Your Guide to a Secure Mexican Getaway
Cabo San Lucas safety is a top concern for travelers, and the good news is that Los Cabos ranks among the country’s safest regions.
Quick safety facts:
- Travel Advisory: Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) – the same level as Italy or Spain
- Baja California Sur homicide rate: 2.2 per 100,000 (similar to Idaho)
- Tourist volume: 4 + million annual visitors with very few incidents
- Ranking: 4th safest city in Mexico
- Visible security: heavy police presence and a dedicated tourist force
By comparison, U.S. cities such as St. Louis (60.59/100k) and Baltimore (50.52/100k) see far higher violent-crime rates.
Most concerns here mirror those in any busy beach destination—pickpocketing, sunburn, or water accidents—rather than cartel violence. As one 25-year FBI veteran reminds travelers, millions of Americans vacation in Mexico every year with only a tiny fraction reporting issues. Nearly 15,000 American and Canadian expats live in Los Cabos permanently, underscoring local confidence.
The official Mexico Travel Advisory lists Baja California Sur at Level 2, and local resources such as Is Cabo Safe to Travel to Right Now? provide day-to-day updates.
Understanding the Real Cabo San Lucas Safety Situation
The U.S. and Canadian governments both advise normal “increased caution” for Los Cabos—no special restrictions on visiting downtown Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, or La Paz. Between January and July 2024, 91 % of arrivals were U.S. citizens, and the local crime rate hit its lowest mark in a decade. Investments include 300 + new security cameras, 150 additional officers, and federal military support through 2028.
How This Guide Helps You
The following sections focus on practical steps—crime prevention, transport tips, health pointers, and natural-hazard awareness—so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the beach.
Whether you’re traveling solo in Los Cabos or bringing the whole family, knowing the facts lets you plan with confidence.
A Deep Dive into Cabo San Lucas Safety and Practical Tips
Stroll the marina at dusk and you’ll see why millions rank Los Cabos among Mexico’s safest getaways. Data—not headlines—tells the story. Numbeo’s crime index puts Cabo San Lucas at 44.5, lower than Cancun (56.1) or Tijuana (72.8), and violent incidents involving visitors remain very rare.
For continually updated details, see Is Cabo San Lucas Safe?.
Crime and Nightlife: Separating Fact from Fiction
The main risk for tourists is petty theft. Keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes, and draw cash only from ATMs inside banks or resorts. When enjoying nightlife, watch your drink, stick to well-lit areas, and travel with friends. Tourist zones—downtown, the Marina, and Medano Beach—have round-the-clock patrols and CCTV coverage.
Transportation: Getting Around Los Cabos Securely
Your choices start at Los Cabos International Airport. All shuttles wait outside Terminals 1 and 2; match the umbrella number on your voucher to meet licensed staff. Registered providers like SJD Taxi carry full insurance and follow strict safety standards.
Shared shuttles (about US $13–40 pp) depart once everyone is loaded—usually within 15–60 minutes—and make 2–4 stops. They cannot enter gated communities or make grocery stops, but they are budget-friendly. Private transfers go door-to-door, include complimentary beer or water, allow a grocery stop, and can supply child seats. Both options monitor flight delays and accept cancellations up to 72 hours before pickup (US $5 processing fee).
Considering a rental car? Stick to daylight driving; livestock, limited lighting, and narrow shoulders make after-dark highway travel tricky. For longer trips—Todos Santos, East Cape, La Paz—many visitors prefer booking a private driver so they can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Learn more in Use Registered Transportation Services Only and Licensed Transportation in Cabo San Lucas.
Health and Environment: Water, Food, and Nature
Tap water starts pure but can pick up contaminants in old pipes, so stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Choose restaurants with good hygiene reviews, and avoid raw foods if you have a sensitive stomach.
Beach flags keep you informed: green (safe), yellow (caution), red (no swimming), black (beach closed), blue (jellyfish). Medano, Chileno, and Santa Maria are considered the safest for swimming. Always respect currents, never swim alone, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Bugs and wildlife: apply DEET repellent for mosquitoes, shake out shoes to avoid scorpions, and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. For official advice, check the CDC travel page before departure.
Preparing for a Worry-Free Trip and Final Thoughts
A little preparation makes a big difference. Los Cabos doesn’t require complicated planning—just smart habits any traveler should follow.
Pre-Travel Checklist
- Save 911 in your phone (it works in Mexico) and note the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana: +52-664-977-2000.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so officials can reach you during an emergency.
- Buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation; U.S. policies are not accepted locally.
- Photograph or scan passports, licenses, and cards; store copies in secure cloud storage and tell your bank you’ll be abroad.
- Pack prescriptions in original containers, high-SPF sunscreen, DEET repellent, a small first-aid kit, and a portable charger.
For more tips, see our Vacationing in Los Cabos: Travel Advisory.
Final Verdict on Cabo San Lucas Safety
With crime rates well below many U.S. cities and extensive tourist policing, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo remain incredibly safe for visitors who use common sense: stay aware, secure valuables, and choose licensed transportation.
Start Your Journey With Reliable Transport
The safest way to begin and end your vacation is a pre-booked transfer. Book your safe and reliable airport transportation with SJD Taxi to enjoy door-to-door service, complimentary drinks on private rides, and the flexibility to deliver to one address and pick up from another.
Los Cabos blends vibrant Cabo San Lucas nightlife with the relaxed charm of San José del Cabo, all framed by desert landscapes and the Sea of Cortez. Plan smart, travel easy, and you’ll be booking your return trip before the first one ends.
