Mexico is known for its pristine beaches, especially on its Pacific Coast. Whether into seasonal surfing or looking for a nice spot to feel the ocean waves, Cabo San Lucas has some adorable swimmable beaches. Cabo waters are known to offer numerous opportunities, including swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. But a common question among vacationers planning a trip to this tourist hotspot is, ‘’which beaches are safe for swimming in Cabo?’’ Well, here is a guide on where you can actually swim in Cabo.

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Swimming In Cabo San Lucas

While heeding the warnings and adopting safe swimming practices is important, there are actually beaches where travelers can visit and swim safely. Some areas of water have strong waves and undercurrents, making them unsafe for swimming. But travelers shouldn't worry as these beaches are always marked in colored flags, indicating whether the spot is safe or not for swimming. There are lifeguards always on duty, providing additional security to vacationers. Travelers can also tell whether a beach is safe by looking at the number of people around. But knowing the best spots is essential, especially when vacating with small kids who must settle in safer conditions.

Tips For Ensuring Safety When Swimming At Cabo

• Look Out for Sea Urchins and Jellyfish. While Cabo waters are recognized for having an abundance of marine life, which are largely considered safe, travelers must be alert for sea urchins and jellyfish to avoid stings. When visiting with kids, it is important to ensure they wear water shoes and apply rash guard lotions on their bodies before going to swim.
• Use Protection Against the Sun When Swimming. While cooling off in the water, especially in hot summers when temperatures can rise to the 90s, travelers should ensure they are protected from the sun’s rays. Maybe wear sunglasses and hats, drink a lot of water to stay hydrated, and take breaks in between, as reflections from the ocean increases the sun's rays, making travelers risk having sunburns or heat stroke.
• Always Apply Sunscreen When Swimming. Cabo’s temperatures can be really harsh in summer, and applying sunscreen whenever going to swim enhances safety.
• Look Out for Signs Located On the Beaches. Not all beaches in Cabo San Lucas are safe for swimming. It is important to look out for the flags and know how to read them.

Reading The Signs Indicating Swimming Safety On Cabo's Beaches

It is good news that Cabo’s beach resorts use a flag system to show travelers the water safety of different beaches. These flags display different colors, which usually change depending on the current conditions on a given spot.

• Beaches with Red Flags: This means the spots are dangerous for swimming.
• Beaches with Yellow Flags: This means visitors must exercise caution when swimming on the beaches.
• Beaches with Green Flags: This means they are safe for swimming.
• Beaches with Blue Flags: These are beaches recognized in the world for having the highest water quality, clean environment, accessibility, and meeting all safety standards. Cabo has six beaches with blue flags.

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Which Cabo San Lucas Beaches Are Safe For Swimming?

Most safe beaches are seated at the heart of Cabo’s downtown. The best beaches for swimming in Cabo are discussed below.

Medano Beach

Seated in the middle of downtown, Medano is Cabo’s main beach and features incredible restaurants, beach resorts, and bars, making it the perfect vacation spot for beach lovers. It’s no wonder the beach is the busiest in the area. The beach is blue-flag-certified and is the longest.

Chileno Beach

Chileno has blue-flag status, so it’s totally safe for swimming and is a popular spot, especially for the locals. It does not feature as many restaurants or other amenities as El Medano, but it has numerous palapas for relaxing away from the water.

Palmilla Beach

Having lifeguards on duty, great accessibility, and showers & bathrooms, this beach is one of the best. It is located in San Jose del Cabo, so travelers will have to drive a bit to get to it. Take note of the possibility of water conditions changing on this beach. So, it is important to keep checking the flag indications to enhance safety.

Lover’s Beach

This is the perfect spot for visitors seeking peace and serenity. While it can only be reached by boat, it is quieter and is located away from the hustle and bustle found on other popular beaches like El Medano.

Playa Acapulquito

Playa Acapulquito is not connected to any resort but is known to be safe and swimmable. Its environment is well-maintained and is a quieter spot, perfect for tourists seeking peace.

Is Swimming At Cabo Beaches Worth It?

Absolutely yes! While Cabo has spots considered unsafe for swimming, the beaches listed above are perfectly safe and secured. It is, however, important to be careful, especially where there are no lifeguards.