Can you swim in Cabo? (2024)
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Can you swim in Cabo?
Yes, you can swim in Cabo, but only in a handful of places, because many beaches in Cabo have strong waves with dangerous rip currents that can quickly sweep you into the open sea.
While Cabo is one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico, ironically, many beaches along its coastline have powerful waves, making them too dangerous for swimming.
Cabo is located along the southern tip of Baja California Sur, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. While the beaches along the Sea of Cortez have better swimming conditions, even they are not always safe.
So, if you plan to visit and are wondering about where you can swim in Cabo safely, this guide is for you. I visited this town many times, and in this article, I will share my knowledge about the best spots where you can get in the water safely.
Can you swim in Cabo in December?
Yes, you can swim in Cabo in December although it’s the coldest month to swim in Cabo. Although there are still plenty of sunny days, the water temperature is around 72 to 75 degrees, which makes for a chilly swim.
If you are looking for a destination with warm waters, consider Cancun or Costa Rica instead of Cabo because they have much warmer waters.
Can you swim in Cabo in January?
January is the coldest month in Cabo with average daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). Nights can be cooler, especially near the coast, with temperatures occasionally dropping to 15°C (59°F) or lower.
Swimmable Beaches in Cabo Map
Where can you swim in Cabo
Cabo has a handful of beaches where you can swim and snorkel. Playa Medano, Playa Chileno, Playa Santa Maria and Playa Del Amor are some of the most popular beaches to get in the water. Cabo Pulmo National Park about 3 hours from Cabo San Lucas has many beaches with shallow waters that are perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
1. Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor)
Playa del Amor is one of the most popular beaches in Cabo located near the famous Land’s End rock formation. Playa Del Amor offers calmer waters on the Sea of Cortez side that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
It’s a scenic spot perfect for sunbathing and taking photos that can be accessed by water taxi or boat tour from Cabo Marina.
Book your boat tour online to avoid high prices at Cabo Marina to avoid high prices.
2. Medano Beach (Playa el Médano)
Medano Beach is the most popular and safest swimmable beach in the heart of Cabo. It stretches for miles with soft golden sand, calm waters, and plenty of beachside restaurants and bars like Mango Deck, which is particularly popular for spring break. It’s ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, and enjoying the views with the margarita in your hand.
The safest part of the beach is located close to Cabo Marina, and it also has several beach clubs like Corazon Beach Club, SUR Beach House, and Blue Marlin Ibiza.
Playa Medano is also one of the most popular areas to stay in Cabo San Lucas, and it has numerous hotels including Pueblo Bonito, ME Cabo, and Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa.
🚨Good to know: Medano Beach offers swimmable conditions up to Riu Palace, where the coastline is more rocky and currents are stronger.
3. Chileno Beach (Playa Chileno)
Playa Chileno has calm, crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s less crowded than Medano Beach, and its protected marine area makes it a top snorkeling spot. It also has a big parking area and gear rentals like sun loungers, kayaks, and paddle boards.
Food vendors frequent this beach, so you can usually get a fruit or a Mexican snack. Just bring your cash, because credit cards are often not accepted.
Chileno Beach is about 15 minutes from downtown Cabo on the Tourist Corridor. If you want to stay in the area, book Grand Velas just north of Medano Beach.
4. Santa Maria Beach (Playa Santa Maria)
Santa Maria is one of my favorite beaches in Cabo. This beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay with calm turquoise waters is located along the Cabo corridor, a 20-mile street between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo home to some of the most stunning waterfront hotels in Cabo like Le Blanc All Inclusive Resort.
Montage Los Cabos, a gorgeous luxury hotel with a spa and amazing restaurants is located directly on Santa Maria Beach, so if you are looking to treat yourself, I recommend you book your stay here. It’s quieter and perfect for swimming and snorkeling and doesn’t have huge crowds like Chileno Beach.
I always come back to Santa Maria Beach every time I go to Cabo 🤩
5. Palmilla Beach
Located in San Jose Del Cabo, Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla) is known for its gentle waves and soft sand, making it a family-friendly spot for swimming. It’s a bit further from downtown Cabo, so if you are looking to get away from the noise and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, make sure to visit this beach.
Palmilla Beach is near San José del Cabo, about 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas.
