Dine on the Sea of Cortez

Every month we share our tips and secrets, offers and invitations—all of them accessible by a short walk or drive from your luxurious accommodations at Pueblo Bonito. We do it because we love when you return to us at the end of your day to toast to your latest adventure and share your tales from around Los Cabos. Therefore, it really must be a special case for us to suggest that you dine anywhere else. Animalón is one such case—a dining experience unlike any other, for to float on the sea that feeds you and watch the sun set on its tides is truly magical. It’s worth the trip in itself. Come, experience Los Cabos from the water at Animalón by the Sea.

It’s a truth worth telling twice; we love for you to dine with us at any one of Pueblo Bonito’s gourmet restaurants and encourage you to reserve your table of choice when you do. But while you’re in Los Cabos, you really must visit the first floating restaurant, too. The rumors are true: acclaimed chef, Javier Plascencia has created a moving feast aboard a 49-foot catamaran that was built with loving hands to emulate Animalón’s original location in Valle de Guadalupe under a 200 year old Oak Tree.

Animalón By the Sea offers a 5-course seasonal menu made exclusively of Baja ingredients that pay homage to local producers, and the lifestyle of Baja Sur. The perfect wine pairing is suggested for each course in the meal, honoring the belief that the right complement will serve to balance the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.

Here’s a sneak peek at the culinary masterpiece being served. The tasting menu is offered for a fixed price with an additional cost for the elevated, 5-course meal with wine pairing.

AMUSE BOUCHE

Baby Corn / Butter / Itzmeño Cheese / Black Truffle

FIRST COURSE
Local Kampachi / Orange Aguachile / Hoja Santa Oil / Creamy Avocado

SECOND COURSE
Gñoquis / Lobster / Parmesan Foam / Caviar

THIRD COURSE
Pork Belly / Mole Oaxaqueño / Verdolagas / Romeritos

FOURTH COURSE
Rib Eye Steak / Diane Sauce / Grilled Vegetables

DESSERT

Coconut Panacotta / Orange Granita / White Chocolate Crumble

As you dine, you’ll enjoy a three hour sunset journey that begins at the Cabo San Lucas Marina and sails through the Sea of Cortez with close-up sights of the Land’s End Arch, Lover’s Beach and more. Very often guests on board will get to share their experience with such marine life as whales, sea lions and dolphins. Animalón sails Wednesday through Sunday as weather permits.

Still not sold on the idea? Perhaps these reviews will convince you:

“...Don’t pass up on this experience! One of the best dinners and sunset cruises we have ever taken. Our server was amazing and so attentive. Food was 10/10, drinks were 10/10, and the overall experience was 10/10!...”

“This was one of the most amazing culinary experiences I have ever had. The scenery, service and food were absolutely incredible. If you want a great dining experience while in Cabo, make sure to make this the place.”

“The food was wonderful with lots of favor, and not too heavy. Energy was magnetic, and the views were GREAT…”

“If you’re looking for a unique dining experience complete with romance, good ambiance, amazing views of the arch, top notch service, and delicious food, look no further than Animalón by the Sea! My wife and I are big fans of their Valle de Guadalupe location and immediately booked a flight to Cabo when we heard that we could float. Couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop to celebrate our 8th year wedding anniversary. Definitely a must dining experience in Cabo.”

“If you’re looking for romance in Cabo, look no further than gorgeous Animalon By the Sea! We are big fans of Chef Javier Plascencia and his excellent restaurants, particularly Animalón in Valle under the 200 year old oak tree. However, Animalón By the Sea is a unique dining experience and stands on its own. Floating on the beautiful Sea of Cortez with a trip to El Arco, the highlight is the fresh and wonderful food from the chef’s well curated tasting menu…each dish was definitely a delight! Service is top notch, as expected, with extra thoughtfulness and warmth throughout. Definitely a memorable experience for our wedding anniversary. Highly recommended!”

With Chef Javier Plascencia’s reputation, the reviews stand to reason. A noted ambassador of Mexican cuisine, Javier Plascencia has built a 30-year career in the culinary industry, but not by pushing others out of his way; Javier is a simple, warm man who is constantly searching for flavor. Born in Tijuana and raised in a hard-working restaurant family, Javier’s natural curiosity for seasoning led him on his first adventure to tour his homeland, the larger region, and later the world, in search of unique ingredients. And as his restaurants have proven again and again, there are no limits to his culinary vision.

After studying in San Diego, California, he opened his first restaurant in Tijuana in 1989, and today is one of the most prolific entrepreneurs in the region, having several establishments, all with innovative concepts. An evangelist of sorts, for Mexican cuisine, Javier Plascencia is a proud representative of Baja California, a “title” he honors wherever he goes. He is a fervent promoter of local production, from wines and beers to meat from organic farms.

Javier's appreciation for the land and its resources blends into his activities outside of the kitchen, too. The region's beautiful locations cast an allure over him, so he takes every opportunity to enjoy his favorite pastimes outdoors, whether it be visiting the beach, the valley, or other destinations in Baja California. As his kitchen staff, family, and guests attest, Chef Javier Plascencia is a man who never ceases to amaze. So why not seize the opportunity to taste the fruits of expertise? Don’t wait; book your getaway at one of our Cabo resorts today! Our concierge can help you reserve your Animalón By the Sea experience, or may do so directly on their website.