Is Cabo safe? What the advisories say
A plain yes or no would not help you. What you can check are dated travel advisories, the local beach flags and a few practical habits. This page sets them out so you can decide for your own trip.
Cabo San Lucas lies in Baja California Sur, at the southern tip of the peninsula. Advice for the northern state of Baja California does not apply here, so make sure any advisory you read names the right state.
The water is where most visitors need to pay attention. If you plan to be on a boat, read about Cabo boat tours first, because sea conditions decide whether a trip runs and where it can land.
Travel advisories for Baja California Sur
Dated government advice, 2026.
| Issued by | Date | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| US State Department | 29 May 2026 | Level 2, exercise increased caution, because of terrorism and crime. No specific travel restrictions for US government employees in the state. |
| German foreign office | October 2026 | Baja California Sur is not named in its list of regions it advises against. General advice on caution, crime and roads still applies. |
Neither entry is a guarantee of safety, and neither is a warning to stay away. For most visitors the sensible approach is to follow the general advice below and to check your own government's page shortly before you fly.
Boat tours and excursions from Cabo San Lucas
Boat trips to El Arco, whale watching, snorkeling and more, with live prices and availability.
Beach safety: flags, currents and closures
Local flags and lifeguard instructions come before any general description of a beach.
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Conditions suitable for swimming |
| Red | Do not go into the sea |
| Black | Beach closed, no access to the sea |
Médano Beach
Médano is generally suitable for swimming, but that does not mean every day or every stretch of sand. Check the flag where you sit. See the Médano Beach and Cabo beaches guide.
Pacific side and resort beaches
The Pacific side has surf, rip currents and undertow. A beach in front of a hotel is not proof that the water is safe for swimming.
Divorce Beach and Lover's Beach
Water at Divorce Beach on the Pacific side is too dangerous for swimming. Swim only on the Gulf of California side, and only in suitable conditions. Landing by water taxi depends on the waves. Details are in the Lover's Beach guide.
Closures
When waves are high or rip currents form, the municipality can close beaches as a precaution. Treat a black flag as a closed beach. A blue environmental certification is not a green swimming flag.
On the road and in a rental car
Practical points from the German foreign office.
Topes
Poorly marked topes, the speed bumps on Mexican roads, are a common hazard. Slow down on roads you do not know.
Valuables
Do not leave valuables in a rental car.
Insurance
Make sure your liability cover is adequate. A collision damage waiver is not the same thing. The Cabo airport guide covers car rental in more detail.
Emergencies
The emergency number is 911.
Hurricane season and sea tips
What to know before you book.
Hurricane season
In the eastern Pacific the season officially runs from 15 May to 30 November. German travel advice for Mexico in general gives June to November. Look at the wider window if you travel in the shoulder months, and see the weather and best time to visit page.
Protected waters
El Arco and Land's End lie in a protected area. Do not disturb plants, animals or the landscape, and follow the safety instructions of your crew.
Life jackets
A life jacket is included in the glass-bottom boat example priced at $18 or $35 per person in 2026, plus a $3 dock fee. Wear it when the crew asks.
Whale watching
Whale watching needs a permit from the operator. Do not chase whales, feed them or separate a mother and calf, and do not swim or fish during an observation.
Is Cabo safe? Frequently asked questions
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for tourists?
The US State Department set Baja California Sur at Level 2, exercise increased caution, on 29 May 2026 because of terrorism and crime. The German foreign office does not name the state in its list of regions it advises against, though general advice applies. Neither is a guarantee, so follow the practical tips on this page.
Is it safe to swim at Médano Beach?
Médano is generally suitable for swimming, but not on every day. Check the flag where you are. Green means suitable, red means do not enter the sea and black means the beach is closed.
Can I swim at Divorce Beach?
No. The water on the Pacific side is too dangerous for swimming. At Lover's Beach, swim only on the Gulf of California side and only in suitable conditions.
When is hurricane season in Cabo?
In the eastern Pacific it officially runs from 15 May to 30 November. German travel advice for Mexico in general gives June to November. Check forecasts before you book in those months.
Is it safe to drive in Cabo?
Watch for poorly marked topes, keep valuables out of the car and make sure you have adequate liability insurance. The emergency number is 911.