6. Cabo Pulmo beaches
Cabo Pulmo National Park 🐙 boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the area. Located about 2 hours from Cabo San Lucas, this national park is one of the last pristine places along the Southern Baja’s coastline that lacks big chain resorts and mass development.
The beaches in Cabo Pulmo are sheltered from big waves thanks to the nearby reef and are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
You can get to Cabo Pulmo by snorkeling tour from Cabo San Lucas or renting a 4X4 car, which will handle the bumpy desert roads leading to this place.
7. Cannery Beaches
If you want to get away from the crowds of Playa Medano, check out Playa Coral Negro and Playa Balconcito that are collectively known are Cannery Beaches.
These less-known beaches are located near Lands’ End and are sheltered from big waves. Mostly visited by locals, this beach has plenty of shade and a nice quiet atmosphere.
How to get to the best swimmable beaches in Cabo:
To get to the best swimmable beaches in Cabo, you need to either take a taxi, Uber or rent a car. Although Uber in Cabo is relatively inexpensive, taking it every day can quickly add up, especially if your hotel is a distance from the beach.
That’s why I recommend renting a car in Cabo San Lucas 🚗 so you can visit any beaches you want at your leisure and also explore the area outside the tourist bubble.
Renting a car in Cabo San Lucas
Whenever I talk to other travelers about Cabo, I recommend renting a car. Outside of Cabo Marina and downtown, Cabo is not walkable, and having your car will allow you to explore the area on your terms, visit the best beaches in the area, and take day trips to places like La Paz and Todos Santos, one of the most charming beach towns in Baja.
Where to rent a car in Cabo San Lucas
The best place to rent a car in Cabo San Lucas is Cabo Airport. Many car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise have offices at Cabo Airport, and you can pick up your car as soon as you land.
DiscoverCars 🚗 is my favorite place to shop around for car rentals. They have great prices, a good selection of vehicles, and a flexible cancellation policy.
All inclusive-resorts with swimmable beaches in Cabo
There are many resorts with swimming beaches in Cabo where you can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation and jump in the open water.
1. The One & Only Palmilla
- Pet-friendly
- Airport shuttle
- Spa
The One & Only Palmilla is one of the most popular Cabo resorts with celebrities that is located along a scenic beach cove. Located in San Jose Del Cabo, Palmilla has 13 private villas, swimming pool, and restaurants, and it also servesdelicious breakfast.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT THE ONE AND ONLY PALMILLA
2. Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos
- Kitchenettes
- Room service
- Airport shuttle
- Free parking
A popular hotel for parties in Cabo, Pueblo Bonito is in the heart of Medano Beach and boasts spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez.
Pueblo Bonito has four restaurants and serves daily breakfast with a spectacular view of the Sea of Cortez. Each room has a kitchenette with a stove. Some rooms have terrace views and others have waterfront views and you can even see the Sea of Cortez.
The property also offers a daily airport shuttle for an additional charge. The onsite restaurants serve typical international cuisines, Mexican cuisine, and Baja specialties including seafood.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT PUEBLO BONITO LOS CABOS
3. ME Cabo by Melia
- Pet-friendly
- Spa
- Swimming pool
A luxury stay along Medano Beach, ME Cabo boasts a private beach and a convenient location only 10 minutes from the city’s downtown with its nightlife and countless restaurants and bars.
ME Cabo has a contemporary design with Mexican influences and has a mix of relaxation and a lively social scene. Amenities include a beach club, a fantastic buffet breakfast, and a fitness center.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT ME CABO BY MELIA
4. Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
- Free Parking
- Daily buffet breakfast
- On-site restaurants
An adult-only resort, Breathless is about harmony and relaxation in front of Medano Beach. The balconies at Breathless have a spectacular view of the Cabo Marina, so you don’t have to leave your room to enjoy the scenic view.
The property also has a beach club and fitness center so you can stay in shape while on vacation. Breathless serves full breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, 24-hour room service is also available.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT BREATHLESS CABO SAN LUCAS
5. Montage Los Cabos
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Private beach
One of the most gorgeous hotels in Cabo that feels like home away from home, Montage boasts views of the stunning Santa Maria Bay and is located along the Cabo San Lucas tourist corridor. This modern hotel boasts a scenic and tranquil setting, perfect for taking a break from the busy Cabo scene.
