Just 65 km north of San José del Cabo, one of the best-kept secrets in the Mexican Pacific is waiting for you. Los Barriles sits on Bahía de Las Palmas, with the Sea of Cortez as its backdrop. It combines world-class fishing, perfect winds for water sports, and a beach so calm that kids can swim on their own. And all of that is less than 1 hour from your room at Royal Solaris Los Cabos.
A small town that stays with you
Los Barriles started as a fishing camp and grew into one of the most loved spots on the East Cape of Baja California Sur. Today, about 4,000 people call it home, a mix of local Mexican families and residents from abroad. The town has no big avenues or shopping malls. Just beach, sun, and a Sea of Cortez that changes color as the day goes on.
Getting there is easy. Take Federal Highway 1 north, and in less than an hour you will arrive at Bahía de Las Palmas. You can drive a rental car, take a taxi, or arrange a private transfer from your hotel. What few visitors know is that the drive itself is worth the trip. Desert landscapes roll by until the turquoise sea suddenly appears on the horizon.
World-class sport fishing
If catching a marlin is on your bucket list, this is the place. Los Barriles is famous worldwide for the richness of its waters. An underwater canyon close to shore keeps deep water just minutes from the beach, which draws large fish year-round. The Los Cabos Tourism Board highlights this stretch of coast as one of the best fishing spots in the Mexican Pacific.
- Marlin, dorado, and tuna: the three most sought-after species. From April to October, all three are plentiful close to shore.
- Wahoo, sailfish, and roosterfish: present throughout the year. The local fleet has more than 200 boats with experienced captains ready to take you out.
- Bisbee Circuit tournament: each September, this well-known event draws anglers from around the world to compete for a major prize. The energy at the dock during those days is worth seeing on its own.
- El Dorado and Tuna Shoot Out: two classic tournaments that put Los Barriles on the global sport fishing map.
You do not need to be an experienced angler to head out to sea. Local captains guide people of all levels, and the boat ride alone, even if you do not catch anything, is an experience you will not forget.
A paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing
From November to March, the famous "north wind" turns the bay into a canvas of colorful kites and sails. That steady wind makes Los Barriles one of the most recognized windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in Mexico. Anyone who has seen the bay on a January afternoon knows that the sight stays with you for a long time.
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing: hotels in the area offer equipment and instructors. You can also take lessons at ExotiKite Kiteboarding School, one of the top-rated schools in the region.
- Kayak and paddleboard: great for those who prefer a calmer pace. The sheltered waters of the bay make them easy and fun for all ages.
- Snorkeling and diving: the nearby coastal waters are home to colorful fish, corals, and sea life. For a bigger adventure, Cabo Pulmo National Park is less than 2 hours away.
- Whale and dolphin watching: during the winter months, humpback whales and dolphins are often spotted from the shore or on a short boat trip.
ATVs, arroyos, and pickleball
The sea is not the only draw. On land, Los Barriles has something for everyone. Renting an ATV or an electric cart is one of the most fun things you can do here. You ride through the town, reach the coastal dunes, and end the afternoon with sand on your tires. Kids love it.
- ATVs and electric carts: the favorite way to get around town. The arroyos just north of Los Barriles lead all the way to the village of San Bartolo and offer natural swimming holes fed by seasonal waterfalls.
- Pickleball: few visitors expect to find this here. The Tres Palapas complex has 10 courts, instructors, and a full-service restaurant. It is open six days a week and hosts tournaments regularly.
- Parque La Laguna: a small town park with a playground in the center of the village. It is a local gathering spot and a good place to rest with young children.
- Mountain biking and walking: the dirt roads around the town are perfect for exploring the coastal desert on a bike or on foot.
A calm beach for the whole family
Bahía de Las Palmas acts as a natural shield against strong currents. The result is a sea with small waves and warm water, perfect for swimming with young kids. The white, fine-grained sand is another big draw.
- Shallow water near shore: ideal for children to play safely at the water's edge.
- Year-round swimming: water temperature reaches about 30 °C in summer and stays around 22 °C in winter.
- Safe Travels certificate: Los Barriles holds this accreditation from the World Tourism Organization, confirming safety standards for all visitors.
Local food and basic services
The town has everything you need for a full day out. Prices are low and the food is fresh. A bowl of ceviche by the sea in Los Barriles is hard to beat.
- Seafood and ceviche stands right on the beach, at very affordable prices.
- Local markets on Calle 20 de Noviembre for fruit, water, and anything you might need.
- Restaurants with Mexican and international food options in the town center.
- Basic services available: gas station, ATM, pharmacy, and health care.
Cabo Pulmo: the oldest reef in the Sea of Cortez
If you have a full day free, Cabo Pulmo National Park is a must. It sits less than 2 hours from Los Barriles and holds one of the oldest coral reefs in the world, over 20,000 years old, with more than 300 recorded fish species. UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site for its unique biodiversity.
- Snorkeling without tanks: the shallow sections of the reef let you see incredible marine life with no diving experience needed.
- Diving with sharks: the park is home to bull sharks, hammerheads, and blacktip sharks, as well as giant manta rays and sea turtles.
- Kayak and marine safari: for those who prefer to stay on the surface, guided kayak and boat tours cover the most scenic spots in the park.
- Park rules: as a protected natural area, an entry fee applies and certified guides must accompany all water activities. Fishing is not allowed inside the park.
Your starting point: Royal Solaris Los Cabos
To get the most out of a day trip to Los Barriles, having a comfortable and well-located base in San José del Cabo is key. From Royal Solaris Los Cabos, in the center of town, you reach Los Barriles in under an hour by highway.
Solaris Resorts in Los Cabos
- Royal Solaris Los Cabos All-inclusive in the heart of San José del Cabo. Pools, a private beach, restaurants, and easy access to the main attractions of the East Cape.
- GR Solaris Lighthouse The premium option for couples and adults. Exclusive atmosphere, elevated dining, and travel agency with tours to los barriles and the East Cape.
Frequently asked questions about Los Barriles
How do I get to Los Barriles from San José del Cabo?
Take Federal Highway 1 north from San José del Cabo. The drive takes about 1 hour (roughly 65 km). You can go by rental car, taxi, or arrange a private transfer from your hotel. The road is paved and in good condition year-round.
What is the best time to visit Los Barriles?
For sport fishing, April through October is the peak season. For windsurfing and kitesurfing, November through March is ideal because the north wind blows steadily. For families with young children, any time of year works. The waters of Bahía de Las Palmas stay calm and warm throughout the year.
Is Los Barriles beach safe for kids?
Yes. Bahía de Las Palmas has shallow water and small waves, making it a great choice for families with young children. Los Barriles also holds the Safe Travels certificate from the World Tourism Organization, confirming it meets international visitor safety standards.
What family activities are available in Los Barriles?
There is plenty to do. You can swim, snorkel, rent ATVs or electric carts to explore the town and dunes, go kayaking, take a fishing boat out to sea, and enjoy fresh ceviche on the beach. If you have a full day, a visit to Cabo Pulmo National Park is an experience that is hard to top.