Deciding which beach is the best beach in Los Cabos to lay out on and enjoy the warm water is not an easy decision. There are simply too many great beaches in Los Cabos to choose just one as the best beach in Cabo San Lucas.
Some are more picturesque than others, some beaches are safe for swimming and offer exceptional snorkeling while others have great surf breaks or tidal pools that make beachcombing a terrific way to spend a day.
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. Go ahead and book your flight and pack your bags for Los Cabos.
Deciding which beach is the best beach in Los Cabos can be quite challenging because there are so many great beaches in Los Cabos. Keep reading as I will answer the following questions:
- 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.
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.
Every year folks make the mistake of underestimating the strength of the currents with fatalities from drowning occurring more often than we’d care to say.
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 best beaches in Cabo and where you can find them.
Affiliate Disclosure: All hotel links on my site are affiliate links meaning I earn a small fee when you book a hotel. (There is never any extra cost to you for using these links).
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.
5 Best 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.
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 or click below to make a reservation.
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.
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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 if you are trying to find the best beach in Los Cabos.
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.
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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.
The beaches here are beautiful, but many of them are tantalizingly so, with strong ocean currents that make them too dangerous for swimming.
But rough waves shouldn’t stop you from enjoying Los Cabos’ gorgeous geography from a hotel right on the shore.
Some beachfront hotels are located on no-swimming beaches, but compensate with exceptional amenities and excellent views from their rooms and common spaces; other beachfront hotels are located on the rare swimmable beach.
Here is my list of the best hotels with swimmable beaches.
Best Beach Hotels in Los Cabos
Which resorts have swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas and the tourist corridor? Where can you walk out of your hotel room in Los Cabos and go for a swim in the ocean?
Esperanza, an Auberge Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas
Waves crash along the rocks, sending salty spray into air warmed by brilliant sunshine. This centuries-old rhythm helped shape Cabo’s Punta Ballena coastline, named for its resemblance to a whale’s tail. You’ll feel at harmony with the vivid sensations of Baja California—and with the Esperanza family.
Luxury Boutique Hotels Cabo San Lucas
A Los Cabos boutique hotel like no other. Imagine a side of Los Cabos you never knew existed, where the soul willingly surrenders to el sol. It’s a fresh and vibrant approach to Los Cabos luxury—a singular beachfront retreat commanding a contour of the cape where every room and vantage point overlooks El Arco and the Bahia Cabo San Lucas horizon.
Hotel Casa Costa Azul
Casa Costa Azul is located right on the beach, giving you the pleasures of nature, the feel of warm water, the sound of waves, the pleasure of sun and surf.
Time will slow down for you to enjoy the thrill of a majestic sunrise, and have a walk on our soft sandy beach.
This is the place for you to see gray whales passing, baby turtles going to the sea for the first time and watching marine birds in their natural habitat.
San Jose del Cabo - Best Surf Spot in the area
Cabo Surf Hotel is part of "Balderrama Hotel Collection" a Mexican owned and operated hotel company with properties located in Copper Canyon, Mexico. A magnificent canyon land comparable in size and depth to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. An incredible place, land of the Tarahumara Indian tribe (well known by their stamina, running long hours on end) and only accessible by the "Chihuahua al Pacifico" train ride.
Premier Five-Star Cabo San Lucas Luxury Resort - Casa Dorada Resort & Spa
Guests arriving at Casa Dorada Los Cabos, Resort & Spa find themselves in a setting distinguished by breathtaking natural beauty, chic luxury and unparalleled dining experiences. We welcome you to discover one of the best five-star resorts in Cabo – overlooking the immaculate white sands of swimmable blue flag Medano Beach and the magnificent Arch of Cabo San Lucas and just a five-minute stroll from downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Old World Luxury on Cabo San Lucas' Luminous Pacific Coast
Step into a world of unforgettable moments at Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic getaway, fishing adventure or family vacation in Mexico, allow our collection of oceanfront resorts to be your home base for a beautiful vacation in Cabo San Lucas or Mazatlán. Get set to enjoy turquoise blue seas, sparking sand, waterfront swimming pools and peaceful gardens, all wrapped in Pueblo Bonito's brand of blissful coastal tranquility. From Mazatlán to Land's End, our spectacular resorts in Mexico will captivate your senses.
