred Couples’ Twin Dolphin, the Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf designed courses at Cabo del Sol, and the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Costa Palmas Golf Club.

By restrictions, what we mean is that tee times are reserved for those at select resorts, residential and rental properties. But trust us: if you really want to play any of these superb courses, you most definitely can.

We should also add, this being 2021, that Los Cabos as a destination has been committed to maximum safety since the start of the pandemic last year, a commitment also shared by local golf courses. Golf as a pastime is perfect for the age of social distancing, but even so, courses have gone the extra distance to ensure players feel safe, and are safe at all times.

Find a Luxury Villa or Home Rental Close to Your Favorite Courses

Once you’ve picked out a course or two (or three) where you want to play most often during your Los Cabos vacation, the smart move is to find a villa or home rental that is conveniently close.

Luxury villas and beach or course adjacent rentals are, of course, the preferred option for destination golfers, especially when traveling in groups.

There are several reasons for this, of course; one being privacy, two being safety, three being luxury. As long as you’re paying to play some of the world’s best courses, after all, why not stay at one of the region’s most remarkable properties?

We might also add a fourth, since for small groups and those planning extended stays home rentals are not only more luxurious than local luxury resorts, but quite often more affordable as well.

Luckily, there is no shortage of jaw-dropping rentals available, from villas hugging the hillside cliffs in the exclusive Cabo San Lucas enclave of Pedregal to beachfront homes all along the coast, each filled with a unique mix of luxe amenities.

And of course top rentals offer round-the-clock concierge service, with easy access to everything from private chefs and sommeliers to mobile massage and spa services.

Blend in the Perfect Mix of Wining, Dining & Pampering Amenities

Play golf by day, but at night? Just play. That’s the motto of destination golfers everywhere, and naturally Los Cabos offers plenty of tempting options along these lines, from restaurants featuring top chefs and extensive wine lists to pampering spas where couples can relax together in total comfort and privacy.

And of course, as you may have heard, Los Cabos also has more than a few beautiful beaches.

Need more details? All you have to do is ask.

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 Golf Club

Upcoming Events Calendar

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop (Virtual Session) – Jan. 31 – Feb. 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) – Feb. 5

Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14

Día de la Bandera Mexicana (Flag Day) –  Feb. 24

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 18 – 21

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 21

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race – Apr. 23 – 26

NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally Road Race – Apr. 23 – 30

May

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

June

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Jun. 3 -7

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

WON Tuna Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Nov. 3 – 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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Off-Road Nirvana: The Happiest Race on Earth Returns!

February 9, 2021 by Leave a Comment

The trinity of Los Cabos sports is golf, fishing and off-road racing, and by no means in that order. For decades fishing and off-road racing led the way in terms of high profile events, and even now, the premier events in those sports draw more local interest than any other.

Luckily, with their built-in social distancing component, all three sports have not only survived but thrived despite the pandemic of the past year. Fishing tournaments across the board saw not only record participation, but record payouts in 2020. Golf tournaments have consistently teed off on-time and on-schedule into 2021. And of the two biggest off-road races on the Baja California peninsula, the SCORE Baja 1000 had another successful running in November 2020, and the NORRA Mexican 1000 is primed to return this spring, April 23 – 30, 2021.

If the latter two events sound similar to those unfamiliar with the region’s vibrant off-road racing scene, that’s because their histories are forever intertwined.

When the now legendary off-road endurance race premiered in 1967–as a race from Tijuana to La Paz–it was under the auspices of the National Off-Road Racing Association, formed the year before by a group of racing enthusiasts led by Ed Pearlman and Don Francisco. It was Francisco, a veteran of the Carrera Panamericana, that flew all around Baja to chart a viable course for the first race, Pearlman who handled press and promotion. That was the beginning of the Baja 1000.

NORRA backed out of the race following the OPEC Oil Crisis in 1973, and there was no race at all in 1974. In 1975, eager to continue the tradition, Baja California governor Milton Castellanos convinced promoter Mickey Thompson and his SCORE (Southern California Off-Road Enterprises) organization to take over the race, which they did in 1975. The Baja 1000 has been run under the SCORE banner ever since.

But it was the first few years under NORRA that set the standard for modern Baja style off-road racing, and drew famous contestants like Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones, as well as Hollywood movie stars like James Garner and Steve McQueen.

