Is Cabo Safe for Travelers After the Killings of Three Surfers in Baja?
Wondering, Is Mexico Safe right now?
If you’ve seen the recent news story about the killing of three tourists in Mexico — American Jack Carter Rhoad, and Australians brothers, Jake Robinson and Callum Robinson — you might be wondering, Is Cabo safe for visitors right now?
According to authorities, the three were killed in a robbery gone wrong, when three suspects attempted to steal tires from their cars. Those three men are now in custody.
This is a terrible tragedy which took place on Mexico’s west coast in the state of Baja California. This area is popular with surfers — but it’s far from Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos, where most travelers are headed.
When planning your trip to Cabo San Lucas, of course safety is the #1 issue that’s likely top of mind.
With the way Mexico is portrayed in the mainstream media, as well as the recent killing of the surfers in Mexico, you might be thinking the worst.
However, MILLIONS of people visit Cabo each year, and it’s generally regarded as one of the best Mexico beach towns — So what’s the truth about Cabo travel safety?
Are there any U.S. State Department travel advisory for Cabo right now?
For the most accurate answer, visit the U.S. State Department website here to see if they have any current Cabo travel warnings.
This site is the best way to stay up-to-date with the most accurate information possible, so always head to the source to get your answer.
On their site, you’ll see they evaluate Mexico travel safety on a state-by-state basis. Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos, La Paz and Todos Santos are all in the state of Baja California Sur.
⚠️ Important: Make sure to check the info for Baja California Sur (with the “Sur”) — and not Baja California state.
Though they have the same name, Baja California state (without the “Sur”) is another state entirely, and located about 12 hours north of Cabo.
As you might imagine, it doesn’t make much sense to read about Baja Mexico travel warnings for an entirely different state!
Also, Baja California state (AKA Baja California Norte) is usually deemed less safe than Baja California Sur state.
Cabo San Lucas Mexico Travel Warnings
On the U.S. State Department site, you’ll see each of the 32 Mexico states ranked in one of these four categories:
- 🛑 Level 4: Do Not Travel
- ⚠️ Level 3: Reconsider Travel
- ⚠️/✅ Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling
- ✅ Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling
Remember to check for Baja California Sur state (with the “Sur”), and not Baja California state. Baja California Sur, where Cabo is located, is generally at Level 2.
For perspective, some other Level 2 travel destinations include the UK, Belgium, Italy and Belize.
Now ask yourself: Would I be scared to travel to Italy? How about Belgium? Or the UK?
Of course you wouldn’t, and you might have even laughed at those questions.
So what’s the verdict on Cabo San Lucas Mexico travel safety?
As with any major tourist town, you will need to exercise some level of caution in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — but nothing major.
If you remain aware of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings, you can easily have a safe Cabo trip like the many other visitors just like you.
In truth, no place on Earth is 100% safe; not Iceland nor New Zealand (two of the world’s safest countries according to the Global Peace Index), not your hometown, and not even your own home.
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small. When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.
Carlos Barren, 25-year FBI veteran (source: Forbes)
As one of the top Mexico destinations, Cabo is both safe and also plagued by the same types of petty crimes common in any major tourism destination like London, Paris or Rome.
These mostly include pickpocketing, cell phone theft and purse snatching.
Not that being the victim of any crime isn’t terrible, but the point here is that the risk of violent crime in Cabo is pretty low.
While it’s safe overall, that’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Cabo; they do.
However, if you remain aware of yourself and surroundings, Cabo should be safe for you just as it is for millions of visitors each year.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for travelers right now?
As a general rule, Mexico tourist cities are safe to visit — so for the most part, yes, Cabo is considered safe for travelers at this time.
As tourism is the #1 driving force in Mexico’s economy, the top Mexico travel destinations are generally safe for visitors.
The Mexican government is invested in keeping them this way, so visitors return year after year.
⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic, head to Is Mexico Safe to Visit? 25 Mexico Travel Safety Tips.
