Getting Back to Normal: The Latest on Cleanup Efforts and Business Reopenings Around Los Cabos
Sept. 27 Updates
The Cabo San Lucas Marina has been cleaned, with the exception of a few downed trees near Baja Brewing Company that should be gone by today. It’s completely walkable, from one end to the other, but with the exception of about half a dozen restaurants, three convenience stores, and a souvenir T-shirt shop, there is not much open right now.
Cabo San Lucas Marina, Sept. 26, 2014.
Most of the places currently operating are in three distinct areas: around Wyndham, Marina Fiesta, and in Plaza Gali. Near the former, Baja Cantina Marina and Captain Tony’s have been popular drinking, dining, and meeting places since shortly after the storm. Solomon’s Landing has also recently reopened. Jack’s and Los Deseos are open in the Marina Golden Zone, and Mango Cantina on the Marina is also back in business.
Cabo Adventures is the most prominent activities company to reopen, and reported that their dolphins and camels are all unharmed. They are currently offering all their regular tours, with plenty of two-for-one deals and locals’ discounts. Puerto Paraiso and Luxury Avenue remain closed.
Updated list of businesses open in downtown Cabo San Lucas: Burger King, Cabo Cantina, Cabo Lounge, Daikoku, El Squid Roe, Frank’s Place (La Ricazon), Giggling Bean Coffee, Giggling Marlin, Gordo Lele’s, Harbard, Jungle Bar, Pan di Bacco, Rockstone Tavern, Sammy G’s, Starbucks, Taco Loco, The Shrimp Factory, Tequila House, and The World’s Smallest Bar, plus assorted pharmacies, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops. See more here.
Original Post
Intensive cleanup efforts have contributed to the remarkably quick recovery of downtown Cabo San Lucas. Image: Johnny Corona
After close to two weeks of major cleanup and recovery efforts by local residents, with massive support from military and federal police, an enormous amount of progress has been made around Los Cabos. That doesn’t mean everyone has power, and is not meant to minimize the incredible losses suffered by so many. Nor is it meant to imply that the economic impacts of Hurricane Odile won’t be felt for a long, long time to come. Only that the situation has improved dramatically for much of Los Cabos, and indeed many areas are beginning to look and feel refreshingly familiar.
A great example is downtown Cabo San Lucas. I was on Marina Boulevard when the storm blew through, and I saw the destruction first-hand: roofs blown off, trees uprooted, cars flipped over, glass blown out everywhere … The next day, the place looked like a post-apocalyptic tableau, reminiscent of old Mad Max movies. Twelve days later, however, Marina Boulevard, and indeed much of the downtown area, looks much as it did before the storm. Yes, there are a few missing signs and other lingering scars, but the major streets have been cleaned, power has been restored, and buses are running once again.
A refreshingly familiar sight: traffic movingly along Marina Boulevard.
Best of all, many businesses have reopened – a few, like Cabo Cantina, never really closed – and it is once again possible to visit the area for shopping, dining or drinking purposes. Pharmacies are open, and basic sundries are available at Tequila House. Daikoku, part of a national sushi chain and a relatively recent arrival, has been serving food again for several days. Great burgers are available at Cabo Cantina, Sammy G’s and Rockstone Tavern. Cabo Lounge is once again providing an air-conditioned haven for football games and cheap pub fare. Gordo Lele’s is still serving up tasty tortas.
That’s just a few of familiar names now serving again, and many more places are expected to open within the next few days. So stay posted for further news. And over the next few days, check back for regular updates on recovery efforts throughout other areas of Los Cabos. See a bigger list of open and reopening businesses here.