Los Cabos Beneath the Surface – 3 Unforgettable Dive Adventures

Los Cabos is beautiful no matter what your vantage, whether it’s from the window seat of an inbound airplane, from the terrace of a luxury rental villa, or from a lounge chair on a gorgeous golden sand beach.

There is another side of Los Cabos, however, and one every bit as beautiful…if not more so. That’s the side that lies just below the surface, just off the coast of the Baja California peninsula’s southernmost municipality.

Thanks to its warm tropical climate (it lies some 50 miles south of the Tropic of Cancer), Los Cabos boasts great year-round conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving. But it’s not just the conditions that make the region so special from a diving perspective. Rather, it’s the presence of world-class diving adventures, from sunken ships and living coral reefs to offshore islands whose waters teem with enormous sea creatures.

With that in mind, here are three once-in-a-lifetime diving adventures available only in (or from) Los Cabos.

Land’s End

If you know anything about Cabo San Lucas at all, you know it’s the southernmost community in Baja California Sur, and the terminus for the over 1000 miles of highway that course down the peninsula from Tijuana. The end of the road, so to speak, is Land’s End, a half-mile headland that juts out into the sea, offering protection for the bay and marking the dividing line between the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean.

Land’s End is home to some of the most famed landmarks in Los Cabos, including Lover’s Beach, the Window to the Pacific, the Pirate’s Cave, La Lobera (the sea lion colony), and El Arco; the latter a naturally occurring arch formed from 80-million-year-old granite.

But as amazing as it above the waterline, Land’s End is even more remarkable below it.

There’s a profusion of great dive sites at Land’s End, the most notable of which are Pelican Rock, Neptune’s Finger, and The Point. Each site boasts unique features, from the degree of depth to the quality and quantity of marine life. Pelican Rock, for example, is famed for its sand falls and profusion of tropical fish; Neptune’s Finger showcases coral, sponges, and sea fans; while diving The Point offers opportunities to see sea turtles, sea lions, moray eels, and even the occasional octopus.

Virtually every local dive shop offers trips to Land’s End, and many offer night diving opportunities.

Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo, a small village on the East Cape of Los Cabos, is the site of one of the world’s great ecological sustainability stories. Twenty-five years ago the offshore waters were badly overfished so residents banded together and were able to able to have them declared a federally protected national marine park (in 2005, it was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The rebound since has been so spectacular that this aquatic sanctuary now boasts the highest concentration of sea life in the entire Sea of Cortez.

But that’s not the only reason Cabo Pulmo is a mecca for snorkelers and scuba divers. The marine park is also home to one of the most breathtaking living coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere, with eight fingers of vividly colorful coral. The profusion of life is so intense, meanwhile, that schools of fish sometimes seem to blot out the little sun that filters beneath the surface.

From dolphins and sea turtles to leaping mobula rays, Cabo Pulmo is a scuba diver’s dream come true.

Revillagigedos Archipelago

Land’s End and Cabo Pulmo are easily reachable from any resort or rental villa in Los Cabos. Not so the Revillagigedos Archipelago, which is some 240 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas. Like Cabo Pulmo, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but reaching the archipelago’s group of small uninhabited islands requires a week-long, round-trip voyage aboard the Solmar V, a 112’ liveaboard dive vessel. It’s a commitment few tourists are willing to undertake.

For hard core divers, however, this is the adventure of a lifetime. The Revillagigedos (pronounced Reh-bee-uh-hee-hay-dos) are sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Mexico, with islands so remote and offshore waters so teeming with large pelagic species that divers are treated to mind-blowing spectacles of enormous sea turtles, schools of great white sharks, orcas and humpback whales, and hundreds of giant manta rays swimming together.

The waters off Socorro and Guadalupe Islands are ground zero for this bucket list adventure. We’d advise starting at Land’s End and working your way up (or in this case, down). For beginners, almost all local dive shops offer both training and PADI certifications.

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:  Cabo Adventures

Upcoming Events Calendar

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

Festival Artesanal El Triunfo – Mar. 15

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 26 – 29

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

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

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

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – June 20

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

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 26 – 27

July

Pitahayas Harvest Fair in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 18

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 20 – 25

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament in Los Barriles – July 23 – 27

Mango Festival in Todos Santos – Dates Not Yet Announced

August

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

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

Classic Rock Rules: Live Music Events in Los Cabos in 2020

Jazz has become a popular staple in Los Cabos in recent years, with two major festivals celebrating this free-flowing musical genre. The San Jose Jazz Weekend has already happened, serenading multitudes over Valentine’s Day weekend. But Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival is still to come, and is one of the most highly anticipated events on the calendar for this April.

