[ad_1] “The babies might try to chew on your flippers,” Eric Saucedo, our Baja Expeditions guide, warned us as we prepared to jump from our little boat off the coast of Espíritu Santo, an uninhabited island in the Sea of Cortez. © Provided by Travel + Leisure Nina Ruggiero I could hardly hear him over
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“The babies might try to chew on your flippers,” Eric Saucedo, our Baja Expeditions guide, warned us as we prepared to jump from our little boat off the coast of Espíritu Santo, an uninhabited island in the Sea of Cortez.
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Nina Ruggiero
I could hardly hear him over the barking in the distance. We were surrounded by crystal-clear water and jagged rock formations — some dotted with cacti, others covered with sunbathing sea lions.
Just moments later, we were snorkeling beneath a rocky archway, quizzical sea lion pups circling us and pausing to look us straight in the eyes through our goggles. Behind them, schools of colorful fish swayed in unison with the current.
“It’s like swimming into a Disney movie!” I yelled as we came up for air. I’d been scuba diving and snorkeling everywhere from the Caribbean to Sardinia and Mykonos, but I had never seen anything like it.
Just about an hour by boat from La Paz, the capital city of Mexico’s Baja California Sur, Espíritu Santo is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to endemic wildlife, and it’s one of many off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventures to be had if you stray just a little further from the popular beach resorts of Cabo San Lucas.
Here, how to have a getaway without the crowds and full of sunshine, salt water, fresh air, and animal encounters in and around Los Cabos and southern Baja.
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Nina Ruggiero
This archipelago is made up of two main islands, Espíritu Santo and La Partida, along with three islets and so many beaches to explore, you’re likely to have one all to yourself. Baja Expeditions is a tour company focused on eco-tourism — as any company taking tourists to a place so pristine and full of unique biodiversity should be — and its knowledgeable guides will take you scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming with whale sharks, paddle boarding, and even camping on the shoreline.
Our guide said April is the best time to come and see the marine life, from whales and dolphins to manta rays, but September is the best time for divers looking for warm, clear waters and sea lions. In winter, majestic humpback whales migrate through. Trips leave from La Paz, about two hours north east of Cabo San Lucas.
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Nina Ruggiero
Serious surfers love this spot on the Pacific Ocean, 45 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, but with clean, consistent waves and warm water protected by an outer reef, it’s also a great place for learning. Rent your own longboard from one of the tents on the sand and try your luck, or take a private or group lesson with the expert instructors of High Tide. You’ll likely be popping up in no time — and while you catch your breath in between, there will be plenty of pros to admire as they carve the big waves further out. After your session, walk over to Barracuda Cantina, where you’ll bond with fellow surfers over massive, delicious shrimp or fish burritos and tropical cocktails.
Gallery: The 15 Best Beach Destinations to Visit in January (Travel + Leisure)
January is the ideal time to visit Thailand, especially the islands on the Andaman Sea. Right in the middle of dry season, temperatures are comfortable in the mid-80s (before they soar in spring and summer). With a number of dreamy islands, all with pure white sand and crystaline water, you really can’t go wrong. But Koh Lanta has somehow managed to fly under the radar while still having it all: swanky, romantic retreats, family-friendly hotels and beaches with calm surf, world-renowned dive sites, lavish spas, and a sleepy Old Town with traditional wooden guesthouses. Go now before the secret gets out.
Voted one of the world’s best island by Travel + Leisure readers in 2021, Palawan offer the same stunningly beautiful scenery as other popular Southeast Asia destinations, with just a fraction of the crowds. Join a boat tour in El Nido to hop around the Bacuit archipelago. You’ll sail through crystal-clear blue lagoons flanked by emerald karst cliffs, then kayak to secluded powdery white beaches. In January, the seas are clear and calm: perfect for snorkeling and diving around coral reefs.
The secret’s been out about Tulum for several years now, but we’re still pretty enamored with the boho-chic beach town. Here, ancient Mayan ruins crown seaside cliffs, and there are miles of soft white beaches backed by Instagram-perfect resorts and boutique hotels. With a strenuous schedule of morning yoga followed by afternoon margaritas and ceviche under palapas, it’s easy to see why people continue to come back for second, third, and fourth visits. Tulum’s after-dark scene is arguably as much a draw as its beaches: The main road is a hit parade of stylish restaurants, including the much-lauded Hartwood (keep an eye out for celebrities) and MurMur, from Diego Hernandez, one of Mexico’s top chefs. Finish the night by bar hopping to the fabulous watering holes, like Gitano and Todos Santos, which specialize in Mexico’s smoky spirit, mezcal.
If you want to unplug — and we mean seriously disconnect — Panama’s archipelago of 365 tiny islands is the perfect destination. With no roads and no chain hotels, restaurants, or bars, the San Blas islands offer a castaway experience in one of the most picturesque settings you could imagine. Of the 49 main islands, most house only a handful of small huts best for intrepid travelers (many of these modest accommodations have limited electricity). Your days will look something like this: Boat from island to island to snorkel in the bright azure water, pick a new palm tree to lay your towel under, or swim along sandbars strewn with starfish. At night, there won’t be much else for you to do but enjoy a beer while stargazing and listening to the sound of rolling waves.
