The 6 Best Beaches in Los Cabos

Playa del Amor in Los Cabos
Playa del Amor in Los Cabos.

Daniel Slim / Getty Images

Los Cabos’ location at the tip of Baja California state offers spectacular sights like Los Arcos, the rock formations at Land’s End, and of course, an abundance of beautiful beaches, both on the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. Many of the beaches around Los Cabos are not safe for swimming, however. Particularly the beaches on the Pacific side often have strong waves and undertows. These beaches are well marked, and it’s essential to follow safety instructions and not enter the water in places where it is dangerous to do so. Always check the beach warning flags to be on the safe side! There are a few beaches in Los Cabos and vicinity that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying watersports. Here are some of the best beaches in and around Los Cabos.

01 of 06

El Medano Beach

El Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas

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Address
El Medano Beach, Baja California Sur, Mexico

El Medano Beach is a two-mile-long stretch of beach with soft, golden sand located just east of the Cabo San Lucas Marina. This beach is usually safe for swimming. It tends to get busy, so if you want to enjoy it without the crowds for a little while, it’s best to go early in the day. There are many resorts and restaurants along this beach, and a lot of vendors who come to sell souvenirs, trinkets, and snacks to the tourists who are enjoying the sun and sand. You can rent an umbrella and lounger for the day, and people-watch between refreshing dips in the ocean.

02 of 06

Palmilla Beach

Palmilla Beach in Los Cabos

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Address
Playa Palmilla, Tourist Corridor, 23537 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico

This beach is located in the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo near the One&Only Palmilla resort. Palmilla Beach is a protected cove that generally offers safe swimming conditions. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, or just enjoy the views. The swim leg of the local Ironman 70.3 is held on this beach, which has received Blue Flag certification, so you can rest assured that the water is clean and crystal clear. There are lifeguards, public restrooms, showers, and changing areas, but no restaurants here, so bring your own food and drink.

03 of 06

El Chileno Beach

El Chileno Beach in Los Cabos

Jorge Duarte Estevao / Getty Images 

Address
Chileno Bay Public Beach, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Located halfway between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Chileno Beach is one of Los Cabos’ best snorkeling spots. If you’re lucky, you may spot lobsters, sea urchins, and even stingrays as well as an array of colorful fish. This low-key beach has palapas, portable restrooms, and a nearby restaurant, and it features a calm bay that is great for swimming. Easily accessible by bus or cab, Chileno Beach is now home to the Chileno Bay Golf & Beach Club.

04 of 06

Lovers Beach

Lovers Beach in Los Cabos

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Address
Lovers Beach, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico

A tiny strip of beach located between two rock formations very close to the arch at Land's End on the Sea of Cortez, Playa del Amor often has calm, clear water, which is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Still, at times the waves are too strong, so err on the side of caution. This can be a romantic spot if you're lucky enough to be there on your own, but there are no services, so bring drinking water, shade, and snacks with you. You'll have to hire a water taxi from the marina or El Medano beach—don't attempt to climb along the rocks to get there. From Lover's Beach, you can walk between the rock formations to "Divorce Beach," which is on the Pacific side, but the waves and undertow are always strong there, so enjoy the views, but don't go into the water.

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05 of 06

Santa Maria Beach

Santa Maria Beach Los Cabos

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Address
Santa Maria Beach, Tourist Corridor, BCS, Mexico

This beach is in a horseshoe-shaped bay located at the mid-way point between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. It's a favorite spot for snorkeling, so many charter boats and tours come here, so it can get crowded. The water is calm, particularly early in the day, so get there early for the best snorkeling conditions and fewer people. During the winter months, keep an eye out to sea as you may spot whales breaching or spouting.

06 of 06

El Ganzo Beach Club

El Ganzo Beach

 Courtesy of Hotel El Ganzo

Address
Calle Paseo del Pescador, San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
Phone +52 624 104 9000

Hotel El Ganzo in the Puerto Los Cabos development next to San Jose del Cabo has a small but lovely swimmable beach. Guests at the hotel can enjoy casual dining and beachside cocktails, if you're not staying there, enquire about purchasing a day pass to enjoy the facilities.

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The 6 Best Beaches in Los Cabos