Statistically speaking, travelers are safe in Cabo San Lucas, and most of Mexico, despite media sensationalism.
Of course, you need to stick to the safe areas in order to remain safe (more info on safe Cabo neighborhoods to come).
Also, if there was any recent crime in Cabo San Lucas, exercise additional precautions.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for solo travelers?
For the most part, yes, Cabo is considered safe for solo travelers. For a deep dive into this topic, check out my Cabo Solo Travel Guide.
As a solo female traveler, I got a lot of pushback from friends and family when I came to Mexico alone in 2018.
Fast forward a few years, and I found Mexico so safe and amazing that I moved to Mexico permanently (but that’s another story for another article).
⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic, head to Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Statistically speaking, solo travelers are safe in Cabo San Lucas, and most of Mexico, despite media sensationalism.
Though EVERYONE will warn you about solo travel in Mexico, make sure to consider the source.
Are these other solo female travelers who understand what you’re about to do? Have these people even been to Mexico?
Most likely, they haven’t — but if they have, Was this trip in the 1990s?
Personally, I’ve found most people who make blanket statements like “Mexico is dangerous” have never even been to Mexico 🤷♀️ Go figure!
In the end, my answer to Is Cabo good for solo travel? — is absolutely!
It’s also safe for the vast majority of visitors so long as you follow the Cabo San Lucas safety for tourists tips in this article.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for families?
For the most part, yes, Cabo San Lucas is safe for family travel (even for families with young children).
With so many unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas, it attracts EVERYONE — from multi-generational families and couples on their honeymoon, to singles ready to mingle, divers, bachelorette parties, fishermen, and golfers.
The most popular tourist destination on Mexico’s West Coast, Cabo sees countless families each year.
The vast majority of them simply have a nice time, and don’t encounter a single problem.
Of course, there’s always the option to stay at one of these best all-inclusive resorts in Cabo.
Here, you can enjoy a worry-free trip, and book some guided tours to go off-resort, like this family-friendly Cabo Pirate Ship Cruise.
Located right on the ocean, there are plenty of other Cabo boat tours too.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe at night?
For the most part, yes, Cabo is safe at night for the majority of travelers.
Of course, safety levels go down when there’s alcohol involved, so be mindful of overconsumption, and never accept drinks from a stranger.
Other than that, walk only in well-lit areas, avoid people and situations that feel “off” to you (your intuition is always right), and take an Uber or taxi back to your hotel instead of walking.
With these safety measures, you should be fine outside of daylight hours.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for expats?
With about 300 days of sunshine each year, gorgeous beaches, amazing surf, snorkeling and driving, and real Mexican tacos, Cabo is attractive for Mexico expats — and safe.
The same as for tourists, Cabo is generally considered safe for expats in Mexico — but you can join the Cabo Expats Facebook Group to get current info from people who live there.
However, they’re likely to say it’s a safe destination because they probably wouldn’t have moved to Cabo if it wasn’t 😜
What you’ll usually find in the group is American tourists (often from cities like San Diego and San Francisco) who visited Cabo, and loved it so much that they moved there.
Unsurprisingly, many say it’s one of the safest places in Mexico.
Crime in Cabo San Lucas Mexico
Mexico’s second biggest tourist destination behind Cancun, Cabo is getting more and more popular each year. Sadly, with tourism, comes increased levels of tourist-related crimes (ie. petty crime).
As tourism is such a huge part of the Mexican economy, the federal and local government in Cabo is always on the offensive.
During peak travel times like the Cabo busy season in winter and Spring Break, local authorities usually initiate an increased police presence, especially on the beautiful beaches and public places.
As safety is such a big topic, let’s continue to explore Cabo crime so you know the safety measures to take in order to best avoid it.
What are the Cabo neighborhoods to avoid?
Wondering, Is Cabo San Lucas dangerous? The answer depends A LOT on where you are, as different areas have very different levels of safety (the same as with everywhere else).
