Los Cabos is a region that refers to the cities of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and ‘the corridor’ that connects the two. It’s a stunning Mexican beach destination at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, with coastlines spanning both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.
With a magnificent deep blue sea contrasted by desert mountains and cactuses, Los Cabos is a popular, exotic escape. While the region does indeed boast water-based activities like stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba, many travelers may be surprised to learn that many Los Cabos beaches are not suitable for swimming or wading due to strong undertows and unpredictable tides.
Below is a list of swimmable beaches in Los Cabos and some of our favorite Cabo hotels that can be found nearby.
Swimmable beaches in Los Cabos
Chileno Beach
One of the most popular swimmable beaches in Los Cabos with locals, Playa Chileno is a Blue Flag-certified beach with great snorkeling opportunities plus facilities open to the public.
Specific areas have been roped off for swimming so make sure to stay within the buoys. The Auberge, Chileno Bay Resort is the only resort with direct access to this beach.
Palmilla Beach
Another Blue Flag-certified beach, Playa Palmilla is a one-mile-long stretch of gorgeous, soft white sands and blue-green swimmable waters. It’s easily accessible to the public, but for an ultra-luxurious vacation stay at the world-famous One&Only Palmilla.
Nestled near the southern tip of Palmilla Beach, the One&Only commands stunning views over the water plus complimentary snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking at the resort’s very own swimmable beach, Pelican Beach
Medano Beach
In Cabo San Lucas sits the stunning Playa Medano, the longest swimmable beach in Los Cabos. There’s plenty to do at Medano Beach, which makes it hugely popluar with locals and tourists alike.
If you’re looking to soak up some high energy this is a great place to be. Here you can find a handful of resorts along this beach’s coast including ME Cabo.
Santa Maria Beach
Fifteen minutes outside of either Cabo, Santa Maria Bay is located in the corridor and is a protected marine sanctuary and a Blue Flag-certified beach. The horseshoe-shaped beach offers gorgeous, soft yellow sands that slide gently into an aqua-blue sea.
Typically, the waters are fairly calm, although conditions do vary throughout the year. The best time of day to visit is earlier in the morning when conditions are at their calmest and the majority of sun worshippers are yet to arrive. The Montage Los Cabos is the best resort with direct access to this beach.
Playa Bledito, Hilton Cove and Tequila Cove
A beach known by several names, the conditions to swim here are generally safe thanks, in no small part, to a man-made wave break. It’s possible to wander up and down this gorgeous stretch of coastline but make sure to only swim behind that break.
Hilton Los Cabos & Melia Cabo Real are beachfront properties, with Las Ventanas al Paraiso and Casa del Mar right next door, about a 10-minute walk on the beach.
Lover’s Beach/Playa del Amor
Accessed via boat or kayak, this beach is where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. Its waters contain a bounty of wildlife which makes it an ideal snorkeling destination.
It’s important to note that although it connects with Divorce Beach on the Pacific Side, Divorce Beach is not suitable for swimming.
La Playita and El Ganzo Beach Club at Puerto Los Cabos
In the new marina of San Jose del Cabo, you can find these two small swimmable beaches. La Playita is a stunning little beach with a roped-off area for safe swimming.
The nearby hotel El Ganzo has its own Beach Club and a swimmable beach. Here, guests of the hotel can enjoy beach-side tacos and a drink or two. Those not staying at the hotel can purchase a day pass to enjoy the privileges!
Please note: The above mentioned beaches are typically suitable for swimming. However, conditions can change without prior notice. Double check with your hotel for current beach and ocean conditions. Also, double check with local lifeguards and follow the rules of the beach.
For reference:
Waldorf Astoria at Pedregal (previously The Resort at Pedregal) does not have a swimmable beach.
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel does not have a swimmable beach but is great for surfers.
Viceroy Los Cabos (previously Mar Adentro) does not have a swimmable beach.
Cabo Surf Hotel does not have a swimmable beach but is great for surfers.
Esperanza does not have a swimmable beach.
Grand Velas Los Cabos does not have a swimmable beach.
JW Marriott Los Cabos does not have a swimmable beach.
Montage Los Cabos has a swimmable beach.
Chileno Bay Los Cabos has a swimmable beach.
Zandun, A Ritz Carlton Reserve does not have a swimmable beach.
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas has a swimmable beach.
One&Only Palmilla has a swimmable beach.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos does not have a swimmable beach.
Book a Once-in-a-Lifetime Vacation to Los Cabos
If you’re interested in traveling to Los Cabos, book with the local experts. Journey Mexico has teams on-the-ground allowing us to forge unrivaled connections and expertise. Browse our customizable sample itineraries on our website or contact Journey Mexico today. Our customized journeys start from $1,800 USD per day for two travelers.
