Los Cabos Beaches Guide

About Los Cabos Beaches

The Los Cabos coastline stretches along the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. This creates a diverse range of beach experiences -- from calm, swimmable bays on the Sea of Cortez side to powerful surf breaks on the Pacific. An important note: many Los Cabos beaches have strong currents and are not safe for swimming. Look for red or black flags indicating no-swim conditions, and swim only at designated safe beaches.

Top Beaches

Playa Medano (Cabo San Lucas)

The main swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas, Medano is a long stretch of golden sand lined with restaurants, beach clubs, and water sports vendors. It is the most active and social beach in Los Cabos, with jet skis, parasailing, and music from the beach bars. The water is generally calm enough for swimming.

Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor)

A secluded beach tucked between the rocks at Land's End, near El Arco. Accessible only by water taxi or boat, the Sea of Cortez side is calm for swimming and snorkeling. The adjacent Divorce Beach on the Pacific side is not safe for swimming.

Playa Chileno

A Blue Flag certified beach about midway along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. A protected bay with calm, clear water excellent for snorkeling. Public facilities include restrooms and shade palapas. One of the best snorkeling spots in Los Cabos.

Playa Santa Maria

A horseshoe-shaped cove between Chileno and Cabo San Lucas, known for good snorkeling and a relatively uncrowded atmosphere. Access is via a path from the highway. Limited facilities.

Playa Palmilla

Near San Jose del Cabo, a calm beach suitable for swimming with a historic small chapel and views of the coast. Less crowded than Medano.

Costa Azul / Zippers

The premier surf break in Los Cabos, located near San Jose del Cabo. The right point break at Zippers draws surfers from around the world, especially during summer swells. Not for beginners -- the break is powerful. The nearby Old Man's break is more forgiving for intermediate surfers.

Playa Solmar

On the Pacific side near Cabo San Lucas, a dramatic beach with crashing waves. Beautiful for walking and photography, but swimming is extremely dangerous due to strong rip currents.

Water Activities

• Surfing -- Summer (June to October) brings the best swells to the Pacific-facing breaks
• Snorkeling -- Chileno and Santa Maria bays are the top spots
• Paddleboarding -- Calm mornings at Medano or Palmilla
• Fishing -- Los Cabos is one of the world's top sport fishing destinations, known for marlin, dorado, and tuna
• Jet skiing and parasailing -- Available at Medano Beach

Visiting Tips

• Check swimming safety -- Always check flag conditions. The Pacific side has dangerous currents.
• Bring snorkel gear -- Rentals are available at Chileno and Santa Maria, but bringing your own ensures a good fit
• Go early to Chileno and Santa Maria -- These beaches get busier as the day progresses with tour groups
• Sunscreen -- The Baja sun is intense. Use reef-safe sunscreen, especially when snorkeling.

Getting There

All beaches are accessible from the Tourist Corridor road (Highway 1) between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Taxis, rental cars, and some local buses serve the corridor. Medano Beach is walkable from central Cabo San Lucas.

Plan Your Visit

Los Cabos beaches feature in the Baja Road Trip 5-Day itinerary. Combine beach time with a sunset sailing tour for the complete Los Cabos experience.