Los Cabos Officials Issue Large Wave Warning: Here’s How To Tell If It’s Safe To Swim 

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Last Updated 3 weeks ago

Anybody who’s been to Los Cabos knows that not all of the beaches are safe for swimming.   

Even on swimmable beaches, conditions can be pretty rough at times, making those beaches unsafe for swimming as well, and right now, Los Cabos officials are warning beachgoers of large waves that can be dangerous.   

If you’ll be visiting in the future, read on to find out how to tell if it’s safe to swim. 

What’s Causing The Large Waves? 

If you follow the news in Los Cabos at all, then you’ve probably heard reports about a persistent heat wave.   

This is due to the presence of a high-pressure system that has been hanging around over the last several days.   

Not only does this type of weather phenomenon increase temperatures, but the winds that come with it also cause larger-than-normal waves.   

This is why waves right now are reaching as high as 6.5-8 feet on some Los Cabos beaches.   

The Beach Flag Warning System 

A beach flag warning system is used to let beachgoers know which Los Cabos beaches are safe for swimming at any given moment.   

There are five different flags, Green, Yellow, Red, Black, and White.   

The meanings of the flags are as follows: 

• Green – Beach is safe for swimming. 
• Yellow – Beachgoers should exercise caution when swimming. 
• Red – Beach conditions are not safe for swimming. 
• Black – Both the water and the shoreline are unsafe, the beach is closed. 
• White – Dangerous marine life may be present. 

Why Some Los Cabos Beaches Aren’t Swimmable 

In addition to various weather conditions that may determine the safety level at Los Cabos beaches, a few other factors contribute to the level of safety at the beaches that are always unswimmable.   

At these beaches, large waves are common year-round.   

Additionally, they are known for having steep and sudden drop-offs and strong, unpredictable undercurrents.   

Other Beach Safety Tips To Safely Swim In Los Cabos 

In addition to following the beach warning flags to determine how safe beach conditions are, there are some other things you can do to ensure a safe beach day in Los Cabos.   

Swimming in front of a lifeguard, not going out too far, and limiting alcohol consumption will further enhance your safety.   

Additionally, to protect yourself from the sun and heat, you should also wear protective clothing, slather on sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.   

The Best Beaches For Swimming In Los Cabos 

Not every beach in Los Cabos is safe for swimming, but the ones that are swimmable are great beaches, particularly five that we’ll highlight below.   

Two of them are located in Cabo San Lucas and the other three are situated along the Tourist Corridor that runs between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.   

These beaches are: 

• Lover’s Beach – Cabo San Lucas  
• Medano Beach – Cabo San Lucas  
• Santa Maria Beach – Tourist Corridor  
• Chileno Beach – Tourist Corridor  
• Palmilla Beach – Tourist Corridor  

Los Cabos’s Dangerous Beaches 

The unswimmable beaches in Los Cabos are still beautiful and can be enjoyed by taking a long beach walk or soaking up the sun.   

It’s good to know which ones they are, though, so you know which ones are unsafe for swimming.   

Some of the more dangerous beaches you’ll find in Los Cabos include: 

• Pedregal Beach – Cabo San Lucas  
• Divorce Beach – Cabo San Lucas  
• Solmar Beach – Cabo San Lucas 
• Hotel Beach – San Jose del Cabo 
• Estuary Beach – San Jose del Cabo  

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Los Cabos Beaches 

When it comes to water temperatures and weather, any time of the year is a good time to visit Los Cabos.   

If you’re planning on enjoying the water and waves are a concern, though, the best time to visit is November through April because between May and October, waves are stronger.   

The winter months are busier, so if you plan on visiting during this time, it’s important to plan early to get to the resort you want for your Los Cabos vacation.