San Jose's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary

San Jose's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary
San Jose's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary
San Jose's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary
San Jose's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary
San Jose's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary


Between the ocean and desert landscapes is a protected reserve that was once home to tribespeople and is now inhabited by varied wildlife. 

Flora and fauna flourish in San Jose’s Estuary and Bird Sanctuary (Estero San José), an oasis nestled amid the luxury hotels and golf courses of a bustling resort city. Go walking in this 346-acre (140-hectare) wetlands area, where the freshwater from the mountains meets with the Sea of Cortez to create a special ecosystem. Visit San Jose’s Estuary and Bird Sanctuary to see where the oldest ancestors of Los Cabos, the Pericú people, first settled and lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Due to its protected status, Estero San José is free from vehicles motorized transit is prohibited in the reserve. Get up close to the natural riches while walking along both paved and natural trails. Note how streams weave around areas of lush vegetation before emptying into a lagoon, separated from the sea by a strip of golden sand. See numerous plants species such as cattail, date palm, fan palm and ragweed.

Hundreds of animals call the estuary home, many of which are endemic and endangered birds. Observe egrets, herons, hooded orioles, flycatchers and pelicans. The rare least Bell’s vireo migrates here in winter and it is an important nesting site for the least tern. Amphibians and turtles are among the aquatic animals commonly seen.

Stroll along Estero beach, where you can witness the seawater flow into the lagoon. Several of the city’s tour operators organize horseback riding excursions on the beach. To the north, the beach connects with Puerto Los Cabos Marina and to the south it converges with the coastline of the Zona Hotelera.

Access to the northern section of the reserve is only a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mijares and Downtown San José del Cabo. Free parking is available at the northern end of Paseo Malecon San Jose, in the Zona Hotelera.

San Jose’s Estuary and Bird Sanctuary is open daily and admission is free. There’s minimal shade here, so consider visiting late in the afternoon to avoid high temperatures and bring drinking water with you.

Tours & day trips

See all 87 activities

Water activities

See all 25 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 20 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 15 activities

Shopping & fashion

See all 4 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Royal Solaris Los Cabos & Spa - All Inclusive

Royal Solaris Los Cabos & Spa - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Blvd San Jose Lote 10, Campo de Golf, San José del Cabo, BCS
Royal Solaris Los Cabos & Spa - All Inclusive
GR Solaris Lighthouse Los Cabos

GR Solaris Lighthouse Los Cabos

4 out of 5
Paseo Malecon San Jose, San José del Cabo, BCS
GR Solaris Lighthouse Los Cabos
Grand Decameron Los Cabos, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort

Grand Decameron Los Cabos, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort

3.5 out of 5
Boulevard Malecon S/N, San José del Cabo, BCS
Grand Decameron Los Cabos, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort
Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos - All Inclusive

Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Blvd San Jose S/N, Zona Hotelera Fonatur, San José del Cabo, BCS
Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos - All Inclusive
Casa Lulú

Casa Lulú

4 out of 5
Retorno Punta Palmillas 10, San José del Cabo, BCS
Casa Lulú
Club Solaris Los Cabos

Club Solaris Los Cabos

4.5 out of 5
San Jose del Cabo L. 10. campo de Golf, San José del Cabo, BCS
Club Solaris Los Cabos
Royal Decameron Los Cabos Todo Incluido

Royal Decameron Los Cabos Todo Incluido

3 out of 5
Boulevard Malecon S/N, San Jose del Cabo, BCS
Royal Decameron Los Cabos Todo Incluido
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.