Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know to Travel Safely

Wondering, Is Cabo San Lucas Safe right now?

You’re in the right place! I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018, and have traveled to 23 states in the country (most as a solo female traveler).

In this article, I’m sharing my Mexico safety pro tips with you so you can enjoy safe Cabo travel.

By the end of this article, you’re no longer going to be wondering Is Cabo San Lucas safe? — You’re going to feel confident in knowing the answer.

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, 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?

Don’t worry; this article explains it all, so let’s dive in!

We’ll start out by addressing the #1 question I get asked most by my readers — Is Cabo safe right now for travel?

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 by car.

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.

Is cabo san lucas safe to visit?

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.

Is cabo san lucas safe to visit?

What are the Cabo San Lucas crime rates?

You may have noticed Los Cabos Mexico doesn’t rank as 100% safe — and that’s because it’s not.

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.

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.

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 tourists?

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 tourists?

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 for tourists?

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 tourists?

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.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

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, also avoid unsafe areas in Cabo (and all unsafe areas in Mexico, for that matter).

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.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

🚕 The Cabo Taxi Scam & Taxi Overcharges

If the taxi has a meter, the driver will take the long way to run up the cost, and if it doesn’t have a meter, they will simply quote you a price above the standard rate.

How to Avoid This Scam: The easiest way is to use Uber in Cabo San Lucas. You can also GPS your route on Waze to see that they’re taking the fastest route.

🍻 The Cabo Bar Scam (AKA Bar Friends Scam)

With this, friendly scammers will approach you and convince you to come with them to another bar (where they likely work).

There, you’ll be “marked,” and the bartenders and servers will know to over-charge you.

How to Avoid This Scam: If someone approaches you and suggests going to another bar, don’t go.

You can also ask for a menu and/or prices before ordering anything, no matter where you go.

📸 The cabo Broken Camera Scam 

With this one, a scammer stops an unsuspecting tourist and asks them to take a photo with their phone or camera.

When you hand it back, they purposefully drop it and accuse you of damaging it. 

How to Avoid This Scam: The easiest way is not to take anyone’s photo. Of course, 99.9% of these photo requests are just other tourists wanting a photo.

As a general rule, if the person making the request doesn’t look like a tourist, you might want to politely decline their request.

🎲 The Cabo Street Games Scam

Mexican street markets are a cultural mainstay, but some are nefarious.

With this scam, people invite you to their stall to play (un-winnable) games, and ultimately, scam you out of your money.

They might also use the game to distract you while their accomplices swoop in and steal your valuables.

How to Avoid This Scam: First, don’t participate in street gambling.

Second, carry as few valuables as possible, and always make sure they’re properly secured (ie. not in your back pocket). 

In the end, the best way to avoid scams in Cabo or anywhere is to know what they are.

With this info, you now have a much lower chance of being a victim of the biggest scams in Cabo San Lucas Mexico.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

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. These are some of the best Cabo day trips.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

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 San Lucas vs Cancun: What’s better for travelers?

These Mexico resort towns, both famous for Spring Break and beyond, are pretty similar.

Usually, I just tell people to go to the one you can get a direct flight to because direct flights make destination better ✈️

They are both party towns, with all inclusive resorts and an established tourism infrastructure, so you can just show up and enjoy.

In the Cancun vs Cabo debate — there’s no clear winner as to the safest destination nor best destination.

Rather, each traveler would like one place over the other, but solely based on their travel preferences.

With big waves on most Cabo beaches, swimming isn’t easy. However, you can swim anywhere in crystal-clear Caribbean Sea waters off Cancun.

They both have great golf courses, water sports, diving and snorkeling, but Cabo wins for surfing.

Cancun has nearby cenotes and Mayan Ruins, while Cabo doesn’t.

Located on the ocean, both are susceptible to hurricanes, tropical storms and thunderstorms — so make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest news before your trip.

You can also sign up for emergency weather alerts to warn you about inclement weather, especially if you’re traveling during Cabo hurricane season.

The season runs June 1-November 30 each year.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

A Level 2 warning signifies a higher risk of petty crime; unsurprising in any town with a lot of tourists.

While big cities, like Cancun and Mexico City, have the worst reputation for criminal activity and crime, the reality is there’s crime in all Mexico tourist towns (including Cabo), and all of the world’s biggest tourist destinations.

