The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Family Activities

For Kids
A large, brand-new Kids Club is under construction near the entrance of the Hacienda del Mar. Indoors, up to 30 kids can enjoy flat-screen TVs with video game systems; craft tables for making pinatas, clay art, masks, jewelry and picture frames; Spanish lessons; Loteria (Mexican bingo) with prizes; and face painting. Outside there will be beach play and a large kids-only pool with a mushroom waterfall in the center, accommodating up to 30 additional children. The new center is scheduled to open in April 2012.

For Teens
There are lots of opportunities for water sports including scuba diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing. La Princesa Sailing Cruises are super affordable. For a reasonable fee, you can enjoy a leisurely sail on a Catamaran up to Bahia Santa Maria. There you can snorkel (equipment included in your fee), enjoy drinks and snacks, and return by 3:30 p.m. to Cabo San Lucas harbor. The whole family will enjoy a ride aboard The Buccaneer Queen, a restored pirate ship that truly looks the part. Afternoon snorkeling, whale watching (in season) and evening pirate adventures are available.

Sea Turtles
Nearly all species of sea turtles are on the threatened or endangered species list and the Los Cabos municipal government has sponsored a turtle recovery program to help thousands of turtles hatch and find their way to the sea safely. Protected nesting sites are located at the Sheraton as well as the Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos. We were fortunate enough to arrive at the tail end of the season and witnessed trained staff carefully gathering brand new Olive Ridley turtles (about three-inches long) in a box and deposit them near the surf's edge. A large group of onlookers shouted encouragement to the baby turtles as they slowly scuttled into the water. (The turtles must do it themselves or will not find their way back to lay their eggs.)

The Town of Cabo San Lucas
The glitzier sister to neighboring San Jose del Cabos, the town of Cabo San Lucas is a favorite hangout during college spring break, with its abundance of bars and nightlife. Families might choose to pass on the designer shops at Puerto Paraiso Mall and Luxury Avenue. Instead, lunch at Misiones de Kino, a small, charming restaurant a bit off the beaten path that serves authentic Mexican food. Then explore the marina, swim in the gentle waters of Medano Beach or reserve a horseback trail ride through nearby desert and beaches with Cuadra San Francisco. For dinner, try Maro's Shrimp House, with its excellently prepared and reasonably priced lobster and shrimp dishes.

Golf and Special Packages
The resort's Ultimate Golf Vacation includes unlimited golf at Cabo del Sol Golf Courses (Ocean and Desert) for two guests; deluxe accommodations featuring the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed and a whirlpool tub; transfers between the hotel and golf course; daily buffet breakfast for two at Tomates Restaurant; and a late 4 p.m. check out based on availability. A minimum three-night stay is required.

Inquire about additional special packages at the time of reservations and check with the concierge at the resort who can secure discounts for guests. The Sheraton also has a relationship with the Grupo Questro courses (Cabo Real, Club Campestre, and El Dorado).