palmtree2384

Our first trip to Mexico was to Cabo. I was one of those who never wanted to go to Mexico because of different things that I had heard(safety, drinking water, etc.) Well, we had a great time! A few observations.....the roads were really easy to figure out, the golf courses were beautiful, we always got food and drinks in popular areas and had no real problems with Montezuma's revenge(one day had a mini-bout but wasn't too bad). We stayed at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach for a week, it was on the Pacific side of Cabo. It was a beautiful resort, the beaches were nice because of the waves and hard surf they were free from crowds of people, but of course no swimming, but nice to just sit on the beach and relax. They have the most beautiful infinity pool at the top of the property that makes you feel like you are on top of Cabo looking down to the ocean, I could have stayed there for hours every day. The best waiter ever at the Sky pool, Julio, made every day at the pool awesome! My husband and his friend golfed three courses through a special deal you can get that we found online, they said they were awesome courses. The pictures I saw were beautiful.
As far as restaurants go, we ate at our resort for some of our meals, but a few different days we went in to town. I would definitely recommend "The Office", how great to be able to eat while your feet are squishing in the sand on the beach! Food was great too! Another place I would definitely recommend is "El Squid Roe", this is one of those places that are not only fun but great food! They had trivia contests, conga line through the restaurant and out on to the street, lots of other crazy things going on, they make your salsa right there at your table, it was so good! On top of all the fun we had, it was my husband's 53rd birthday, and they took all of our drinks off of our tab that night. My hubby was a little leary about ordering a steak there but decided to try it. It was a 23 ounce rib-eye, and OMG! It was THE best steak we have ever had! We always order medium-well, and for getting it fairly well done it was so juicy, flavorful and delicious! Even the veggies and the potatoes were delicious, I just can't say enough about this place!
One of the other highlights of our trip was the whale watching trip we took through, "Whale Watch Cabo". They have Marine biologists that go out on each trip, they are so informative, the boats had a cover on them so you were never in the complete heat of the sun. This is probably the reason that I will come back to Cabo. We went on December 2nd, which is not prime whale time yet. They were very honest about the fact that we might not see any, but WoW did we get an experience! We first saw a huge group of dolphins that were showing off for us for so long doing flips and jumps, they were so fun to watch. Then we also got to see a whale breach out of the water at least five times! We got some of the most amazing pictures I have ever seen, they look like something from a brochure! I would highly recommend this company. It was also nice to be on a boat that doesn't take more than 10 people on it so you aren't fighting for space. They said that the prime time would be between mid-January to mid-February. We will come then next time You get to see the mamas with their babies at that time
Well, overall I would say we had an amazing time, but there was one thing that I didn't like which, other than for the whale watching, would keep me from coming back to Cabo, and that is all the people there that will not leave you alone selling things, argh!! Some people are ok with this and if I was that way this would be a place that I would go to alot, but we aren't. I have been to the Caribbean a few times and have never run into this much there. It was so frustrating to be sitting there having a nice dinner and then somebody is trying to sell me a timeshare, or my husband getting bombarded about timeshares at the golf course, and people at the Marina that you had to keep constantly saying "No Thank You" to over and over and over! So I have to say we had a great time but this was the only glitch in our great time, so you can decide for yourself if this would work for you or not. Hope my review helps.

MichelleY

Thank you for reporting back. Sounds like you had a great time. We love Sunset Beach also and look forward to our time down there next November. Timeshare stuff is ridiculous - even at the grocery store check out.

suze

Thanks for your trip report!! I always go to Puerto Vallarta, but year tried Cabo San Lucas just to branch out and thought it was fabulous too.

If you get to be a Mexico "regular", you'll learn how to avoid the timeshare people. I never eat in restaurants where they are allowed to bother you.

MarcJ55

Well, we are on our way to Mexico after about 4 years of not visiting Mexico because of the media stores that has scared of many. We'll be in Cabo in just 2 months.

I found your trip report very helpful, honest, and informative. Looking forward to our trip and the whale watching.

suze

I've been going to Mexico regularly on vacation for over 20 years. The "media stories" aren't about places like Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, other popular tourist destinations. You need to really read the stories, most often they are Mexican against Mexican and involve the drug cartel in very specific locations. Not something likely to effect your average tourist.

tenthumbs

Tourists are just as safe in resort towns in Mexico as they are in resort towns in the States IF you use common sense.

Great trip report, palmtree! I'm going back to Cabo in March for the first time in a few years (I've been going to PV for the last few years), and I'm glad you had a great time. Any favorite restaurants besides the office? I was very disappointed when I was told The Stoplight had closed.

MichelleY

Tenthumbs - further down the beach is Tabascos. Better prices and quieter. It is in front of the Las Cascadas Resort.

I also like: Mi Casa $$
Las Golondrinas $$$
Maro's Shrimp House $

Check out Trapper's list for recs:

http://trapperscabolist.com/

tenthumbs

Thanks, Michelle! We have eaten at Mi Casa and like it; another favorite is Pancho's. I'm traveling with a friend who likes to stick to what he knows, while I like to try new restaurants. We end up splitting in in half~one night we go to something we know we like, next night we step out of the box and try something new.

suze

My favorite Cabo restaurant:
www.misionesdekino.com/
a little hidden gem

tenthumbs

Thanks, suze, that one will be added to the list!

suze

I liked Maro's too, but Misiones de Kino was really special and not off-the-charts expensive.

MichelleY

We haven't had the chance to try it, but La Cocina y Cantina gets good reviews.

If you get over to the east cape, try Buzzard's. We have also had great food at the little Sardina Cantina on the corridor.

KVR

Nice report. We have been going to the Caribbean side of Mexico since 2000, but we went to Cabo in Dec, 2012. I do agree with your observations. Next trip try the Riviera Maya area on the Caribbean side. Swimmable ocean and the time share people are not as annoying. We are headed back there in May.

JAGBaja

Great trip report. I live in Cabo and it is always nice to see people do have a good time down here. I'm sorry for the Time (Slime) share salesman. It really bothers me to no end that they molest people so much and feel it is a good sales technique. I've argued with individuals and companies for years but they are convinced it is the best way. I would never buy anything anywhere with sales tactics like this.

Well I'm truly glad you enjoyed everything but the sales people...believe me many people that live here agree with you. One easy trick is to lie and say you live here...That stops them i their tracks but it is a shame you have to say no all day long in Cabo. La Paz and other places in Baja are not at all like that.

Los Deseos, Mexican food and Art and Sushi in the marina are both great places that do not have timeshare salesman just for the reason that people don't like being bothered. I used to eat at the Stoplight several days a week and now at Los Deseos because of the quality and price is great. Maria Corona, La Caravea (Italian)and Mariscos Matalazan are other favorites as well..Thanks again and for more general travel and living information on Baja try www.bajainsider.com

tenthumbs

JAGBaja~I usually tell them I'm unemployed...... it's effective.

Where is Los Deseos? I was very disappointed to find that the Stoplight was closed.