Cabo Beaches: Most Popular Beaches in Los Cabos

Whether it’s surfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding or simply a romantic walk on the shore I am here to assure you there is a beach in Los Cabos to meet your needs.

Deciding which beach is the best beach in Los Cabos can be quite challenging because there are so many great beaches in Los Cabos.  Some of the beaches in Los Cabos are so beautiful they are perfect for a photo op, some are safe for swimming and snorkeling while others not so much because of the currents.

Do you need answers to the questions below:

• Where are the best beaches in Los Cabos?
• Which beaches can you swim in, in Los Cabos?
• Can you swim in the Los Cabos Ocean?
• Which hotels have swimmable beaches in Los Cabos?
• Is swimming dangerous in Cabo San Lucas?

One of the best ways to see Los Cabos is via car because if you try to use a taxi service or hopping on and off of local buses will be you broke and tired before you even make it to the first beach let alone all of them.   If you haven’t considered renting a car while in Los Cabos you really should entertain the idea and venture out on your own and no worries Mexico is completely safe.

Where are the best beaches in Los Cabos?

1. Medano Beach

Medano Beach is a popular choice for travelers staying at one of the many luxury resorts in Cabo San Lucas or the marina.  Medano Beach is the ultimate party hub in Los Cabos, the beach offers every kind of activity you could possibly think of including Jet Skiing, parasailing and stand up paddleboarding, along with swimming and snorkeling.

Medano Beach is more active during spring break, but regardless of the time of the year you decide to visit Los Cabos, there will be cold drinks, great food and just a place to go have fun at the beach.

2. Lover’s Beach/Divorce Beach

Despite the name, Lover’s Beach is not just for lovers.  It is nestled along the dramatically sculpted rock formations at Land’s end, adjacent to “The Arch”, this quiet little strand can only be reached by water taxi.  Lover’s Beach offers great snorkeling and diving on the bay side when the weather is good which makes it one of the most popular swimmable beaches in Los Cabos.

3. Cannery Beach

One of the best kept secrets in Los Cabos in Cannery Beach which is about a 10-minute walk from the marina.  You will often find locals relaxing and enjoying the view and Cannery Beach is also known for the stunning sunrise.  If you want to watch the sunrise with your significant other Cannery Beach is perfect without all of the crowds.

4. Corridor Beaches

The 20 mile Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo offers plenty of options.  About halfway between the two towns, you’ll find one of the Three Blue Flag certified beaches in Los Cabos.  Playa Chileno is particularly known for its fabulous snorkeling.  The water’s visibility and tranquility make it perfect for admiring marine life with or without an underwater camera.

You will see parrotfish and angelfish, along with moray eels, sea turtles, sea urchins, sponges, and starfish just to name a fish.

5. Playa Chileno

Playa Chileno is one of the few beaches that offer shade in the form of palapas.  Visitors can also expect other amenities, including restrooms and showers on the beach.  Hundreds of palm trees provide plenty of shade but make sure you bring your own snacks and beverages because of there very few vendors or restaurants nearby.

6. Playa Santa Maria

Playa Santa Maria is another Blue Flag-Certified Beach.  Its horseshoe shape keeps this beach feeling like you are on your very own private beach.  Playa Santa Maria has outstanding swimming, snorkeling or simply scoping out a variety of tropical fish.

7. Punta Palmilla

The Third Blue Flag-Certified Beach is Punta Palmilla where you can see whales and their calves from the shore during the migration season.  You can also find good snorkeling all year, as the waters are clear and perfect swimming.

As with most beaches, you need to be prepared because as there is nothing other than shade.  No food, no water, no cocktails so make sure you bring what you need because you can’t drink salt water.   If luxury is what you desire look no further than the One & Only Palmilla.  Click here to check rates.

Before you decide to take a swim, please remember that many of the beaches in Los Cabos have powerful undertows and often treacherous waves. Every year visitors make the mistake of underestimating the strength of the currents and there are more fatalities from drowning occurring more often.

