The Best Beaches to Swim in Cabo

Cabo has some of the most beautiful calm beaches in the world, however many others are dangerous due to its depth and wave conditions, that is why we have put together a list of our best places to swim with an explanation of why we love them.

Here are our 7 best swimming beaches in Cabo San Lucas:

1. Medano Beach
2. Lover’s Beach
3. Chileno Beach
4. Santa Maria Beach
5. Palmilla Beach
6. Cannery Beaches
7. Cabo Pulmo

 

Swimmable beaches in Cabo

Cabo San Lucas features some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But can you swim in Cabo? Yes, but only in certain beaches designated for swimming. Some beaches in Cabo are dangerous, so we have put together a list of the favorite swimmable beaches that make Cabo a great destination for beach lovers.

Many beaches are closed to swimmers because they aren’t safe—steep ocean floor drop-offs close to shore create strong waves and undercurrents, making it dangerous to enter the water. These beaches are clearly marked with red flags, warning swimmers to stay away.

Although some beaches are unsuitable for swimming, there are still plenty of amazing beaches to explore and places to swim in Cabo. So, which beaches are the best for you? Here are our recommendations for your upcoming trip to Cabo San Lucas:

 

1. Medano Beach

This beach is located downtown, and many resorts with swimmable beaches in Cabo open into Medano Beach. It is the longest swimmable beach in Cabo.

This area, filled with resorts, bars, and restaurants, feels like a traditional resort area, featuring boats on the bay, swimmers in the ocean, lifeguards on duty, and people laying out and playing in the sand. The water here is protected from the dangers common in other beaches, and so is great for swimmers. If you are hoping for a more traditional beach resort experience in your trip to Cabo, stay close to Medano Beach.

 

2. Lover’s Beach

This beautiful swimmable beach is only accessible by boat. Getting there usually includes a stop by the iconic Arch at Land’s End, and there are plenty of great snorkeling spots along the way as well.

The boat ride to this beach is half the adventure, and there is plenty of beauty and opportunities to swim and relax to enjoy once you arrive. It is important to mention that you cannot always disembark at Lover's Beach, as it depends on the height of the tide. 

 

3. Chileno Beach

Chileno Beach is near the hotel zone and a luxury resort, but it is a public beach and a favorite among locals. It doesn’t have as many amenities and conveniences as Medano Beach, but there are restrooms, palapas, and lifeguards on duty. It is also one of Cabo’s top snorkeling spots, and it is easily accessible. Pay attention to signage to make sure you stay in areas that are available and safe for swimming. The best way to visit Chileno bay is with our Cabo San Lucas Snorkeling Adventure 

 

4. Santa Maria Beach

Relatively secluded, the Santa Maria bay is a protected marine sanctuary, and an excellent spot for snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach. This marine preserve is a prime destination for many charter boats that offer snorkeling and scuba diving excursions departing from the Cabo San Lucas harbor.

To get to Santa Maria beach you can take a taxi or a local bus; the beach is out of town between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Cabo, particularly located 12.5 Km (7.7 mi) north from Cabo San Lucas. There are no many public facilities, so make sure you bring with you all you might need for a day in the beach. The best way to visit Santa María bay is with our Luxury Day Sailing Cabo Tour.

 

5. Palmilla Beach

This beach is a short drive from Cabo San Lucas—you’ll need a car to reach it in San Jose del Cabo—but its beautiful crescent shaped shore is worth the effort. There are no restaurants nearby so pack a picnic. Between dips in the ocean, you can relax under a palapa or rent an umbrella from nearby vendors.

 

6. Cannery Beaches

These two beaches, including Coral Negro and Balconcito, are located outside the marina just before Land’s End. There are fewer vendors and thinner crowds than other beaches, and they are surrounded by massive boulders that offer shade or a fun place to sit. The water is great for swimming, and some people come to snorkel as well.

 

7. Cabo Pulmo beach

This is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Cabo San Lucas, as it is surrounded by coral reefs and tropical fish. It is located in a protected national park. There aren’t a lot of vendors or amenities nearby. Because it is a national park, Cabo Pulmo is clean and pristine and a great place to experience the area’s natural beauty.

 

Bonus: Playa Acapulquito

One of the few swimmable beaches that isn’t connected to a resort, Playa Acapulquito is clean and well-kept. It is a great beach to visit, especially if you aren’t staying in a luxury hotel, but it can be overrun with tourists and locals alike during busy travel times.

 

Swimming in Cabo San Lucas

Many visitors to Cabo are surprised to learn that not all of the area’s beautiful sandy beaches are safe for swimming. This guide should help you find a beach where you can swim safely. Be sure to look for a green flag on the beach that indicates the area is approved for swimming. If you aren’t sure if a beach is safe or not, avoid it or consult a local.

Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful place to swim and snorkel, and there are plenty of beaches where you can do so safely. For more ways to discover the best of Cabo San Lucas, explore the best excursions and tours in Cabo by Cabo Adventures.