What Los Cabos Travelers Should Know About Beach Vendor Rules This High Season

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If you’ll be sunning in Cabo between late October and spring, you’ll notice more activity on the sand—great energy, more to browse, and yes, more sales pitches.

As we at The Cabo Sun have reported, high season reliably brings both more licensed vendors and more unlicensed ones, especially on busy cruise-ship days and along Médano Beach.

Knowing the rules (and the uniforms) makes the difference between a fun souvenir moment and an avoidable headache.

First things first: how to spot a legal vendor

Los Cabos has rolled out a simple visual system to help visitors.

Registered beach vendors wear official uniforms and carry visible ID badges—often with a scannable QR code tied to their permit.

We put together a step-by-step visual explainer earlier this season; bookmark it before you fly so you know exactly what to look for on the sand.

What the uniforms look like

Expect crisp white, long-sleeve sun shirts (designed for UV protection) and consistent styling that makes official sellers easy to spot. Some coverage also notes white bottoms as part of the standard look in inspections.

If you’re unsure, ask to see the laminated credential or scan the QR code when it’s present—licensed vendors are used to the question.

Why you’ll see more vendors this winter (both legal and not)

High season means fuller flights, stronger hotel occupancy, and a busier cruise calendar—translation: more foot traffic on the sand and boardwalks.

Local officials say those spikes can attract unlicensed sellers to popular zones like the marina and central stretches of Médano. Enforcement ramps up, but visitors should still use the uniform/ID test above—especially on cruise days when pitches surge.

Where enforcement is focused right now

Authorities have been running sustained crackdowns at the Cabo San Lucas Marina and along busy beaches, clearing out hundreds of unpermitted sellers and tightening standards for carts and kiosks. You’ll feel that difference most when boarding boat tours or strolling the waterfront; it’s noticeably calmer than it was pre-sweeps. On peak afternoons at Médano, however, volume still rises—again, not a guarantee of legality.

Quick etiquette + safety tips (what actually works)

• Look for the uniform and credential first. If either is missing—or you get a hard dodge when you ask—skip the purchase. We break down the telltale signs in our earlier uniform piece.
• Lead with “No, gracias” if you’re not interested. Most licensed vendors keep it professional; aggressive behavior is a red flag. We’ve covered how to keep these interactions positive on busy beach days.
• Confirm the full price (and currency) before anything changes hands. Licensed vendors should be transparent; if it suddenly becomes complicated, walk away.
• Avoid buying alcohol, pharmaceuticals, or “services” from uncredentialed sellers. These are prime targets for enforcement for a reason.

What’s new this season

The municipality credentialed nearly 700 vendors with uniforms and IDs as part of a larger order-and-safety push. That means more official options for snacks, sun gear, and souvenirs—plus a clearer way for you to sort legit from not. Still, inspectors acknowledge copy-cat outfits do pop up; the credential check is your tie-breaker.

Best places to browse without the hassle

If you enjoy a curated stroll, the Marina and nearby shopping corridors feel more orderly after the sweeps—great for picking up crafts from credentialed kiosks without constant interruptions. On beach days, head to quieter sections (east-facing Médano, Playa El Tule) where enforcement tends to be more consistent and vendor volume lower.

The bottom line

This high season, expect more vendors overall—that’s normal for Cabo’s busiest months—and a mix of official and unlicensed activity depending on time and place.

Your simple strategy: uniform + visible ID (ideally with QR) or politely pass.

For a deeper dive on what those uniforms look like and how to verify a seller in seconds, see our uniform explainer and our latest coverage on the crackdown so you can shop smart and enjoy the beach.