Cabo Safety: is Cabo San Lucas safe to travel to?
Cabo San Lucas is one of the most paradisiac places we can find on the planet. It has everything you could ever ask for a vacation destination: beautiful beaches, incredible weather all year around, places to relax or party, astonishing marine fauna you can explore, various water sports to practice, energizing hiking trails, and so much more!
Located in Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect destination for everybody.
Throughout time, Los Cabos has been one of the most sought-after locations. Millions of tourists visit the city each year, including celebrities from all over the world.
However, some people might wonder if visiting Cabo San Lucas is safe, and what basic safety precautions should be followed while staying here. The most prominent concerns tend to be about Cabo San Lucas’s crime rate, health-related problems, and the hurricane season.
To clear all doubts, we have prepared a detailed guide about Cabo San Lucas, safety tips, recommendations, and all you need to know about this city.
So, if you are planning your next adventure and you want to know about Cabo safety, this post is for you.
Understanding Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico’s Baja California Sur, is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
The Ministry of Tourism of the Government of Mexico shared that each month, Los Cabos is visited by 350.000 tourists from all over the world, looking for all the high energy and fun that only this city can offer.
What is it that makes Los Cabos so popular?
Why is Los Cabo a popular destination?
The main attraction is definitely Los Cabos beaches with their golden sand and turquoise water. The paradise city always has incredible weather, being sunny for at least 360 days of the year.
It is also blessed with varied marine fauna that is possible to explore and have close encounters with. Tropical fishes, sea turtles, stingrays, whales, sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and so much more!
Besides natural beauty, Los Cabos also offers many different activities. No matter what you like, you can find something for you.
In Cabo San Lucas you can go snorkeling, whale-watching, hiking various trails, practicing many water sports, exploring different restaurants with local cuisine, enjoy the many beach parties, go bar hopping, go shopping, go fishing, and even play golf in professional courses! All you could ever want in just one place.
If you are planning your next adventure in Cabo San Lucas, then you cannot miss going snorkeling or whale-watching. At La Isla Tour we offer excursions to cruise around the best spots in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean so that you can experience the city from another perspective.
We have more than 17 years in the business, taking tourists from all over the world to explore Cabo San Lucas as they have never before. Contact us now!
San Jose del Cabo vs. Cabo San Lucas
If you like more relaxed and less crowded places, right next to Cabo San Lucas it is San Jose del Cabo. This is the sister city where most locals live.
While Cabo San Lucas can be high energy, fun, and parties, San Jose del Cabo is the opposite and offer a completely different vibe.
It is calmer but with a charming and picturesque personality. Great for walking and exploring the downtown, discovering the history of the city, and getting a closer look at the culture.
Perception vs. Reality: debunking safety concerns
When people plan to visit Mexico, there are often misconceptions and concerns about safety. These can overshadow or even prevent tourists to experience Cabo San Lucas as the great destination that it is.
It is important to separate perception from reality, and we have gathered some facts to clear all doubts and questions you might have.
Is Los Cabos safe? Cabo San Lucas crime statistics
Cabo San Lucas is generally considered a safe place for travelers. This is the main reason why many celebrities come to this city since the 80s.
While no destination is entirely free of crime, and in each place you visit, you should follow the basic precautions, the truth is that Los Cabos has a lower crime rate compared to many popular tourist destinations.
There is a perception that the Los Cabos area, since it is located in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, has high rates of crimes, drug cartels or drug-related violence, kidnapping, and even murders. Therefore, many promote that it is necessary to exercise increased caution.
In reality, the statistical data indicates that incidents of violence against tourists are relatively rare and that it is a very safe destination.
Local authorities in Cabo San Lucas and the Mexican government have taken significant measures to ensure the safety of visitors.
The police are active in popular touristic locations, like downtown Cabo and the Marina. Also, hotels and resorts employ private security staff to further enhance the safety of all tourists.
Basic Cabo safety tips to follow during your visit
Cabo San Lucas, like any other touristic destination, has reports of petty crime occurring. Pickpocketing, credit card fraud, purse snatching, or theft from unattended belongings.
These incidents can happen in any city and can be minimized by following common sense precautions.
Remember to keep your valuable items in sight, use hotel safes, and stay aware of your surroundings and trust your gut feelings.
If you are visiting a place that isn’t comfortable for you, take only cash and don’t wear flashy jewelry.
An excellent recommendation for travelers is to use all the valuable resources to inform themselves about the current situation in Cabo San Lucas. Government travel advisories, local tourism websites, and reputable travel forums provide up-to-date information on any potential risks or safety concerns.
By understanding how Cabo San Lucas Mexico safety situation is, all visitors can enjoy their time in this beautiful city. Don’t forget that each year millions of tourists are visiting Los Cabos without any issues, and the majority of them have safe and enjoyable experiences.
