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Not many places in Mexico have as many beautiful beaches as Los Cabos, but there are five beaches in particular that are the most popular among tourists. It’s important to note that not all of the beaches in Los Cabos, or on this list, are swimmable, but even the ones that are not have something to offer. Unique scenery, water activities, or breathtaking views can make a beach just as enjoyable as those meant for swimming.
Los Cabos is made up of two different areas, which include San Jose del Cabo, the quieter vacation destination ideal for relaxation, and Cabo San Lucas, the busier location with more restaurants and nightlife opportunities. The meaning of Los Cabos is “The Capes,” and each of these places is one of the capes. A cape is a piece of land, usually on the narrower side and higher above sea level than the land around it, that extends into surrounding waters. Due to the geography of Los Cabos (The Capes), there are some pretty unique beaches, and the following five are especially popular.
Chileno Beach
Although the surf is a little rough, you can swim at Chileno Beach, which is located along the tourist corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The beach is very laid-back, which comes with some pros, it is not as busy as some beaches, and cons, there are no stores or restaurants. It’s free to visit the beach, and tourists can reach it by car, taxi, or bus, which is the cheapest option at around $3 each way from either city, and it is known for fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
Medano Beach
Medano Beach is much busier than Chileno Beach, as it is centrally located in the tourist area of Cabo San Lucas, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and luxury resorts. It is a swimmable beach, the longest in Los Cabos, but there are plenty of other activities available both in and out of the water, such as volleyball, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and parasailing, just to name a few. You’ll also find the ever-present beach vendors selling souvenirs and local goods. The beach is free to visit and has no set opening and closing times.
Lovers Beach
Lovers Beach, also known as Playa del Amor, is directly across from Medano Beach, and visitors can get there in about 10 minutes by water taxi for around $10 or make the trip themselves in a kayak or on a paddleboard. Water taxis can be found at the marina. Lovers Beach is one of the most popular of all the beaches in Los Cabos due to its unique landscape and calm Gulf of California waters. The beach sits between two large rock formations and makes for a perfect spot for a quiet walk along the shore.
Divorce Beach
Just a short walk from Lovers Beach is Divorce Beach, named so due to its rough Pacific waters and jagged landscape. Visitors can only get to the beach by water taxi that drops off at Lovers Beach. Due to the water conditions, it is not a swimmable beach, and water activities are only available on the other side of the bay between Lovers and Medano beaches. If you’re visiting Lovers Beach, it is well worth the short walk to see this much different panorama.
Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach is also located along the tourist corridor, and it is rated the best swimming beach in Los Cabos and one of the top three beaches in the area for snorkeling. Its location makes it easily accessible for those staying in Cabo San Lucas or in San Jose del Cabo, requiring only a quick car ride from either place. The beach is situated between two rock formations that make it resemble a cove, and this results in calmer waters ideal for swimming. Due to its seclusion, the beach is less crowded, but there are no restaurants nearby, so it’s important to bring your own supplies.
All of the beaches in Cabo are worth visiting, but these are must-see locations. Whether going to spend the day or just long enough to get a glimpse of the unique scenery, each will leave you with images that will always give you fond memories of your Cabo vacation.