In order to honor that heritage, NORRA restarted the Mexican 1000 in 2010 as a fun, vintage-style rally race. Dubbed “The Happiest Race on Earth,” the current version of the Mexican 1000 features a mix of restored motorcycles, cars and trucks from the glory era of the Baja 1000, as well as modern desert rally cars. Classes are divided by eras to keep it fun and competitive for all, with high-speed off-road stages linked by controlled-speed highway portions.

Best of all for lovers of Los Cabos, the race course stays the same each year, starting in Ensenada and finishing with an awards ceremony and finish line fiesta beachside in San Jose del Cabo. Contrast that with the Baja 1000, which changes its course from year to year and has finished in Los Cabos only twice, and it’s clear which event offers the most potential for not only racing thrills, but Los Cabos style fun and sun after the race is over.

How’s this for a sporting recipe? Spend the better part of a week racing the rugged, picturesque length of the Baja California peninsula, then as many days as you like relaxing and enjoying Los Cabos’ unmatched brand of laid-back luxury.

No wonder they call it “The Happiest Race on Earth.”

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:  NORRA Mexican 1000

Upcoming Events Calendar

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop (Virtual Session) – Jan. 31 – Feb. 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) – Feb. 5

Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14

Día de la Bandera Mexicana (Flag Day) –  Feb. 24

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 18 – 21

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 21

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race – Apr. 23 – 26

NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally Road Race – Apr. 23 – 30

May

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

June

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Jun. 3 -7

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

WON Tuna Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Nov. 3 – 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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The Legacy of Baja’s Off-Road Past Lives on in the NORRA Mexican 1000

February 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos has been consciously rebranded as a luxury destination in recent years, welcoming iconic luxury brands like Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Nobu, and increasingly spotlighting its wealth of pampering spas, championship golf courses and world-class cuisine.

That’s the Los Cabos of today, a place of both beautiful beaches and exclusive high-end amenities.

But as anyone who is a long-time visitor to the area can attest, it wasn’t always this way.

During the 1960s and 1970s, when cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo were developing as tourist destinations, there were very few resorts in the region and a limited array of amenities. The peninsular highway connecting Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas wasn’t completed until 1973; the Cabo San Lucas Marina wasn’t finished until the early 1980s; and the first 18-hole golf courses didn’t appear until Jack Nicklaus arrived on the scene in the early 1990s.

It was still a spectacular destination, mind you, but one marked by a more rugged beauty and a more rugged disposition. Back then, people typically came to Los Cabos (a name that wasn’t even invented until 1981) for one of two reasons: to fish or to race.

Well, there was actually a third. Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Bing Crosby used to fly into nearby Santiago to go white-winged dove hunting. But mainly there was fishing and there was off-road racing. People came to the region to bag a marlin or to test their nerves in one of the most challenging races on the planet. The latter would be the famed Baja 1000, which for over 50 years now has been the standard bearer for its sport.

The roots of this legendary race are important because there are now two 1000 mile races that take place each year in Baja, the second being the NORRA Mexican 1000. It’s held every April while the SCORE Baja 1000 is always run in November.

NORRA and SCORE. Those are the two signature off-road sanctioning bodies in Baja and their history is a fascinating one, because at varying times both have been associated with the Baja 1000.

Here’s how it happened:

When Baja’s off-road endurance challenge premiered in 1967–as a race from Tijuana to La Paz–it was under the auspices of the National Off-Road Racing Association, formed the year before by a group of racing enthusiasts led by Ed Pearlman and Don Francisco. It was Francisco, a veteran of the Carrera Panamericana, that flew all around Baja to chart a viable course for the first race, Pearlman who handled press and promotion. This was the beginning of the Baja 1000.

NORRA backed out of the race following the OPEC Oil Crisis in 1973, and there was no race at all in 1974. In 1975, eager to continue the tradition, Baja California governor Milton Castellanos convinced promoter Mickey Thompson and his SCORE (Southern California Off-Road Enterprises) organization to take over the race, which they did in 1975. The Baja 1000 has been run under the SCORE banner ever since.

But it was the first few years under NORRA that set the standard for modern off-road racing, and drew celebrity contestants like Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones, as well as Hollywood movie stars like James Garner and Steve McQueen.

