Your Guide to Cabo’s Sun, Sand, and Safe Swims
Cabo San Lucas beaches are some of the most beautiful in Mexico, but here’s what many first-time visitors don’t realize: not all of them are safe for swimming. The Pacific side can have strong rip currents and crashing waves, while the Sea of Cortez side offers calmer, swimmable waters perfect for families and relaxed beach days.
Quick Answer: Best Swimmable Beaches in Cabo San Lucas
- Medano Beach – Most popular, calm waters, walkable from downtown
- Lover’s Beach – Accessible by boat, great for snorkeling, iconic views of El Arco
- Chileno Beach – Blue Flag certified, excellent snorkeling, family-friendly
- Santa Maria Bay – Protected marine sanctuary, calm and clear waters
- Palmilla Beach – Blue Flag certified, safe for kids, near San Jose del Cabo
If you’re planning a beach day in Los Cabos, this guide will help you choose the right spot based on what you want to do. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for water sports, or just want to relax in calm waters, there’s a beach for you.
The key is knowing which beaches face the Sea of Cortez and which face the Pacific Ocean. The Sea of Cortez side is where you’ll find the safest swimming conditions. The Pacific side is better for watching surfers or taking photos of dramatic waves crashing against the rocks.
Always check the beach flag system before you swim. Green means safe, yellow means caution, red means dangerous conditions, and black means the beach is closed. Many beaches don’t have lifeguards, so it’s important to know the water conditions before you go in.
Most of the swimmable beaches are along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. You can reach them by rental car, taxi, or private shuttle. Some beaches, like Lover’s Beach, are only accessible by water taxi or kayak, which adds to the adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and some cash for vendors. Many beaches don’t have facilities, so plan ahead. If you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach is the easiest to reach on foot. If you’re staying in San Jose del Cabo, Palmilla Beach is a short drive away.
The Best Swimmable Cabo San Lucas Beaches
When you’re planning your beach days in Los Cabos, you’ll want to know which beaches offer those calm, crystal-clear waters where you can actually swim without fighting the waves. The Sea of Cortez side delivers exactly that, and we’ve got some fantastic options to share with you.
Medano Beach: Lively and Central
If there’s one beach that defines the Cabo San Lucas beaches experience, it’s Medano Beach. This two-mile stretch of sand is the beating heart of Cabo’s beach scene, and for good reason. You can walk right to it from downtown, which makes it perfect if you’re staying nearby and don’t want to deal with transportation.
The water here stays calm most of the year, making it safe for swimming. But what really sets Medano Beach apart is the energy. You’ll find jet skis zipping around, parasailers floating overhead, and people trying their hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Beach clubs and restaurants line the shore, so you’re never more than a few steps from a cold drink or fresh ceviche.
It gets busy, especially near the marina end. If you prefer a slightly more relaxed vibe, walk further up toward the far end of the beach. You’ll still have access to everything but with a bit more breathing room. Groups love it here because there’s always something happening. Solo travelers appreciate the easy access and the chance to meet other beachgoers.
This stretch is home to some of the area’s top resorts, so you’ll see plenty of hotel guests mixing with day visitors. The beach clubs offer chair and umbrella rentals if you want a more comfortable setup.
Lover’s Beach & Divorce Beach: Land’s End Adventure
For a beach experience you’ll actually remember years later, head to Lover’s Beach. This spot sits right at Land’s End, tucked next to the iconic El Arco rock formation. Getting there is half the fun. You’ll need to catch a water taxi from the marina or paddle over by kayak, which gives the whole experience an adventurous feel.
Lover’s Beach faces the Sea of Cortez, and the water here is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The rock formations create interesting underwater landscapes, and you might spot sea lions lounging nearby. The beach itself is beautiful, with golden sand and dramatic rock formations framing the view.
Here’s the important part: right on the other side of the narrow strip of sand is Divorce Beach, which faces the Pacific Ocean. The name fits. The Pacific side has powerful rip currents and crashing waves that make swimming dangerous. Enjoy the dramatic scenery, take your photos, but stay out of that water.
There are no facilities here, no bathrooms, no food vendors. Bring everything you need, including plenty of water. Guided kayak tours are popular because they combine the paddle out with time to explore and relax on the beach. Just remember, the water taxis run regularly, but you’ll need to arrange your return trip.
Chileno Beach & Santa Maria Bay: Calm Waters and Snorkeling
If you’re serious about snorkeling, these two beaches along the Tourist Corridor should be at the top of your list. Both offer protected waters with excellent visibility and plenty of marine life.
