Santa Maria Beach (Playa Santa María)
Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, 23410
Stretching around a secluded cove, Santa Maria Beach (Playa Santa María) is a protected marine sanctuary and an excellent spot for snorkeling or a relaxing day on the sand. Santa Maria’s serene setting offers an alternative to the noise and excitement of Cabo San Lucas’ beaches, and you can snorkel to spot colorful fish just a short swim from shore.
The Basics
Santa Maria’s wide strip of golden sand and horseshoe-shaped bay tucked between two bluffs make it one of the nicest beaches in Los Cabos.
Most visitors arrive as part of a snorkeling cruise that includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off. There’s also a popular snorkel and kayak combo tour to consider. Excursions typically include free time to enjoy the beach. If you want to spend more time soaking up the Baja tranquility, plan to visit independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
Choose a half-day snorkeling cruise that includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
Santa Maria Beach has basic facilities, including parking, wheelchair ramps, and restrooms.
Snorkeling gear and beach umbrellas are available to rent.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Santa Maria Beach is on a boat tour from Los Cabos. Or, if you’re driving, take Highway 1. The beach is accessible via a well-marked stop off the road, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) east of Cabo San Lucas and 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of San Jose del Cabo.
When to Get There
Santa Maria Beach can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, whereas other times of year are less crowded. The middle of the week has fewer crowds, and mornings offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Snorkeling at Santa Maria Cove
Santa Maria’s horseshoe-shaped bay is a popular destination for snorkeling cruises that ply the Los Cabos coast. Santa Maria Cove is one of the best spots to snorkel and see colorful coral formations, troves of tropical fish, and maybe sea turtles or manta rays. Its calm, shallow waters and ease of snorkeling from shore make it an ideal snorkeling spot for families.
Ways to explore
Situated roughly between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Santa Maria Beach is a popular stop on boat tours of the coastline. It’s also easy to visit independently; while it is a marine sanctuary, it has free public access. Set aside a few hours to lounge at the beach before continuing along to Chileno Beach (Playa Chileno)—a nearby spot with similarly stunning views. Vendors at Santa Maria rent umbrellas, beach chairs, and snorkeling equipment, while the resort that overlooks the beach has upscale dining opportunities.
Accessibility
There is no paved area near the water, and the beach is not considered to be wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
None; thanks to lifeguards, the beach is popular for families with children.
What to pack
Snacks, water, snorkeling equipment, umbrella (there’s limited shade), beach towel, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, water shoes (the shore is quite rocky)
What to wear
Beachwear and add a sunhat as there’s little shade.
Not allowed
Littering, speakers and loud music, fishing, pets
Amenities
Showers, restrooms, free parking, lifeguards
Address
Located 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) from Cabo San Lucas, Santa Maria Beach is a 20-minute drive east along the Transpeninsular/México 1 highway. If you don’t have a car, you can take a Ruta del Desierto bus, which travels between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
Driving
Departing from Cabo San Lucas, follow the Transpeninsular/México 1 highway east, and turn right when you see the sign for beach access (Acceso a Playa Santa Maria). From San José del Cabo, it’s a 35-minute drive west along the same highway, then take the Carretera Federal 1 exit toward San José del Cabo/Playa Las Viudas.
Public transportation
It is possible to catch the Ruta del Desierto bus to the beach, but be aware that the schedule is sporadic. A bus stop is in Cabo San Lucas at the Puerto Paraiso Mall, and there is a stop in San José del Cabo at the La Comer supermarket. Flag down the bus and let the driver know where you’re going.
Best times to visit
Arrive early in the morning for the best snorkeling visibility, a quieter beach, and space to find a spot in one of the few shaded areas.
Best days to visit
The beach is popular among locals and visitors alike on weekends, so come on a weekday for a more peaceful experience.
Best months to visit
May and June are good months to visit Santa Maria Beach, as you’ll enjoy warm weather and fewer crowds.
Special events
The Holy Week of Semana Santa brings thousands of families to nearby beaches for festivities.
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