As you’ve seen above, some areas in Cabo, like Los Cangrejos and Las Palmas, and several parts of the Los Cabos Municipality, where Cabo is located, aren’t generally considered very safe.

The Los Cabos area ranked as the least safe part of the country in 2020, though that statistic encompasses a huge area, of which Cabo San Lucas is only one small part.

To make a comparison, New Orleans, Memphis and Baltimore rank as three of the least-safe cities in the United States, though they all have plenty of safe areas.

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.

⚠️ For more info, head to Renting a Car in Cabo: Everything You Need to Know.

This part of Mexico is a hotspot for Mexico road trips all up and down the peninsula, and renting a car is common for visitors because public transportation isn’t the best.

Also, Los Cabos attracts a lot of van lifers and RV retirees, so make sure to download the FREE iOverlander app so you can communicate with other drivers easily.

The one thing most people will tell you about driving in Mexico — is that you’ll want to avoid driving at night.

This is especially true on the Baja California roads just outside of Cabo.

As many aren’t well lit, make sure you’re about to see so you can spot large potholes and even cows on the road.

How to Get Around in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is easy to navigate, and everything is located within a short walk or drive.

In fact, I don’t recommend renting a car if you’re just staying in town because it’s usually easier to get around without one.

If you prefer to walk, choose a hotel near the Amelia Wilkes Square (Cabo Main Square) or the Cabo Marina.

These are the most walkable parts of Cabo so if you’re wondering, Is it safe to walk around Cabo San Lucas? — it is in these parts.

While Uber is legal in Cabo, there’s no Uber at Cabo Airport, and it’s actually illegal for drivers to pick you up at the Cabo Airport.

Instead, you’ll have to use the official Los Cabos International Airport taxis, or book this private shuttle.

With all the airport taxi surcharges, the prices are comparable, but the shuttle is MUCH more conformable.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

Keep in mind you will need cash to pay (pesos are best; but some will accept USD).

As taxi drivers hate making change, and sometimes just won’t even do it, always keep small bills and coins.

Also, remember to tip at the standard Mexico tipping rate of 15%.

This is what you’ll follow when tipping in Cabo, no matter if it’s a restaurant, bar, tour or taxi.

What should I actually be careful of in Cabo?

While you must stay aware of your surroundings, your belongings, yourself and whomever else you’re traveling with while in Cabo — the chances of you being the victim of a crime are low.

However, there are things you might not be thinking about that can impact your overall Cabo vacation.

When it comes to Cabo San Lucas tourist safety, here are the 5 things you need to be aware of.

1. Drinking Water Safety in Cabo

Can you drink the water in Cabo San Lucas Mexico?

No — It is not safe to drink the water!

In fact, if there’s one Mexico travel tip you must remember, it’s don’t drink the water in Mexico or you can get sick.

Tap water in Mexico isn’t considered safe for human consumption — not for locals, and not for visitors so please don’t drink tap water in Cabo San Lucas (or any other city in Mexico for that matter).

You will have to boil tap water to make purified water, constantly keep buying bottled water, or come prepared with a Water-To-Go Bottle that has a built-in filter, so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

As someone who lives in Mexico and travels often, I own and use Water-To-Go bottles — and have partnered with the company to get you 15% OFF your purchase.

Head to the Water-To-Go shop and use code SOLO15 at checkout to get the discounted rate.

2. Dehydration

They say the daytime weather in Cabo San Lucas ranges from hot to really hot.

From about May to October, you can expect average temperatures of 93°F (34°C) during the day, so be mindful of sunburns and of staying hydrated.

🧴 Sunburns

Sunburns can ruin a vacation, so wear eco-friendly sunscreen, and a sun hat all day (even if it’s not a super sunny day).

Also, this sun after-care lotion is great to put on at night.

Of course, you’ll want to drink plenty of filtered water from this Water-To-Go bottle — Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your entire purchase.

🍹 Drinking too much

As you probably already know, the combo of booze + sun only makes things worse.

If you’re planning to party hardy in Cabo, I recommend Liquid IV.

This “hydration multiplier” is an Amazon best seller that replenishes your electrolytes — and has 265,000+ positive reviews.

