Ask any yacht captain in Baja California Sur what they love about the region, and you’ll probably get a long list. They’ll describe near-perfect weather, and friendly locals. And a serenity that can’t be found in the more touristy cities that cater to Spring Breakers. Making East Cape is an unspoiled paradise, especially for those who appreciate a life of luxury.
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1) Sizable, full-service marinas (yachts and sailboats on display)
As anyone who has traveled by yacht can tell you, not all ports are equal. Some are limited by their size, while others fall short on amenities. But because the East Cape caters to an elite community, there are several sizable, full-service marinas available to residents and visitors.
Costa Palmas, for example, welcomes sailboats and yachts up to 250 feet long. Offering a dry stack system, power, water, ice, wifi, and tailored provisioning, yacht captains can moor in a private or semi-private slip. Adjacent to private docks, you’ll find residences that feature their own captain’s quarters.
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2) Marina Village
Just steps from the docks at Costa Palmas is Marina Village, a quaint but upscale waterfront gathering space to shop, dine, and socialize. Stock up on curated apparel, homemade foods, and artisan gifts before heading to your suite or residence, or grab those forgotten essentials before setting sail again.
Marina Village is perfect for unwinding with friends and family. With comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, including fire pits. And with epic views of the sea, sun, and stars.
When everyone’s ready to eat, head to Mozza Baja, a world-renowned restaurant from James Beard Foundation Award winner Nancy Silverton that features a wood-fired pizza oven.
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3) Fishing and marine life
Even the most experienced sea captains still get excited spotting whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, and the East Cape is known for both.
Fishing, too, is a focal point for both residents and visitors to the reason, with more than 900 species thriving in the depths. The world-class fishing locale hosts some of the most popular sport fishing tournaments, world-wide. Offering up everything from dorado, grouper, and snapper to blue and black marlin, amberjack, and yellowfin tuna.
Regardless of the time you’ve got to fish yourself, you’re sure to dine on some of the freshest seafood in the world when you’re in the East Cape.
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4) Recreational opportunities
There’s much to be done to keep a yacht functioning at peak performance. And a day off is all the sweeter for yacht captains and their crew members. A prime time for activities in the East Cape are ripe for the picking.
Sure, there are plenty of opportunities for jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. But resting your sea legs often calls for something more land-based. There are mountains, desert dunes, coastlines, and remote waterfalls to explore. It’s only a matter of choosing your means of transportation!
Local guides are available for booking excursions by horse, camel, ATV, dune buggy, or jeep. With packages that can be customized to include everything; from ziplining across caverns, to touring organic orchards and working farms.
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5) Sustainability
Anyone who spends a large majority of time on the ocean knows how vital it is to act as good stewards of the planet. The East Cape prides itself on being a pristine community, focusing on sustainability through multiple approaches and initiatives.
You’ll find advancements in green transportation technology, such as electric vehicles. Other initiatives include parterships with sustainable boating tourism operators, preservation programs, organic farm-to-table dining, and wildlife rescue programs. As well as renewable energy projects, recycling, and a ban on single-use plastics like straws and bags.
Ask any yacht captain who’s been to the East Cape about Cabo Pulmo National Park. One of the longest-lived coral reef ecosystems in the American Pacific, with an estimated age of 20,000 years. The National Marine Park is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Dubbed “The Aquarium of the World,” it represents one of the most impressive achievements in ocean conservation.
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6) Shopping
Who doesn’t love shopping? Whether it’s that perfect gift for someone back home, curated art for that space over your fireplace, or a handcrafted belt to accessorize your wardrobe, the East Cape is brimming with unique finds.
Looking for a local food specialty? Pick up some Mexican chocolate, coffee, or cinnamon. There are also regional tequilas, hot sauces, fresh and dried chiles fresh tortillas and salsa.
Prefer a non-food item that you can give someone special? Head to a town market or artisan shops for cigars. Or peruse turquoise jewelry, decorative beaded Huichol skulls, hand-fired ceramics, leather handbags, and linen apparel.
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7) World-class dining
One of the most rewarding experiences of world travel is being able to sample local fare. Thanks to the chefs who have flocked to the region, the East Cape has become a mecca for epicureans. Creating dining experiences with unparalleled flavor, freshness, and ambiance.
Menus incorporate the best of Mexico’s land and sea offerings to create one-of-a-kind fusion. Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Peru, and Korea. Enjoy cuisine designed to appeal to the most discerning palates.
Bite into fresh tuna sushi with organic avocado, mango, and green curry or soft-shell crab sauteed with serrano chile. Or treat your tastebuds to a fried oyster burrito with mushrooms and teriyaki sauce. Or an undeniable lobster tail, broiled in a sauce made from Mexican vanilla beans.
Curious to try a specialty from an acclaimed chef? Head to Estiatorio Milos in Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. Your beachfront views will only be rivaled by the creations of chef Costa Spiliadis. Not to miss: the Milos Special—a tower of lightly fried zucchini and eggplant with kefalograviera cheese and tzatziki.
If you’re looking for your next luxury destination, take a cue from yacht captains in East Cape. They will rave about the beauty, tranquility, and offerings of the region. These experienced professionals are as worldly and well-traveled as anyone you’ll meet. And yet they never fail to be impressed by this remote paradise.