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It’s important to be cautious whenever visiting Los Cabos beaches, as they are known for having large waves and strong currents.
Many of the area’s beaches in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are not even swimmable at all.
And Los Cabos tourists are being urged to take extreme precautions on nearly all beaches right now, even some of the swimmable ones.
Current Beach Conditions
The current conditions of the beaches in Los Cabos that have led to the warning have to do with the weather.
Conagua (the National Meteorological Service), is reporting that strong winds are affecting beach conditions, causing stronger-than-usual waves and possible riptides.
This report is what led Zofemat, a.k.a. the Maritime Terrestrial Zone, to announce the need for caution.
@thepetitegreeks #cabo #ohno #waves #surf #fyp #fy #vacation #travel #destination #shark #dolphin #whale #turtle #beach #ocean ♬ Oh No – Kreepa
Understanding The Beach Flag Warning System
To warn beachgoers of current beach conditions, a beach flag warning system is used, and it is important that tourists pay attention to the flag warnings.
There are four flags in particular that are used to signify current beach conditions. They include:
- Green Flag – Beach is open and safe for swimming.
- Yellow Flag – Use extreme caution entering the water.
- Red Flag – Beach is open but swimming is prohibited.
- Black Flag – Beach is closed and swimming is prohibited.
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@frenchiedad86 #travel #suitcase #thisisgoingtobefun #travelsafe #cabo #beach #cortezbeach #careful ♬ original sound – Frenchiedad86
Los Cabos Beaches With A Yellow Flag
A yellow flag on a Los Cabos beach indicates that the beach is open and beachgoers can swim but should exercise extreme caution when going into the water.
Stay close to shore, swim where there is a lifeguard, and pay attention to the waves and currents.
Los Cabos beaches that currently have a yellow flag warning, one of which is the most popular beach in Cabo San Lucas, include:
- Medano Beach
- Playa 8 Cascadas
- Playa La Ribera
@andreschabba Red Flag 🤕•••• °°°° •••• °°°°#fyp #beach #FYP #new #help #mexico #loscabos #viral ♬ Oh No – Kreepa
Los Cabos Beaches With A Red Flag
A red flag on a Los Cabos beach means that beachgoers are prohibited from entering the water due to dangerous conditions.
The beach itself is open for picnicking, sunbathing, and walking on the beach, but the water is too dangerous for swimming.
Los Cabos beaches that currently have a red flag warning are concentrated mostly in the Tourist Corridor that runs between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas and includes:
- Santa Maria Beach
- Chileno Beach
- Palmilla Beach
- Viudas Beach
- Acapulquito Beach
- El Corsario Beach
Staying Safe At Los Cabos Beaches
Aside from paying attention to the flags on Los Cabos beaches, there are other things tourists can do to stay safe when visiting one of the area’s beautiful beaches.
Always swim where there is a lifeguard, limit alcohol intake, drink plenty of fluids, and don’t go out too far into the water.
Doing all of these things improves the chances of staying safe when spending a day at the beach.
What To Do If You Can’t Go To Los Cabos Beaches
Fortunately, if the beaches are closed in Los Cabos, or if you’re a little worried about safety issues, there is plenty more to do.
If you’re intent on taking a dip, but not in the Sea of Cortez or the Pacific, there are hot springs nearby in Santa Rita and waterfalls not too far away either.
But if swimming is not a deal breaker, you can go hiking, horseback riding, ATVing, or just enjoy a long relaxing day at a spa.
Los Cabos Beaches
There are at least 20 beaches in and around Los Cabos, some on the Pacific Ocean and some on the Sea of Cortez.
Each beach is different, so if you can’t swim on one, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t swim on others.
Just be sure to adhere to the beach flags, and you’ll be able to have a safe beach vacation in Los Cabos.
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Lahib
Sunday 13th of August 2023
Cabo San Lucas it was a beautiful trip, So much fun. Thanks, everyone.
Natalie
Sunday 13th of August 2023
Couldn’t stand Cabo…went for first time this year. No thanks, I won’t be back!
Gary
Sunday 13th of August 2023
Don’t drink the tap water! #MontezumsRevenge
Rudy Richards
Sunday 13th of August 2023
Why not warn about the Chubasco season to start…don’t go out looking for a place to surf during a hurricane
Rick Doyle
Saturday 12th of August 2023
There’s NO SUCH THING AS A RIP TIDE! It’s called a RIP CURRENT.
Ed
Friday 11th of August 2023
I always went to Santa Maria beach. It was perfect.
Camy
Sunday 13th of August 2023
@Ed, thank you you gave me a big clue where to go, since no all beaches are suitable. Thank you