To many, Los Cabos needs no introduction. Most of us have heard of Cabo San Lucas, nicknamed the “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau. Straddling both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez at the southern end of Baja Mexico, Cabo San Lucas is known for its all-inclusive resorts, whale watching, and famed arch. But this adventure is not about “that” Cabo. This story is about The East Cape of Baja.

Understanding The East Cape of Baja

Where is that, you ask? A simple left turn out of the Los Cabos International Airport versus the usual right toward Cabo San Lucas (if you know, then you know) is all it takes to start your journey. Located solely on the Sea of Cortez, the East Cape features landscape—from rugged deserts and towering mountains to tranquil waterfalls and lush greenery—nearly untouched by man.

Enjoy the beaches, sea life, and water on the East Cape of Baja. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

It is a personal favorite. Because it sits snuggly on the sea—versus straddling the Pacific Ocean and the sea—you will find the East Cape’s stunningly beautiful white sand beaches swimmable. Like me, if you are a regular visitor to Cabo San Lucas, this may sound too good to be true. Most of the popular tourist areas of Cabo have too strong an undertow to allow for swimming from the shore. I assure you, you can swim on the East Cape. I’ve personally body surfed on the East Cape of Baja until my heart was content!

The East Cape of Baja also has several of its own marinas, so everything from SCUBA diving to yachting to sportfishing is at your fingertips.

Editor’s note: This is all just north of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, where Wander founder Susan Lanier-Graham has visited several times. She can attest to the beauty and safety of the water on the East Cape. The book below offers great background on the area.

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

Once on the East Cape of Baja, there is a slew of new sustainable construction in the region, notably the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas near the small town of La Ribera. Opened in 2019, then closed for 2020 amid COVID-19, the open-air, modern, sleek resort is luxurious even by Four Seasons’ lofty standards.

The luxurious Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas opened in 2019. Photo courtesy Four Seasons

Set along two miles of private white sand beach, the 141-room/suite stunner features its own marina (the only Four Seasons worldwide that can make that claim). You will also find six sparkling pools, five restaurants and lounges, and an adventure concierge team. For true relaxation, try the Oasis Spa and Wellness Center. It is one of the most stunning spas in North America, notable for using indigenous products and rituals in several treatments.

Many of the modern, architecturally stunning rooms and suites boast private plunge pools or outdoor showers. All rooms offer ample indoor-outdoor living and lounging space.

Many Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas suites feature private plunge pools. Photo courtesy Four Seasons

The plunge pool suites are especially fun. They allow you to quickly rinse off before re-entering your room and make for a great private happy hour locale. There is nothing like toasting in a private pool with an ocean view, amiright?

Dining at Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos

Of course, there are several other open-air areas for happy hour and full-on dining. The resort’s vast Costa Palmas community includes 18 acres of organic farms and orchards, which provide much of the produce and herbs you will enjoy on the property.

Culinary options at the resort take you on an epicurean adventure into Mexico. These include Casa de Brasa, a Baja-inspired brasserie; El Puesto, for sea-to-table ceviches, tiraditos, and Crudo; Limón, an alfresco farm-to-table dinner restaurant; and Ginger’s, an all-day eclectic café.

There are many dining options at Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, including Casa de Braja. Photo courtesy Four Seasons

An extensive collection of local tequilas and mezcals is available resort-wide. You can also find an impressive list of regional wines from Baja Mexico, the oldest wine-producing nation in the Americas.

The resort is home to Estiatorio Milos, one of the finest Mediterranean seafood restaurants in the world. Milos has acclaimed locations in New York, London, and Miami.

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is home to Estiatorio Milos, founded by acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis. Photo courtesy Four Seasons

Insider tip: try the Greek wine selection and ask to visit the fresh fish section of the eatery to hand-pick your preferred catch of the day or massive lobster.

Activities at Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos

Beyond the food, the Four Seasons hosts many enrichment programs and activities for its guests. These include hiking, biking, snorkeling, horseback riding, waterfall tours, UTV tours, ATV tours, private yachting experiences, and sport fishing adventures.

Water sports are extremely popular on the East Cape of Baja. Photo by htrnr via iStock by Getty Images

The sea turtle program is a favorite of both the staff and visitors. Turtle season in the area takes place from approximately mid-summer to early winter. During this time, turtles swim to the shores of the East Cape’s Baja Peninsula to build nests in the sand and lay their eggs. After about 45 days, the eggs hatch. Thousands of baby turtles begin taking their first steps, ultimately trying to make it to their ocean home.

The author’s mom enjoyed taking part in the turtle release program. Photo by Alison Bailin

The resorts on the East Cape protect the eggs before they hatch. They offer programs for individuals and groups to safely interact, preserve, and assist these hatchlings in getting from sand to surf.  Why do they visit the East Cape specifically, you ask? Turns out that mama turtles instinctively swim back to the region where they were first hatched to lay their eggs. The East Cape has been more or less a sea turtle hatchery for thousands of years!

More Activities on the East Cape of Baja

Another great reason to visit the East Cape of Baja is that winter through early spring is the prime whale-watching season. During any group or private tour, which you can book through your resort concierge or directly through East Cape Explorers, you can also expect to see seals, fish, and dolphins.

There are great whale-watching opportunities off the East Cape of Baja. Photo by Christhilf via iStock by Getty Images

East Cape Explorers also offers shark diving excursions if you want to explore the underwater world differently. During this most daring of adventures, your group heads to dive sites with copious amounts of jacks, mackerel, tuna, and snapper, large grouper, and several species of rays. This sea life, in turn, brings in predatory sharks, including hammerhead and silky sharks.

You can experience much underwater life while visiting the East Cape of Baja. Photo by Hoatzinexp via iStock by Getty Images

Truly, this touches on what you can expect from a visit to the East Cape of Los Cabos. It is, however, a good start for anyone seeking a luxury destination with expertly crafted cuisine, creature comforts, and actual creatures. Thanks to our Wander writers, be sure to check out more great ideas on what to see in Baja Sur, Mexico—or other parts of Mexico.