Is Cabo San Lucas safe? (2025)
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Yes, Cabo San Lucas is safe for visitors. Tourism is the main economy in Cabo, and local authorities do their best to keep visitors safe. But given Mexico’s bad rep on the news, it’s not surprising that many visitors have questions about safety in this popular destination.
Cabo San Lucas is the southernmost town in Baja California Sur. Along with San Jose Del Cabo, it forms the Los Cabos area, which just a few years ago, had a high homicide rate.
But don’t worry, things have changed. Cabo is perfectly safe, and the crime you might have heard about years ago related to the Cabo municipality, not the city itself.
The most common type of crime that affects tourists in Cabo is petty crime like pickpocketing and property theft. If you keep a close eye on your belongings and don’t show off expensive jewelry, clothing, and gear, you will minimize your chances of risk.
If you plan to visit Cabo or you are already packing your bags 🧳 and want to find out about safety in this popular beach town, this article is for you.
I run a Baja California blog and have been to Cabo many times. In this guide, I will give you my tips on how to enjoy a fun and safe trip to Cabo San Lucas.
Is Cabo dangerous for tourists?
No, Cabo is not dangerous for tourists. Cabo is located in Baja California Sur, one of the safest states in Mexico. Although Cabo is not completely free from crime, it doesn’t have a lot of violent crime like some places in Mexico.
When you watch the news, you often about cartel violence in places like Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and most recently, the state of Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico, while Cabo enjoys a safe reputation.
Thousands of Americans travel to Cabo every year to enjoy its Meditteranean climate, frolic on sunny beaches, and enjoy fun outdoor activities like whale watching, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
When you travel to Cabo, you will likely be surrounded by dozens of other tourists in most places, and if you follow basic precautions, you should be fairly safe.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for Americans?
American tourists make up the largest portion of visitors in Cabo, and local authorities do their best to keep the city safe for visitors from the United States and other countries. As an American tourist, you are relatively safe in Cabo, as long as you exercise reasonable caution.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe at night?
Cabo San Lucas is relatively safe at night, but you should always be cautious if you are out during the late hours. Don’t walk in dark areas, and avoid remote parts of the city, where you are more likely to be spotted by the wrong people.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers and don’t consume too many Margaritas when you are in a bar. If you are dining out, make sure to always finish your food first before stepping away.
Cabo San Lucas crime
Most of the crime in Cabo stems from cartel activity in the area, but as a tourist, you are unlikely to become a victim of a violent crime.
Why is Cabo San Lucas so dangerous?
Cabo San Lucas is not dangerous. As a tourist, your major risks in Cabo is getting a sunburn or becoming a victim of petty crime. You should also watch out for strong currents and powerful waves on some Cabo beaches, which are not suitable for swimming. Always check whether it’s safe to swim before getting in the water.
Cabo San Lucas murders
Most murders in Cabo San Lucas stem from cartel activity in the region.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe from drug cartels?
While Cabo is not free from drug cartels, as a tourist you aren’t likely to become their target. Most violent crime in the area is between rivaling criminal groups that battle for the control of the territory.
Safety in Cabo according to the U.S. State Department
The U.S. State Department recommends exercising increased caution in Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas is located.
The department has four different classifications for Mexico’s 32 states from “do not travel” to” to “exercise normal precautions.” The agency advises visitors to exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur due to crime. This is a general advisory that doesn’t single out Cabo or any other destination in the state.
The U.S. State Department classifications:
- Level 4 – Do not travel
- Level 3 – Reconsider travel
- Level 2 – Exercise increased caution (due to factors like crime and kidnappings)
- Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions
So, should you be worried?
To give you some context, European countries like Germany, Italy, and France also have level 2 advisories. This doesn’t stop millions of American travelers from going there. Cabo is generally safe, and despite what you might hear on the news, you are not likely to become a victim of a serious crime during your trip.
My take on safety in Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur is separated from mainland Mexico and is a long distance from troubled border region that has a high homicide rate due to cartel violence in Tijuana and surrounding areas.
For a long time, Baja California Sur was considered one of the safest parts of Mexico. While the U.S. State Department has changed its classification, the region is mostly safe for travelers, and when you drive around the state, you will see many cars and RV’s with American and Canadian license plates.