Ensuring personal safety while visiting Cabo San Lucas
While staying at Cabo San Lucas, there are a few recommendations that you can follow to ensure personal safety.
We have gathered the most important factors to keep in mind before and during your trip:
Research and plan your trip with enough time
One of the most essential steps for any trip is to make a thorough research. This will allow you to get an idea of Los Cabos, what are the best places to visit, the best hotels and resorts, activities, and more.
Comparing different sources of information can also help you to make the best decisions for you. You can use different resources online to plan your trip and even make questions if needed.
There are safety resources that you can use to stay up-to-date on what is happening in Cabo San Lucas. This can also be a great addition to get a better view of the city, tourists, and locals.
Consult your country’s ‘Mexico travel warnings’ and ‘Cabo San Lucas travel warnings’ to get all possible recommendations. But, be aware that some countries like the United States might have harsh suggestions due to the complicated political relationship they share.
Another benefit of planning with anticipation is that you can book accommodations, transportation, and excursions with time. Los Cabos is a popular destination, so you will find better prices if you plan ahead of time.
Choosing the right hotel for you
By making a good research you can find the best type of accommodation for you.
Los Cabos has a varied selection of world-class hotels and resorts, most of them located in the tourist area of Cabo San Lucas, which is the tourist corridor. Therefore, regardless of which one you choose, you can be assured that you will be in a safe location.
A good idea is always to check the reviews and reputation of the place on popular forums online or websites. You can find out a lot about a place from people’s reviews, so you can know what to expect from that place.
We recommend staying only in reputable places so you have a guarantee that your experience will be the best possible no matter what.
Finding safe transportation
This popular tourist destination has many options available for transportation, and all of them are safe if you exercise caution and basic safety practices.
From the Los Cabos International Airport to your hotel or resort, you can take a taxi, public bus, or a private transportation service.
For practical reasons and comfort, it is best to use a taxi or hire a private service because both will leave you at the door. Instead, the public bus might leave you far away.
All of these options can be found right there in the airport, and all are completely safe options. If you want to take the public bus, we recommend always keeping your belongings close.
If you book an excursion with La Isla Tour, we can arrange your transportation from the airport to your hotel and vice-versa!
Once you settle in, if you want to navigate public spaces, public transportation or a taxi will be your best options.
However, especially if you are in the tourist corridor, most places will be close to you, and different bus lines will take you exactly where you need to go. You can ask at your hotel for indications.
Staying safe in public spaces
The tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo tend to be completely safe. Most people around you is also a tourist, engaging in the same activities that you are and enjoying the city.
As soon as you start to explore, you will realize that everybody around you is relaxed, having fun, and loving Cabo.
However, if you want to be extra safe, you can follow some basic guidelines:
Taking care of your valuables
We recommend leaving in the hotel safe all valuable items if you are visiting a zone that is too crowded. Avoid flashy jewelry and expensive electronics.
If you are taking cash with you, don’t take it all, just a little amount.
Take with you a backpack with all the necessary items, and when you find yourself surrounded by a lot of people, place it in front of you so you can prevent pickpockets.
Avoiding scammers
You will see a lot of street vendors in tourist places. Most of the time they are harmless, especially on the beach if they are selling food.
But, stay aware at all times and trust your gut feeling in all situations. Scammers are in all tourist cities, so Cabo San Lucas is not an exception.
Is Los Cabos safe at night?
If you want to enjoy the nightlife and have fun, stay in the popular tourist locations.
If you want to navigate and explore other areas of the city, avoid any dark alleys, and if you need to walk alone at night, stay extra vigilant.
All tourist areas, like the Marine, the tourist corridor, popular beaches like Medano Beach, and downtown are generally safe.
Is Cabo safe to visit if you are a solo female traveler?
Absolutely, our only recommendation is to not leave your drinks unattended, and if you have to leave for a couple of minutes, order a new one. Again, trust your gut feeling if a situation isn’t comfortable.
Personal health considerations while visiting Cabo San Lucas
When planning your next trip to Cabo San Lucas, it is important to consider health and medical aspects. By addressing these elements you can avoid potential health risks and fully enjoy your experience in the city.
Here are some essential factors to keep in mind:
Vaccinations, medications, and health precautions
Before your travel to Cabo San Lucas, it is advisable to check the recommended vaccinations for the region. Common vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.
If you take medications, pack with you an ample supply for the duration of your trip. If you want to make sure to always have it, we recommend taking with you a copy of your prescriptions and packing it in your personal bag, and as soon as you get to your hotel, ask for nearby drugstores in case you need it later. This is just in case of lost luggage or if you didn’t bring enough of them.
Another consideration is to avoid drinking tap water.
Even though most hotels and resorts provide safe drinking water, it is recommended to use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. It is best to stay safe and prevent possible stomach issues.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites and tropical diseases.
