Corridor Beaches (Chileno & Santa María)
Cabo's best accessible snorkeling—free public beaches with protected coves and clear water
Overview
The **Tourist Corridor** between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo contains some of Baja's most beautiful beaches—and remarkably, several remain free to access. **Chileno Beach** and **Santa María Beach** stand out as the Corridor's best public options, both offering protected coves with calm, clear water perfect for snorkeling without boat trips or tours. **Chileno Beach**: The most developed public beach, with restrooms, showers, shade palapas, and a small beach club offering chair/umbrella rentals. The protected bay creates calm water ideal for families, with snorkeling among tropical fish and occasional sea turtles directly from shore. **Free entry**; snorkel gear rental available ($10-15). **Santa María Beach**: A horseshoe-shaped cove with exceptional snorkeling—the coral reef sits close to shore in 10-15 feet of water. Less developed than Chileno (no facilities), bringing your own supplies is essential. **Free entry**; parking available. **Access reality**: Both beaches are accessible by public bus (~$2) from either Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo. Buses stop on the highway, requiring a short walk down to the beach. Uber/taxi drop-off is more convenient but pricier ($15-25 each way).
Highlights
Practical Information
Half day
Free
Free beach access at both Chileno and Santa María. Chileno has shade palapa and chair rentals available. Snorkel gear rental $10-15 at Chileno. Bus from Cabo/San José ~$2. Taxi/Uber $15-25 each way.
Year-round. Morning visits (before 10 AM) offer calmest water and best snorkeling visibility. Weekends more crowded than weekdays. Winter months (December-April) have slightly cooler water temperatures.
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