Kayaking in Los Cabos

One of the most popular, practical, and eco-friendly ways to explore the pristine coves that dot Los Cabos's shoreline is by kayak. Daylong package tours that combine kayaking with snorkeling or scuba diving cost anywhere from $60 to $125. Single or double kayaks can be rented by the hour for $10 to $20.

San José del Cabo

In addition to the awesome beauty of the water, close-up views of sea-lion colonies attract kayakers to Cabo Pulmo, which is several hours north of San José del Cabo and along the East Cape.

For a combined kayak and snorkeling trip, try Baja Wild (Km. 28 Carretera Transpeninsular, s/n Local 5, Plaza Costa Azulid. 624/172-6300. www.bajawild.com). Daylong outdoor trips such as surfing, hiking and ATV trips, whale-watching, and baby sea turtle release (turtle release only happens from late-September through November) include transportation, equipment, and lunch; you can substitute scuba diving for snorkeling. A full-day tour costs $120.

If you have your own transportation to Cabo Pulmo, you can rent a kayak or take a trip with Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort (Hwy. 1 at La Ribera turnoff. 624/141-0884 or 624/141-0885. www.cabopulmo.com). A six-hour guided tour to the sea-lion colony and environs includes lunch and snorkeling gear; tours depart at 9 AM. Cap off the tour by spending the night at this tranquil, reasonably priced resort, where rooms start at just $49 per night. If you can't get enough of the water, you can also scuba or snorkel here; check out everything from the smallest sea horse to the giant black sea bass.

Los Lobos del Mar (Brisas del Mar RV park, on south side of San José. 624/142-2983) rents kayaks and offers tours along the Corridor's peaceful bays. These outings are especially fun in winter when gray whales pass by offshore. Prices start at $30.

Cabo San Lucas

In Cabo San Lucas, Playa Médano is the beach to head for if you wish to try your hand at kayaking. A number of the companies located along El Médano near the Baja Cantina Beachside, at the bottom of Cabo Villas, offer kayak rentals and there are guided tours that go out to Lover's Beach, to view El Arco, and around the Land's End Rocks.

The palapa for Cabo Acuadeportes (Playa Médano. 624/143-0117) is right in front of the now-closed Hotel Hacienda. It offers snorkeling and waterskiing, as well as good prices on kayak rentals.

To rent a kayak or get info on boat rentals, snorkeling tours, parasailing, glass-bottom boats, and WaveRunners, try JT Water Sports (Playa Médano. 624/144-4566 or 624/144-4066. www.jtwatersports.com).

Omega Sports (Playa Médano. 624/143-5519) has good rates on single and double kayaks.

Tio Sports Ocean & Desert (Playa Médano. 624/143-3399. www.tiosports.com) has aquatic tours, horseback riding, kayak rentals, and packages that include snorkeling.