Cabo Beaches: 14 Best for Swimming + Fun in the Sun

Last Updated on January 5, 2024

Grab your sunscreen and flip-flops because we’re headed to the best Cabo beaches!  Whether you want to swim, surf, or just soak up some rays with a tropical drink in hand, I’ve got the lowdown on the best sandy shores in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

On my most recent trip to Baja Sur, I made it my personal mission to visit as many beaches as possible.  Now, I’m using that to create this definitive list of the best beaches in Cabo.  Yes, visiting crystal-blue coves and golden coastlines is a tough job, but I love a challenge! 😉

Want to know which Cabo beaches are good for swimming or snorkeling?  Planning to kayak to secluded shores or learn to surf?  Or maybe you’re scouting out the liveliest beach party for your group of friends.  For all these things and more, I’ve got you covered.

Read on for the best beaches in Cabo and expert tips to visit: swimmable Cabo beaches, how to get there, amenities at each, and even where to stay close to these scenic shores.

Best Cabo Beaches for Swimming, Snorkeling + Fun in the Sun!

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In this Guide to Beaches in Cabo San Lucas + San Jose del Cabo

Cabo San Lucas Beaches: Lover’s Beach | Divorce Beach | Cannery Beach | El Medano Beach
Tourist Corridor Beaches: Monuments Beach | Santa Maria Bay | Chileno Beach | Tequila Cove
San Jose del Cabo Beaches: Playa Palmilla | Playa Costa Azul | Hotel Beach | East Cape Beach
Baja Sur Beaches for Day Trips: Playa Los Cerritos | Playa Balandra

Where are the best Cabo beaches?

Cabo is a shortened name for the cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, which are collectively referred to as “Los Cabos.”  Both are located in the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. 

This peninsula is surrounded by water on both sides.  At the southern point, you’ll find the twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. 

Cabo San Lucas is situated on the western side of the peninsula, on the Pacific Ocean, while San Jose del Cabo is located on the eastern side of the peninsula, closer to the Sea of Cortez. 

They span about 20km of developed coastline which offers up some of the best beaches and resorts in Mexico. 

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Are the Beaches in Cabo Safe 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. 

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.

Many 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.  But around the world, lifeguards aren’t necessarily trained to the same standard as at pools and beaches in the U.S. (or on Baywatch!).  Please look out for your own safety, as guards might not be fully prepared or expected to perform dangerous rescues.

Which Beaches in Cabo Are Swimmable?

If you love to spend time in the water at the beach, don’t worry: I’ve got several picks with calm waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 

The best swimmable beaches are often located in protected coves, including the popular Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas and the picturesque Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay.  I’ll include “swimmability” info on each of the beach listings below.

Getting to Cabo’s Best Beaches

I was able to use Google Maps to navigate to each beach.  During my trips to Baja Sur, I generally rent a car, but many are accessible via public transit.  If you use a taxi, expect to pay cash; be sure to agree on the price before you get in, as they aren’t metered.  Uber is legal and available, except for picking up at the airport; but because of animosity with taxi drivers, Uber drivers might ask to pick you up away from your resort entrance.

For driving there via Google Maps, I recommend using the parking pin map as your destination rather than the beach.

On my map above, I’ve pinned the parking area for each (when there is one).  

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The Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches

If you’re headed to Cabo San Lucas for vacation, a friends’ getaway, or even a solo adventure, these are the closest beaches to get in some beach time!

Located at Land’s End, Lover’s Beach is accessible only by water taxi, boat, or kayak from the Cabo San Lucas marina. It’s possible to swim and snorkel at Lover’s Beach, which has clear, calm waters and even some marine life.

This beach gets very busy, so it’s best to visit in the morning.  As the day goes on, there will be more tourists, and more boats dropping off and picking up from the beach here.  

Tip: go in the morning, before the beach fills up for the day, and bring a picnic lunch since there are no services.  Be sure to pack out everything you bring.