There’s really no bad time to visit Hawaii, so why not go when the forecast back home is snow with a side of slush? As far as beach destinations go, Maui caters to any type of vacation you desire, from lazy to adventurous. After all, the islands are famous for wide, golden crescents of beach, calm snorkeling reefs, star-studded resorts with opulent spas, trails that lead to hidden coves, dive sites brimming with sea life, and some of the biggest surfable waves on the planet. When you’re ready to get off the beach, take in the epic views along one of the world’s most beautiful drives, the Road to Hana, which winds through lush forests, waterfalls, and black sand coves. And if you’re interested in spotting marine life, you’re in luck: January is one of the best times to visit Hawaii for whale-watching.
Rio’s rare combination of beaches, rainforest, and mountains — all within a busy urban setting — must be seen to be appreciated. January is a great time to go, as the weather will be hot and the beaches bustling, but it’s before the madness of Carnival when the city turns into a month-long debaucherous party. (Or, if that’s your thing, visit during the festivities for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.) Just don’t expect seclusion. Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon will all be packed with tanned and toned locals sunning themselves in barely-there swimwear, vendors peddling fresh coconuts, and tourists nursing their caipirinhas. It’s a scene — but that’s just what makes Rio one of the best beach destinations in the world.
Still totally under the radar, Oman makes for a spectacular introduction to the Middle East. It’s politically stable, the people are gracious, and it boasts an impressive range of landscapes, from modern city to desert to mountains to — you guessed it — beaches. The country’s massive coastline (nearly 1,300 miles long) has unspoiled sands and amazing weather in January (think balmy temps in the 80s). Even the beaches right in the country’s capital, Muscat, are beautiful and serene, and you can go diving just south of the city, where the popular Al Munassir wreck lies. But for the most spectacular beaches, head to Musandam peninsula in the northernmost part of the country. Zighy Bay has clear, aquamarine waters and white sand that rival the Caribbean, with mountains rising straight from the shoreline.
This famously laid-back island is a great place to de-stress, especially in January when the weather is warm and breezy, and there’s no threat of hurricanes. Head to Negril, where seven miles of soft golden sand beckon; rent kayaks and sailboats to explore the turquoise waters further. The sounds of live reggae and the ocean vistas will lull you into the “don’t worry, be happy” mindset as you sip rum punch (or a Red Stripe, if you prefer) and chat up the friendly locals. Stay at the legendary Rockhouse resort, which boasts cabanas with private plunge pools built right into seaside cliffs.
If what you seek is total relaxation in the lap of luxury, look no further than the Maldives. This low-lying nation is famous for its overwater villas and sparkling turquoise waters. As January is one of the driest months, you’re almost guaranteed blue skies and bath-warm seas without a drop of rain. Made of more than 1,000 islands, you can take your pick of powdery white beaches. But the Maldives are especially perfect for lovers of the sea, as the crystal clear waters and abundant coral reefs offer incredible snorkeling and diving, as well as boating excursions and surf safaris.
Looking for a great deal? Punta Cana is rife with all-inclusive resorts that offer great value, if you’re not keen on having to do a lot of planning before planting yourself at the swim-up bar. January sees dry, warm days hovering in the 80s, and sits nicely between the holiday crowds and the Carnival revelers in February. With the most beaches of any Caribbean island designated by the Blue Flag program for meeting high environmental standards, you’ll find beautiful, clean, sandy stretches all along its 20-mile Coconut Coast. But Punta Cana’s not short on activities for when you’re ready to leave the sun lounger, either. Travelers can go kayaking, zip-lining, sailing, and windsurfing.
While it does take a bit of effort to get there, the Corn Islands off Nicaragua’s east coast may be Nicaragua’s best-kept secret, with their crystal-clear blue waters, swaying palms, and soft sands. While life is slow on both islands, Big Corn has a bit more traffic (literally — one road circles the island from which you can hail taxis or golf carts) and is the only island of the two that has 24-hour electricity. On Little Corn — aptly named as you can cross the entire island from east to west on foot in about 15 minutes — you’ll find a true deserted island experience. Your agenda for the day: relax on the sand or snorkel.
With a name like Sunshine Coast, it should come as no surprise that this stretch of Queensland is decorated with beautiful golden beaches and frequented by happy, laidback locals. At the heart of the Sunny Coast is Noosa, a chic beach village with excellent boutique shopping and trendy eateries. Noosa’s Main Beach is often touted as one of Australia’s best, as it’s protected by a reef and offers gentle, calm waters year-round.