Just as you’d avoid the unsafe areas in your own city, state or country, so too should you avoid unsafe areas in Cabo.
These include Los Cangrejos and Las Palmas, widely considered the most dangerous neighborhoods in Cabo San Lucas.
However, there’s not much visitors would want to do in either, so you’d likely avoid both of these anyway.
In short: When you stick to the safe areas of Cabo San Lucas, you’ll lessen the need for safety concerns.
In safer areas, you’ll still want to use the same “travel common sense” you’d use anywhere else in the world.
Are there drug cartels in Cabo San Lucas?
If you’ve been wondering, Why is Cabo San Lucas so dangerous? — there’s a clear link to most crime in Cabo.
As with much of Mexico, the drug cartels are a problem in the areas around Cabo.
One of the main reasons for this? Tourists who go to Cabo and buy drugs. If you want to do your part to keep crime down in Cabo, don’t buy drugs from the Cabo cartels.
Most crime and violence in Cabo, Baja California Sur State, and ALL Mexico, has a direct connection to the Mexico cartels and criminal organizations.
⚠️ The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) is a great place to find Mexico Crime and Safety Reports. It has current articles about crime in Cabo and Mexico travel warnings.
As tourists are the drug cartels’ best customers, they largely keep their violence away from the Cabo tourist areas — so tourists keep coming traveling to Cabo San Lucas, and keep buying drugs off them.
🚨 Avoid Los Cabos Municipality Entirely
Wondering, What are the worst areas in Cabo to avoid?
The Municipality of Los Cabos isn’t known to be the safest place, largely due to cartel violence that has nothing to do with tourists (nor locals, for that matter).
However, Cabo San Lucas is located within the Municipality of Los Cabos Mexico — so what do you do?
While I in no way suggest you “just stay at the resort,” I also recommend avoiding places with notoriously unsafe reputations, especially Los Cabos Municipality, where there’s not much you’d want to do anyway.
However, innocent locals and visitors can be negatively affected, so please avoid this area because it’s not a side of Cabo San Lucas you want to see.
If you want to venture off the beaten path in Cabo and outside of the main Cabo tourist area, consider a day trip to San José del Cabo, Todos Santos or La Paz.
Cabo San Lucas Murders
If you look up the Cabo San Lucas murder rate — you’re in for a shock. You’ll see reports saying Cabo has the highest murder rate per capita.
However, that statistic is for the Los Cabos Municipality, not Cabo San Lucas. (Keep reading to clear up any confusion over Cabo vs Los Cabos).
The Municipality of Los Cabos is notoriously dangerous. For this reason, you want to exercise a lot of caution when venturing off the beaten path from the city of Cabo San Lucas.
In reality, most tourists weren’t adding the Los Cabos Municipality to their Cabo itinerary.
Also, Cabo is only a small part of the municipality, and largely exempt from violent crimes.
For a direct comparison: Washington Park and Edison Park are two neighborhoods in Chicago.
If you know anything about Chicago, you know one is considered VERY safe, and the other is considered VERY unsafe — but they’re in the same city.
Cabo Safety vs. U.S. Safety in Major Cities
Before we close out this section on Cabo travel safety, I wanted to offer you some perspective on U.S. vs Mexico crime statistics.
While I’m not knocking the U.S., I am saying that if you live in the U.S. (or some parts of Canada), you likely live with the same levels of crime as Cabo has — and you also likely aren’t scared of your hometown.
Like any country, Mexico has both safe places and unsafe places travelers should avoid.
When looking at the world’s most violent cities, there are several in Mexico, as many might have expected. (⚠️ Note: Cabo isn’t on that list).
What you might not have expected is that there are four cities in the U.S. that also make the list (St. Louis, Baltimore, Detroit and New Orleans).
Despite being the least-safe cities in America, ALL four of those places continue to welcome travelers, and even host large-scale events with hundreds of thousands of visitors.