One of the most beautiful and stunning places in the entire world is Cabo San Lucas. For years this has been the ideal destination for millions of tourists because Los Cabos has something to offer to everybody. From relaxing paradisiac locations to action-packed activities, this city is the perfect place to visit with family and friends.
One of the best attributes of Los Cabos is its beautiful beaches. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, warm temperatures, and almost constant sunshine are ideal for the perfect vacation.
However, not all beaches in Cabo are swimmable, and knowing and recognizing the safe beaches before your trip is essential; San Jose Del cabo and Divorce Beach being main examples.
In this post, we will guide you through the best swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas. We will explain to you the flag system in Los Cabos, how to recognize an unsafe beach, precautions, and recommendations to enjoy your time here.
If you are planning your next adventure on the best beaches of Los Cabos, then you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean with a private cruise. La Isla Tour offers you the best excursions to discover Cabo San Lucas.
Go snorkeling, whale-watching, on a sunset cruise, or just throw your party with us! We include snacks and drinks in all of our tours!
The flag system on Los Cabo’s beaches
As we mentioned, all beaches in Cabo San Lucas are flagged to let people know if they are safe or not. It is important to remember the system before your trip, so you can easily identify what beaches are swimmable.
In general, the Sea of Cortez side is where you will find most safe beaches. These are calm, warm, and safe for everybody.
In comparison, the Pacific Ocean side is not as safe. These beaches can have strong currents and undercurrents, big waves, and strong wind. A lot of surfers choose these locations, but some of them are not even apt to practice any sport.
Los Cabos beaches use six different flags to indicate water conditions, safety levels, and environmental quality.
Green flag
Safe conditions for swimming and water activities. While swimmers should always exercise caution, this is the safest flag for enjoying the beach.
If you are traveling with kids, it is best to find a beach with this flag to make sure that it is completely safe and apt to swim.
Blue flag
An international certification recognizing beaches that meet high standards for water quality, safety, environmental management, and sustainability. It does not indicate current swimming conditions, and it may accompany a green, yellow, or red safety flag.
Cabo San Lucas is the destination with the highest number of Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in Mexico.
Yellow flag
Swim with caution. Moderate surf, currents, or other conditions may present additional risks.
White flag
Presence of potentially dangerous marine life. Swimming may be restricted, or extra caution is advised.
Red flag
Dangerous ocean conditions. Swimming is prohibited due to strong waves, currents, or other hazards.
Black flag
The beach is closed to the public because of severe weather, environmental hazards, or Civil Protection orders. Follow all instructions from local authorities.
The best beaches for swimming in Cabo San Lucas
Located in the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is widely known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear water.
However, as we mentioned, some of them aren’t safe for swimming, so in this post, we will guide you through the beaches that offer a safe and delightful swimming experience.
Medano Beach
One of the most popular swimmable beaches, Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Known as Playa El Medano, this is the crown jewel of swimmable beaches with gentle waves and warm water; it is a paradise for swimmers of all levels.
The beach is protected from stronger waves and undercurrents, so Medano Beach is apt for kids too.
The popularity of this beach is due to its proximity to many resorts and beachside restaurants and bars. Located in downtown Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach has a vibrant energy where you can find street vendors, water activities, and all facilities nearby.
If you are staying close to the tourist corridor, this is one of the beaches you must visit, and luckily, it is close to you.
If you are looking for a comfortable and traditional beach experience, Medano Beach is your best option. You will find all you need around you, there are lifeguards on duty, boats nearby sailing, and water activities available. Definitely, you cannot miss Medano Beach.
Chileno Beach
For those seeking calm water and stunning underwater surprises, Chileno Beach is a must.
This beach is Blue Flag certified, which means that it has exceptional conditions to swim and even go snorkeling!
Chileno Bay has a protected cove that offers minimal waves, so it is completely safe for children and not-so-strong swimmers.
As an added bonus, Chileno Beach has a vibrant marine life that is possible to explore while snorkeling. It is a great spot to discover many tropical fishes, stingrays, and sea turtles. It is important to stay aware of the signage to stay in the available safe areas.
Chileno Bay doesn’t have all the amenities and facilities that Medano Beach has, but it counts with lifeguards, restrooms, and palapas. We recommend packing with you some food and beverages.
