San Jose Estuary (Estero San José)

The Basics

Guided birding tours of the San Jose Estuary are available, and bird-watchers might spot Belding’s yellowthroat, least Bell’s vireo, least tern, gray thrasher, Xantus’s hummingbird, Virginia rail, white-faced and white ibis, and yellow-crowned and black-crowned night herons, as well as other migrating waterbird and shorebird species. You can also rent a kayak to navigate the waterways independently. Lucky travelers may see local fishermen returning with the day’s catch or giant turtles wandering along the shores.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The San Jose Estuary doesn’t offer many amenities, so bring food and water if you plan to spend time exploring.

• The area is still recovering from storm damage suffered in 2014; some pathways were destroyed.

• Wear waterproof shoes to walk along the paths; don't wear flip-flops.

How to Get There

The San Jose Estuary is about a 7-minute drive from San Jose del Cabo’s hotel zone. From the town’s main square, walk toward the bridge to Puerto San Jose (look for Camino Cabo Este); the estuary entrance and the lookout are to the right, just before the ramp leading to the bridge.

When to Get There

The San Jose Estuary, which is free to enter, is open daily from dawn until dusk, and sunset is one of the most popular times to visit. If you’re planning to go birding, the best time to visit is from fall to spring, when the clear skies are ideal for bird-watching. During this time, you might also be able to catch a glimpse of migratory species that are attracted to the warm air.

Mission of San Jose del Cabo Church

Within short walking distance of the estuary, the Mission of San Jose del Cabo Church is located in the heart of San Jose del Cabo’s historic district. This active church, which is dedicated to Jesuit priest Nicolas Tamaral, boasts bright white bell towers and offers daily services, with a Sunday Mass that is presented in both English and Spanish.

Ways to explore

The San Jose Estuary is a publicly accessible nature reserve, which you can visit from nearby San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas. While you can visit independently, many travelers recommend a specialist bird-watching tour to help spot the estuary’s many species and to identify its wealth of plants and wildlife. Many tours include round-trip transportation for easy logistics.

Set aside an hour or so for a relaxed wander, and pair a trip to the estuary with a visit to Playa Del Estero (Estuary Beach), where you can take horseback rides along the long, rugged strip of sand.

Accessibility

The estuary’s trails are rough and often contain flooded sections, so they are not considered accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bug repellent, water bottle, binoculars, camera, sunscreen

What to wear

Hat, good walking shoes, clothes that you don’t mind getting damp or muddy

Not allowed

Littering, fishing, swimming

Address

Located on the outskirts of San José del Cabo, the estuary is a quick drive from the center of town or a longer walk, depending on where you’re staying. Taxis tend to be affordable and easy to book.

Driving

From central San José del Cabo, follow P.º Mal. San José until you get to the trailhead, where you’ll find limited parking along the road.

Public transportation

There is no easy public transport option. Taxis and rideshares are good options if you don’t have your own car, or book a tour with transport included.

Best times to visit

Mornings and early evenings tend to be best for bird-watching, when the weather is cooler and pleasant for walking.

Best days to visit

The estuary stays fairly quiet throughout the week, so don’t worry too much about picking a certain day.

Best months to visit

Come in November and early December as hundreds of birds migrate south for the winter—the tiny least terns will rest on their way south, and can be spotted fishing in the estuary