Many people come to Baja California Sur to enjoy its outdoor activities, camp and see wildlife. Similar to the rest of the state, Cabo is relatively safe. While it’s not 100 percent free from crime, you should be fairly safe, if you follow common sense, stay away from illegal substances and exercise caution in public areas.
Get a travel insurance for your trip to Cabo
If you are still concerned about safety in Cabo San Lucas, one of the things you can do is buy travel insurance. SafetyWing offers flexible insurance travel plans under $30 per day that can protect you in case of hospital visits, lost or stolen belongings, and canceled flights, which can happen during the hurricane season in Cabo.
Register for the STEP program
If you are a U.S. citizen, consider enrolling in STEP, The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens abroad to register their trip with the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Benefits of enrolling in the STEP program ahead of your trip:
- Get updates from the embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
- Stay in contact with the U.S. Embassy in case of an emergency whether it’s a natural disaster, political unrest, or anything else.
- Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
What should you not do in Cabo San Lucas?
Don’t spend your entire vacation in a resort. Cabo has so many beautiufl areas and fun activities that are worth your time. If you spend your vacation in a resort, you will miss out on the best things that this city has to offer.
Cabo San Lucas safety tips
1. Be careful about where you swim
You might be surprised to hear this, but many beaches in Cabo are not swimmable because of powerful rip currents that can quickly pull you into open water and big waves.
The beaches on the Pacific side of Cabo are not safe for swimming, while some beaches along the tourist corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo are perfectly safe for swimming and snorkeling. If you want to swim in a specific area, always check if it’s safe before getting in the water.
Best beaches for swimming in Cabo are Medano Beach, Playa Santa Maria, Chileno Beach, Lover’s Beach, and Cannery Beach.
🚩Many beaches in Cabo don’t have lifeguards, so if you see a red flag that indicates dangerous swimming conditions, heed the warning and stay out of water.
2. Watch out for wildlife
When hiking in Cabo and surrounding areas, always wear closed shoes 🥾 because of the potential encounters with wildlife. Being a desert, Cabo is home to scorpions 🦂and several types of snakes 🐍 so watch out where you step.
3. Always put on sunscreen
Cabo has a strong sun, and even on a cloudy day, you could easily get a sunburn. Always put on sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy. Get a reef-safe sunscreen 🪸 that you can also use when going in the water without bleaching corals.
4. Don’t drink tap water
Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid potential stomach issues. While Cabo gets a good chunk of its water from the surrounding mountains, the city has old infrastructure and pipes, which is why tap water in Cabo is not suitable for consumption.
Bring a water bottle on your trip, so you always have drinking water when you are out and about.
5. Don’t do drugs
Staying away from drugs is the best way to avoid trouble in Cabo.
6. Be careful with street food
Cabo is known for its phenomenal street food and you should try it at least once during your trip. That being said, you need to be careful about where you eat to avoid food poisoning.
Check reviews and make sure that the food looks freshly prepared, and the place is clean. As a rule of thumb, avoid raw, uncooked vegetables, and if you have a sensitive stomach, don’t eat food that has been sitting out in the open for a long time.
👉 Need help navigating Cabo’s street food?
Book a guided food tour by AvoCabo 🥑 one of the most trusted tour companies in town, that offers a fun intro to Baja’s rich gastronomy. Their knowledgeable guide will show you the best Cabo taquerias 🌮 and authentic resturants 🥗 that most tourists miss and offer some cultural context.
Best food tours in Cabo San Lucas
7. Don’t leave your food and drinks unattended
Whether dining at a restaurant or having some tequilas at a bar, you should never leave your food and drinks unattended so nobody tampers with them.
8. Don’t accept food and drinks from people you don’t know
Do not accept food and drinks from people you don’t know, even if they are friendly.
While not everyone who might offer you food and drinks has ill intentions, it’s best not to accept them from strangers. You never know where that food and drink came from and what their quality is like.
9. Don’t reveal your travel plans to someone you just met
While there’s nothing wrong about striking up conversations with strangers, avoid divulging your personal information and travel plans to people you just met.