The best way to reach this great spot is with a snorkeling tour, like the one we offer at La Isla Tour. Our snorkeling tour will cruise around this incredible spot and many others to discover all the marine life that Cabo San Lucas has.
We include snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks! In case snorkeling is not your thing, we also include paddle boards to enjoy the water.
Santa Maria Beach
Another beauty among the swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas is Santa Maria Bay, with pristine water and diverse marine life.
This is a great beach to swim because it has a horseshoe-shaped bay that shields the waters from strong waves and currents.
Also, Santa Maria Beach is an incredible location to snorkel. It is known as a marine sanctuary due to the varied marine life, and it has remarkable visibility underwater.
This a must-stop in all snorkeling tours, like the ones we offer at La Isla Tour.
Santa Maria Bay doesn’t have many facilities or amenities like Medano Beach, so we recommend packing everything with you to have the best experience possible.
Cabo Pulmo Beach
Cabo Pulmo Beach is by far the most popular snorkeling spot in Cabo San Lucas. It is located in a protected national park, therefore, it has pristine waters and a varied marine life that will leave me speechless.
It is a safe and calm beach ideal for everybody, especially kids that want to explore tropical fishes.
Cabo Pulmo is also famous for scuba diving. In the place you can find schools and training, and then you can go out to explore the underwater reefs and wildlife.
It is an incredible experience since you can spot some sharks, like the bull shark!
You won’t find many vendors or amenities on this beach, so we recommend packing everything you need before your excursion here. However, it is extremely worth it if you want to enjoy the nature beauty of Los Cabos in all its splendor.
Lover’s Beach
If you are looking for a romantic adventure on one of the most beautiful beaches, then you cannot miss visiting Playa del Amor (AKA Lover’s Beach).
Located between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, this golden sand beach has calm waters for swimming, a diving spot par excellence given the underwater sand falls, and stunning views of popular rock formations, like The Arch at Land’s End.
At a short walk distance, you will also find Divorce Beach, however, this one isn’t safe for swimming due to its strong currents.
Lovers Beach is only accessible by boat and it doesn’t count with the facilities or amenities of other beaches.
You won’t always be able to disembark here, it depends on how high the tide is. However, it is a must-visit among the swimmable beaches of Cabo San Lucas.
You can reach Lover’s Beach by taking a tour, like the ones offered by La Isla Tour. These excursions will cruise around the best spots on the Sea of Cortez to show you up close to the striking beauties of Los Cabos, and you will also have many snorkeling hotspots along the way!
Cannery Beaches
Located outside of the Cabo San Lucas marina, there is Cannery Beach, two calm and beautiful locations that are ideal to relax and have fun.
Playa Coral Negro and Balconcito are the names of these swimmable beaches, and since both are located closer to the Land’s End, there are fewer vendors and amenities.
The Cannery Beach are the perfect swimming beach for everybody, regardless of their age or experience. It has soft waves and warm water.
A lot of people also come here to snorkel and explore the underwater world, especially kids that are excited to discover tropical fish without the worry of the strong waves.
Palmilla Beach
Palmilla Beach is just a short drive distance from Cabo San Lucas, but it is an experience that every visitor should have.
This beach offers a blend of luxury and natural beauty, even though it is a public beach. With gentle waves and calm waters, it is the perfect location to swim or just relax.
You cant rent a palapa or an umbrella in Playa Palmilla, but be aware that there are no restaurants nearby. We recommend packing your food and taking your time to explore the beauty of Palilla Beach.
With its upscale resorts on the shore, this beach offers an elegant experience coupled with safe swimming conditions.
Playa Acapulquito
Another public beach that is a gem is Playa Acapulquito. This is one of the swimmable beaches that is also ideal for surfers for its constant waves.
If you want a safe swimming experience with manageable waves but also some adrenaline, this is the perfect beach for you.
This beach isn’t connected to any resort and it is a bit hidden, therefore it is always clean and protected. However, in busy travel months, this beach can be overrun with tourists that want to explore the hidden beaches for a less crowded Los Cabos experience.
Regardless of when you visit, we recommend going to Playa Acapulquito for a relaxing and fun time.
The vibrant beachfront scene and beachside eateries add to the allure of Playa Acapulquito, making it a versatile destination for both water sports enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing beach day.