Playa del Amor Visit Tips

Getting here: Take a water taxi or boat tour from the Cabo San Lucas Marina.

Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: Yes | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No

Cabo Arch Tours with Online Booking

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Situated on the Pacific side of Land’s End, Divorce Beach offers stunning views of the famous Cabo Arch and tall cliffs. However, the surf here has strong waves and rip currents, so it is not suited for swimming.

To get here, you’ll need to take a water taxi or boat tour from the Cabo San Lucas Marina. This beach adjoins the next on the list, Lover’s Beach, so you can visit both on the same trip. Your boat will drop you off at Lover’s Beach and you can walk through the sand to the other side of the point to reach Divorce Beach.

Local lore says that Lover’s Beach is so named because it’s the calm side of Land’s End, while Divorce Beach is the turbulent shore!  I visited and can attest to the surf conditions at each.

Divorce Beach Visit Tips

Pros: Secluded spot at land’s end with views of the Arch and sunset.

Cons: Not safe for swimming.  No services available, so bring everything you need for your beach day, and be sure to arrange your pickup time with the boat captain.

Getting here: take a water taxi, kayak, or book a boat tour from the Cabo San Lucas Marina.

Swimmable: No | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No

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This beach has many names and is also known as Local’s Beach or Playa Coral Negro!  Whatever you choose to call it, it’s located adjacent to the Cabo San Lucas Marina.  It’s a quick walk from the Marina or a short taxi ride from downtown.

Cannery Beach is a popular spot for families due to its calm waters. Some palapas are available  for shade, or the beach becomes shadier in the afternoon due to being backed by high cliffs.

Vendors walk the beach offering snacks and sundries, and there is an information shack for water sports equipment rentals. Only portable toilets are available.

Cannery Beach Visit Tips

Pros: Easily accessible by walking from Cabo San Lucas Marina or downtown.

Cons: No restrooms or showers; can get very busy even off-season.

Parking: only a few parking spots are available in the street near the beach.  This hourly paid public parking is a short walk away.

Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: Yes

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Medano Beach is the center of activity in Cabo San Lucas!  It is the most popular beach in the region with a lively atmosphere and clear, calm waters.

Some of Cabo’s most popular resorts line the beach here, as well as restaurants, bars, and beach clubs. El Medano is the top

El Medano Beach is accessible by taxi or is a 20-minute walk from downtown Cabo San Lucas.  You can also catch a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas Marina – just arrange a meeting time for the return trip when you book.

Limited public restrooms are available and there are no public shower facilities like at some other beaches.  Other than this, visitors must use restrooms at restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels (even if you’re not patronizing the venue, some might allow you to use their restroom for a small fee).  Or just find a seat at the bar and order a drink!

Medano Beach Visit Tips

Pros: a large beach area with many hotels and beach clubs.  Easily accessible from downtown, and a fun party atmosphere.

Cons: this popular beach gets busy during the day, and its beach bars are even busier at night!  If you’re not staying at a hotel, arrive early to be able to get a chair at a beach club.  There are also many vendors that roam this beach offering souvenirs and snacks for sale.  

Parking: there is a paid parking lot here (during my last visit, it was $40 MX or around $2 for all day) adjoining the beach, as well as a free lot on the other side of the road.  If you have a lot to carry or for additional security, consider the paid lot.

Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: Yes | Showers: No

Blue Flag Beach: Yes, sections of the beach in front of many hotels are designated as Blue Flag.

Stay at Medano Beach

Medano Beach Tours + Activities

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Cabo Tourist Corridor Beaches

The Tourist Corridor is Federal Highway 1, which connect Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Here you will find some of the most luxurious hotels and also many stunning beaches!

The point here is known as Sunset Point, and has a great view of the famous Cabo Arch at Land’s End.  It’s also my favorite place in Cabo for sunset!

Just a short cab ride from downtown Cabo San Lucas on the east end of Bahia San Lucas, you’ll find a lovely little beach situated below the Sunset Monalisa Restaurant.  This beach marks the extreme southwest end of the Tourist Corridor and is home to luxury resort The Cape, a Thompson Hotel. 