Santa Maria Bay sits between kilometer markers 12 and 13 on the highway. The horseshoe shape of this cove creates a natural shelter, keeping the water calm and clear. It’s a protected marine sanctuary, which means the underwater world here is thriving. Tropical fish, sea fans, and colorful coral make every snorkel session worthwhile. The beach is mostly white pebbles rather than sand, and there aren’t many permanent facilities. During busy times, you’ll find vendors renting umbrellas and chairs, but don’t count on it during quieter months.
Chileno Beach, just past kilometer marker 14, takes things up a notch. This Blue Flag certified beach meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. You’ll find actual restrooms here, which is rare for beaches along this stretch. The snorkeling area is roped off to keep boats away, so you can explore without worrying about watercraft.
Both beaches work beautifully for families. The calm water and gradual entry make them safe for kids, and there’s enough to see underwater to keep everyone entertained. Some visitors swear Chileno is actually the best swimming beach in the area if you prefer a quieter scene than Medano.
Palmilla Beach: Relaxed and Family-Friendly
Near San Jose del Cabo, Palmilla Beach offers a completely different vibe from the busier beaches closer to Cabo San Lucas. This Blue Flag certified beach is known for soft sand, clear water, and a peaceful atmosphere that families really appreciate.
The water stays calm here, making it safe for kids and relaxed swimming. Unlike Medano Beach, you won’t find a constant stream of vendors or beach clubs. There are palapas for shade, but they fill up fast, so bringing your own umbrella is smart. The beach is public even though it sits in an upscale area surrounded by luxury resorts.
What makes Palmilla special is that it feels undeveloped without being inconvenient. You get the natural beauty without the crowds. Between January and March, you might even spot whales from the shore. The beach has enough space that even on busier days, you can find your own spot to spread out.
The area around Palmilla caters to upscale travelers, but the beach itself welcomes everyone. It’s a short drive from San Jose del Cabo, making it easy to reach if you’re staying in that area or anywhere along the Tourist Corridor.
Know Before You Go: Safety and Access
Knowing a bit about beach safety and how to get around will make your time on Cabo San Lucas beaches so much more enjoyable. We want you to have the best possible experience, so here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Beach Safety in Cabo
The Los Cabos coastline is stunning, but those dramatic views come with some real differences in water conditions. The Pacific Ocean side can be downright dangerous. Beaches like Divorce Beach and Playa Solmar face powerful rip currents and crashing waves that have, sadly, led to drownings over the years. These aren’t beaches where you should even dip your toes in. The waves are beautiful to watch from shore, but that’s where the interaction should end.
The Sea of Cortez side is a different story. These waters are calmer, clearer, and much safer for swimming. This is where you’ll find the beaches we’ve been talking about, the ones perfect for families, snorkeling, and actually getting in the water.
One of the most helpful tools for staying safe is the beach flag system. These flags are posted at many beaches and tell you what the current conditions are like. A green flag means you’re good to go. Yellow means be cautious, there might be moderate waves or currents, so stay aware and maybe stick to shallower areas. Red flag means don’t swim, the conditions are too dangerous. A white flag warns of marine life like jellyfish or stingrays, so consider water shoes. And a black flag means the beach is completely closed, usually due to severe weather or extremely hazardous conditions.
Here’s the thing though: many beaches in Los Cabos don’t have lifeguards. Even on the swimmable beaches, you need to pay attention. Watch what other people are doing. If nobody’s in the water, there’s probably a good reason.
The sun here is no joke either. Los Cabos gets over 350 days of sunshine a year, which is wonderful, but it means you can burn fast. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the marine life. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are your friends. And drink plenty of water. It’s easy to get dehydrated, especially if you’re sipping margaritas on the beach.
Here’s what we recommend packing for a beach day: reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, plenty of water, snacks (many beaches don’t have vendors), a beach towel, your swimsuit and cover-up, water shoes for rocky spots, snorkel gear if you’re planning to explore underwater, cash for any vendors or small purchases, and a waterproof bag to keep your phone and wallet safe.
Getting to the Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches
Getting to these beautiful beaches is easier than you might think.
Our SJD Taxi private transportation services can take you directly from your hotel to whichever beach you’re dreaming about. This works great for families, groups, or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with parking or carrying beach gear. We serve all of Los Cabos, whether you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, or anywhere along the Corridor. One thing people really appreciate is that we can make a grocery stop on the way, so you can stock up on snacks and drinks before hitting the sand. You can book your private airport transfer with us to start your trip off right.
If you’re staying in downtown Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach is just a short walk along the marina. It’s one of the easiest beaches to reach on foot.
For Lover’s Beach, you’ll need to catch a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas marina. They’re easy to find and the ride itself is part of the adventure, giving you great views of El Arco and Land’s End.
We’re here to help you get wherever you want to go. Our service monitors your flight for delays, so there’s always a vehicle waiting when you land. We also offer private transportation for activity transfers and getting around town, making your whole Los Cabos experience smooth and stress-free.
