Swimmable Beaches in Cabo: 9 Best Bets for A Beach Day
Headed for the popular Mexico beach paradise of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo? Known for stunning coastlines and endless sun, these neighboring destinations offer a haven for travelers in search of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. But which shores are safe for swimming? Grab my tips on the best swimmable beaches in Cabo.
Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo – collectively known as “Los Cabos” or just “Cabo” – are in no short supply of gorgeous beaches. In the last few years, Cabo has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers in need of a sun-and-sand fix.
Once you visit, you understand. Be sure to get a window seat for your first views of the region’s landscapes: dramatic deserts, stunning mountains, golden coasts and azure blue sea.
Whether you’re a sunseeker, an avid snorkeler, a surfing enthusiast, or a soul searching for tranquility, Cabo has a beach for every preference.
I spent my last trip here visiting them all to check out the vibes, amenities, and yes swimmability! So for those who want to be able to swim and enjoy the water, I’ve got the lowdown on the best swimmable beaches in Cabo.
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In this Guide to Swimmable Beaches in Cabo
Cabo Beaches Safety Tips | Medano Beach | Playa Del Amor | Cannery Beach | Playa Santa Maria | Playa El Chileno | Playa Palmilla | Tequila Cove | Playa Acapulquito | Playa El Ganzo
Why Are Some Cabo Beaches Unsafe For Swimming?
Not all the beaches in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are ideal for swimming due to rip currents, a strong undertow, and rough surf. Some beaches just have big waves, making them better for surfing than swimming.
Each year, there is at least one drowning death on Cabo beaches, so please prioritize your safety! Don’t swim alone or if you’ve been drinking alcoholic beverages.
Always observe the surf conditions at each beach, even if you’ve visited it before.
Surf Warning Flags
Most busy Cabo beaches use a system of beach warning flags. Look for the following colors of flags planted in the sand near the tourist info stand or main boardwalk into the beach:
Green Flag: Water conditions are safe for swimming
Yellow Flag: Use caution while swimming
Red Flag: Dangerous conditions
Black Flag: This is the highest warning level: do not swim
Lifeguards at Mexico Beaches
Some beaches also have lifeguard stands and lifeguards on duty. If you’re not sure if a beach is safe to swim, you can always ask the lifeguard for the surf conditions that day and if there are any areas to avoid.
But remember that around the world, lifeguards aren’t necessarily trained to the same standard as at pools and beaches in the U.S. Please look out for your own safety, as guards might not be fully trained or equipped to perform dangerous rescues.
What Makes Some Beaches in Cabo Swimmable?
If you love to spend time in the water at the beach, don’t worry. There are several calm bays and protected coves that create calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Regardless, though, always observe the conditions at each beach independently and look for warning flags that day.
Medano Beach: Most Popular of the Swimmable Beaches in Cabo
No trip to Cabo is complete without a visit to lively Medano Beach. Situated in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach has soft golden sands and a calm bay perfect for swimming and watersports.
Medano Beach is lined with resorts, beach clubs, bars and restaurants. The famous Cabo Wabo beach bar is here. Medano Beach is a top place for friends visiting Cabo, especially for bachelor/bachelorette parties.
This swimmable beach is renowned for its picture-perfect views, offering glimpses of the iconic “El Arco,” a natural rock formation that serves as a gateway between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. It’s possible to catch a water taxi from the beach or Marina to see El Arco.
The calmest section of the beach is from the Cabo Marina to the area known as Tabasco Beach. Beyond Tabasco Beach Bar, the sea can be more changeable, and you should watch the surf conditions.
Especially from the Villa Resorts (Villa del Arco, Villa del Palmar and Villa del Estancia) and down to the Riu Resorts, be observant of the conditions as sometimes it is not safe to swim here.
Read next ⫸ Stay directly on Medano Beach at the best all-inclusive resorts
Amenities at Medano Beach
Medano Beach offers an abundance of amenities and activities for your beach day. If you stay at a hotel here, you’ll have access to the hotel’s pools, beach loungers, and drink service.
If you don’t stay on Medano Beach, don’t worry! Beach clubs line the shore, offering comfortable loungers, umbrellas, and food and drink. Arrive early for the best picks. In exchange for a dedicated chair and umbrella, plan to leave a deposit that will be applied to your food and drink spend during your day.
Water sports enthusiasts can try jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing, all with the backdrop of stunning rock formations across the bay.
To assist in the safety of beachgoers, Medano Beach provides lifeguard services along its shores. Safety warning flags are also posted here.
Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: Yes | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No | Lifeguards: Yes
Swimmable Lover’s Beach: Calm Beach at Land’s End
For those seeking secluded beach experience, Lover’s Beach is one of the most popular Cabo beaches – but with a twist! Lover’s Beach, AKA Playa del Amor, is accessible only via water, including boat tours, water taxi, and kayak.
Located at Land’s End near the famous “El Arco” rock formation, Lover’s Beach has no amenities, so be sure to bring snacks and water for your visit. (And of course, take any trash back with you.)
It’s best to visit here early in the day for the most peaceful experience. As the day goes on, more boats and tourists arrive, and you’ll have to share your quiet slice of golden sand with many others!
It’s also possible to snorkel and dive at Lover’s Beach. Just stay in the area sectioned off for swimming. Be careful of boats and kayaks if you swim or snorkel outside this area.
Playa del Amor is also known for its unique geography, with one side facing the Sea of Cortez; while the other facing the Pacific Ocean is known as Divorce Beach! The Sea of Cortez side tends to be calm and ideal for swimming, however the Pacific Ocean is not. It always has much stronger surf and currents.
How to Get to Lover’s Beach
As Lover’s Beach is accessible only by water, you can reach this secluded paradise by hiring a water taxi or joining a boat tour. These options provide an opportunity to soak in views of the coastline and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of “El Arco” up close.
I hadn’t visited this beach before and made it a priority on my last trip. Even though it might seem a little touristy, I think it’s a must-see because of the impressive cliffs, gorgeous calm beach, and turbulent waves of Divorce Beach. Pack a little picnic and spend a few hours here!
I booked this tour which left from the Marina. You can essentially use it as a water taxi service: get dropped off at Lover’s Beach, then catch a later boat to Medano Beach and back to the Marina. Or, just stay at Medano!
Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: Yes | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No | Lifeguards: No
Cannery Beach: Swimmable Cabo Beach Popular With Locals
Located across the bay from Medano Beach, Cannery Beach is popular with both locals and tourists in search of a low-key swimming spot. There are actually a few beaches here so it goes by a few names: Cannery Beach, Coral Negro, Playa El Corsario, and Balconcito. It’s also known as Local’s Beach.
Whatever you call this golden stretch of coast, it’s a great spot with a local feel. Cannery Beach also has fewer beach vendors than Medano (which, honestly, can get a little overwhelming at times!). There are no amenities other than portable toilets.
Cannery Beach is backed by rocky cliffs which cast a shadow as the day goes on. Depending on the tides, you might need to wade, climb, kayak, or swim to reach the next sections of the beach down the coast.
There are lifeguards and warning flags next to the boardwalk here. I like the chilled-out, friendly vibes here: lots of families, kids playing soccer, and space to spread out if you move further down the beach.
Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: Yes | Lifeguards: Yes
Santa Maria Bay: Calm Cove for Swimming, Snorkeling + Kayaking
The area between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is known as the Tourist Corridor. This section of the coast includes many luxury resorts as well as stunning beaches like Playa Santa Maria. The calm bay is known for its spectacular beach, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Cabo.
Santa Maria Bay’s sheltered cove provides protection from strong currents and waves, making it a great location for swimming and snorkeling. The best corals are located along the rocks on the right hand side of the bay, as you face out to the ocean.
I watched kayakers set off from Playa Santa Maria at sunrise one morning, which seemed like a peaceful start to a perfect day in Cabo!
The only drawbacks for me at Santa Maria are that the beach is fine pebbles instead of soft sand, and that there are limited services.
Amenities at Playa Santa Maria
Playa Santa Maria has a large parking lot, which is easily accessible from Federal Highway 1. Just off the parking lot is a large, clean public restroom facility with outdoor showers. A shaded boardwalk leads from the parking area to the beach.
There are many condos at Santa Maria Bay, but only one resort, Montage Los Cabos. Their restaurant, Marea, accepts reservations for non-guests, although you must enter through the lobby rather than the beach club.
During peak season, a beach vendor rents umbrellas. But no palapas or chairs are available.
Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: Yes | Lifeguards: Yes
Read next ⫸ The best Los Cabos resorts with private pools
Chileno Bay: Golden Sands and Calm Waters
The next beach on this list, Chileno Bay, is a public beach with a large luxury resort. It has fine golden sand and calm, clear waters and is located the next bay over from Playa Santa Maria.
Chileno Bay is popular with both tourists and locals. You’ll find families visiting as well as tourists swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. In the mornings, fishermen depart for the day; in the afternoon, you’ll see them returning with their catch.
