Beaches & Coastline
Beach
Playa El Medano
Cabo San Lucas
Most popular swimming beach in Cabo. Calm waters, water sports, beachfront restaurants.
Local Tips
Visit Playa El Médano early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid the cruise ship crowds that flood the beach between 10 AM and 3 PM. The water is also calmer during these times, making it perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
Instead of renting beach chairs and umbrellas from the resort vendors (which can cost $30-40 USD per day), walk to the far eastern end of the beach near Villa del Palmar where local families set up more affordable shade options for around $10 USD, and you'll get a more authentic Mexican beach experience.
Beach
Chileno Beach
Km 14, Carretera Transpeninsular, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Protected bay perfect for snorkeling. Clear waters with abundant marine life.
Local Tips
Arrive at Chileno Beach before 10 AM on weekdays to enjoy the pristine coral reef and calm waters before the tour boats and day-trippers arrive. The snorkeling is exceptional in the morning when visibility is clearest and marine life is most active.
Be extremely careful of the rocky entry points on the left side of the beach - locals know to enter the water from the sandy center area only. The rocks are sharp and slippery, and many tourists get cut trying to snorkel from the wrong spot.
Beach
Santa Maria Beach
Km 12, Carretera Transpeninsular, El Paraje, B.C.S., Mexico
Beautiful cove with excellent snorkeling. Less crowded than Chileno.
Local Tips
Visit Santa Maria Beach early in the morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid the cruise ship crowds that typically arrive between 10 AM and 3 PM. The beach becomes significantly more peaceful during these times, and you'll have better access to the best snorkeling spots near the rocks.
Bring your own snorkeling gear and water shoes - the beach vendors charge 3x the price of what you'd pay at local shops in downtown Cabo. The rocky areas on both ends of the beach have the best marine life, but you'll need water shoes to safely navigate the rocky entry points.
Beach
Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor)
Land's End, Cabo San Lucas, 23450 B.C.S., Mexico
Secluded beach only accessible by boat. Next to El Arco. Sea of Cortez side.
Local Tips
Visit Lover's Beach early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the water taxi captains offer better rates and you'll avoid the cruise ship crowds that typically arrive between 10 AM-3 PM. The lighting is also much better for photos during these golden hours.
Be extremely careful of the strong undertow on the Pacific side (Divorce Beach) - locals never swim there due to dangerous currents that have caused drownings. Stick to the calmer Sea of Cortez side for swimming, and always keep your belongings secured as the wind can be very strong and will blow items into the water.
Beach
Divorce Beach (Playa del Divorcio)
Land's End, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Pacific side of Land's End. Rough waters, dangerous swimming. Beautiful views.
Local Tips
Never swim at Divorce Beach - the Pacific side has dangerous undertow and massive waves that can pull you out to sea. Locals call it 'Divorce Beach' partly because couples argue when one wants to swim and the other knows it's deadly. Stick to the Sea of Cortez side (Lover's Beach) for safe swimming.
Visit Divorce Beach early morning (7-9 AM) before the water taxi crowds arrive from the marina. You'll have the dramatic Pacific coastline almost to yourself for photos, and the morning light creates the best contrast against the dark volcanic rocks.
Beach
Costa Azul Beach
San Jose del Cabo
Popular surf spot with consistent waves. Great for surfing and watching surfers.
Local Tips
Visit Costa Azul early morning (6-8 AM) during summer months when the waves are typically smaller and cleaner for swimming, as the afternoon wind picks up and creates choppy conditions that are better suited for surfing but less pleasant for casual beachgoers.
Be extremely cautious of the strong undertow and rip currents at Costa Azul - even experienced swimmers can get caught off guard. Always stay close to shore and never swim alone, as this beach has one of the stronger currents in the Los Cabos area due to its exposure to open ocean swells.
Beach
Palmilla Beach
Corridor
Pristine beach at One&Only Palmilla resort. Semi-private with calm waters.
Local Tips
Visit Palmilla Beach early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the One&Only Palmilla resort guests are typically at breakfast or dinner, giving you much more space on this otherwise crowded luxury beach.
Be aware that Palmilla Beach has strong undertows and rip currents, especially during winter months (December-March) - locals know to stay closer to shore near the rocky outcropping on the north end where the water is calmer and safer for swimming.
Beach
Monuments Beach
Pacific Coast
Long stretch of undeveloped beach. Great for walking and solitude.
Local Tips
Visit Monuments Beach (Playa de los Monumentos) very early in the morning around 6:30-7:30 AM when the cruise ship passengers haven't arrived yet and the lighting is perfect for photos. The beach gets extremely crowded after 9 AM when tour groups start arriving.
Be very careful of the strong undertow and rip currents at Monuments Beach - locals never swim here despite how beautiful it looks. The waves can be deceptively powerful and have caught many tourists off guard. Stick to wading in ankle-deep water and enjoy it for photos only.
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