Less than an hour north of the mega resorts of Puerto Vallarta lies the chilled-out, bohemian town of Sayulita. In addition to boasting one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, you’ll find plenty to do to keep busy. Hike the lush jungle surrounding the town, surf the legendary Pacific breaks, practice yoga with an ocean view, and eat your fill of amazingly fresh seafood (go for a ride with a fishing boat and they’ll make you ceviche from your catch). You won’t find big-box tourism here, either. Instead, stay in a bungalow right on the beach. Best of all, Festival Sayulita, at the end of January, celebrates Mexican culture with five days of film, music, spirits, and food — balanced with yoga and stand-up paddle events, of course.
Get on board with the pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica. In January, you’ll undoubtedly have plenty of sunny days to practice your surf skills, laze on the golden beaches, and explore the rainforests. With direct flights to Liberia International Airport from many major U.S. cities, a winter escape to Guanacaste, in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, has become super accessible and affordable. While the surf town of Tamarindo is by far the most popular beach destination in the area, with tons of hotels and restaurants right off shore, trek a bit further north and you’ll find prettier beaches with thinner crowds. Playa Conchal, tucked away in a private cove, requires a short walk along the coast to reach. But you’ll be rewarded with a quiet beach made of tiny crushed shells and turquoise waters for snorkeling.
Aruba claims to have the most sunny days per year of all the Caribbean islands, so you’re sure to get great sunbathing weather (especially important in January when we’ve all been deprived of vitamin D). Wile away breezy, 82-degree days on the 20 powdery white beaches, including Eagle Beach, often ranked as one of the best beaches not only in the Caribbean but also in the world. Backed by many low-rise resorts, timeshares, and restaurants, Eagle Beach is outfitted with loungers for sunbathing and watersports equipment for rent. For a bit more adventure, head to the rugged northern coast where you can hike, go on an ATV excursion or horseback riding tour, or head inland and explore the arid desert-like landscape of Arikok National Park.
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El Arco (“the arch”) is to Cabo San Lucas as the Empire State Building is to New York City — iconic and instantly recognizable, whether it’s your first trip or your 10th. And the only way to see the famous rock formation is by boat. Cabo Adventures will take you on any activity you could possibly dream up in the area, from camel rides and desert ATVs to zip lines and jet skis, but the best way to acquaint yourself with Cabo is to go sailing past its main sights and then jump into its warm, crystal waters for a swim. Even on group tours, Cabo Adventures will supply snorkels, paddle boards, snacks, and drinks and take you to El Arco and beautiful Lover’s Beach, but for a truly unforgettable day, book a private sailing experience.
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Nina Ruggiero
El Pescadero is a small town where farms meet quiet beaches just outside of Todos Santos, a pueblo màgico (magic town) where boutique hotels and cosmopolitan restaurants and bars are popping up among traditional art galleries, shops, and taquerias. El Perdido, a brand-new Pescadero hotel offering outdoor activities of its own, from swimming and volleyball to gardening, will let guests take out its Polaris vehicles for dirt-road rides on stunning beachside cliffs. Take one over to Los Cerritos for a thrilling start to your surfing adventure.
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For a relaxed outdoor activity, join an art walk through San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas’ more laid-back neighbor. Every Thursday evening from November to June, the Gallery District’s main drag is closed to car traffic, and visitors mingle with locals while gallery hopping and checking out new exhibits. Don’t miss the contemporary art with a side of mezcal at Patricia Mendoza Gallery, where you can also shop for local crafts that support worthy causes.
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It’s time to venture beyond the resort.
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This new oasis in the desert has just seven jacales, or huts, where guests have private kitchens stocked with all the ingredients needed for DIY guacamole and more; a deck with a telescope for stargazing; a record player and speaker system; and an outdoor soaking tub.
The resort’s design is impeccable, with attention to every detail and a spotlight on local desert flora throughout. The pool is lined with plush day beds, a sombrero on each, and down every cactus-lined walkway is a new surprise, be it a hidden bar, a garden, or a lookout tower with sunset views from above and a jacuzzi below.
The on-site restaurant, Coyote, sets the scene with a retro Airstream and neon lighting and delivers on big flavor with fire-grilled octopus, roasted shrimp with chorizo, and wood-grilled prime strip loin.
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Set on 25 acres in the foothills of San Jose del Cabo, Acre was first known for its restaurant and cocktail bar — still a main draw for visitors — which serves up popular cheddar biscuits and fresh salads, chocolate clams, grilled fish, and suckling pig. The resort makes its own mezcal, and its cocktails are inventive while still letting local ingredients shine. But now, travelers can stay overnight at Acre’s 12 treehouse suites and wake up among the palms. On the grounds are two swimming pools, pickle ball and bocce courts, a puppy rescue, friendly goats, and private residences. Guests can also mingle with Fausto, the resident peacock, who has a kitschy diner named after him on property.
Nina Ruggiero is Travel + Leisure’s deputy digital editor. A New Yorker living in Los Angeles, she’s happiest on a beach, a cobblestone street, or in a hotel bathtub with a view. Find her on Instagram @ninamarienyc.
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