But make no mistake. Classic rock still rules in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. This year alone, legendary acts like the Eagles, Doobie Brothers, Cheap Trick and Sammy Hagar are all scheduled to perform.

With that in mind, here’s a schedule to the biggest concerts and music festivals on tap for 2020. These are all destination events, intended as centerpiece experiences for vacations in Los Cabos.

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

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 that’s now been replicated in Los Cabos. The first festival took place last year as a sort of inauguration event for the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos. The second edition returns to the Hard Rock in 2020 with an all-star lineup that includes War, Boney James, Tommy Davidson, Sheila E, Kem, and many other notable artists.

The Eagles and The Doobie Brothers Perform on Memorial Day Weekend – May 23, 24

These concerts are a very big deal, and if you don’t understand why consider the fact that the Eagles alone have sold over 150 million albums worldwide. This is a once-in-a-lifetime destination musical getaway opportunity, with the two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted bands partnering with local luxury resorts to offer two nights of unforgettable performances to select crowds in an intimate beachfront setting.

Here are the scheduled dates and lineups:

Saturday May 23

An evening with The Doobie Brothers – Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and John McFee.

Sunday May 24

EAGLES – Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Deacon Frey and Vince Gill – performing their greatest hits.

24th Annual Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament Featuring Cheap Trick – June 24 to 28

During the 20+ years of its existence, the annual Stars and Stripes’ golf and fishing tournament has raised over 36 million dollars for youth focused charities. But it’s not simply a tournament or a charity benefit…more like a complete lifestyle experience. Participants 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. This year’s headliner is Cheap Trick, which has sold over 20 million records worldwide since its debut album in 1977. Recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, Cheap Trick brings its catalogue of hits to Cabo on Saturday, June 27th.

Sammy Hagar’s 73rd 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 2020, the former Van Halen and Montrose celebrates his 73rd year on the planet with an all-star cast of visiting musicians, including The Circle members Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson. Shows aren’t officially scheduled as yet, but traditionally take place on October 9, 11 and 13, the finale of which falls on Hagar’s actual birthday. If past form holds, general admission tickets will be available to winners of a random drawing this summer, but those who aren’t selected will still have an opportunity to attend, as some dinner show tickets will be made available in early October on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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:  Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival

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

Festival Artesanal El Triunfo – Mar. 15

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 26 – 29

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

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 – June 20

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

July

Pitahayas Harvest Fair in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 18

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 20 – 25

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament in Los Barriles – July 23 – 27

Mango Festival in Todos Santos – Dates Not Yet Announced

August

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

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

Cabo Rocks! The Best Music Festivals and Fiestas in Los Cabos

In Mexico there is always music. You hear it everywhere….not just at bars or nightclubs, but in shops and restaurants,
and in the streets from wandering mariachis.

Music is so much a part of the fabric of the Mexican experience that virtually all events can be characterized, to a greater or lesser extent, as “music festivals.”

That’s particularly true in Los Cabos. For instance….

Bisbee’s Black & Blue, the world’s richest fishing tournament, kept anglers reeling long after the final weigh-in last year thanks to a concert from David Pack’s Legends Live, a collection of musicians from some of the biggest rock bands of the 1070s and 80s.

Sabor a Cabo, the Los Cabos region’s biggest food festival, has boasted appearances from top chefs and from Mexican supergroup Mana and soul/funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire, among others.

The Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament, similarly, pairs its daytime attractions with some nighttime music from headline-grabbing rock stars like Sammy Hagar and Don Felder of The Eagles. Wherever one turns, in other words – whether to food and wine events, sporting competitions or cultural to-dos – music is there, too.

But while it’s true that every big event in Los Cabos comes complete with music, there are only a dozen or so where music is the unquestioned focus, the centerpiece attraction. Most are rooted in classic rock n’ roll, but a select few showcase other musical styles.

With that in mind, here are five of our favorites:

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina

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 2018, the former Van Halen and Montrose celebrates his 71st 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, as some dinner show tickets are always made available in early October on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series

Okay, this one isn’t actually in Los Cabos….but the peninsula’s original pueblo magico, Todos Santos, is only a one-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, and this event has some serious rock star pedigree….so we’re breaking our own rules.