Most Mexican people that you will come across are super friendly and the great majority of tourists in Cabo are more interested in their plans than in yours. However, there’s always a chance you might come across someone who has bad intentions, so keep your itinerary and personal details to yourself.
10. Keep a close eye on your belongings
Busy places like bars, restaurants, and beaches are more likely to attract low-level criminals who often look to grab whatever they can. Never leave your belongings unattended and be aware of people around you.
Get an anti-theft bag for your trip to keep your valuables safe when walking in busy areas.
11. Take group tours
Group trips are an excellent way to enjoy the best of Cabo, and meet new people. Viator is my favorite platform for booking guided tours in Cabo whether you want to see whales in the Pacific 🐋 kayak to Cabo Arch 🌊 try delicious Baja tacos 🌮 enjoy a sunset cruise with a dinner 🌅 or take a cooking class 🧑🏽🍳
These activities are perfect if you don’t feel confident exploring the area on your own, and want to get a better understanding of the Mexican culture 🇲🇽
Best guided tours in Cabo San Lucas
12. Leave your valuables at home
Always leave your most valuable items in a safe in your hotel or Airbnb. Carry only some cash and a few credit cards.
13. Get a travel insurance
Whether you visit Cabo during high season or low season, there’s always a chance that your flight could be cancelled or delayed. I recommend getting a travel insurance for your trip, so you could recoup the money in case there’s any disruption to your travel plans. It also
SafetyWing is my favorite travel insurance company that has different insurance plans up to $30 which can cover you if you travel plans get disrupted.
Is it safe to rent a car in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, renting a car in Cabo San Lucas is safe, but driving in Mexico is different from the United States. If you want to stay safe on the road, avoid driving at night, follow posted signs and don’t exceed the speed limit.
Renting a car in Cabo is an excellent idea because having your vehicle allows you to visit places like Cabo Pulmo, Fox Canyon, Todos Santos, and San Jose Del Cabo without guided tours, or public transportation, which can be slow and unreliable.
I’ve rented a car in Cabo multiple times and had the best time of my life exploring this part of Baja in my car, and I recommend you do the same!
✅ CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN CABO SAN LUCAS
Tips for driving in Cabo San Lucas
1. Don’t drive at night
When driving around Cabo, watch out for cows, donkeys, and other domestic animals that walk near highways at night.
While you won’t see animals in Cabo, if you take a day trip to Todos Santos, La Paz, or La Ventana, you will drive through rural parts of Baja and have a higher chance of spotting them.
These animals are often left on their own by their owners, and they end up wandering along highways, creating hazardous conditions. They are usually out at dusk and at night when it’s not so hot, which is why you shouldn’t drive at night.
2. Be careful when driving on major holidays
If you are visiting Cabo during major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Semana Santa, be careful when driving around. It’s not uncommon to encounter impaired drivers on roads, especially late at night, when people drive home from parties.
3. Drive on main highways
Major highways around Cabo are better maintained and have more police presence. Secondary roads in Baja can have poor driving conditions, no amenities, and weak phone signal, so it’s better to avoid them.
4. Keep your gas tank full
You should always keep your tank full when driving in Baja. While there are plenty of gas stations around Cabo, if you go to more remote areas like Cabo Pulmo, you could be miles away from the closest gas station.
5. Check the weather forecast
When it rains in Baja, it’s not uncommon for some roads to get flooded, making them impassable for most cars. This happened to me several times. One time I was stuck for hours when a portion of the highway was flooded, and I had to wait in a car until water receded.
While it’s more common in rural areas of Baja, highways near Cabo could also get flooded, so you always check the forecast, if you are visiting during the rainy season, which is from June through September.
6. Always carry cash
Always carry cash when driving in Baja because some gas stations and most vendors who sell food on the side of the road and even some gas stations might not accept cash.
7. Use the turn signal carefully
Use blinkers or hand signals while driving around, but remember that a left-turn signal in Mexico is usually used to indicate it’s safe to pass, not necessarily a turn.
8. Always lock your car
Locals can easily identify rental cars in public places, let alone cars with American or Canadian plates. Always lock your doors to avoid property theft and stow away all bags and any valuable possessions so they are not in plain view.
