The Ultimate Los Cabos Beach Flag Guide: What Every Color Means & When To Stay Out Of The Water

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If you love Cabo’s beaches as much as we do, you’ve probably noticed those colored flags near lifeguard towers and access points.

They aren’t decorations—they’re your quick-read safety system. As we at The Cabo Sun have reported during recent weather and surf events, understanding the flags is the fastest way to decide if it’s a dip day or a photo-only day.

Cabo’s Beach Flag Colors (Simple, Accurate, Save-able)

• Green — Low Hazard. Calmer conditions; swimming allowed. Still keep kids within arm’s reach and stay near lifeguards.
• Yellow — Moderate Hazard. Choppier waves or mild currents. Confident swimmers only, close to shore.
• Red — High Hazard. This does not ban entry—but it strongly advises you to stay out due to powerful shore-break or strong currents. If you choose to go in, keep it shallow and be extra cautious.
• Black — Beach Closed. Do not enter the water. This is a hard stop used for extreme danger (storm surge, strong currents, contamination after heavy rains, etc.).
• White — Marine Life Alert. Jellyfish or other stingers may be present even if the sea looks calm. Shuffle feet, wear rash protection, and consider sitting this one out if you’re sensitive.

Quick memory trick: Green = Go, Yellow = Careful, Red = Really risky, Black = Ban, White = Wildlife.

Red vs. Black: What Tourists Get Wrong

The most common confusion we see is between red and black flags. A red flag signals high risk, and authorities strongly recommend you stay out—but it is not an automatic ban.

A black flag is different: the beach is closed for entering the water, full stop. If you see black, enjoy the view and plan a pool day or move to a swimmable beach with safer conditions.

Where (And How) To Swim Safely In Cabo

Cabo isn’t one coastline—it’s two very different bodies of water meeting at Land’s End. That means conditions can change quickly. Stick to well-known swimmable beaches and follow lifeguard guidance. We’ve covered why Cabo added new safety flags along El Médano Beach, the area’s most popular swimmable stretch—great vibes when the colors allow.

Want built-in peace of mind? Aim for Blue Flag–certified beaches such as Chileno, Santa María, Palmilla, and Las Viudas. Los Cabos now boasts a record 27 Blue Flag beaches, reflecting strong standards for water quality, safety, and services. Still: Blue Flag is about overall quality—you must still obey the day’s warning flag.

If you’re exploring beyond the swimmable favorites, remember that some shores are look-but-don’t-swim due to powerful surf and rip currents. We recently highlighted the area’s most dangerous beaches (they’re stunning—just enjoy them from the sand, then head elsewhere for a dip).

Your 60-Second Checklist Before You Get In

• Scan the flag when you arrive and check again before you enter—conditions change with tides and wind.
• Swim near lifeguards and inside marked zones.
• Skip the booze-then-swim combo. Save the margarita for after.
• Caught in a rip? Stay calm, float, and swim parallel to shore to exit the current. Signal for help.
• When in doubt, sit it out. There’s always tomorrow—and often a calmer bay just down the road.

What To Do On A White-Flag Day (Jellyfish Alert)

• Protect skin (rash guard or light layer) and shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays.
• Pack vinegar or ask your hotel’s lifeguard/first-aid post about neutralizing stings.
• If stung, rinse with seawater (not freshwater), remove tentacles with tweezers or a card, and seek medical attention if symptoms escalate. We’ve broken down white-flag safety and prevention tips in detail.

Final Word From The Towers

Lifeguards and beach staff in Los Cabos are there to help you have a great day—and to wave you off the water when needed. Ignoring closures and swimming at no-swim beaches can prompt intervention or even penalties if you refuse to comply. Listen to the pros, pick a safer shore, and you’ll still get a perfect beach day.

Stay safe out there, and we’ll see you by the shore.