Beaches · Cabo San Lucas · Mexico
The best beaches in and near Cabo San Lucas
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: User:Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Médano Beach (Downtown). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
The beaches
Downtown · Swimming, water sports and beach bars
1.Médano Beach
The main swimmable town beach facing El Arco, with beach clubs, water sports and calm water.
About 15 minutes by boat from the marina · Scenery and photos
2.Lover's Beach
A small beach between the cliffs at Land's End reached by water taxi; calm on the bay side, dangerous on the Pacific side.
About 12 km east of town · Snorkelling
3.Santa María Bay
A protected cove in an underwater reserve with excellent snorkelling from shore.
About 14 km east of town · Families and snorkelling
4.Chileno Bay
A wide public beach with facilities, calm water and a reef at its eastern end.
About 25 km east of town · Calm swimming and paddleboarding
5.Playa Palmilla
A sheltered beach near San José del Cabo where fishermen launch pangas; gentle water for children.
About 65 km north · Surfing lessons
6.Playa Cerritos
A Pacific surf beach near Todos Santos with board rental and beginner-friendly waves on many days.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| February | 21°C (70°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| March | 21°C (70°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| April | 22°C (72°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| June | 25°C (77°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| July | 27°C (81°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| November | 26°C (79°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| December | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for beach, families, nightlife and first-timers
Médano Beach
Playa El Médano curves for about three kilometres along the Sea of Cortez side of the bay, facing El Arco. Its calm water suits swimming, paddleboarding and jet skis, and resorts and beach restaurants run the length of the sand. Downtown and the marina are a 10–20 minute walk away.
- Good
- Calm, swimmable sea in front of the hotels; Views of El Arco; Water-taxi pickups from the sand
- Watch out
- Busy with vendors and boats; Loud music from beach clubs in high season
- Nearby
- El Arco, Marina boardwalk, Downtown bars
Getting to the beaches
- Boat — Water taxis and glass-bottom boats from the marina and Médano Beach are the only practical way to reach El Arco and Lover's Beach.
- Bus — Local buses run frequently along Highway 1 between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, stopping at corridor beaches and hotel entrances for a small fare.
- Car — A hire car is the easiest way to reach Todos Santos, Cerritos, Cabo Pulmo and the corridor beaches at your own pace; Highway 1 and Highway 19 are well paved.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in January–December. The busiest of those is March, so book early.
Beach safety
Many beaches, especially those facing the Pacific, have strong currents and shore breaks; swim only where locals do and respect red flags. Timeshare sellers at the airport and on the marina can be persistent, and late-night bar areas call for the usual care with drinks and taxis. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Cabo San Lucas have beaches?
Yes: Médano Beach, Lover's Beach, Santa María Bay, Chileno Bay, Playa Palmilla and Playa Cerritos.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Cabo San Lucas?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Cabo San Lucas?
Médano Beach: The main swimmable town beach facing El Arco, with beach clubs, water sports and calm water.