LosCabosDiscounts.com

Photo: Ashley Alvarado

Last year, I read Sarah Strohmeyer’s The Penny Pinchers Club and felt an immediate connection to the book’s economizing characters. I am a tireless bargain hunter. There’s a certain pride in knowing you’ve saved money on a meal, an activity, a treat. And with today’s still-struggling economy, there’s a need to save whenever possible.

When I started as editor of Los Cabos Magazine, I had never heard of the company’s Prepaid Voucher Discount Program. I’m so glad that I’ve since learned about it. These vouchers serve much like gift certificates or travelers checks. You simply pick a business you’re planning to visit and first order vouchers from our San Diego or Cabo San Lucas offices. Each time you do, you’re buying the vouchers at a discount of 35 to 50 percent. That’s huge. And unused vouchers can be returned for a refund.

Even better, the businesses that participate are some of Los Cabos’ very best. They include but are not limited to rental car agencies, überpopular restaurants like Baja Cantina and Nick-San, and even hotels like the awesome Bahia Hotel and Los Cabos Golf Resort.

So what are you waiting for?

Cabo Expeditions just posted this video from one of its Snuba tours, and we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you’ve always wanted to scuba dive but loathe the idea of having to take lessons or load on all that unwieldy equipment, it’s time you discover Snuba. Swim with the fishes and discover new-to-you sea life all while breathing comfortably thanks to Cabo Expeditions’ special technology. It’s as easy as snorkeling and just about as affordable through our prepaid voucher program, which offers automatic savings of 33 to 50 percent off the original price. To learn more, e-mail info@loscabosguide.com.

The Beatles once sang that we all want to live in a yellow submarine. And although Cabo Submarine isn’t offering any “liveaboard” options, its owners are happy to welcome day-trippers on their 60-foot yellow semisubmersible for some of the best sightseeing in all of San Lucas Bay.

The company has been operating in Los Cabos since 2008, and its tours offer a unique blend of both top-deck views of the marina, Médano Beach, and Land’s End, as well as spectacular underwater views of the extensive marine life that inhabits the Sea of Cortés. Upon boarding, passengers are handed bottles of water by the friendly and courteous crew, then invited to take their seats on the comfortable wooden benches that line both sides of the deck. Watch for pelicans and sea lions as the boat motors out of the marina and enjoy the sun on your face and the wind in your hair while the captain navigates catamarans, fishing boats, and sleek racing yachts.

Once the submarine clears the marina, the climate-controlled underwater viewing cabin is opened, with leather-padded stools situated in front of large port hole windows on either side. Each seat has a viewing guide attached, showing almost 70 species of marine life that may be seen on the tour, including leopard sharks, manta rays, moray eels, and colorful king angelfish, puffer fish, parrotfish, and gaff-topsail catfish. There is a crew member below to answer questions and assist in identifying the various types of fish.

As the boat settles deeper into the water near Neptune’s Finger, the crew begin feed the fish, ensuring that guests will see large schools pooling around the port holes. Experience a sweeping seascape of strange shapes and vivid colors, a glimpse of the immense variety of marine life in the Sea of Cortés. These wondrous underwater views makes the tour one of the best family-friendly activities in Los Cabos, and provide a fascinating and delightful experience for children of all ages.

After clearing Land’s End and heading into the Pacific Ocean, the boat turns around and guests are invited back to the top deck for up-close and personal views of the arch, Scooby-Doo Rock, the sea lion colony, the Window to the Pacific, Pelican’s Rock, Neptune’s Finger, and Lover’s Beach. This is a perfect time to take pictures of your family or friends with some of Cabo San Lucas’ signature rock formations as the background, while the on-board sound system plays classic rock and roll (expect to hear a certain famous song by the Beatles).

All tours are approximately one hour, with a maximum capacity of 49 guests. Tour times can vary, so call ahead for availability. Night tours are not currently offered, but sunset cruises are available for private charter. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Cabo Submarine, Plaza de la Danza, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-8718 or (214) 774-4844, www.cabosubmarine.com. Go to www.loscabosdiscounts.com for prepaid vouchers. —Chris Sands

You see the advertisements boasting endless beaches, and college students famously migrate south each spring for a much-needed break. There’s also fishing and food and fun activities for the young and young at heart. But that’s not all.

Los Cabos remains one of the world’s top golf destinations. Legendary pros favor the region and have left their impression on the courses dotting the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. To fully immerse yourself in golf culture while also enjoying the perks that Cabo has to offer, we recommend you check out the Los Cabos Golf Resort and the adjacent Cabo San Lucas Country Club (prepaid vouchers for both are available at www.loscabosdiscounts.com).

Located just five minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, the resort and country club offer golf aficionados an opportunity to practice their swings while also enjoying views of the famous arch at Land’s End. There are all the amenities you’ve come to expect at world-class resorts but at surprisingly affordable prices. The resort boasts 74 rooms, a gym, the fantastic Double Eagle Restaurant and Bar, themed nights, a fun pool area, and free Wi-Fi. Check the website for deals: Currently, they are offering the 2011 Stay and Play Package. From May until September, it is only $69 per night per person. That includes a villa and unlimited green fees during your stay. Even better: Kids 12 and younger stay free.

