Just an hour northeast of Cabo San Lucas, where pavement turns to dirt roads and donkeys shuffle along turquoise shores, you’ll find the East Cape of Baja California Sur. This remote stretch of coast feels worlds away from the resort laden, party scene most people picture when they think of Cabo. Instead, you’ll find empty beaches, perfectly peeling right-hand surf breaks, and miles of coastline with hardly another soul in sight. If that sounds like your kind of escape, read on for the best places to stay, eat, and explore in East Cape Baja Mexico.
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Best time to visit – June-August for surfing, December-April for whale watching.
How many days I’d recommend – A week is ideal, but 3-4 days would also be blissful.
Is it safe? – Yes, I genuinely never felt unsafe. That being said, use common sense, always respect the places you visit, and be kind to the people who live there.
How to get there
One of the best parts about the East Cape is how remote and unspoiled it is. But, this means it takes a little extra effort to get to. I promise, it’s worth it!
Nearby airport – Los Cabos International Airport. From the airport it’s about a 1 hour drive drive.
Rent a car – This is really the only option to get around. We always use Rentalcars.com to find the cheapest/best deals. The roads are all dirt and pretty bumpy, so highly suggest getting a mid-size SUV or larger.
Hotels and where to stay on the East Cape
Baja Station $ – Beachfront glamping with a laidback communal vibe. Located directly on a right-hand point break, you can’t beat the location. I loved being able to wake up every morning to watch the sunrise and check the surf straight from bed. I also worked from here a few days and can confirm that the wifi is solid.
NEST Baja $$ – A design-forward boutique hotel with a bojo coastal aesthetic. The property offers stunning views, a restaurant on site, and a communal pool. Plus each room has private terraces and fireplaces.
Villa del Faro $$ – Gorgeous villas with vibrant Mexican decor and coastline views. The on-site restaurant, pool, and private beach access will make this hotel hard to leave.
Where to eat on the East Cape
Even though it’s remote, there’s some stellar restaurants to choose from in the East Cape, especially in La Fortuna.
Restaurante La Fortuna – An unassuming white bus where owner and chef, Victor is whipping up simple yet delicious tacos and burritos. The tuna and the shrimp tacos were our favorite. We also heard glowing reviews about the breakfast burrito.
Zai Sushi – Super fresh sushi and seafood dishes with a Mexican flair. The ‘curricanes’ starter is a must try.
Lateral La Fortuna – Our favorite margaritas and aguachile of the trip were had here! Which is saying a lot since we sampled both at almost every restaurant we visited. Located directly on the beach, you also can’t beat the views.
SHADE – The owners were super kind! Great service with a relaxed ambiance and tasty food.
Tips for Surfing on the East Cape
Perfectly peeling turquoise waves, no wetsuit needed, and less than 10 people in the lineup – this is what my surf dreams are made of thanks to the East Cape.
Best time to visit for surfing – June-August. This is summer in Mexico, so you can expect sunny skies, warm water, and consistent south swells that make for great surfing.
Ability level – Best for intermediate to advanced surfers since it’s mostly point breaks with reef underneath. Watch out for exposed rocks and sea urchins.
Renting a surfboard – Costa Azul Surf Shop has a great selection of quality surfboards if you don’t want to pack your own. They have two locations, both of which are convenient. One is on the East Cape by Nine Palms surf break and the other is in San José del Cabo.
Things to do on the East Cape
If surfing isn’t your thing, no worries! There are still plenty of things to do and they all focus on soaking in the the miles of serene, secluded coastline this area has to offer.
Whale watching – In the winter, humpback and gray whales migrate from Alaska to breed and calve in the warm waters off Baja Sur. During this time, the whales often come close to the shore, where you can see them breach directly from the beach. Peak whale watching season in December-April.
For an even closer look, there’s plenty of boat tours to choose to choose from. Salty Cabo Excursions offers a few different tours including ones at sunrise or sunset.
Snorkel and swim – The Sea of Cortez is known as the ‘Aquarium of the World’ due to its marine life and beautifully calm waters. Book a snorkeling tour to check out some of the best spots. This one leaves out of San José del Cabo, which is only around 30 minutes away.
Long walks on the beach – On some days you can walk for miles without ever seeing another soul. Stroll, search for shells, dive into the water for a quick dip, repeat.
Maybe most importantly, the East Cape is the perfect place to disconnect and relax!
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