Home › Cabo San Lucas › Safety
Is Cabo San Lucas safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
The main tourist areas of Los Cabos are generally safe for visitors and heavily policed. The realistic risks are dangerous surf and rip currents, aggressive timeshare and tour sellers, overcharging, and drink-related trouble in nightlife areas. Most visitors have no problems if they use common sense and swim only at safe beaches.
The real risks
Rip currents
Many beaches, especially on the Pacific side (such as Playa del Divorcio) and along parts of the Tourist Corridor, have strong waves and currents, and people drown every year. Swim only at Medano, Lover's Beach on the Sea of Cortez side, Santa María and Chileno, and follow the beach flags.
Timeshare sellers
Staff at the airport arrivals hall, the marina and on the street offer free tours or meals in exchange for long sales presentations. Walk past and say a firm 'no, thank you'.
Overcharging and exchange rates
Paying in dollars can mean a poor rate, and some bills already include the tip. Pay in pesos and read the bill before tipping.
Drinks in bars
Watch your drink in busy nightlife spots and do not leave it unattended.
Sun and heat
Summer highs reach about 33°C with strong sun. Use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Areas and times to take care
The marina, Medano Beach, downtown Cabo San Lucas, the Tourist Corridor and the centre of San José del Cabo are the areas most visitors use and are generally safe. Avoid driving at night outside the towns, keep valuables in the hotel safe, and follow the current official travel advice for Baja California Sur.
Getting around safely
Taxis are expensive; agree the fare before getting in, and use registered taxis from your hotel or official ranks. Ride-hailing apps have faced restrictions here, so do not count on them. Local buses run along the Tourist Corridor for about MX$40–50. If you rent a car, drive only in daylight on rural roads and check that your contract allows dirt roads such as the one to Cabo Pulmo.
Solo and women travellers
Many women travel solo to Los Cabos without problems, especially staying in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo. Take the usual precautions: watch your drink, use registered taxis at night rather than walking back alone on quiet roads, and be firm with persistent sellers. Tours with licensed operators are a good way to reach remote beaches.
Health, water and heat
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or purified water, which hotels usually provide. Sun and heat are the main health issues, particularly from June to October. Choose busy food stands with fresh turnover for seafood. August to October is hurricane season: follow local warnings and hotel instructions if a storm is forecast.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas are generally safe and well policed. Use registered taxis, watch your drinks and avoid driving at night outside the towns.
Which beaches are safe for swimming?
Medano, Lover's Beach on the Sea of Cortez side, Santa María and Chileno. Many Pacific-facing beaches have dangerous rip currents.
Can you drink the tap water in Cabo?
No. Use bottled or purified water, which most hotels provide.