Bahía Chileno

Bahía Chileno, or Chileno Bay, is a sheltered cove on the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, in the municipality of Los Cabos. Its public beach, Playa Chileno, lies roughly 12 to 14 km east of Cabo San Lucas depending on the guide, along Highway 1 (the exact kilometre marker varies between sources). A resort stands next to it, but there is a signed public access from the highway.

The bay is best known for snorkeling. A coral reef starts close to the shore, a few fin kicks from the sand according to one tour operator, and most visitors head for the rocks on one side of the beach. Guides list parrotfish, pufferfish, angelfish and big-eye jacks, with occasional rays and sea turtles; visibility is often more than 30 feet. The water is calm and clear on most days, so the beach is also good for ordinary swimming, and the Los Cabos tourism board lists it as a Blue Flag beach. Tour operators describe the bay as a protected marine sanctuary where motorized watercraft are not allowed; we could not find an official decree to confirm this, so treat it as the operators' description.

The beach has a lifeguard stand, public showers, restrooms, shaded palapas and a paved path down from the parking area, though shade and food options are limited. Mornings are best: around 8 am the water is glassy and the beach is quiet, while the free parking lot tends to fill by 10 am. Bring water shoes, since there are sea urchins near the rocks, and do not touch the coral. Boat tours from the Cabo San Lucas marina also stop here, and Santa María Bay is just over a mile along the coast.