Buyer Guide · Los Cabos
Costa Azul, San José del Cabo: Oceanfront Community Guide
CONFIRM_BRENT: Transcript refers to this community as both 'Soleado' and 'El Zolate' — filename spells it 'El Zalate.' Please confirm the exact, official community name and correct spelling before publishing. Once that's settled, this is one of the most compelling oceanfront addresses in Costa Azul: a four-tower, 71-unit complex sitting directly on the beach in San José del Cabo, with all-ocean views and amenities that keep units from lasting long on the market.
What Is El Zalate and Where Exactly Is It?
⚑ Brent to confirm — Confirm official community name (El Zalate, Soleado, or Soleado at El Zalate) before publishing this section. El Zalate is an oceanfront condominium community on the beach at Costa Azul, in San José del Cabo. The development consists of four towers, each six floors with elevator access, totaling approximately 71 condos.
The architectural style is Mediterranean with Santa Fe influences — think warm tones, palm-lined paved paths connecting the buildings, and a design that feels intentional rather than generic resort. It reads as a true community, not a hotel.
Costa Azul itself is one of the most livable stretches of the Los Cabos corridor: close enough to San José del Cabo's historic center and art scene, but with open beach, surf, and room to breathe. El Zalate sits right at the heart of it.
Amenities and Community Feel
The HOA package here is genuinely strong. You get two pickleball courts, a gym, three heated pools, a large hot tub, on-site management, and 24/7 security. For a beachfront community at this scale, that's a well-rounded setup — especially the heated pools and pickleball, which I don't see at every comparable property.
Units range from one to three bedrooms, with the majority being two-bedroom layouts. Square footage runs between 1,400 and 2,100 total square feet, and every unit has ocean views. You're also looking at large terraces, open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, laundry rooms, and spacious master suites. CONFIRM_BRENT: Confirm whether garage parking is included in all units or only select ones — transcript notes 'not all units have garages.'
Right outside the community there's an OXXO, which sounds like a minor detail but it's genuinely convenient — quick run for water, snacks, or anything else without getting in the car.
Who Lives Here and Why?
The resident mix at El Zalate tells you a lot about what makes it work. You've got retirees who've made it their full-time home, Canadians and Americans using it as a second home, and investors running vacation rentals. That diversity is a healthy sign — it means the community has real demand across multiple buyer profiles, not just one narrow use case.
⚑ Brent to confirm — Any data on typical rental occupancy rates or nightly rates at this community? Units reportedly don't last long on the market when they come up for sale, which tracks with the location and amenity set. If you're buying here as an investment, that turnover pace matters.
The beach itself is a draw: long stretches of sand, light on vendors and peddlers, good for walking, whale watching, photography, paddle boarding, and boogie boarding. The Costa Azul surf break is literally two minutes away — one of the more accessible surf spots in the area.
Everything Nearby: Restaurants, Golf, Groceries, and More
For daily life, the location is hard to beat. Grocery options — La Comer, Chedraui Selecto, and Fresco near Palmilla — are five to ten minutes away. Costco and Home Depot in Cabo San Lucas are about 20 minutes. An OXXO is right outside the gate.
Restaurant-wise, the neighborhood punches above its weight. Nearby spots include Zippers Bar, CONFIRM_BRENT: 'Pescadito Break' (confirm spelling), CONFIRM_BRENT: 'Sardina Cantina' (confirm spelling and name), CONFIRM_BRENT: 'Cynthia Fresh Restaurant' (confirm name), Mama Mia, and CONFIRM_BRENT: 'The District' (confirm name). Nicksan — the famous sushi restaurant — is in Palmilla, about five minutes away. Fora Farms and Acre Resort are approximately 15 minutes.
For golfers: Club Campestre and Palmilla Golf are both about five minutes away, and Puerto Los Cabos Golf Course is 15 minutes. The San José del Cabo Art Walk in the historic district is a five-minute drive. Puerto Los Cabos Marina for boating and fishing is 15 minutes. And if you want to get serious about diving or snorkeling, Cabo Pulmo is approximately one hour and ten minutes. Cabo San Lucas Marina runs 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
Frequently asked questions
- How many condos are in El Zalate Costa Azul?
- El Zalate has four towers with approximately 71 total units. Each tower is six stories and has elevator access.
- What are the HOA amenities at El Zalate?
- Amenities include two pickleball courts, a gym, three heated pools, a large hot tub, 24/7 security, and on-site management.
- What unit sizes are available at El Zalate in Costa Azul?
- Units range from one to three bedrooms, mostly two-bedroom layouts, with total square footage between 1,400 and 2,100 square feet. All units have ocean views and large terraces.
- Can I vacation rent a condo at El Zalate?
- Yes — vacation rentals, second-home ownership, and full-time residency are all common here. The buyer mix includes investors, retirees, and second-home owners from the US and Canada.
- How close is El Zalate to the Costa Azul surf break?
- The Costa Azul surf break is approximately two minutes from the community — one of the closest oceanfront locations to a surf spot in the San José del Cabo area.
- How far is El Zalate from Cabo San Lucas?
- Cabo San Lucas Marina is approximately 20 to 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Costco and Home Depot in Cabo San Lucas are about 20 minutes away.