Close Encounters of the Wild Kind at Quivira Golf Club

As you navigate the course’s dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscape, you may see an osprey flying overhead and cactus wrens flitting about as spiny-tailed iguanas and rock lizards bask in the sun. A roadrunner may stay in the shade of a small bush before sprinting off to its next stop. Birds and reptiles are plentiful, but you’re also likely to see some fascinating mammals like the white-tailed deer. Easily missed because their reddish-brown coats blend seamlessly with the terrain, if startled, you might catch them raising their signature white tails to alert their herd.

Underfoot, you may spot the adorable round-tailed ground squirrel. Smaller than its tree-climbing relative, this desert dweller is perfectly adapted to life in arid terrain. As you move from hole to hole, energetic black-tailed jackrabbits may dart across your path. Their long ears and powerful hind legs make them unmistakable.

The Coyote — affectionately nicknamed the “barking dog” — also makes its presence known. Though more often heard than seen, its iconic howl is part of a quintessential desert soundtrack. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a red fox while you’re playing the course. Known for its cautious but curious nature, seeing one of these captivating creatures is a real treat.

If you happen to be at the course as the sun sets, you’ll see the nocturnal animals emerge. The course is home to masked raccoons, which can be found rummaging through the underbrush.

The ocean provides its own display. Between December and April, golfers have the amazing opportunity to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the annual migration of various species of whales. Humpbacks, gray whales, and even the occasional blue whale pass through these waters as they make their way to their mating grounds and calving nurseries.

The plant life at Quivira is just as arresting as its wildlife sightings. The tallest cactus in the world, the Mexican giant cardon, is interspersed across the course with the organ pipe cactus. An impressive species with sprawling arms that adds dramatic flair to the landscape. These cacti are ecological powerhouses that provide food and shelter for countless species.

The torote, or elephant tree, is another remarkable plant. Its thick, sculptural trunk serves to store water in this arid environment. With its edible fruit, the cherry plum contributes a delicate touch to the landscape while the copal trees’ aromatic resin has long been incorporated into the region’s cultural mysticism. Even smaller plants, like the thorny choya and the versatile nopal, add character to the area’s unique beauty.

Quivira Golf Club is a living, breathing tribute to the naturally rich environment of Los Cabos. Whether you’re captivated by a bounding jackrabbit, a towering cactus, or a breaching whale, the course offers one-of-a-kind experiences that extend well beyond the game itself. It’s yet another layer of what the region has to offer that appeals to nature lovers of all ages. So, pack your clubs and keep your eyes open for the surprises you may catch along the way.