3. Critters that Bite

As Cabo is half beach, half desert, there are SEVERAL things you need to be mindful of when it comes to nature and wildlife safety in Cabo San Lucas.

When you venture off-beach for outdoor activities, pay attention to posted signs about dangerous critters native to Mexico in the area.

These include the common ones listed below, though there are a few other common wildlife dangers in Cabo San Lucas.

• 🐍 Poisonous snakes, especially rattlesnakes
• 🦂 Scorpions, especially the Bark Scorpion
• 🕷️ Poisonous spiders, especially the Baja Brown Recluse spider
• 🦁 Mountain lions

4. Strong Currents on Cabo Beaches

Planning on swimming in Cabo San Lucas?

While most travelers are more concerned with not getting their phone taken (understandable, btw) they forget other things that can cause serious harm — like the ocean. 

In fact, there are many beaches in Cabo you can’t swim at because of the huge ocean waves and rip currents, so pay attention to posted warning signs.

5. Cows on the Road

Yes, you read that right! If you’re renting a car in Cabo, it’s not uncommon to have to slow down or even fully stop as you wait for a cow to cross the road.

You might also see other animals as well, both large and small, especially in places outside of Cabo San Lucas city.

Pay extra attention when getting on the Cabo Airport toll road, but really, always keep your eyes on the road for approaching animals.

10 Quick Cabo San Lucas Safety Tips

Want to know the secret to staying safe on vacation in Cabo? The secret is that there is no secret.

Want even more good news? Safe travel is 100% possible in Cabo.

Mexico travel safety generally comes down to taking common sense protections so you’re as safe traveling in Cabo and Baja California Sur as you are anywhere else in the world.

1. Get Travel Insurance for Mexico

If the you-know-what in 2020 taught us anything, it’s that life (and travel plans) can change in an instant.

For all the unexpected things that come up in travel, you’ll want travel insurance.

From canceled flights, to lost luggage and getting sick — you’ll regret not having it should something go awry.

I use SafetyWing Travel Insurance for myself, and have since 2021. Here’s why:

• They have AMAZING rates, with plans that start just $2 per day.
• They offer added coverage for medical emergencies, adventure sports (which are super popular in Cabo), theft, travel delays, etc.
• There’s flexible plans, with coverage for both short trips and long-term travelers (for digital nomads like me, they can’t be beat).
• Get your FREE quote from SafetyWing here →

2. Get a Mexico SIM Card

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With a local SIM, you’ll be able to check in with loved ones back home, post to social media, make travel plans, have access to apps like Google Translate and Google Maps when you need them, and much more.

Also, make sure your phone is charged and carry a portable charger like this.

When traveling to Cabo, you’ll use your phone for SO MUCH — ie. calling an Uber, a translator app, accessing your bank, and of course, emergencies.

3. Take group tours in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo tours like these are a great way to meet people and enjoy activities that are much more fun in groups.

Some of the most popular and best tours in Cabo San Lucas include this boat tour to the Cabo Arch and this Cabo taco tour.

With these, you’re in the safety of a group, and with a local tour leader who knows Cabo well.

4. Leave your valuables at home

Want to make sure your valuables are still with you after you’re done traveling?

The best way to do this is to leave them at home, so they’ll be right there waiting for you when you get back.

While Cabo is a great place for a beach vacation, Sun + Fun + Margaritas = Lost things.

Also, expensive laptops, DSLR cameras, and designer clothes and sunglasses often draw the wrong type of attention.

🧳 Need suggestions on what to wear in Cabo San Lucas? Head to this article for Cabo outfits inspiration.

5. Listen to your intuition

If your inner voice (AKA intuition) is telling you NO about a person or a place — please listen!

If someone is giving you the creeps, get away from them ASAP.

Personally, I don’t even worry about making a polite exit, I just get from them as fast as possible.

6. Be careful after dark

Although I’m not saying you must return to your Cabo hotel before dark, be sure you have a plan of how you’ll get back to your hotel at night.

With both Uber in Cabo and taxis in Cabo, this isn’t hard.

One last tip is to choose a well-lit, busy location to wait for your ride, such as a restaurant lobby or storefront.

