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Cabo - surfing, driving and safety?
DH and I are going to Cabo San Lucas (actually closer to San Jose del Cabo) in a few weeks for a quick beach getaway. Neither of us have ever been to Mexico before. We have traveled throughout Europe and did a surf getaway to Morocco a few years back, so we aren't travel novices - just novices when it comes to Mexico.
So - aside from the normal "Recommend your favorite X in Cabo!" type questions, for those who have been - and particularly those who have surfed there - - how safe is it?
DH has read all sorts of stories about needing to take armed guards with you when you go to the prime surf spots because the locals get territorial. Seems a bit over the top to me. I'm not worried about the breaks on the main beaches (Zippers, Old Man, the Rock, etc), but supposedly there are a few out-of-the-way places that DH wants to try and I am a little concerned that we might not be too welcome. Any experiences or advice on that front?
Also, what is driving like there? My SIL says they drive crazy and she didn't seem to be too encouraging of us hiring a rental. Buuuut, we survived driving in Morocco where we joked that they have an imaginary 3rd lane that anyone in any direction can use at their own risk! But is Mexico really that bad? Is it more just stupid and distracted tourists? Would you get the rental insurance on the car - just in case?
Any other tips? Of course, if you have recs on places to see, places to eat, places to avoid, etc, I'd be happy to hear them.
FWIW, we aren't staying at an AI, but found a really nice little boutique hotel on the beach and while it does have a small restaurant, we plan on dining out most evenings. And yes, Cabo Wabo is already on the "to do" list!
Re: Cabo - surfing, driving and safety?
H and I went to Cabo in November for our HM, and while we didn't surf or drive there, I didn't notice anything to be worried about. We stayed in San Jose del Cabo and took the bus/taxi into San Lucas a few times and the driving seemed to be pretty straight forward, so I don't think you'll have any issues there.
In San Lucas, you should also check out Happy Ending Cantina. It has a fun atmosphere and you can get a beer and a double shot of tequila for $5. Also, beware of the margaritas at Cabo Wabo, they are essentially tequila with a splash of lime juice and salt on the rim. LOL.
You will be fine driving there. Just make sure you purchase insurance as most US insurances don't cover Mexico rentals.
As far as surfing, I don't know much about it, all I know is that I was told the water is extremely rough. I grew up around surfing (Hawaii) and I've never seen waters as unpredictable as those in Cabo. It sounds like you are experienced swimmers/surfers so I'm sure you know what you are getting into. If you want more specific info I would check out the Cabo forums on tripadvisor.com. They are very active.
One of the best meals we had in Cabo was at Hacienda Cocina y Cantina. Right on the water with great views and fantastic food.
DH went to Cabo for his bachelor party and surfed at Zippers - I just showed him your post, and he said they didn't have any problems with the locals there. As for the more remote places, I suspect you would realize when you arrive if anyone takes issue with your being there; if you stick with the general surfing etiquette, hopefully you won't have any problems.
As for the driving, if you were able to drive in Morocco, you should be fine in Mexico. Definitely purchase the insurance though - DH ended up paying $500 out-of-pocket on a different surf trip to Mexico because they got a flat tire and the rental agency (Budget) wouldn't accept his U.S. insurance.
Baby248 - ETA 1/10/13
I've rented tons of cars in Cabo and never had any issues. Just get insurance. A few tips:
-Make sure the tags on your rental are current. We had friends that got a rental with bad tags and ended up getting stopped by the federali's and had to pay a fine that the rental co. wouldn't reimburse.
-Check your tires and really look over the car. Check to make sure the lights come on, the wipers, work, etc..
-Be careful driving out of town after dark. Mostly because the livestock is not fenced and there are zero street lights out of the tourist areas. If you are going to one of the out of the way surf spots, I would make sure you leave with enough time to get back to town before the sunsets. A few years ago we were coming back from Todos Santos on our way back to Cabo and it was after dark. The road is two lanes and goes through tons of big dips. At the very bottom of one of the dips there was a huge bull standing in the road and I was driving. I had to lock up the brakes and we almost skidded into a ditch. The thing was bigger than our car!
