Why a downtown location changes everything in Los Cabos

A property with history and heart

Sandos Finisterra is one of the longest-established resorts in Los Cabos. Built into the rocks above the marina, it sits between the marina side of Cabo San Lucas and the dramatic Pacific coastline, with many rooms overlooking the ocean or marina.

The resort also has a rock-and-roll connection: Keith Richards married Patti Hansen here in 1983. Stones Club, the resort’s nightclub, keeps that history alive with Rolling Stones photographs and memorabilia.

There are three large pools, including family and adults-only areas, a children’s club and restaurants serving everything from seafood to Italian dishes and steakhouse favourites. I found the resort food decent, but the real advantage is that you do not have to eat onsite every day. Within about five minutes, you can be at the marina choosing between upscale restaurants, local taco spots and an easy do-it-yourself taco crawl. We felt completely comfortable walking around.

Whales, sailboats and an unexpected splash

The moment I keep telling everyone about happened during a sailing and whale-watching tour with Cabo Adventures. December falls within Cabo’s whale-watching season, which generally runs from mid-December through April, with the most consistent sightings from January through March.

We sailed first to the famous Arch at Land’s End, taking photos from the deck of a beautiful sailboat, and then headed farther out to look for whales. Humpbacks were everywhere—breaching, surfacing beside the boat and gliding through the water. We watched a mother and calf together, and at one point the crew cut the motor so we could simply drift quietly while the whales surrounded us.

My husband even got splashed by a whale. The experience felt respectful and thoughtfully run, which mattered to us. With drinks, chips and guacamole onboard, we floated there feeling completely stunned and happy.

The insider secret upstairs

Here is something many travellers would never find on their own: the Whale Watchers Bar at Sandos Finisterra. It is tucked above the Italian restaurant on the way to the rooftop wedding venue, so you have to know it is there.

The views over the Pacific are spectacular, and during whale season you may spot whales offshore while enjoying a drink or a game of pool. It quickly became our pre-dinner ritual.

For a special dinner, El Farallon at the neighbouring Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is my favourite nearby splurge. Its cliffside setting makes the evening feel like an experience all on its own.

Who this trip is for

This resort works beautifully for families. Some Junior Suites provide a separate living area with a sofa bed, and connecting room options can work well for larger groups. It is also a strong choice for destination weddings—the rooftop venue has unforgettable 360-degree views under the stars—and for bachelorette groups wanting to walk to nightlife, taco tours and tequila tastings.

Direct flights from Vancouver are generally around four and a half hours, making Los Cabos an easy escape for West Coast travellers.

I would not recommend this particular resort for anyone with significant mobility challenges. Because it is built into the rocks, the property involves considerable walking, slopes and stairs. There are more accessible options elsewhere in the downtown area.

Location is more than a preference

What I understand now is that location in Los Cabos can be the difference between a trip where you feel completely free and one where you are constantly coordinating transportation.

I will be asking every client where they want to be based, what they hope to do and whether a walkable downtown experience matters to them. I loved Sandos Finisterra so much that I am returning in November before heading to Secrets Los Cabos in San José del Cabo. This destination has several distinct resort areas, and now I can explain exactly what makes each one special.