In order to honor that heritage, NORRA restarted the Mexican 1000 in 2010 as a fun, vintage-style rally race. Dubbed “The Happiest Race on Earth,” the current version of the Mexican 1000 features a mix of restored motorcycles, cars and trucks from the glory era of the Baja 1000, as well as modern desert rally cars. Classes are divided by eras to keep it fun and competitive for all, with high-speed off-road stages linked by controlled-speed highway portions.

There are eight technology eras or classes for this year’s race, for instance, including Pioneer (1967 – 1975), Legend (1976 – 1982), Challenger (1983 – 1988), Vintage (1989 – 1997), Historic (older than 1997) and Evolution (modern vehicles), as well as motorcycles/ATVs and modified stock vehicles.

The 11th edition of the NORRA Mexican 1000 will take place April 17th to the 24th, with a traditional race course that starts in Ensenada and then winds down the peninsula through San Felipe, Guerrero Negro, Bahia de Los Angeles, Loreto, and La Paz before concluding with a finish line fiesta and awards ceremony in San Jose del Cabo.

But don’t let that 11 fool you. NORRA has been a force in Baja off-road racing for well over 50 years.

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:  NORRA Mexican 1000

Upcoming Events Calendar

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9

Los Cabos Half Marathon – Feb. 9

Biker Week Los Cabos – Feb. 13 – 17

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Feb. 14 – 15

Rock Fest in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 15

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25

March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Baja Shakespeare Festival – Mar. 6 – 8, 11 – 14

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Mar. 8

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 15

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 26 – 29

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Semana Santa – Apr. 5 – 11

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 17 – 24

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – April 30 – May 3

Gala de Danza at Viceroy Los Cabos – Dates Not Yet Announced

May

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – April 30 – May 3

485th Foundation Festival in La Paz – May 3 – 5

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

El Dia de la Madre – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

White Party at ME Cabo/Blue Marlin Ibiza – Date Not Yet Announced

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 4, 11, 18, 25

7th Cabo Summer Slam/Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament – June 11 – 13

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Dates Not Yet Announced

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – Date Not Yet Announced

24th Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – June 24 – 28

July

Pitahayas Harvest Fair in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 20 – 25

Mango Festival in Todos Santos – Dates Not Yet Announced

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 4 – 8

 

 

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Fishing Takes Center Stage: October Events in Los Cabos

October 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment

October is a big month in Los Cabos. Not only does it signal the traditional start of high-tourist season, but the start of high fishing season as well. Three of Cabo San Lucas’ biggest fishing tournaments take place in October, including the biggest of them all: Bisbee’s Black & Blue. High stakes and huge payouts are the norm in October, a tradition that also can be seen on Los Cabos’ picturesque East Cape, which is home to a high-powered tuna shootout.

Cabo San Lucas also hosts visitors from around the globe in October for Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina. The Red Rocker is the celebrity most associated with the Land’s End city, but many more join him for this annual series of concerts at the iconic downtown nightclub.

Sammy Hagar’s 72nd Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

Every year since 1990, loyal “Redheads” from around the world have flocked to Cabo San Lucas for Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina. In 2019, the former Van Halen and Montrose celebrates his 72nd year on the planet with an all-star cast of visiting musicians, including The Circle members Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson. Shows are scheduled for October 9, 11 and 13. General admission tickets are available to winners of a random drawing, but those who aren’t selected will still have an opportunity to attend. Some dinner show tickets will be made available in early October on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Just as September is El Mes de la Patria, the “the country’s month,” in México, October is the month of the fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas. Bisbee’s two cash-rich tournaments–the Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue–get most of the publicity, but the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament also sends out a siren call to big-game fishermen eager for big-money prizes and jackpots. The three tournaments combined last year to pay out over $5,500,925. The 21st annual LCBT has three entry levels: a $5,000 base entry for each 6-person team; daily jackpots for the largest tuna, wahoo and dorado; and daily billfish release jackpots. Optional marlin only jackpots are available to teams that paid base entry (this year with two levels). Registration and the post-tournament gala awards ceremony will both be hosted by Playa Grande, a Solmar Group resort.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – October 17 – 20

Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue. That said, The LCO joined rarified company last year when its overall payouts exceeded one million dollars ($1,165,000 to be exact), making it one of the very few tournaments ever to reach that elite benchmark. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, with thousands of meals donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $17,000 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 22 – 26

Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. The $4,165, overall payout in 2006 was and still is the largest in sportfishing history, although last year’s winners took home a more than respectable $3,004,900 out of an available purse of 3,693,625. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.).