Finally, avoid driving at night as there’s basically no street lights outside of the city once you’re outside of the tourist corridor.

In fact, Cabo is known as one of the best places for stargazing because it has such low levels of light pollution.

Seeing millions of stars in the sky is one of the many charms of visiting Cabo.

7. Keep personal info private

Just because someone asks you a question, doesn’t mean you have to answer them in a way that divulges too much.

While most people mean well, you don’t need to tell a stranger where you’re staying and your full Cabo itinerary simply because they ask for it.

In this case, you might say “I’m not sure what my plans are yet,” and leave it at that.

8. Never accept a drink from a stranger

I repeat: Never take drinks from strangers, even if they seem nice (and/or are really really cute).

Beyond this, never leave your drink unattended with a stranger either.

These may be the most important of all What should you not do in Cabo San Lucas? things on this list — so please take heed.

9. Don’t keep all your money in one place

Keep some money in your pocket, or even a side pocket in your purse or backpack, so you don’t have to take out your entire wallet each time you need to buy something.

⚠️ Need somewhere to hide a bit of money? Check out this cool bra pocket and this money belt with a hidden compartment.

Also, don’t carry too much cash on you at any given day. For most people, having $1,000-2,000 pesos per day (about $50-100 USD) will suffice.

When storing extra cash, your passport, jewelry, a credit card you won’t be using, make sure to utilize the safe in your hotel room.

After all, this stuff is much better off in a safe where it’s, you know, safe!

10. Ask friendly locals for advice

No one knows their town like a local — and no one can tell you how safe it is to visit certain areas of town like a local can.

They’re tapped into the current situation, and can offer invaluable insights.

If you’re unsure about a Cabo activity or part of town, chat up a friendly barista, bartender, server, hotel staff, tour operators, or neighbor at the coffee shop, and see if they can offer insights.

If talking to strangers isn’t your thing, consider joining the Cabo Expats Facebook Group to get current safety tips and info from expats in Cabo (of which, most are U.S. citizens).

Of course, you can also go to an expert source like the US State Department (or the equivalent in your home country) for travel restrictions and safety precautions you should take.

Cabo Map

Baja California State and Baja California Sur State make up Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, a long strip of land that connects to California.

Cabo San Lucas sits at the southern tip of the peninsula.

For reference, check out this map of Cabo San Lucas above. You’ll see it’s located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (AKA Bay of California) — which diver Jacques Cousteau famously called “the aquarium of the world.”

Is cabo san lucas safe?

As some travelers visit both places on the same trip, you may hear “Los Cabos” when someone’s referring to these two cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and not the whole municipality.

As Los Cabos just means “The Cabos,” (really, it’s “The Capes”) the colloquial terms Los Cabos can refer to these two cities, or the Los Cabos Municipality.

Fun Fact: The Spanish word cabo means “cape.”

I hope this cleared up the Is it Cabo or Los Cabos? debate once and for all — as it’s a question so many have.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Is Los Cabos safe? Yes — Both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are safe for the vast majority of visitors.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo: What’s better?

San Jose del Cabo is still a bit up-and-coming for travel, though it’s gaining in popularity each year.

For now, it’s still seen as Cabo San Lucas Jr., but has embraced a lot more of the historic and artistic side of Baja.

For this reason, San Jose del Cabo appeals more to culture travelers than Cabo San Lucas.

As far as San Jose del Cabo safety and Los Cabos safety, you’ll be fine using all the same Cabo San Lucas travel safety tips you’ve already read in this article.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

From San Jose del Cabo International Airport (code: SJD, and also called Los Cabos Airport), you’ll then need to book transportation for the drive to Cabo San Lucas. 

If you go via this shared shuttle or on the bus, the trip can take up to double that amount of time because these usually make additional stops that private transportation options don’t have to make.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

🏆 Cabo Private Shuttle

As just mentioned, this Best Cabo Airport Shuttle is my pick.

Cabo’s not too far from the airport, the private shuttle is economical — even more so if you split the cost with a group.

They pick you up right as you exit the airport and pack up your luggage into the shuttle, so you start your Cabo vacation on the right foot!

🚙 Cabo rental cars

You can also rent a car in San Jose del Cabo Airport, but keep in mind there are tolls on the main highways so you’ll need to take out cash at the airport before you hit the road.