The rock formations at Playa Monumentos are picturesque, particularly at sunset, with the waves crashing.   

Playa Monumentos Visit Tips

Pros: A serene place to watch the sunset and surfers.  For a romantic evening, book an alfresco table on the terraces of Sunset Monalisa for just before sunset. Or better yet, stay at The Cape and have spectacular views from your hotel room or the rooftop bar.

Cons: The waves here are strong – I asked and was told that the beach has a left point surf break and is recommended for experienced surfers.  Few amenities are available.

Getting here and parking: Take the Misiones del Cabo turnoff around Kilometer 5 and follow the road past the entrance to The Cape.  Turn right onto the dirt road and park at the top of the hill. Then pass through a security point and continue down the path towards the beach.

Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No

Stay at Monuments Beach

Things to do at Monuments Beach

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Santa Maria Bay is a stunning beach in a secluded cove, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. This public beach has great amenities, including a large paved parking area, restrooms, showers, and a boardwalk down to the beach.  Santa Maria Beach is one of my personal favorites!

The sand at Santa Maria is small coarse pebbles rather than being powder-soft, but for me this is the only drawback to this stunning spot.

Santa Maria Bay is one of the best places to snorkel in Cabo along with Playa Chileno just down the coast.  Both have coral formations and colorful fish.  At Santa Maria, the best area for snorkeling is along the rocks on the right side of the bay (as you face out to the ocean).

Snorkel tours arrive starting mid-morning.  If you’re an early riser, it’s worth it to beat the crowds here for snorkeling. As it’s a marine sanctuary, it’s one of the top places in Cabo for snorkeling.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent near the boardwalk.  When I was there at sunrise, staff were raking and cleaning the beach.

Playa Santa Maria Visit Tips

Pros: Calm, protected bay great for swimming and snorkeling.  New restrooms and shower facilities as well as a large parking area that is easy to get to.

Cons: Limited or no food and drink options, unless you stay at the hotel here, Montage Los Cabos.  Their restaurant, Marea, accepts reservations for non-guests, although you must enter through the lobby rather than the beach club.  The public restrooms are located at the parking lot, which is a distance from the beach.

Tours: If you want to take a snorkeling tour that departs from the Cabo Marina, the options below have great reviews, online booking, and a Tripadvisor “Badge of Excellence.”

Getting here and parking: From Cabo San Lucas, follow along the tourist corridor and turn off at the sign for Playa Santa Maria, around km 12.  Follow signs to “aceso a Playa Santa Maria,” drive under an overpass, and turn into the beach parking on your right.

Note: if you are coming from San Jose del Cabo, there is no exit for Santa Maria heading westbound. Instead, take the Playa las Viudas exit which is past Playa Santa Maria.  Turn left and go under the overpass, then turn left again to get back on Highway 1.  Take the next exit for Playa Santa Maria and follow the instructions above.

Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: Yes | Restrooms: Yes | Showers: Yes | Blue Flag: Yes

Stay at Santa Maria Beach:

Nearby: Playa las Viudas or Widow’s Beach has construction in the area.  This beautiful beach is open, but you will need to stop at the security checkpoint and there is a lot of heavy equipment in use.

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Chileno Beach is a beautiful spot known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sand. It’s a perfect beach for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It offers restrooms, showers, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. No restaurants are available, so be sure to bring snacks and water for your stay.

When I was there at sunrise, staff were raking and cleaning the beach as well as the public restroom facilities.  The boardwalk from the parking lot is beautifully landscaped, and the beach is clean and very well-kept.

Chileno Beach Visit Tips

Getting here and parking: Follow the Tourist Corridor and turn off at the signs for “Playa El Chileno” around Km 15.  As the road curves around, follow the signs to Chileno Bay Public Beach.  The area is very beautifully landscaped with purple bougainvillea and stonework.  The beach entry has a sign that reads “Entrada Playa Chileno,” and the parking is straight ahead. 

Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: Yes | Restrooms: Yes | Showers: Yes

Tours + Activities at Playa Chileno

Stay at Playa Chileno: 

Nearby: the next beach down the road, Playa El Tule, is a long beach with no amenities except for the luxury hotels here.  The public access/parking area is not paved and it is a little difficult to re-enter the highway from this exit. The parking also appears to be a transit point for local workers at nearby hotels, so I skipped it just to stay out of the fray.

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Tequila Cove, or Playa Bledito, is a hidden gem along the Tourist Corridor.  There are no public amenities available, but the beach offers a peaceful experience with plenty of room to spread out.  The water here is calm for swimming and is a particularly beautiful shade of turquoise blue!

Tequila Cove has more limited access unless you’re staying at a beach hotel like Hilton Los Cabos.  Day passes for the beach club and cabanas at the Hilton are available by reserving online or contacting the hotel.

The easiest public access to Tequila Cove is through Playa San Carlos, an arroyo between Dreams Los Cabos and Zoetry.

Tequila Cove Visit Tips

Pros: large beach with fine sand, clear blue waters, and public parking.

Cons: No amenities available unless you stay at one of the beach hotels or pay for day access at Hilton.  It’s easy to miss the turnoff for this beach as it’s not a dedicated exit.

Getting here and parking: Public access to Tequila Cove beach can be reached on the Tourist Corridor heading eastbound toward San Jose del Cabo.  Immediately after Dreams Los Cabos, be ready to pull off to the side of the road and slow down.  You’ll turn into the arroyo where you can park in the unpaved access area for the beach.  Google Maps lists this spot as “Desert Park Natural Reserve” and I’ve included that pin in my Cabo Beaches Map.

Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: Yes | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No

Stay at Tequila Cove:

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San Jose del Cabo Beaches

San Jose del Cabo is the smaller, more laid-back of the two Cabos. While you won’t want to miss its charming downtown area, be sure to spend some time at the lovely nearby beaches too!

Playa Palmilla is a crescent-shaped beach with calm waters good for swimming.  It offers restrooms, showers, and even a place for fishermen to clean their catch.  Palmilla is one of my favorites because of its beautiful location and convenient public amenities. It’s also popular with families for the same reasons.

This is the beach at One&Only Palmilla, where celebrities like Jennifer Aniston are known to stay when in Los Cabos!  The area around the resorts and road to beach access are gorgeously landscaped with lush greenery. 

In the mornings, staff rake the sand and clean the public restrooms so the beach is clean and well-kept.  No restaurants are available, so bring a picnic or snacks and water for your visit.

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.  Umbrellas and loungers are available for rent as well as paddleboards and other equipment in season.

Playa Palmilla a good swimming beach – I actually saw a group of open-water swimmers training here one morning.

Palmilla Beach Visit Tips

Pros: Clean sandy beach with calm waters.  Nice restrooms and large parking area.  Buoys mark off a swimming area close to shore.

Cons: Popular with locals, so it can get busy on weekends and after school.  Go early to get lounge chairs and umbrellas.  No restaurants or sellers so bring supplies for your stay.

Getting here and parking: Take the Tourist Corridor and exit at the signs for the Palmilla subdivision around km 27.  From both east and westbound, I believe the highway signs say “retorno” (return) but you can see the Palmilla name and logo terraced in the landscaping.  At the stop sign, turn toward the coast and follow the signs for beach access.  The road will wind around and pass several resorts until you reach the parking lot.  

Swimmable: Yes | Snorkeling: Yes | Restrooms: Yes | Showers: Yes | Blue Flag: No

Stay at Playa Palmilla:

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Playa Costa Azul is a long, picturesque beach in San Jose del Cabo and a popular surf spot.  The sand here is soft and powdery-white, making a striking contrast with the clear blue waters that gave the beach its name.