-Bring bottled water and snacks with you as well as a supply of lower denomination bills. If you stop at some of the roadside eateries (there are some great ones to be had in Todos) they will take american bills but may have trouble with anything larger than a $10 american.
- Enjoy yourselves and the scenery. I particularly love the road to Todos and the Todos area in general. The hotel california is cool to check out as well as all of the local art galleries, etc.. DH is a photographer and we spend tons of time taking photos, checking out the bars and the beaches there. They are soo beautiful.
-Watch out for the rip tide. I don't surf but I have done tons of swimming and snorkeling on both sides of baja and the rip around Cabo is bad. Real bad. If the locals aren't in the water, don't get in. You should be able to get a good surf report off the Trip Advisor board. Have a great time and fun exploring!
Restaurants:
Most of my favorites are in downtown Cabo since our timeshare is close to there. That being said I have been to a few wonderful ones in San Jose but it has been soo many years I can't recall the names anymore..
My faves:
-Edith's- Still my favorite for our "expensive meal" out. Reservations are a must. Surf and turf is the best as well as the banana flambe
-Mi Casa- Great local fare and ambiance, go after dark to get the full effect.
-La Trattoria - Great Italian for when you are burned out on Mexican, downtown next to the Hard Rock.
-Las Quesadillas- Perfect lobster taco's and beer combo plates. I always cool off here when I am out shopping.
-Pancho's- Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had my rehearsal dinner here (yes, I had my wedding in Cabo). They have awesome dinner specials if you come early for dinner around 5p.m. I highly recommend the tequila tasting dinner. We did it for our rehearsal and I have a whole new appreciation for tequila. Also cheap breakfast.
-Paty's - Local establishment where english is barely spoken. Best hangover breakfast ever and it's cheap. A cold corona, fruit and pancakes? yes please! Located on the street behind the main grocery store downtown. On Ninos Heroes. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have been eating here since 1999.
-Nick San- Great Sushi, on the marina on the other side of the street from Cabo Wabo and down a little bit.
--Senor Sweets- On the back of the main mall facing the marina. Great for after dinner ice cream.
-The Office- Located on the Main swimming beach "El Medano". You sit at tables right in the sand and eat while the waves hit the beach. I love their caesar salad made tableside and their margaritas. Good for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eating here during they day is hard though due to all the loud music coming from the neighboring bars. I prefer to eat here after sunset.
-Tabasco's- On El Medano Beach down a bit from the pink hotel otherwise known as the Pueblo Bonito Rose. Awesome lunch specials with two for one beers.
Day Drinking:
Mango Deck- hands down the best place to people watch and work on your tan. On El Medano Beach just down from The Office. They have lounge chairs on the sand and will bring you drinks and food all day. Plus they lure everyone into drinking games that are hilarious to watch. I love their mango margaritas and tacos. Plus the beach is in front is one of the cordoned off swim areas so you can cool off easily when you need to.
Monkey Business Bar:On the main drag before you get to the Gigglin' Marlin. Best Margaritas ever.
Slim's Elbow Room - 4 seats total and two outside stools. Best place to hang and see what's up with the locals. In the same area as Monkey Business.
Night Drinking:
Cabo Wabo; Meh, unless they are having a live rock show it's just Meh.
Gigglin' Marlin: More fun, had lots of fun here the night before my wedding.
The No Where Bar: Good drinks and great people watching. One of my favorites.
Have a great time!!
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hi,
my husband is an avid surfer and we have traveled all over for the sole purpose of surfing. i can tell you that cabo is by far our favorite spot. we have been at least 8 times. it is his favorite place to surf and i love the mostly deserted beaches. i always feel safe, if you travel up the east cape to surf, there are miles and mile of empy waves and beach. the breaks on the main beaches will be the most crowded, with locals and visitors. old mans is in front of the cabo surf hotel which runs a daily surf school so it is always crowed, althougha nice break, and zippers and the rock are righ next to it. we have never had any trouble with the driving. and you have traveled before, you know that if it doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't. i am currently plannng another trip to cabo in may, and i am bringing my one year old daughter, i wouldn't do so if it weren't safe. i would rec getting a jeep or other 4 wd vehicle if you plan on going up the east cape, the road is dirt and you can drive right on to the beach. good luck and have a great trip!
when are you going, and where are you staying?