Chileno is a beautiful beach. The boardwalk is well landscaped, and the sand itself is raked daily and is quite clean.
Amenities at Playa Chileno
This beach is home to a luxury resort, Chileno Bay Resort. There are no other restaurants or beach bars here, although expect to find some vendors in season. It’s best to bring a cooler with drinks and snacks.
Chileno Bay has a large parking area, which leads to a public restroom with outdoor showers. Surf warning flags are posted on the beach at the edge of the boardwalk.
Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: Yes | Lifeguards: Yes
Playa Palmilla: Upscale Oasis + Public Beach
Playa Palmilla, also known as Palmilla Beach, is a beautiful white sand beach located in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. The beach offers calm and sheltered waters that are perfect for diving and snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear blue water or simply relax on the beach while enjoying the stunning views.
Palmilla Beach is also family-friendly, and you’ll find both locals and tourists alike enjoying this mile-long stretch of beach. The beach is surrounded by oceanfront luxury homes, the world-famous One&Only Palmilla resort. World-renowned Jack Nicklaus Ocean Nine golf course is located nearby.
At sunrise, you can see fishermen in pangas and a few fishing excursions departing. There are many rock formations, and it’s possible to snorkel along the shoreline.
Amenities at Playa Palmilla
Palmilla has a large parking lot and a boardwalk to the beach. In the mornings, staff rake the sand and clean the public restrooms so the beach is clean and well-kept. No restaurants are available; bring a picnic or snacks and water for your visit.
Umbrellas and loungers are available for rent as well as paddleboards and other equipment in season. A few palapas are on the beach for public use.
Warning flags are posted with signage about the beach along the boardwalk.
Tequila Cove: Calm Bay at the Hilton Los Cabos
A little further along the Tourist Corridor lies Tequila Cove, a serene beach in a small bay. The waters here are as clear as tequila, hence the beach’s name!
Tequila Cove is the beach at the Hilton Los Cabos. This is a quiet and not very touristed beach, given that it is more difficult to get to. Public access to the beach is through Playa San Carlos, an arroyo between Dreams Los Cabos and Zoetry Casa del Mar.
Amenities at Tequila Cove
There are no public amenities. However, day passes for the beach club and cabanas at the Hilton are available by contacting the hotel. The nearby Las Ventanas resort also accepts reservations at its Sea Grill oceanfront restaurant.
Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: Yes | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No | Lifeguards: No
Playa Acapulquito: Beginning Surfer Spot
Known as one of the top surfing spots in Cabo, Playa Acapulquito offers medium-sized waves and a laid-back surf culture. Located along the Tourist Corridor near San Jose del Cabo, this beach attracts surfers of all levels, from beginners looking to catch their first wave to experienced surfers.
So while this beach is not really suitable for swimming due to strong waves and currents, I’m including it as the best place in Cabo to learn to surf!
Amenities at Playa Acapulquito
There are no public facilities at Playa Acapulquito. The popular Cabo Surf Hotel and Spa is located here. Their 7 Seas Grille serves up fresh seafood and Mexican – Mediterranean – Asian fusion with a beach view, so you can watch the surfers. Zipper’s Grill down the beach at Playa Costa Azul is another local favorite.
Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No | Lifeguards: No
Playa Costa Azul + Acapulquito Surf Lessons
New and experienced surfers can get a lesson and tips from experienced locals with these tours. Both offer easy online booking and have great reviews.
Playa El Ganzo: Swimmable Beach Club Retreat
Tucked away near the El Ganzo Hotel in Puerto Los Cabos, Playa El Ganzo is the home of a beach club that belongs to the hotel Ganzo. The area is protected by manmade jetties, which form a calm cove perfect for swimming and wading.
There’s not much to do here other than swim and lounge, making it perfect for Cabo visitors who just want a relaxing beach day!
Playa el Ganzo is located in the community of Puerto Los Cabos at the San Jose del Cabo Marina. It’s outside of San Jose, along the route to the East Cape. This makes it a bit less busy, except for weekends when it fills up with both hotel guests and visitors.
Amenities at Playa el Ganzo
There are two beach clubs here, Veleros and El Ganzo. Guests can enjoy beachside umbrellas and loungers with food and drink service at both. There is a reasonable minimum spend charged as a deposit upon arrival, which is deducted from your final bill.
Ready for A Day at the Best swimmable Beaches in Cabo?
I hope I’ve helped you pick your perfect Cabo beach for swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. There are so many to choose from – some like these are perfect for adventures in the water. While others are better just for relaxing and sipping margaritas!