Playa Costa Azul has a rocky coastline with sea urchins, so it’s best to leave this one to the surfers! The beach is great for walks, especially for sunrise.

Zippers restaurant on the beach is a local favorite for a cold drink, tasty meal and watching the surfers.  There are no beach loungers or umbrellas for rent, unless you can talk your way into the beach club at one of the hotels!

A popular viewpoint (mirador) above this beach has been closed due to safety concerns.  But there are still lovely views from the beach.

Costa Azul Beach Visit Tips

Pros: Soft sands and a gorgeous stretch of coast.  It’s fun to watch the surfers, especially from local institution Zippers!  A beach walk here is a must.

Cons: the water is not safe for swimming, due to strong waves as well as the rocky shore and presence of sea urchins.

Getting here: Exit at km 28 immediately after Las Olas Condominiums at the sign for Playa Costa Azul.  Be ready to exit quickly and then slow down – the ramp is short!  Continue straight to the bottom of the ramp, then turn towards the ocean and park in the unpaved lot.

Swimmable: No | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No

Tours + Excursions at Playa Costa Azul

Nearby: Just east, Playa Acapulquito  is a popular spot for surfers with consistent waves. Cabo Surf Hotel rents gear and offers lessons.  To get here, turn off before the exit for Playa Costa Azul, at the sign for Cabo Surf Hotel and Spa.

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Playa Hotelera is a long stretch of beach located in front of the hotel zone in San Jose del Cabo. This is the equivalent of Medano Bay in CSL, but unfortunately without the calm waters.  It’s a tamer scene too; but what isn’t compared to Senor Frog’s!

This is a long, golden beach perfect for beach walks.  Note that the beach clubs and hotels are set relatively far back from the water here. It’s not safe for swimming anyway, but it is fun to watch the giant waves!

There are many beach clubs, bars, and resorts on Playa Hotelera including Viceroy Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos all-inclusive.

Hotel Beach Visit Tips

Pros: Many beach clubs, hotels, and restaurants on the beach.  It’s perfect for morning walks.

Cons: Not safe for swimming.

Getting here and parking: At the far end of the beach, there is easy public access after the Vidanta Los Cabos resort. A limited number of parking spots are available at the beach entrance, or park in the street on the other side of Malecon San Jose. A boardwalk snakes its way to the beach; along the way you’ll see a public restroom.

Swimmable: No | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: Yes | Showers: No | Blue Flag: No

Stay at Hotel Beach

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My first morning in Cabo on my most recent trip, I headed to East Cape Beach for sunrise. There is public beach access here but no amenities.

This beach has strong surf, so it’s not good for swimming.  But it is a gorgeous spot to watch the sunrise.  There are also interesting rock formations and tidepools to explore for people who, like me, enjoy a good secluded beach.

Some people report seeing whales here, so I’ll have to go back again since I didn’t! 

Buzzard’s Bar and Grill here is a great local spot for everything from breakfast to specialty margaritas to shrimp tacos, right on the beach.

East Cape Beach Visit Tips

Pros: secluded beach with few other visitors and a great beach bar.  Highly recommended for sunrise and then breakfast at Buzzard’s.

Cons: no public facilities; not suitable for swimming.

Getting here and parking: This beach is located about 20 minutes from San Jose del Cabo. Take Blvd. Antonio Mijares and turn right at the traffic circle onto Camino Cabo Este. Follow the road until you reach a traffic circle with signs for El Encanto de la Laguna and Buzzard’s. Turn right and follow the road toward the ocean. At the end of the road, turn right and you’ll see Buzzard’s and the beach parking on your left.’

Swimmable: No | Snorkeling: No | Restrooms: No | Showers: No

Stay at East Cape Beach

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Other Baja Sur Beaches: Top Picks for Day Trips

If you’re looking for a day trip from Cabo to explore more of Baja Sur, I’ve got two recommendations of great day trips to beaches.  If you rent a car, it’s easy to drive to Todos Santos; but you might prefer a tour with transportation to La Paz since it’s a bit farther away.

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