All posts filed under: Destinations

The city of Cabo San Lucas is a paradise divided between the majestic Pacific Ocean and the wondrous Sea of Cortez.   The Sea of Cortez is also known as the Gulf of California. This impressive body of water is a sub sea of the Pacific ocean, located between mainland Mexico and the Baja California peninsula. The total surface area of the water in the Sea of Cortez is roughly 160,000 square kilometers (62,000 square miles), and the coastline spans an impressive 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles).   The late French explorer Jacques Cousteau nicknamed the Sea of Cortez “The Aquarium of the World” for the wealth of species that live there and visit each year. The warm, calm water of the Sea of Cortez is home to thousands of fish and mammal species. Some of the animals that live in or migrate to the Sea of Cortez include: Blue whale (the world’s largest mammal) Humpback whale California gray whale Killer whale Sharks Marlin Manta rays Leatherback sea turtle and other species of sea turtles Giant …

The 2019 Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place in Cancun at the Pok Ta Pok Golf Course on Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21.   This is one the most anticipated festivals of the year. The name of the festival is “Volando El Paraíso,” which can be translated as “Flying Over Paradise.” It is a family friendly outdoor event that goes from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm each day. There will be at least 20 hot air balloons participating in the event. Weather permitting, the balloons will make “free flights,” which means the balloons will not be anchored, and they will fly around the Nichupté Lagoon. Otherwise, if the weather is inclimate for free flying, the balloons will be anchored, and they will rise from 15 to 20 meters above the ground. Either way they will be a spectacular sight to behold, and if you like, you can even ride in the balloons, which are piloted by professional experts who have flown in the biggest national and international festivals.   The balloon flights …

Puerto Vallarta has experienced a period of prosperity and well-being in many ways, for the last several years, thanks to all of the positive things the city offers. Thanks to the warm weather and the kindness of the people, thanks to the diversity of activities that can be done here by the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the view, the walks, the sunset, the gastronomy, the recreation and the arts.   Particularly during the winter and spring seasons, Puerto Vallarta is characterized by receiving thousands of tourists from all over the world every day, all of them determined and motivated to celebrate their vacations in their own way.     And during the first months of the year the welcome could not be better as the sighting of humpback whales offers a unique and beautiful show for all ages. Likewise, and for the most adventurous experts, the fishing season is in full swing, with a huge number of boats and their respective captains ready to set sail.   The year 2019 is just …

When you visit Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding area you will have ample opportunities for fun and family friendly sporting activities! Here are just a few.   ATV & Dune Buggy Satisfy your need for speed! The deserts around Cabo San Lucas are perfect for racing around in these off road vehicles, and if you have teenagers this is a great family activity. Anyone age 16 and up with a valid driver’s licence can drive one. Tours are typically 3 hours long. Jet Ski If racing on dry land isn’t your thing, get your adrenaline rush by renting jet skis at Medano Beach and cruising around the bay. Check with the tour operator ahead of time to find out the minimum age for driving a jet ski solo. Some will allow children 16 and up with a valid driver’s license to drive, while others require drivers to be 17 or 18. Minor children can often ride along with parents on the same jetski. FlyBoard In the last few years FlyBoarding has taken over as …

When you think of Cancun, the number one thing that comes to mind is the crystal clear turquoise blue water! But what makes the water that color?   There are a number of natural factors that combine to create the amazing phenomenon that is Cancun’s water. Absorbed Sunlight According to NASA, ocean water appears blue because large bodies of water absorb red, orange, yellow, and green wavelengths of sunlight and reflect the shorter wavelength blues and violets. Life In The Water – Phytoplankton The most important light-absorbing substance in the oceans is chlorophyll. Microscopic plant particles called phytoplankton suspended in the waters around Cancun contain chlorophyll that they use to make energy through photosynthesis. Phytoplankton absorb the red and blue portions of the light spectrum (for photosynthesis) and reflect green light, so they appear green in color like most plants. The more phytoplankton in the water, the greener the water appears; the less phytoplankton, the bluer it appears.   The waters around Cancun have phytoplankton and other organisms that whale sharks and other plankton-feeding fish …

Puerto Vallarta is a fabulous city filled with haute cuisine, designer shopping, hillside cityscapes and breathtaking beaches, but the real magic is in the hidden details. To truly get to know a place and its people, one must take a walk and absorb the sights and sounds of life around them. For a rich source of history, art and culture, a visit to the Isla Cuale or Cuale Island is in order, and the only way to explore it is on two feet! The Cuale River splits in half to circumvent two large islands in the middle of the city defining the distinct styles of Puerto Vallarta as it divides Old Town (or the Romantic Zone) from Centro. The two halves of the city are completely different, each offering a unique flavor and pace. As a silent mediator between the two, the islands sit quietly tucked between rushing waters and lush gardens. Children, couples and individuals stroll the manicured walkways in this city park filled with music, artisanal crafts, quiet dining and community events. It’s …

Los Cabos stretches along the southernmost tip of Baja California and includes the cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. We’ve put together a quick guide that covers some of the things to do in the area. Cities Cabo San Lucas is known for nightlife, high end restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. It’s also where the main marina is. San Jose Del Cabo is known for its traditional Mexican look and feel, including cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. It is an artists’ hub with many art galleries. Waters Los Cabos is situated where the Pacific ocean meets the sea of Cortez, which provides the opportunity for travelers to experience both bodies of water which are quite different. The Pacific side has stronger wind and waves, and cooler weather The Sea of Cortez side has calmer waters and warmer weather The shallower, warmer waters of the Sea of Cortez allow many varieties of marine life to thrive there. Jacques Cousteau called the sea of Cortez “the aquarium of the world.” Water Activities Boating …

One of the best ways to enjoy your vacation in Puerto Vallarta is to go on a sport fishing trip on the Bay of Banderas, and the fall and winter season is the best time for fishing! There are several fishing tour agencies in Puerto Vallarta. These tour agencies work with independent fishing boats, and have numerous different kinds of boats under contract. Booking your trip through one of these agencies will ensure that you will be on a very professional boat with a top-notch crew that speaks English, and has been vetted by the agency for safety, reliability and quality of the trip. Master Baiter’s Sportfishing and Tackle Charly’s Sport Fishing & Tours Mike’s Fishing Charters & Tours Puerto Vallarta Sport Fishing The agency will arrange everything for you, and the boat will supply everything you need, including the fishing license, fishing rods, tackle, bait, drinking water, everything. The only thing you need to bring is sunblock, a hat for the sun, and you may want to consider wearing long sleeves, or dressing for …

One of the most exciting activities to do in Cabo is whale watching! During the winter, Humpback whales and Gray whales migrate from the northerly waters of Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington State to the warmer waters of the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the Cabo San Lucas area. In the Mexican Pacific, whale watching season runs from mid-November to mid-April each year. Humpback whales arrive in mid-November through early December, with the peak number of adult Humpback whales in December through January. During this time, it’s most common to see adult whales on your tour. In late December to early January, newborn baby Humpback whales start to appear, and then by early February the babies start to become very active and they are quite often seen on tours between February and April. Gray whales are not as common as Humpback whales, but they can still be seen in the waters around Cabo. Gray whales arrive in early January and stay until March. Gray whales do their mating north of Cabo, so it’s not very …