Resorts with swimming beaches in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination, and of course, you can find many luxury resorts with swimming beaches available. Picking a luxury resort is a great idea to have all the modern amenities you could need in just one place, including a safe swimmable beach.
In this list, we will tell you a few resorts that have incredible beaches to swim.
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos
One of the premier resorts on Cabo San Lucas, and a place that offers you incredible views of the Sea of Cortez and a private beach ideal for swimming. 3 miles of sandy shore and incredible landscapes located in a secluded area of the city.
Tired of swimming? Don’t worry, take a dip in your own plunge pool. It also has a luxurious spa and 5 on-site restaurants.
Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort
This all-inclusive resort has a calm beach that is the ideal place to enjoy with all the family. With small waves and stunning landscapes, you will remember this location forever.
The Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort has many amenities, including many restaurants, bars, a golf course, a world-class spa, and more.
Montage Los Cabos
Located in Santa Maria Bay, this luxury hotel gives you exclusive access to the best snorkeling and swimming spots on the beach.
Montage Los Cabos has different bars and restaurants nearby ready to offer you the best food and drinks. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind.
Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort Spa
Located in Medano Beach, Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort Spa is a great resort if you want to stay nearby all the tourist points of Cabo San Lucas.
This family-friendly resort has its own private swimmable beach, a huge pool, and a delicious on-site restaurant. All of it while you can still explore downtown Cabo San Lucas easily.
Hacienda Beach Club & Residences
Located just 5 min away from downtown Cabo nearby the marina, Hacienda Beach Club & Residences is a 4.5-star hotel with incredible views to Land’s End and the Sea of Cortez.
It has a restaurant, spa, and gorgeous garden to relax and unwind. The beach is calm and quiet, so it is a great spot to disconnect.
Villa Del Arco Beach Resort & Spa
One of the best all-inclusive resorts is Spa Villa del Arco. Right in Medano Beach, this resort has all amenities you could need.
From private plunge pools to many activities and entertainment for all the family. You will be close to all the tourist points and downtown, so you can explore Cabo San Lucas easily.
Chileno Bay Resort
Nested in the golden sand of Chileno Beach, we have Chileno Bay Resort, a modern and luxurious place that is designed to offer maximum levels of relaxation.
This family-friendly resort has a private beach that is ideal to practice snorkel and discover the beautiful fish in the ocean. It has little waves and it is calm, perfect for kids.
Villa La Estancia Beach Resort
Nearby Medano Beach and the marina we have Villa La Estancia, a luxury resort with stunning ocean views.
You can swim in Medano Bech or enjoy the beautiful pool. It also has a spa, a tennis court, a restaurant, and a bar.
Discover Cabo San Lucas with La Isla Tour excursions through the Sea of Cortez
The best way to explore Cabo San Lucas is with a cruise excursion!
In La Isla Tour we offer many unforgettable experiences to discover all that Cabo San Lucas has for you.
With us, you can take a snorkeling tour and explore the underwater world of Los Cabos while cruising for the best spots to find tropical fish. Don’t like snorkeling? We also include paddle boards to enjoy the water!
You can also plan a close encounter with whales in our whale-watching excursion, a unique and memorable tour that will leave you breathless.
If you are looking for something more relaxed, then you cannot miss our sunset cruise, a beautiful tour that will cruise around the landmarks of Cabo and end with a stunning sunset at Land’s End!
All of our excursions include snacks and drinks, so you only worry about having fun!
Plan your private event in a luxury catamaran
If you’re planning a trip to the Baja Peninsula and want to discover the beautiful beaches of Los Cabos, there’s no better way to experience them than from the water. At La Isla Tour, we invite you to discover the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean aboard one of our private cruises, designed for unforgettable moments with family and friends.
Whether you want to snorkel among colorful tropical fish, enjoy an exciting whale-watching adventure, sail into a breathtaking Cabo sunset, or simply spend a relaxing day on the water, we have the perfect experience for you. Every tour includes snacks and drinks, so all you have to do is enjoy the journey.
Looking for something to celebrate? Our luxury catamarans provide the perfect setting for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, proposals, vow renewals, and any special occasion worth remembering. With an open bar on every private charter and gourmet dining available on select catamarans, we’ll take care of every detail while you create memories that last a lifetime.
Reach out today and let us help you plan your perfect day on the water.