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered jam culture in Todos Santos with this annual music festival, which brought in high-profile musicians for performances at the landmark Hotel California, as well as the town’s picturesque main plaza. Buck’s festival went on hiatus after he made some controversial comments about local politics at the 2016 event, but the music lives on. The freshly minted Tropic of Cancer Concert Series premiered in 2017, and returns for a third outing in 2019, with the now usual all-star lineup appearing January 10th through the 20th.

Jazz Weekend in San Jose del Cabo

This year saw the 6th edition of San José del Cabo Jazz Weekend, a festival dedicated to the freewheeling American musical style held yearly at the popular Plaza del Pescador, an outdoor mall across from San Jose del Cabo’s scenic, resort-lined Playa Hotelera. Plaza del Pescador has only been around for a few years, but has quickly established a reputation for itself as a music venue, thanks to tenants such as Jazz Tapas Café and Rock&Brews, the restaurant chain started by KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Admission is always free for this two-day music fest in February, which features a talented array of jazz musicians. Latin jazz, as might be expected, is particularly well represented.

Fiesta de la Musica

In 1981 a French director of music and culture, inspired by a statistic that claimed half the country’s children played a musical instrument, began dreaming of a way to engage this musical spirit en masse. Soon after, in 1982, the first Fete de la Musique was held in Paris, where it was scheduled to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Flash forward 36 years, and the Fete de la Musique is no longer solely a French celebration, but a worldwide phenomenon that takes place annually in over 450 cities in 12o countries around the globe. For the past 10 years, that list of cities has included San Jose del Cabo, the oldest and most populous of the two cape cities (Cabo San Lucas is the other) that comprise the modern-day municipality of Los Cabos. In San Jose, however, the celebration is known by its Spanish name, La Fiesta de la Musica.

Over the past decade, the Fiesta de la Musica has become so important and so beloved by the local community that it’s now considered the premier music festival in Los Cabos. Certainly, it’s the most robustly attended, drawing over 25,000 people annually. The 2018 edition featured more than 100 bands and musical acts performing throughout the city’s historic downtown area. Expect the number to rise in June 2019.

International Concert Music Festival in La Paz

Okay, this isn’t technically in Los Cabos either. But if you love classical music, this yearly festival in Baja California Sur’s capital city is definitely worth the two-hour road trip.

Classically trained musicians from countries around the world come together each autumn in beautiful La Paz to provide five nights of memorable music at the elegant Sala de Conciertos, a performance venue in the downtown heart of the city. Featured composers in years past – this year marks the ninth edition – have included Beethoven and Debussy.

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 Cabo Wabo Cantina.

Keywords:  music in Cabo, Cabo Wabo Cantina, Sammy Hagar, events in Cabo, concerts in Cabo, events in Baja, live music in Cabo, Los Cabos events, music in Los Cabos, concerts in Los Cabos, live music in Los Cabos, jazz in Cabo,

 

Upcoming Event Calendar

July

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

28th Annual Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – July 13 – 15

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

12th Annual Mango Festival in Todos Santos – July 15, 22, 27 – 31

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

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

 

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – February 15-16, 2015

Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are known for their rich histories and amazing cultural events. This year, for the third Jazz7time, the city of San Jose will host it’s Jazz Weekend. Last year’s festival was an astounding success, drawing musicians and fans of the genre alike. If you would like to experience the 2015 San Jose Jazz Weekend for yourself, now is the time to get tickets.

The event will be held on February 15-16, 2015, making it the ideal romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for a way to surprise your sweetie, a weekend escape to Los Cabos is the ideal choice. While you are in the area, you can partake of dinner at a world renowned restaurant, spend time on the beach, and reconnect with one another during a relaxing couples’ massage.

The Los Cabos Villas team will be happy to help you book your entire trip, including your lodgings.
We have a variety of Cabo condominiums and Cabo vacation villas available

If you’d like to learn more about what you will experience during your time at the San Jose jazz music celebration, visit www.sanjosejazzweekend.com. You’ll discover biographies of this year’s musicians, a line-up of concerts, details about sponsors, and other pertinent information. The site will make it simple for you to plan your getaway and to purchase the necessary event tickets. We look forward to seeing you in February!  Jazz14

Remember that you cannot go wrong with a winter holiday in the Los Cabos area. While much of the rest of the world is blanketed in cold, we still have sunshine and gorgeous weather for travelers to bask in. You will not be disappointed with your decision to rent a San Jose vacation home this time of year.
Come to Cabo!