Some at Montage Los Cabos come with private plunge pools, and all rooms have spa bathrooms and outdoor showers. Select suites also have a kitchen, a dishwasher, a fridge, and an oven. You can enjoy a snorkeling and sunbathing at the beach or jump in the pool.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT MONTAGE LOS CABOS
Safety tips for swimming in Cabo:
1. Always check if it’s safe to swim
Always make sure it’s safe to swim before getting in the water. Research the weather and google the beach’s name to find out whether getting in the water is recommended. If there’s a lifeguard on duty, you can also ask them questions.
2. Look for a green flag
The green flag indicates that swimming is safe, while the red flag means that you should stay out of water. If you don’t see a flag, look for a lifeguard or gear rental shop which can usually give you pretty accurate information about current conditions.
3. Watch out for big powerful waves
If the beach you are on has big powerful waves, you shouldn’t get in the water, even if you are a good swimmer. A big wave can easily overpower you and pull you away from the shore.
4. Never turn your back to the water
If big waves are present, never turn your back to the water. The Pacific side of Cabo is known for big waves that make them dangerous, but some beaches along the Sea of Cortez also have strong waves, which could be hazardous.
Regardless of which side you are on, you shouldn’t turn your back to water, because a rogue wave can appear out of nowhere and quickly sweep you into the open water.
5. Look for lifeguards
If a beach has a lifeguard, it’s a pretty good indicator that you can swim there. Even with a lifeguard is on duty, always look for a green flag and see if other visitors are swimming too.
6. Stay away from empty beaches
If you visit a remote beach with no people, it’s not a bad idea to stay out of the water. If something happens, there will be no one to help you out, making it more perilous to be there on your own.
7. Don’t forget about sunscreen
Cabo San Lucas has a dry arid climate and the sun here can be very strong. Don’t forget about a reef-safe sunscreen that will protect you from sunburn and won’t harm marine animals.
Regular sunscreens often contain chemicals that bleach corals, and you should do your best to travel responsibly and avoid damaging the marine environment.
8. Consider a guided tour
If safety is a concern, but you still want to enjoy a swimming session, book a boat tour in Cabo 🛥️
Boat tours include stops at the most scenic spots along the Cabo coast, and some also have snorkeling equipment. When you book boat tours in Cabo, your captain will bring you to safe swimming areas where you can snorkel, float in the water, and enjoy stunning views.
🚨This yacht tour includes snorkeling gear, paddle boards and a swimming session.
✔️Check the most popular private boat tours in Cabo
Can you swim in Cabo: FAQ’s
Why can’t you swim in Cabo?
You can’t swim on many beaches in Cabo because of powerful waves, strong rip currents, and undertows that create dangerous swimming conditions.
Are Cabo beaches swimmable?
While most Cabo beaches are not swimmable, there’s a handful of beaches with no big waves and strong currents where you can jump in the water.
Is it warm enough to swim in Cabo?
The water in Cabo can be warm depending on the time of the year. January is the coldest time to swim in Cabo when the water temperature drops to 70 degrees, while August and September have the warmest water temperatures with an average of 82 degrees.
Is the water safe in Cabo?
The water is not always safe in Cabo. The city is located at the southern tip of Baja California and has the Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. The safest beaches in Cabo are all along the Sea of Cortez, while the Pacific side is considered dangerous for swimming.
Is the water clear in Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo boasts some of the best beaches in Mexico with clear waters teeming with marine wildlife including tropical fish, turtles, manta rays, and other animals.
What resorts can you swim in the ocean in Cabo?
Breathless, Corazon Cabo, and Pueblo Bonito are some of the most popular resorts with swimming beaches in Cabo. The ME Cabo by Melia along the Medano beach also boasts a swimming beach.
Why is the Cabo Ocean dangerous?
Cabo Ocean is dangerous because of large waves, fast currents, and cold waters. Additionally, sharks are not uncommon in the waters around Cabo. Although most of them are not dangerous to humans, there is always a risk when swimming in open water.
Can you swim in Cabo San Lucas: final word
Although this is not an exhaustive list of swimming beaches in Cabo, it has the most popular beaches with amenities and tourist traffic. There are plenty of other beaches in Cabo where you can take a dip, but the key is to check conditions and do your research before getting in the water.
