Why is Swimming Not Allowed in Cabo San Lucas?

Learn about why swimming is not allowed at some beaches in Los Cabos and find out which beaches are safe for swimming.

Why is Swimming Not Allowed in Cabo San Lucas?

Swimming is not allowed in Cabo San Lucas due to the strong currents and powerful breakthrough of the coast. Lover's Beach (Playa de Amor) is located on the side of the Sea of Cortez, close to the famous stone arch (El Arco). The only access to this beach is by water taxi from the marina or El Medano beach. The main reason why swimming is not allowed in some beaches in Los Cabos is due to the presence of updrafts, commonly referred to as “torn tides”.

These are powerful, fast streams of water that move from the coast to the ocean and can be so strong and unexpected that even experienced swimmers are dragged into the sea. Depending on where you are in Cabo, swimming in the ocean can be downright treacherous. Although there are several areas in Cabo San Lucas where swimming is allowed, it is not recommended to swim on the Pacific side of Cabo due to its strong waves and strong underlying current. Instead, head to Medano, Santa María, or Chileno Beach for a safe swimming experience.

Possibly the most iconic stretch of sand in Cabo San Lucas, Lover's Beach is the best option for a leisurely daytime getaway. Whether you like seasonal surfing or looking for a nice spot to feel the ocean waves, Cabo San Lucas has some lovely beaches for swimming. This is an ideal place to take a dip on a hot day, as the water tends to be colder than on the other beaches located in Cabo San Lucas. Playa Hotelera: A sandy beach in San Jose del Cabo with beautiful views, but unfortunately, it's not safe to swim due to strong currents and current.

While you can get an idea of whether or not you can swim in Cabo San Lucas just by observing the number of people in the water, it's also worth your time to look for the best beach for swimming in Cabo San Lucas, especially if you are traveling with young children who may need quieter conditions, or if you plan to drink any type of drink that can inhibit their abilities while swimming. Cabo San Lucas has a lot to offer its visitors, from beautiful beaches, incredible restaurants, a wide variety of water activities to the nightlife that will keep you out until the wee hours of the morning. In addition, some beaches in Cabo San Lucas have active lifeguards on duty, who provide an additional measure of safety for those who dive into the water. For more information on great restaurants, check out Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: everything you need to know.

These Cabo San Lucas beaches are known to be safe for swimmers of all ages and abilities, but not all have lifeguards on call, so you should swim at your own risk. As mentioned, there are some excellent safe swimming beaches in Cabo San Lucas, as well as beyond in the general Cabo region. If you're trying to find the best beach in Cabo San Lucas for swimming, Medano Beach is probably your best bet. Located in the heart of downtown Cabo and extending from the Marina to The Villa Group Resorts complex, Medano Beach offers a safe swimming experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Swimming safety in Cabo San Lucas has had a bad reputation in recent years because not all beaches in Cabo are ideal for swimming. However, with careful research and planning ahead of time, visitors can find safe and enjoyable swimming spots throughout Los Cabos.

Shari Monsivais
Shari Monsivais

Hardcore tv geek. Professional pizza maven. Unapologetic beer nerd. Passionate zombie buff. Extreme music buff.