Luxury Hotel & Beach Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico | One&Only Palmilla
Our luxury Mexico resort on the azure coastline of the Sea of Cortez welcomes you. Surrounded by shimmering sands, swaying palms and the blue of the sky and the sea, reserve one of our One&Only Palmilla rooms, suites, Casita suites or luxury villas and fully immerse yourself into the charm of Los Cabos. Indulge yourself with Villa Cortez, a stunning escape unlike any other, and Villa One, our most exclusive villa perched at the highest point of the resort.
You can book a Cabo beach hopping tour that will take you to a few of the most popular beaches and click here or below 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.
Best Time To Visit Cabo San Lucas
For fewer crowds, go in spring or fall which is when I went, the temperatures are still mild and rain is less likely and the rates are at their lowest. Not only are the rates at its lowest but you literally have the resort to yourself!
From late November to mid-May, conditions are ideal to visit Cabo San Lucas, with sunny days with temperatures around the 80s and cooler nights.
Things heat up in the summer, when temperatures reach the high 90s. Some visitors prefer to avoid Cabo during March and April, when tipsy spring breakers descend upon town.
Fishing tournaments are held between June and November, but before you pack your rod and reel, keep in mind that it’s also hurricane season, so plan accordingly.
Click here for my Travel Resource page to help you book your vacation to Los Cabos.
Things Not To Miss In Los Cabos
Traveling to Cabo San Lucas means experiencing one of Baja’s most indulgent areas, where pristine beaches, luxury resorts and fine dining will bring the most exhausted travelers back to life with a dose of adrenaline. Some highlights from our Cabo San Lucas travel guide include:
• Aquatic activities like fishing, snorkeling and surfing
• Whale watching tours
• Golfing
• Feasting on the best of Baja’s bounty
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO LOS CABOS
The U.S. State Department’s new travel warning system gave it a Level 2 advisory in January that implores travelers to “exercise increased caution.” The State Department updated its Mexico advisories on August 22, leaving Los Cabos’ warning intact.
“Criminal activity and violence, including homicide, remain an issue throughout the state,” the advisory said. “While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens.”
Though it does say there are no U.S. government restrictions for travel in Baja California Sur, which includes the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and La Paz.
The advisory seems at odds with the seemingly thriving area that attracts close to 3 million visitors each year. So is it safe to travel to Los Cabos?
There have been some isolated incidents in Mexico, which have occurred far from Los Cabos. I believe it is safe to visit Los Cabos and Mexico will continue to take every precaution to ensure that visitors safety and privacy is protected throughout their stay.
Conclusion of The Beaches in Cabo San Lucas
There’s so much more to Cabo San Lucas travel than lying on the beach with a margarita in hand. The excellent climate and endless water-based activities are just the beginning for this Baja paradise.
In Cabo, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortes meet at the spot known as Land’s End, where the rocky outcroppings form the backdrop to one of Mexico’s most splendid natural wonders: El Arco.
This rock arch leaping out to sea provides a dramatic welcome for those who visit Cabo San Lucas.
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Additional Articles
The Best All-Inclusive and Luxury Hotels in Los Cabos
Is Mexico Safe For Travelers in 2020
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I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico, because of their beautiful beaches. Los Cabos seems like they have some great beaches.
I’m looking to travel for my birthday this year and this is tempting!
I absolutely LOVE the beach and I’ve always wanted to go to Los Cabos! Thanks for sharing your suggestions.
Oh how I wish I was on a beach right now!! I am sick of snow! Lol…
One day I will get on a plane and when I do, Los Cabos is definitely on my list. So much beauty, I may never come back. My spirit is meant to live near the beach.
Mmm, this looks like the vacay that I need in my life! Your pictures make me want to visit.
Wow you explored a lot of beaches in Los Cabos! I am going to Mexico in a few days to Playa and I want to explore multiple beaches there too!
Cabo is on our bucket list. All of these beaches look beautiful. Hopefully we’ll make it there some day.
Such a great list of beaches to check out! I really like the idea of relaxing around the locals to get a real feel for their culture, you know? So Cannery Beach sounds like my best option!
I had to giggle a little bit at “Divorce Beach,” though!
hopefully, I won’t have to ever go to divorce beach! I love los cabos and I hate I allowed other folk fears to stop me from going all of this time