Famous oceanographer and marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez “The World’s Aquarium” because Los Cabos is home to an abundance of marine life. Visitors here can experience everything from beautiful schools of tropical fish to breathtaking whales migrating through the area. As you can imagine, encouraging more sustainable travel in this region is a priority for many local companies.

   

So, if you’re planning a Los Cabos vacation and happen to be one of the 96% of travelers who feel it’s important that your travel dollars positively impact the destinations you visit, there are plenty of ways to do just that. 

Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Los Cabos

Give to a local organization.

Donate to or volunteer with a local organization making a difference, such as Sarahuaro. When you support Sarahuaro, you’re helping to educate women to better their lives and feed their children. 

You can help by donating supplies from the organization’s wish list or, if you plan to visit from November to May, consider volunteering at one of the organization’s markets. 

Eat local.

Eating the local cuisine is a great way to experience a destinations culture, and it’s also better for the environment and supports the local economy. 

   

Here are two eateries Tripadvisor travelers rate as top places to eat in Los Cabos.

• Flora’s Field Kitchen, San José del Cabo. Everything served at this farm-to-table restaurant is locally sourced from a 25-acre organic working farm in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and meats come from their nearby 150-acre sustainable ranch. 
• Laja, Valle de Guadalupe. The menu at Laja, Valle de Guadalupe is described as simple elegance. The restaurant’s garden and the region’s local bounty fuel its offerings and flavors, including a selection of organic wines. What doesn’t come from their garden is sourced with sustainability in mind. 

Help protect the local fauna.  

Birding Los Cabos México offers two programs in which you can participate to help protect the native sea turtle population. Join the overnight patrol camp or sea turtle release programs. A portion of the participation fees goes towards educational programs for children and conservation efforts. 

Support clean oceans.

   

Supporting sustainable businesses that protect Los Cabos’ marine life can be an easy and fun way to do your part. Consider scheduling excursions with one of these local companies. 

• CaboTrek offers carbon-neutral tours down the peninsula in a school bus retrofitted to run on recycled vegetable oil. Recently certified by WCA as a “Responsible Whale Watching Operator,” travelers can responsibly enjoy whale watching and other heart-pumping experiences, including swimming with whale sharks and snorkeling with sharks. 
• Active visitors can consider booking Baja Expeditions’ water-based excursions that run the gamut from diving to kayaking to paddle boarding to ocean safaris and other adventures. Family-owned and operated since 1974, Baja Expeditions donates all profits from Conservation Expeditions directly to local environmental organizations. 

Shop local.

Shopping local while traveling allows you to interact with the locals, find unique and unforgettable souvenirs and most importantly, put money into the local economy. Here are three popular spots to check out during your time in Los Cabos. 

   

• Satisfy your sweet tooth and pick up souvenirs from La Dulce Ines, a small family-owned sweet shop. Known for a warm and welcoming ambiance and friendly owners, La Dulce Ines is also famous for its ice cream and comfortable outdoor seating.  
• If you’re in the market for a unique souvenir that you can wear for years, consider stopping by Jonathan Sanchez Jewelry. Visitors rave about the engaging ambiance, including wine and live music, if you time it right, top-notch customer service and beautiful pieces of unique fine jewelry.  
• La Coyota is a popular place to pick up gifts with an artisanal feel. Enjoy the beautiful setting and courtyard while you peruse local arts, crafts, decor and clothing to remember your time on the Baja California Sur peninsula. Travelers recommend spending some time walking through the rooms of what was an old hacienda (a large estate or plantation with a dwelling house). 

Stay: La Pacifica Los Cabos, a Hilton Club, makes an ideal home base. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez, 11.3 acres of private beach to dig your toes into and proximity to the area’s points of interest. 

Read “Malama Hawaii: Give Your Next Vacation to the Aloha State New Meaning” for more sustainable travel ideas.