With numerous Cabo Airport ATMs, this is easy.

If you need more info on the Mexico rental process, head to Renting a Car in Cabo: Everything You Need to Know.

🚐 Ruta del Desierto Bus in Cabo

Besides rental cars and shuttle, there’s the Ruta del Desierto Bus.

Keep in mind this public transport bus only departs from Terminal 1, though international flights usually arrive at Terminal 2.f

🚕 Cabo Airport Taxi

The final option is to take a taxi, but with the airport taxi surcharge, they can cost just as much as the Cabo Airport shuttle — which is A LOT nicer!

Keep in mind that while there is Cabo Uber service, there’s no Cabo Airport Uber service because it’s illegal for them to do airport picks-ups (drop-offs are allowed).

Is cabo san lucas safe?

These are the most walkable parts of town, with plenty of restaurants and shops, so it’s the ideal way to get to know Cabo.

For those who want to stay at a Mexico all inclusive resort, the Cabo resorts are known as some of the best in the country.

After all, Cabo is one of the best resort towns in Mexico, along with Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen.

Below, you’ll find a list of great Cabo San Lucas hotels and resorts, as well as the best hostel in Cabo Mexico.

Best Cabo Resorts & Hotels

Did you know that one of the best resorts in Mexico is located in Cabo?

Yes, you read that “best resort in Mexico” part right. The Grand Velas Los Cabos is a AAA 5 Diamond Award winner — but it’s just one of many options.

• Best Cabo San Lucas All Inclusive Resort ($$$$): Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
• Best Cabo Hotel ($$$): Garza Blanca Resort & Spa
• Best Cheap Cabo Hotel ($$-$$$): Hotel Quinta del Sol by Solmar
• Best Cabo Hostel ($-$$): Sofia Hostel Cabo San Lucas

Is cabo san lucas safe?

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that nothing is certain, and life can change completely from one moment to the next.

Even before the You-Know-What in 2020, if there’s one certainty with travel, it’s that something will always go wrong.

Just as you insure your home, car and possessions, so too can you insure your health, luggage and belongings while traveling to Mexico.

For peace of mind, travel insurance is a must.

SafetyWing is perfect for Mexico digital nomads doing long-term travel, but it’s also the cheapest Mexico travel insurance I know of.

Is cabo san lucas safe?

In these months you get great weather, smaller crowds, and cheaper prices.

However, it also depends on what to do in Cabo San Lucas that appeals to you.

For whale watching in Cabo, you’ll have to visit from mid-December to March.

If you want to swim with the whale sharks in Cabo, their season is from October to February.

Cabo Weather: Average High/Low Temperatures

Cabo San Lucas is one of the sunniest places on Earth. Depending on who you ask, sources say Cabo has 300 to 350 sunny days per year ☀️

This makes Cabo a year-round destination, though you may want to avoid the Cabo rainy season in August and September because it can actually rain a lot.

For the best weather, many recommend the late-spring and late-fall as the best time to travel to Cabo.

These months offer warm (not hot) days, and cool (not cold) nights.

My Final Thoughts: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe to Travel to?

Still wondering, Is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas?, Is Cabo dangerous for tourists?, or even, Is Cabo San Lucas safe from drug cartels?

While there’s no definitive answers, I’ll do my best to answer the questions as someone who’s lived in Mexico since 2018, and traveled all over the country.

Also, if you make travel safety a priority for yourself in Cabo, your chances of having a safe Cabo trip increase dramatically.

For travelers using good “travel common sense,” yes, Cabo is safe.

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Cabo; they do.

However, if you remain aware of yourself and surroundings, you should have an amazing trip to Cabo, just like millions do each and every year.

Cabo Safety Tips: Register for the STEP Program

If you’re from the U.S., make sure you enroll in the FREE STEP Program before your trip.

🇨🇦 Canadians can check out Registration of Canadians Abroad here for a similar program.

After registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), you’ll be put in touch with the U.S. Consulate in Los Cabos, which can provide any assistance you might need while traveling to Cabo San Lucas.

In addition, STEP can put you in touch with your family and friends back home, in the event of an emergency while abroad.

They can also shed light on general Mexico travel safety tips and safety protocols, if you’re still in doubt.