Head to head
Chileno Bay or Santa María Cove: which beach should you go to?
Go to Chileno Bay if you want facilities and easy parking, and Santa María Cove if snorkelling is the point. They are two minutes apart on Highway 1 in the Tourist Corridor, both free, both protected, and both fill their car parks by about 10am in high season.
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Key facts
- Distance apart
- About 2 minutes by car on Highway 1
- Cost
- Both free
- Chileno facilities
- Bathrooms, larger car park, shade
- Santa María facilities
- Minimal, small car park
- Arrive by
- 10am in high season, 9:30am for Santa María
- Best snorkelling
- Santa María
Chileno Bay
The better all-round beach: bathrooms, a real car park, gradual entry, and decent reef at both ends.
Pick this if
- You have children
- You want facilities
- You are staying most of the day
Santa María Cove
The better snorkelling: a horseshoe bay with reef on both arms and more fish. Minimal facilities.
Pick this if
- Snorkelling is the reason you came
- You can arrive before 9:30am
- You do not need bathrooms
| Chileno Bay | Santa María Cove | |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling | Good | Best on the Corridor |
| Swimming | Excellent, gradual entry | Good, steeper entry |
| Facilities | Bathrooms, shade | Minimal |
| Parking | Larger free car park | Small free car park |
| With children | Best choice | Workable |
| Crowds | Busier | Busy earlier |
| Cost | Free | Free |
The bottom line
Chileno for a day at the beach, Santa María for an hour of snorkelling, and both if you get up early. Neither costs anything and both are signposted off Highway 1 between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chileno Bay or Santa María better for snorkelling?
Santa María Cove. It is a horseshoe bay with rock reef on both arms and more fish life. Chileno has good snorkelling at either end plus bathrooms, shade and easier parking.
Do you need a tour to visit Chileno Bay?
No. Both Chileno Bay and Santa María Cove have public access and free car parks off Highway 1. Bring your own mask and snorkel — around $20 in any local supermarket — and you have replaced a $90 tour.
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