Beach guide · Los Cabos

Best Beaches in Cabo San Lucas

Which beaches are swimmable, which are for photos only, and which you can only reach by boat. A quick, honest guide to the Cabo coastline — plus the boat tours that visit the best of them.

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Quick take — Medano is the main swimmable town beach. Lovers Beach and the corridor bays (Santa Maria, Chileno) are best reached by boat. Divorce Beach and the open Pacific side are not safe for swimming.

Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor)

The postcard beach at Land’s End, tucked between golden rock formations beside El Arco. It’s reachable only by boat — a short water-taxi or tour ride from the marina. The Sea of Cortez side is calm and swimmable; the Pacific “Divorce Beach” side has deadly currents. See our full Lovers Beach guide.

Medano Beach (Playa El Medano)

The lively two-mile town beach and the main place to swim in Cabo San Lucas. Calm water, beach clubs, restaurants, water-sports rentals and views of the Arch. Public and free; you pay only for loungers, food and activities.

Santa Maria & Chileno Bay

Two protected, horseshoe-shaped bays along the tourist corridor with clear water and the region’s best snorkeling. Calm and family-friendly, they’re popular stops on boat and catamaran tours, and can also be reached by road.

Beach safety at a glance

General guidance — always check local flags and conditions on the day.
Medano BeachSwimmable, calm, lifeguards in parts
Lovers Beach (Cortez side)Usually swimmable, boat access only
Divorce Beach (Pacific)No swimming — strong currents
Santa Maria / ChilenoSwimmable, excellent snorkeling

Beaches FAQ

Which beaches are safe for swimming?

Medano, Santa Maria and Chileno Bay are generally calm. Divorce Beach and the open Pacific side are not safe.

How do you get to Lovers Beach?

Only by boat — a water taxi or tour from the marina, a 5–10 minute ride.

Is Medano Beach free?

Yes, it’s public and free; you pay only for loungers, food and activities.

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Tours that visit the best beaches

Lovers Beach and El Arco boat tripBeach + Arch

Lovers Beach & El Arco Boat Trip

★ 4.7(1,000+)·2 hours
from$45
Book now
Snorkel tour to Santa Maria Bay

Snorkel Tour with Open Bar & Snacks

★ 4.6(900+)·4 hours
from$89
Book now
Kayak and snorkel to Chileno Bay

Kayak & Snorkel to Santa Maria Bay

★ 4.8(600+)·Half day
from$69
Book now