5 Best Swimming Beaches in Cabo

As a travel advisor specializing in Mexico, I have learned there is a common misconception among travelers to Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and the corridor in between): that none of the beaches are swimmable. At the same time, some of my clients who haven't been to Cabo don't realize that many of the beaches in the area are not suitable for swimming.

The truth is, there are plenty of great swimming beaches in Los Cabos. See my list below of the 5 best swimming beaches. I've been to them all with my kids.

Also, keep in mind the hotels below (where I can get you extra perks when you book with me that you can't access when booking on your own), all of which are located on one of the 5 best swimming beaches. Click on each link for more information:

• Montage Los Cabos

• Chileno Bay Resort & Residences 

  
  

• Esperanza, Auberge Resort Collection

  
  

• One&Only Palmilla

  
  
  
  

1. Santa Maria Beach

My favorite beach on this list! This is a stunning crescent bay that will charm you. I could not stop taking pictures the last time I was there, and yet they don't do it justice. My kids had so much fun in the water, which is gorgeous crystal blue.

This is a Blue Flag Beach (beaches with this designation are located worldwide and are certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education as meeting a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria).

Good for snorkeling and swimming, Santa Maria Beach has pebbly sand and an abundance of coral reefs.  

Sometimes it gets a little crowded with tour companies that dock their boats here for snorkeling excursions, but there are not a lot of roving vendors touting their wares. There are restrooms, showers, changing facilities and a parking lot with a wooden walkway to the beach. It can get crowded on weekends and there is not a lot of shade, so I advise you to take an umbrella.

Better yet, if you stay at the Montage Los Cabos, you will be right on this beach and I get you extra perks at Montage that you can't get when you book on your own! Either way, you can still visit the beach and eat at the lovely ocean-front Montage restaurant.

2. Chileno Beach

This beautiful, white sand beach is located mid-way between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

This beach features a long golden cove bordered by rocky promontories that frame clear water and gentle, rolling waves. There are bathrooms, showers, roped-off swimming areas and lifeguards during daytime hours.

There is kayaking available and tide pooling (which my daughter loved).

This is another Blue Flag Beach and a favorite among locals. Chileno Beach is not as touristy or crowded as Medano (see below) and has far fewer vendors. In fact, there were no vendors at all when we were here. It is on a calm bay that is good for swimming and snorkeling–my husband and kids saw fish by the rocks near the coral reef.

Public access is easy and there is a relatively new parking lot, but for the best experience I suggest staying at either Chileno Bay Resort & Residences or Esperanza, Auberge Resort Collection, both of which are located right on this beach (and at which I can get you extra perks you can't access when booking on your own).

3. Palmilla Beach

This is the closest swimmable beach to San Jose del Cabo and one of the nicest. It's a quiet spot and another Blue Flag Beach.

This beach is a crescent-shaped with nice soft white sand. There are snorkeling and swimming, a few palapas for shade and rental umbrellas. My kids swam in the water and my husband snorkeled and saw some fish.

There are restrooms here, but no food is available directly on the beach. However, there is dining (and shopping) available at the lovely One&Only Palmilla, which is a fabulous place to stay to take advantage of this beach.

The water isn't always as calm here as it is at Chileno, Medano, or Santa Maria Beaches, so you will want to check which flag is flying when you arrive. But when it's calm, Palmilla is one of the most popular beaches in the region for families, both tourists and local. It was not crowded at all when I was last here.

4. Playa Médano (aka Medano Beach)

You have likely heard of Medano. It is the most popular swimming beach in Los Cabos, and a lot of large hotels and beach clubs are situated along it.

It features lovely white sand, so if your hotel does not have a swimmable beach and you are looking for a beach club, Medano is probably the best choice.

Medano Beach features calm waters, but be aware that it gets crowded with partiers, tourists and vendors (which can be somewhat avoided by going to a beach club). Cruise ships also dock in this harbor.

5. Playa Del Amor (Lover’s Beach)

Unspoiled and near iconic Lands End, this beach is only accessible by water. You can take a private boat, water taxi or glass bottom boat from Cabo San Lucas, or paddle out on a kayak. Of course, I have the best contacts to arrange all of this for you.

This is a postcard-worthy setting that draws crowds. Swimming and snorkeling are safe on the Sea of Cortez side, but not on the Pacific side. There are water sport rentals available as well as food and drink vendors, but there are no restrooms or other services at this beach. Dramatic Land’s End is your backdrop.

What are your favorite beaches in Los Cabos? I'd love to hear!

Book your next trip to Mexico with me for advice like this and extra perks you can't get when you book on your own.

—Daria Dimitroff, Updated September 2026

Contact me to customize your next trip. My specialities are bespoke vacations, group trips, and exclusive cruise experiences.

You can reach me at daria@journeysofalifetime.biz or 415-939-5773 or schedule a call here.