Travel Insurance
Like any other international travel, it is best to get complete travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, and emergency medical evacuation.
Travel insurance is the best safety net in case of illness, emergencies, or any other unexpected situation and it should be included in all trips.
Food and water safety tips
Cabo San Lucas has an incredible culinary scene, and most places have incredible prestige, especially those around the popular areas.
However, like with any other place, it is best to stick to reputable locations. You can search online for reviews or ask locals about it.
Mexico is known for its spicy food, so avoid it if you are not used to it; avoid eating raw or undercooked food; and always choose bottled water.
It is best to choose something that you are familiar with, so your stomach is not too upset about it.
Sun safety precautions
Cabo San Lucas has sunshine almost all year, so protecting yourself is important.
We recommend packing with you sunscreen with a high SPF, and if possible, that is bio-friendly with reef and marine fauna. Don’t forget to pack a hat or cap, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
If you are at the beach or you are exploring the city, remember to seek shade during the hottest hours of the day.
And lastly, bring with you at all times a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Additional safety tips and advice for visiting Cabo San Lucas
We have talked about the basic preparedness to travel to Cabo San Lucas and what aspects you should consider before coming here.
We have covered your personal safety and health, so now we are just going to end up this guide with a few extra recommendations.
Cabo San Lucas weather and hurricane season
Located at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, Cabo San Lucas has particular weather. Most days of the year are filled with sunshine, but it has a rainy season, and a hurricane season. The latter makes people question ‘Is Cabo San Lucas safe to visit during hurricane season?’, so let’s clear all doubts.
The rainy season in Cabo goes from July to October, and the month that sees the most rain is September. Rain in Cabo San Lucas rarely has thunderstorms, and it is mainly a mist or light rain.
Pacific hurricane season goes from mid-May to November, but Cabo San Lucas almost never experiences major hurricanes. Since 1951, only three major hurricanes landfall in Baja California Sur.
You can find discounts and promotions during these months, so it is a great time to visit Cabo. A lot of tourists come during late summer and have a lot of fun without any problems.
However, if you want to be cautious, we always recommend getting travel insurance.
Nightlife safety in Cabo San Lucas
As we mentioned, Los Cabos is really safe at night, and a lot of tourists have fun going to restaurants, bar hopping, and going to parties. If you are staying in popular areas, most people around you are tourists too, so the environment is completely safe and fun.
To ensure your safety, we just recommend drinking in moderation to preserve good judgment, especially if you are driving; do not leave your drink unattended unless you are with your family and people you trust; and stay aware of your surroundings.
If you want to party and enjoy the high energy of Cabo, we recommend always going with friends or someone you trust and drinking in moderation.
Water activities and sports
Cabo San Lucas has a wide range of water sports and activities to offer. You can practice snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, surfing, scuba diving, and so much more!
No matter the activity, always follow the safety guidelines provided by your instructor and rental companies. Hire reputable tour operators and experienced guides that prioritize your safety and use proper techniques and equipment.
Another important aspect is that not all beaches in Cabo San Lucas are swimmable. Some of them, mostly on the Pacific Ocean side, have strong undercurrents. Including popular beaches, like Lover’s Beach, some days might not be optimal for swimming.
A good way to know if it is safe is by its flags. For beach safety, all beaches are flagged, and a green flag will let you know it is safe. Red means is not swimmable. And black means it is prohibited to be at the beach.
Emergency preparedness
Even though each year millions of tourists visit Cabo San Lucas, there is nothing wrong with coming prepared. To feel safer, we recommend having emergency contacts with you, like local authorities, the embassy, or the consulate.
Also, you can download safety apps that show you real-time notifications and give you assistance in case of an emergency.
Cultural respect and awareness
It is always important to show respect and honor the culture of the country or city we are visiting. By opening our minds and embracing the experience, we will be honoring and respecting locals and fellow tourists.
To do this, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with cultural etiquette, dress codes, and practices to avoid inadvertently offending other people.
Explore Cabo San Lucas in a private boat with La Isla Tour
To take your Cabo San Lucas adventure to the next level, we invite you to explore the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean in an unforgettable way!
At La Isla Tour we have perfectly curated the best routes to explore the ocean, and our excursions include all you need to have fun. Snorkeling tours cruising the best spots in Cabo; whale-watching tours to have close encounters with these majestic creatures; romantic getaways with your significant other during the sunset, and so much more!
Our excursions include snorkeling gear, paddle boards, snacks, and drinks!
You can personalize your experience with us and celebrate your events in a luxury boat. Birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, proposals, booze parties, getaways, vow renewals, or anything else you have in mind.
Our luxurious yacht includes an open bar and gourmet food prepared by a renowned Mexican chef onboard to delight all your guests.
