Visiting Estero de San José

About Estero de San José

The freshwater estuary where the San José river meets the sea, beside the San José hotel zone, is a protected wetland of palms and reeds. Herons, egrets, ospreys and migratory ducks gather here, especially in winter, and a path runs along part of the shore.

Tip: Go in the early morning, when birds are most active and it is still cool; binoculars help, and the path is flat enough for children.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1–2 hours.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: San José del Cabo, colonial plaza, galleries and restaurants in the older town.

Best time to visit Estero de San José

Estero de San José is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:

• January: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
• March: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, very busy crowds.
• February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.

When to visit Cabo San Lucas has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Estero de San José is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen El Arco at Land's End and Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor).

• No. 16 of the 17 sights in our Cabo San Lucas things-to-do list.
• Listed in free things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

If you like Estero de San José

• Médano Beach — Médano Beach, Half a day
• Santa María Bay — Tourist Corridor, Half a day
• Chileno Bay — Tourist Corridor, Half a day
• Playa Palmilla — Tourist Corridor, 2–3 hours

Staying near Estero de San José

Stay in San José del Cabo Centro ($$$) to walk here: colonial plaza, galleries and restaurants in the older town. All areas to stay in Cabo San Lucas.

Questions travellers ask