Sailing and paddleboarding in Cabo San Lucas turquoise bay near rocky coastline.
Escape the bustling Cabo San Lucas resort scene to Santa Maria Beach, a protected marine sanctuary just 15 minutes from Cabo. Look for the well-marked turnoff at mile marker 12 near Twin Dolphin Club, where a golden crescent of sand curves between granite formations, creating an intimate, secluded bay.
This Blue Flag-certified beach maintains its natural charm with minimal development. Crystal-clear waters gently lap against pristine shores, revealing hundreds of tropical fish. The peaceful atmosphere makes Santa Maria one of Cabo's most authentic and serene beach experiences, beloved by locals and visitors seeking tranquility.
How to Get to Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach sits 10 miles southeast of downtown Cabo San Lucas along Highway 1, requiring just 15 minutes of scenic driving. Multiple transportation options accommodate every budget and preference.
Local Bus
Catch the corridor bus labeled "San Jose" from downtown Cabo San Lucas for the most economical route to Santa Maria Beach. These "Suburcabos" buses run regularly throughout the day. Ask the driver to stop at "Playa Santa Maria"—most are accustomed to this tourist request.
Through open windows, you'll watch the landscape transform from resort development to pristine coastline during the 30-40 minute journey with intermediate stops. The bus drops you at the highway marker, requiring a short walk down a dirt road to reach the golden sand. This scenic route offers authentic local transport while keeping costs minimal for budget-conscious travelers.
Corridor buses back to Cabo San Lucas run regularly throughout the day. Wait at the highway entrance where you were dropped off, with the last buses typically departing by late evening. Confirm current schedules with your driver upon arrival to avoid being stranded.
Taxi or Uber
Expect to pay around $40 USD one way from downtown Cabo San Lucas, with the 15-minute direct journey offering door-to-beach convenience. Tell your driver, "Santa Maria Beach near Montage Los Cabos hotel for the precise drop-off location. Uber and Lyft operate in the area but may have limited availability. Arrange return transportation before swimming, especially for evening visits, as taxi availability decreases at the remote beach location.
Rental Car
Drive northeast on Highway 1 toward San José del Cabo, watching for the well-marked Santa Maria Beach turnoff near mile marker 12. Free parking sits just off the highway, a short walk from the sand. Having a car provides freedom to explore neighboring beaches like Chileno or combine your visit with the Tourist Corridor's other attractions.
Things to Do in Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and tranquil setting, with crystal-clear waters that reveal hundreds of tropical fish species, colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, and occasionally playful sea lions. Morning hours provide optimal underwater visibility, with marine life most active before the afternoon heat arrives.
For active exploration, bring snorkeling gear to discover the underwater world that earned this area Blue Flag environmental recognition. The calm waters and exceptional clarity make it ideal for underwater photography. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection—the minimal commercial development means bringing everything you need for a full day of marine discovery.
Best Time to Visit to Make the Most of Your Stay
Santa Maria Beach welcomes visitors year-round with consistent water temperatures ranging from 72-84°F. The dry season from December through April offers perfect conditions with clear morning skies, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures in the 70s. These months coincide with whale watching season, when humpback and gray whales migrate through Cabo waters from December 15th to April 15th.
Summer months from June through September bring warmer temperatures, occasionally reaching the low 80s, with mostly dry weather and a few afternoon showers. Mornings typically remain clear and perfect for snorkeling and photography, while brief afternoon rains create dramatic cloud formations over the desert mountains.
Shoulder months of May and November offer the best of both worlds—fewer crowds than peak season but still excellent weather conditions. Adventure seekers prefer the summer's warmer waters and dramatic afternoon skies, while families gravitate toward the predictable dry season. Each season offers unique advantages for experiencing this protected marine paradise.
Smart Traveler Tips & Preparations
We've learned a few things from watching travelers navigate this seaside village over the years. These insider tips make the difference between a hectic day and a smooth coastal adventure:
Cash Essentials: Bring pesos for bus fare and parking tips
Transportation Tickets: Purchase bus tickets with exact change; taxi fares should be confirmed before departure
Footwear Strategy: Water shoes protect feet from mixed sand and pebbles; flip-flops work for beach lounging
Sun Protection Arsenal: Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing are essential in intense Baja sun
Facility Expectations: Basic restrooms and outdoor showers available, but no shops, restaurants, or equipment rentals
These preparations transform a good beach day into an exceptional marine sanctuary experience while ensuring comfort and safety.
Cabo Adventures' Picks Beyond Santa Maria Beach
Ready to explore more of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean convergence? Our expert-guided tours depart from Cabo San Lucas Marina, reaching pristine locations most tourists never discover.
Art & Wine Evenings in San Jose del Cabo
Depart from Cabo Adventures' meeting point to experience the cultural richness of San José del Cabo, where historic charm meets vibrant artistic expression. This exclusive art and wine tour takes you through cobblestone streets past colonial architecture and into the heart of the town's thriving Gallery District.
Your journey begins with a guided stroll through downtown San José, followed by visits to unique art galleries showcasing everything from recycled material creations to international masterpieces and interactive exhibits at the Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery.
Our expert bilingual guides lead small groups through the historic center, accommodating all interest levels from casual art appreciators to serious collectors. The experience culminates with a delightful wine tasting paired with gourmet appetizers at Restaurante Marcelino, while a stop at a traditional cigar-making shop provides fascinating cultural insights.
Camel & ATV Eco-Tour
Board our rugged adventure transport to Tierra Sagrada ranch, where desert landscapes meet the Pacific shoreline. This exclusive ecotour combines thrilling off-road discovery with a serene camel ride along pristine beaches, creating a perfect balance of adrenaline and natural wonder.
Your journey includes professional ATV instruction, a guided camel trek with expert handlers, and an authentic Mexican feast prepared with local ingredients at our oceanfront ranch. After riding, guests can enjoy a premium tequila tasting, learning about Mexico's signature spirit from our knowledgeable guides.
This fully guided experience eliminates logistical concerns while providing intimate access to Baja's remarkable desert ecosystem. The careful combination of adventure and cultural immersion creates the perfect half-day escape where rugged desert terrain meets the wild Pacific coastline.
Why Santa Maria Beach Belongs on Your Cabo Itinerary
Santa Maria Beach captures the essential magic of Cabo's unique geography—where Sonoran Desert meets the legendary Sea of Cortez, creating a protected sanctuary where gentle waves whisper against golden sand between ancient granite guardians. The crystal-clear waters reveal marine life so abundant that Jacques Cousteau called this "The World's Aquarium."
Browse our daily tours to discover the full spectrum of this remarkable destination where two oceans meet.