9. Get a full coverage insurance
Whether you are a newbie or an experienced traveler, it’s a good idea to get a full coverage for your car rental. When you return your vehicle, a car rental company will check your vehicle and make sure it doesn’t have any damage, including minor scratches, dings and bumps.
The basic liability coverage, which is a legal requirement for all rental cars in Mexico will cover personal injury claims or material damages to another other driver in case of an accident.
However, it will cover your car only up to a limited amount, and is unlikely to protect you in the event of any incidental damage.
The most straighforward way to get your car insurance is from your car rental company. DiscoverCars 🚗 offers flexible car insurance rates and you can get their insurance when making a reservation.
10. Rent a 4X4 car
Some scenic areas near Cabo are accessible only by a four-wheel drive. Driving a standard car on rough roads is not possible, because you can puncture your tire or even damage your vehicle.
You can rent a 4X4 car from DiscoverCars 🚙 they have flexible rates, and you can also buy Mexican car insurance from them, which is mandatory for driving in the country.
✈️ In Cabo, many car rental companies have offices just outside the airport, so when you land, they will meet you in the arrivals and drive to the office where you can sign all the paperwork and get on the way 🕺🏽
✅ RENT A CAR FOR YOUR BAJA ROAD TRIP
Renting a car in Cabo San Lucas
You can find many major car rental companies in Cabo San Lucas Airport (SJD). The best place to find car rentals in Cabo San Lucas is through DiscoverCars 🚗 a great platform for renting cars online, where you can find hundreds of available vehicles at flexible rates.
Why rent a car in Cabo with DiscoverCars
DiscoverCars is a my favorite website for finding car rentals in Cabo San Lucas, and other destinations in Mexico. Here you can compare prices, read reviews, and cancel your vehicle without any penalty up to 24 hours before pick-up.
To find the right car, type your travel dates and specify the type of vehicle that you are looking for, and the platform will do all the work for you showing you all the available options. The key to getting a good deal on your car rental is to book your car early.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe: FAQs
Is it safe to walk around in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, it’s safe to walk around Cabo San Lucas. Cabo Marina and downtown Cabo are the best parts of the city for walking around, and you will be perfectly safe if you decide to explore them on foot.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe to live in?
Yes, Cabo San Lucas is safe to live. The city has a sizable expat community comprised mostly of Americans and Canadians. English is widely spoken in Cabo, and the city has good amenities and infrastructure.
Is Cabo worth visiting?
Yes, Cabo is worth visiting. Cabo is a gem of southern Baja and a gateway to some of the best beautiful beaches in Mexico, national parks, and scenic areas where you can enjoy outdoor opportunities. Cabo also boasts an unmatched food scene with plenty of restaurants where you can try famous Baja dishes.
Where not to go in Cabo San Lucas?
Stay away from remote areas of Cabo San Lucas, especially at night, when crime is more likely to happen. If you need to go to a safe area, call Uber, or hail a quick taxi on a street.
Is Cabo San Lucas safer than Cancun?
Cabo San Lucas is safer than Cancun, which has seen an uptick in crime due to cartel activity in recent years. The state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located currently has a level 2 warning.
Is Cabo San Lucas expensive?
Yes, Cabo San Lucas is one of the most expensive destinations in Mexico. This popular beach town is known for its luxury resorts, upscale restaurants, and fun outdoor activities. Although Cabo doesn’t have a good selection of budget accommodations, you can still do it on a budget.
What not to bring to Cabo?
Don’t bring winter clothing, jeans, and boots on your trip to Cabo, because you will not need them. Even in winter, you will not need more than some layers and a light jacket, because Cabo has a sunny Mediterranean climate year-round.
Cabo safety: Final word
Despite being pricey, Cabo San Lucas is still a safe destination for the majority of visitors. The city and surrounding areas boast some of the best beaches in Mexico, great nightlife, and tons of fun outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, sailing, hiking, and off-roading. To stay safe during your trip to Cabo, always be aware of your surroundings, use common sense, and ask locals for advice whenever in doubt.
Whether you want to explore local food, go beach hopping, or enjoy water activities, safety is about preparation and awareness. So pack your bags to Cabo, one of the best places in Mexico where you can enjoy adventure, culture, and delicious Baja food.