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shootout – Oct. 26

One-day fishing shootouts are a tradition on the East Cape, at least where Van Wormer Resorts are concerned. Van Wormer hosts a dorado shootout each July in which the winner takes home a new car (or in 2019, a Volkswagen Amarok pickup track). The winners of the October tuna shootout, the 7th edition of which takes place Oct. 26, won’t get anything nearly as flashy as that. Just cold hard cash. The largest tuna caught on the day in question will earn one lucky team of anglers approximately $35,000. Base entry is only $500 and in addition to participation covers dinner at the awards ceremony at Hotel Palmas de Cortez in Los Barriles. Second and third place will also share in the over $100,000 in total payouts, with jackpots and raffle and drawing prizes also up for grabs.

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:  Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

Upcoming Events Calendar

October

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

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Traditional Fiestas in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

Los Cabos Tattoo Fest – Oct. 25 – 27

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shoot Out – Oct. 26

Halloween – Oct 31

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 1 – 2

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 Half-Triathlon – Nov. 3

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

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

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 13 – 17

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26

Dressed to the K9s Charity Gala – Date Not Yet Announced

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 12 – 16

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 15 – 19

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Dates Not Yet Announced

21st Annual Baja Hog Rally – Dates Not Yet Announced

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25

 

 

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Los Cabos Summer Fishing Tournament Season Heating Up for 2019

February 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Every fisherman worth his salt knows about the big-money fishing tournaments that take place every October in Cabo San Lucas, headlined by the big daddy of them all, the millionaire making Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament

But the tournament season actually starts a little earlier in Los Cabos, and those who venture down for summer fishing and fun in the sun will find plenty of big-game action, as well as plenty of cash on the line for winning catches.

Here’s are five of the biggest tournaments on tap for Summer 2019 in Los Cabos:

6th Annual Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament/Cabo Summer Slam – June 6 – 8

 Much of the summer tournament action is centered around the Los Cabos municipality’s beautiful, less developed East Cape, but Cabo San Lucas is always a focal point when it comes to the biggest sponsors and most lucrative payouts. That’s certainly true of what qualifies as the first major tournament of the 2019 season, the Cabo Summer Slam, AKA the Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing.

Pelagic, a Newport Beach based company, is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to lifestyle apparel and high-performance gear associated with watersports like fishing, boating, diving and surfing. So it’ll come as no surprise that the Cabo Summer Slam offers some high stakes prizes and jackpots. Over $200,000 is expected to be on the line for the 6th annual tournament in 2019–slated for June 6th to 8th–meaning it’s the biggest Cabo San Lucas based tournament until Bisbee’s big money competitions in October. Last year, Team Tejas took top honors by boating an incredible 25 marlin over two days of competition.

23rd Annual Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

During the 20+ years of its existence, the annual Stars and Stripes’ golf and fishing tournament has raised over 26 million dollars for youth focused charities. But it’s not simply a tournament or a charity benefit…more like a complete lifestyle experience. Participants stay at the luxurious Hilton Los Cabos; go big-game sportfishing for dorado, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, swordfish, and black, blue and striped marlin; play golf at some of the world’s best golf courses; and enjoy spectacular live entertainment nightly (Sammy Hagar headlined in 2015).

15th Annual East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 20

This is one of the largest fishing tournaments in Southern Baja, with an average turnout of 130 teams each year. What makes it so popular? The opportunity to win a brand new, fully-loaded 2019 Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck, of course. The rules are simple, catch the biggest dorado on July 20th and you win the truck. There will also be great prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, as well as for the largest tuna and largest wahoo caught that day. The beauty of this one-day tournament format is that anyone can win. After the tournament, Palmas De Cortez in Los Barriles will host the award ceremony, which is unlike any in Baja, with dinner, music, and an estimated $30,000 in raffle items given away.

20th Annual Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 1 – 4

The East Cape Offshore is the first of three Bisbee’s fishing tournaments that take place in Baja California Sur each year. The ECO is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2019 series starting August 1st. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories, with the awards celebration taking place afterwards at the Hotel Buena Vista. Base entry for the event is $1500 per team, with additional fees for daily jackpots. Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers.

