If it’s your first time packing to visit East Cape of Baja California Sur in Mexico, it can be hard to know what essentials to take and what to leave behind. Of course, any well-traveled visitor knows to leave room in their luggage for souvenirs too.
Traveling to luxury resorts will leave you wanting for nothing. Other than your passport, you could arrive with little more than the clothes on your back and a credit card to purchase everything you need for a lengthy (or permanent) stay. But assuming you’re the type of person who likes to spend some time unwinding rather than rushing out to buy a new wardrobe and all your essential supplies, we do have some recommendations on what to pack.
So, what pieces are worthy of your limited space in a suitcase? Here are our top 10 must-pack items if you plan to visit East Cape.
-
-
Two swimsuits
Despite the many offerings of shopping, dining, arts, culture, and land-based exploration, you can’t visit East Cape without basking in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Whether you’re lounging in a private infinity pool, cooling off in a waterfall, or swimming in the private beach at Costa Palmas, you’ll be glad you’ve got a second dry bathing suit at the ready.
-
-
Waterproof camera or GoPro
Few who visit East Cape spend every minute on land. After all, the Sea of Cortez draws crowds from around the globe for its sport fishing and kite surfing festivals alone. While paddleboarding, jet skiing, and kayaking all put your camera at risk of getting wet, you’ll also want a truly waterproof, hands-free camera to capture those moments in under-the-surface paradise.
How else will you truly convey the bliss of scuba diving or snorkeling at Cabo Pulmo, the national marine park that Jacque Cousteau called, “The World’s Aquarium”?
-
-
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Even if you choose not to hike Fox Canyon or explore the rocky mountain trails when you visit East Cape, you may be walking the uneven streets of Cabo. After a long day of shopping, browsing the arts district, stocking up on souvenirs from local vendors, and soaking up the history of the region, your feet will thank you.
-
-
A power strip
It’s not necessary to bring a power converter as most of the outlets at luxury resorts like Costa Palmas are the same as in the United States and other developed countries. But if you have a lot of electronics to plug in, you may want to bring a power strip or a multi-port USB plug to accommodate all your electronics.
-
-
Eco-friendly sunscreen and insect repellent
You’ll have no problem finding sunscreen or insect repellent in the East Cape, but you’ll likely have a wider selection in your home country. With 350 days of sunshine, it’s recommended that you buy a high-SPF sunscreen that’s not only water resistant, but also biodegradable.
If you plan to head to Cabo Pulmo, look for “reef-safe” sunscreen that won’t harm the fragile ecosystem.
As no sunscreen is 100% waterproof, be sure to reapply regularly, especially in those hard-to-reach spots like the center of your back. Don’t forget the back of your knees, neck and top of your feet.
-
-
A waterproof phone case and beach bag
No one plans to skip the beach—or at least enjoy some water play from aboard a boat—when they visit East Cape. For those unexpected splashes and the inevitable sand that will find its way into every nook and cranny, it’s recommended that you invest in both a waterproof phone case and sealed beach bag or backpack.
Chances are that when you visit East Cape, someone in your party will get a sunburn. With days of endless sunshine, even the cooler days can provide plenty of rays to find that one spot on the back of your neck or top of your feet that didn’t get enough sunblock.
Regardless of whether someone soaks up too much sun, the anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties of aloe vera can rehydrate sea-chapped skin too.
Have no fear about the water in the resorts and restaurants when you visit East Cape; luxury resorts, like Costa Palmas and its chef-inspired restaurants, all have purified water.
However, if you plan to do any traveling around the region, it’s worth carrying some activated charcoal pills in case you run into stomach issues. It may also be worth packing an antacid, motion sickness medicine, a pain reliever, and lactose-intolerance pills if you plan to eat a lot of cheese (which is in plenty of meals in Mexico).
-
-
A few pieces of warmer clothes
The evenings can get chilly and you don’t want to miss out on dining on a patio, strolling on the beach at night, or heading out on your boat from the Costa Palmas Marina Village to take in the gorgeous night sky.
If you tend to stick to sundresses, it’s worth packing at least one pair of light pants to keep your legs warm. For those who live in sandals and water shoes, don’t forget to pack socks. You may spend a lot of time around a fire pit when you visit East Cape, but one cool night could require some toastier footwear.
You’ll find an array of hats and sun visors for sale around the East Cape—including right in the Costa Palmas resort— but even the best-laid plans to go shopping can get delayed when there’s so much else to do. Why risk it? Pack at least one sun hat or visor to ensure your face and scalp will be fully protected on your first day in this outdoor playground.
Find out why Costa Palmas is the top luxury destination in East Cape. Whether you’re looking to buy luxury real estate on the golf course, beach, or Costa Palmas Marina Village, or are considering a high-end resort like the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, we’ll provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Simply fill out the form below.