LOCATION:

Baja's East Cape stretches from San Jose del Cabo north to the Bahia Las Palmas (Spa Buena Vista/Buena Vista/Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, MX). La Ribera is famous for its roots as a fishing village and is about 45 miles north of the Los Cabos airport, and about 70 miles south of La Paz. View a map of the East Cape and La Ribera

HISTORY:

The East Cape is chosen by many for a tranquil getaway. The town of La Ribera and surrounding areas main draw today has been and is still very well known for its fabulous fishing. Dorado, Tuna and Marlin are the most frequent catches of the day. Sailfish, roosterfish, sierra, bonita, amberjack, red snapper and others are also sought and caught. Thanks to increasing conservation consciousness among fishermen and women, the billfish reeled in are also often released.

In recent years, more and more Americans have decided to make parts of the East Cape home for at least part of the year. Unlike Los Cabos, the thrust of building that is being done is that of private homes, not multi-story mega hotels.

WEATHER:

The East Cape is generally tropical all year round due to gentle off shore breezes. Beachwear is generally the custom clothing for all seasons. To view local weather conditions click here.

RESTAURANTS:

There are a wealth of restaurants around the surrounding areas. Most restaurants have spectacular views and are reasonably priced. The majority of hotels have a bar or dining room where one can sit and enjoy the views East Cape has to offer. Types of cuisine vary from traditional Mexican foods, seafood and local custom fish dishes.

SHOPPING:

There are a few small shops, stores and markets on the East Cape where you can find day-to-day necessities as well as some gifts and souvenirs. There are many choices for shopping in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas just a short drive away.

SERVICES:

Banks: There is a Banamex just a short drive to the town of Los Barriles. You can't miss the sign as you turn the bend to enter Los Barriles. There is an ATM machine in the Pemex gas station on the Transpenninsular Highway #1, just south of the town of Los Barriles. Most businesses take dollars as well as pesos, though the exchange rate varies. The larger businesses also take some credit cards and traveler's checks.

Transportation: Some of the individual hotels have contracts with particular taxi companies or drivers to provide transport to and from the airport for their guests. Taxis are also available at the airport to drive you to any East Cape location, though prices might be higher. All major car rental agencies are available in the Los Cabos airport.

WHERE TO GO:

Cabo Pulmo Reef: Declared an underwater natural preserve by the Mexican government, this reef is perfect for all types of scuba divers and snorkelers. With all the natural coral growing and the abundance of colorful marine life, fishing and the anchoring of boats is strictly prohibited. Access to this reef can be made from shore or from a boat drop further out to sea.

WHAT TO DO:

ATVs, Jet-Skis, Kayaks: Cruise the beach, run for groceries, or splash around in fresh water trickling down from the mountains up an arroyo north of town on an ATV. Get out on the water without chartering a daylong boat trip on a jet ski or kayak.

Snorkeling/Scuba Diving: Though there are several great snorkeling spots along the East Cape, the living coral reef at Cabo Pulmo is the main attraction for the underwater visitor. There are several dive shops in the town of Cabo Pulmo providing gear and tours for experiencing this nationally designated marine park.

Sports fishing: Most of the Hotels in the East Cape have their own fleets, or have contracts with local captains to provide fishing trips on pangas (smaller motor boats) and cruisers (28-32 foot) for their guests. Sister hotels Palmas de Cortez and Playa del Sol (both in Los Barriles) and Punta Colorada, (about half an hour south, known as "Roosterfish Capital of the World") boast the largest fishing fleet in the area.

Surf Fishing: Bring your own gear, rent from your hotel or the East Cape Tackle Shop in Los Barriles, to fish from shore. Rent an ATV and cruise the beach for choice spots to cast for roosterfish, pargo, bonita, sierra among other species. Local "carnaderos" i.e. "bait men" sell live bait from their pangas usually between 7 and 8 a.m.

Beach combing, Swimming: Most of the beaches along the East Cape are safe for swimming. Shell and washed up coral collecting is often good at Punta Pescadero, a beach just south of Punta Colorada, and the beaches and coves along Cabo Pulmo and Los Frailes.