3rd Annual East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Tournament – August 24

Similar to the East Cape Dorado Shootout with its drive-away first prize, the biggest wahoo caught on August 24th will earn one lucky fisherman a showroom fresh 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. In total, over $100,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs, including great raffle prizes, return trips, fishing, and much more. The entry fee is only $500 per team and includes dinner at the awards ceremony.

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:  Pelagic Gear

Upcoming Event Calendar

February

20th Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

Wags & Whiskers BBQ, Adoption Fair and Pet Show – March 10

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – March 16

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 21 – 24

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – March 31

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

Los Cabos Jazz Festival at Hard Rock Hotel – April 25 – 28

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

La Paz Foundation Festival – Dates Yet to be Determined

El Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

 June

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

Cabo Summer Slam Fishing Tournament – June 6 – 8

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 16

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

 July

Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – Dates Yet to be Determined

East Cape Dorado Shoot Out – July 20

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

August

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament – Aug. 1 – 4

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot –Aug. 24

Mango Festival in Todos Santos – Dates Yet to be Determined

 September

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

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shoot Out – Oct. 26

November

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

 December

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

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Blue Notes on Golden Shores – Los Cabos Jazz Festival to Debut at Newly Opened Hard Rock Hotel

January 23, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos will never become as synonymous with jazz as New Orleans, which after all is its birthplace, but it won’t be for lack of trying. Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are now home to no less than three dedicated jazz festivals.

There’s the Jazz Weekend in San Jose del Cabo, which will celebrate its 7th edition at Plaza del Pescador on Feb. 15th and 16th, 2019; there’s the Life Luxe Jazz Experience Los Cabos, which premiered last November at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica on the Pacific Coast north of San Lucas, and has already committed to return in 2019; and there’s the newly minted Los Cabos Jazz Festival, which will help to inaugurate the newly minted Hard Rock Hotel in Cabo San Lucas on April 25th to 28th, 2019.

The baby of the bunch, the Los Cabos Jazz Festival, is the brainchild of noted jazz saxophonist and festival organizer Warren Hill. Originally from Toronto, Hill has charted several smooth jazz hits over the years. Nowadays, however, he is probably best known for Music Getaways, an event company he started that specializes in destination based music festivals. It was Hill and Music Getaways that started the now iconic Cancun Jazz Festival, a success he’s seeking to replicate in Los Cabos.

Based on the line-up that’s already been announced, success seems all but assured. Joining Hill on the festival bill are Boney James, Jeffrey Osborne, Jonathon Butler, Damien Escobar, West Coast Jam (featuring Richard Elliot, Peter White and DW3), Sax to the Max (featuring Michael Lington, Vincent Ingala and Paul Taylor), and many other notable artists.

Jazz is the headliner, but far from the only attraction. The new Hard Rock Hotel has been a long awaited addition to the upscale Diamante development, a beachfront oasis on the Pacific Coast that boasts championship level golf course designs from major champions Tiger Woods and Davis Love III.

Woods actually has designed two courses at Diamante–the parkland style El Cardonal and Oasis Short Course–with another on the way. The unquestioned star of the onsite golf slate, though, is Love’s majestic links-style Dunes Course. One of three Los Cabos courses currently ranked among the top 100 on the planet, Dunes holds the highest rating ever for a local loop. GOLF Magazine had it ranked 36th best in the world for 2018, while Golf Digest placed it at a more modest but still spectacular 47th.

The Hard Rock Hotel itself is a 639-room property with amenities that include five swim-up bars, six pools, eight restaurants and three lounges. The hotel officially opens in May 2019, but will welcome guests early for Los Cabos’ newest jazz focused celebration. More upscale attendees, however, may prefer to make reservations at one of the Land’s End area’s many breathtaking appointed and scenically situated luxury villas.

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:  Craig ONeal

Upcoming Event Calendar

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

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Feb. 15 – 16

20th Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – Dates Yet to Be Determined

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

Los Cabos Jazz Festival at Hard Rock Hotel – April 25 – 28

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Yet to Be Determined

 May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

La Paz Foundation Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

El Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

 June

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

Cabo Summer Slam Fishing Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 16

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

 July

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

August

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament – Aug. 1 – 4

 September

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

 October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

November

21s WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

 December

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

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