The bottom line is to heed the warning signs that say “Stay Out, Stay Alive” and never swim alone, even in what appears to be calm water. With that said, here’s my list of the 5 best swimmable beaches in Cabo and maps on where they are located.

5 Swimmable Beaches in Los Cabos

1. Playa Bledito,  Hilton Cove and Tequila Cove

Playa Bledito is known by several names and I think it is the safest beach in Los Cabos.   Hilton Los Cabos & Melia Cabo Real are beachfront properties, with Las Ventanas al Paraiso and Casa del Mar right next door, about a 10-minute walk on the beach.  Click here to check rates.

The man-made breakwater makes swimming possible in Playa Bledito along with Jet Ski and Waverunner rentals on the beach.  The Hilton offers visitors a day pass allowing the use of the pool and facilities, call (624) 145-6500 for current rates and more information.

2. PLAYA ACAPULQUITO (Old Man’s Beach)

If you love surfing be on the lookout for Playa Acapulquito which is just off the highway before the lookout.   The surf school and restaurant make this small beach popular with the locals.  Playa Acapulquito is excellent for swimming during calm seas.

3. PLAYA LAS VIUDAS (Widow’s Beach)

Playa Las Vuidas beach is a favorite for visitors seeking a little privacy and seclusion. With many coves and unique volcanic rock formations, it’s easy to find a private spot even when there are many people here. Swimming is safe, snorkeling is great and excellent tide pools make Playa Las Viudas a must visit.

4. PLAYA CABEZA DE BALLENA (Whale’s Head Beach)

Playa Cabeza is an extremely safe swimming beach near the lighthouse. This beach has great snorkeling and a sandy beach for relaxing in the sun.

5. CHILLENO BEACH

Chilleno Beach is great for families, snorkelers and divers.  The beach also offers kayaking, snorkeling gear and more are available to rent from Cabo Acuadeportes.  Several reefs run parallel to the beach and are home to over 80 species of marine life. Sea turtle sightings are common here.

Weekends are always crowded so I suggest walking around the cove which will bring you to a more secluded area on the beach.  If you will be visiting during the week I also suggest the going first thing in the morning when its less crowded and you will be able to enjoy swimming and snorkeling without tons of people around you.

You can book a Cabo beach hopping tour that will take you to a few of the most popular beaches, but you won’t be able to see all of the top beaches we’ve listed above due to time constraints.

Which hotels in Cabo have swimmable beaches?

Some of the best beaches in Cabo are located on the Pacific Ocean side and as a result, some beaches are not recommended for swimming due strong tides and currents and undertows, but here is my list of the best hotels with swimmable beaches.

• HOTEL RIU PALACE CABO SAN LUCAS

• GRAND FIESTA AMERICANA LOS CABOS

• HACIENDA DEL MAR LOS CABOS

• ONE AND ONLY PALMILLA

• SECRETS PUERTO LOS CABOS GOLF AND SPA RESORT ALL INCLUSIVE 18+

• SOLAZ A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT LOS CABOS

• SHERATON GRAND LOS CABOS HACIENDA DEL MAR

• THE CAPE – A THOMPSON HOTEL

You can book a Cabo beach hopping tour that will take you to a few of the most popular beaches and click here to book your reservation for any of the hotels listed above.

Is swimming dangerous in Cabo San Lucas?

Don’t Forget Those Waves Can Be Dangerous so before you decide to jump in for a swim, please remember that many of the beaches in Los Cabos have powerful undertows and often treacherous waves that will take you out and you will never be seen again.

The powerful surf and undertow are how Divorce Beach got its name.  Don’t forget to arrange your pick up time if you don’t want to be stranded on Divorce Beach with a bunch of funky sea lions.

Beach Adventures in Los Cabos

Most of Cabo’s beaches are off-limits to swimmers because the Sea of Cortez boasts strong waves and some powerful undercurrent make sure you do your homework prior to visiting Los Cabos and determine which beaches fit your style.

Check out my article on the Top Boutique Hotels in Los Cabos for where to stay in Los Cabos.

Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE  Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!

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