Of course, what’ll really get golf lovers excited is the proximity to the Cabo San Lucas Country Club. The 200-acre course features an 18-hole Dye-designed course that challenges golfers of every level and impresses with its rustic design—and mindboggling view of the arch at Land’s End. The course is also home to one of the longest holes in the country, the 610-yard, par-5 hole number 7.

For more information, go to www.loscabosguide.com.

This Irish-style bar is located in Gali Plaza just off the marina boardwalk and features all the warm wood furnishings and emerald isle paraphernalia you might expect in a public house in County Cork. The beer selection is international, with more than 100 beers available from around the globe, including Irish favorites like Guinness and Harp, as well as rarities from such faraway places as Turkey and Tahiti. There are only two beers on tap, Tecate and the excellent rice beer Indio, both from Mexico. The Canadian La Fin du Monde, meaning the “end of the world,” is among the most interesting of the international varieties. At nine percent alcohol, this triple fermented monster packs a wallop, and is best left for the end of the night.Pub de la Chapu also has extensive cocktail and martini selections, from blended beach-style quenchers like margaritas and piña coladas to more urbane quaffs like cosmopolitans and manhattans. The food menu features a lot of comfort food, with pub fare appetizers like nachos and chicken wings, as well as hamburgers, sandwiches, and Mexican favorites like tacos, fajitas, and quesadillas. It’s not fancy, but it is very tasty, particularly the tortilla soup and the St. Patrick’s fish fillet with sliced mango, poblano sauce, and baked potato.

The service is very good here, and the staff is outgoing and attentive, making this a comfortable place to watch sports or vintage music videos on the seven high definition televisions inside. Cool refreshing breezes blow through the plaza walkway outside, and the outdoor tables are an oasis for those seeking a breath of fresh air when the bar gets crowded. The bar does its best business on the weekend and late at night, with a number of special promotions earlier in the week. Monday and Wednesday feature fruit-flavored martinis, including the pear-flavored Pub de la Chapu signature cocktail, for 50 percent off. On Tuesday, select international beers are available with a 25 percent discount, and Thursday is Ladies Night. —Chris Sands

Gali Plaza, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-1309, www.pubdelachapu,com. Daily 10 a.m.–3 a.m.  All major credit cards are accepted.

No more noisy neighbors. No more cramped quarters. No more pesky time-share hawkers.

Villas boast spacious living rooms and master suites.

Now you can retreat to gorgeous Los Cabos while also enjoying all the comforts of home, thanks to the spectacular Ventanas Hotel & Residences. The sprawling residential development, which overlooks downtown Cabo San Lucas and the arch at Land’s End, has expertly designed Mexican-style haciendas and condos available for purchase and as vacation or long-term rentals.

When it comes to travel—especially with a family or large party—comfort is key. And while Los Cabos boasts several world-class resorts, sometimes people simply prefer the privacy and luxury of a villa. This is where Ventanas comes in, giving you the privacy and comfort you deserve as well as the perks generally associated with top resorts.

For prices comparable to anything you would find at a resort—and oftentimes better—you and your traveling companions can relax in the privacy of a two-, three-, or four-bedroom home. Located just minutes from bustling downtown Cabo San Lucas, each of the attractive villas comes with ocean views, fully equipped kitchens featuring state-of-the-art appliances, spacious living and dining rooms, private terraces, a private pool, a plasma TV, a one- or two-car garage, and air-conditioning. Many of the master baths also feature whirlpool tubs in addition to a shower. Most floor plans call for two stories plus a rooftop pool, but there are single-story homes for those with limited mobility.

When you rent your villa, you are also granted access to the full spectrum of Ventanas’ resort amenities, including a heated pool overlooking the Sea of Cortés and Land’s End, hot tubs, a deli restaurant (with room service), a workout center with state-of-the-art equipment, boxing and yoga classes, a charming chapel, a multimedia room, and a concierge, who will happily schedule you for spa treatments, tee times, and exhilarating Los Cabos activities.

Ventanas is currently in the second phase of its three-step development process. There are plans for an expanded clubhouse and spa in its second phase and third phase as well as many more homes. For information on Ventanas real estate, go to www.ventanasresidences.com/realestate/index.html.

Fraccionamiento Ventanas del Cortez S/N (exit near Costco off Tourist Corridor), CP. 23454, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 104-3775, www.ventanasresidences.com. You can e-mail reservaciones@ventanasresidences.com for additional information.

To book your stay at Ventanas Residences, go to www.expedia.com. You can also purchase prepaid vouchers through www.loscabosdiscounts.com to save 35 to 50 percent off the regular rate.

Check-in is at 3 p.m.; checkout at noon.

Despite its reputation as a spring break town, Los Cabos offers myriad activities for the whole family. Chief among them is the Cabo Submarine (624-143-8718 or www.cabosubmarine.com). It is partnered with the also-fabulous and kid-approved Cabo Expeditions (624-143-2700 or www.caboexpeditions.com.mx).

Sign up the whole family for a tour aboard the 60-foot submarine, which provides views of Land’s End from above and below sea level. It is a real favorite of tiny tots, who’ve been known to jump for joy at the sight of colorful fishes. Fortunately for all, you can try out the submarine for yourself with discounted vouchers from Los Cabos Guide’s Prepaid Voucher program. Vouchers are available in both the San Diego and Cabo San Lucas offices.