Best Beaches in Cabo (Swimmable Beaches + Surf Spots in Los Cabos)
Best Beaches in Cabo (2026 Guide)
The best beaches in Cabo are not always the most obvious. While Los Cabos is known for dramatic coastline and stunning views, many beaches are not swimmable due to strong currents—making it essential to know where to go before you book your hotel. From calm, swimmable coves like Chileno Beach to lively stretches like Medano Beach and the best surf spots outside of Cabo, this guide covers the best beaches in Cabo and where to stay nearby.
If you’re planning your trip, see our guide to the best hotels in Cabo for the top resorts near each beach and our full Cabo Travel Guide.
Swimmable Beaches in Cabo (What You Need to Know)
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is that many Cabo beaches are unsafe for swimming. The best swimmable beaches are located along the Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
The most reliable swimmable beaches include:
Chileno Beach
Santa Maria Beach
Medano Beach
If swimming is important to you, choosing the right hotel is critical—see the best hotels in Cabo for resorts located on swimmable beaches.
Chileno Beach (Best Overall Beach in Cabo)
Chileno Beach is widely considered the best beach in Cabo thanks to its calm, clear water and protected cove. It’s one of the few places where you can reliably swim, snorkel, and relax without strong currents. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, with a more relaxed, local feel compared to the busier areas in Cabo San Lucas.
Why go:
Swimmable water
Great snorkeling
Easy access
Where to stay nearby:
For more options, see the best hotels in Cabo.
Santa Maria Beach (Best for Snorkeling)
Santa Maria Beach is another swimmable cove, known for its horseshoe shape and calm conditions. It’s slightly quieter than Chileno and ideal for snorkeling.
Why go:
Calm water
Excellent snorkeling
Scenic setting
Where to stay nearby:
Explore more nearby resorts in the best hotels in Cabo guide.
Medano Beach (Best for Energy and Swimming)
Located in Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach is the most popular swimmable beach in the area. It’s lively, social, and lined with restaurants and beach clubs. You will find more a spring break crowd, than a relaxed family beach.
Why go:
Swimmable
Central location
Beach clubs and restaurants
Where to stay nearby:
See more nearby options in the best hotels in Cabo.
Best Surf Beaches in Cabo (East Cape + Cerritos)
While most Cabo beaches aren’t ideal for surfing near the main resort areas, the best surf breaks are found just outside Los Cabos—particularly along the East Cape and toward Cerritos. These spots offer a completely different, more rugged side of Cabo.
If you’re planning a surf-focused trip, you’ll likely want to pair these beaches with a stay in either the East Cape or near Todos Santos, rather than the main resort corridor.
Shipwrecks (East Cape)
Shipwrecks is one of the most well-known surf breaks on the East Cape, named for the remains of an old fishing vessel just offshore. The wave here is fast and hollow, best suited for experienced surfers. This area feels remote and undeveloped—expect dirt roads, wide open coastline, and very few crowds.
Why go:
Consistent surf
Wild, untouched setting
No crowds
Good to know:
Not beginner-friendly
Limited amenities
For a more comfortable base, stay in Los Cabos and plan a day trip, or explore East Cape stays in our guide to the best hotels in Cabo.
Nine Palms (East Cape)
Nine Palms is one of the most consistent and accessible surf spots on the East Cape, offering long right-hand waves that work for a range of skill levels depending on conditions. It’s slightly more approachable than Shipwrecks but still retains that remote, off-grid feel.
Why go:
Long, clean rides
More forgiving than Shipwrecks
Beautiful, quiet coastline
Good to know:
Best with a car
Limited facilities
Pair this with a stay in San José del Cabo or the Corridor, see the best hotels in Cabo for options. Or for a closer option check out Nest Baja.
Cerritos Beach (Near Todos Santos)
Cerritos Beach is the most swimmable and beginner-friendly surf beach in the greater Cabo area. Located about an hour north toward Todos Santos, it’s one of the few places where you can both surf and swim safely. It’s also the easiest surf beach to access with restaurants, rentals, and a more developed setup.
Why go:
Beginner-friendly surf
Swimmable beach
Easy access + amenities
Where to stay nearby:
Hotel San Cristobal (note this hotel is age 15 and up)
For more luxury resort options within driving distance, see the best hotels in Cabo.
Lover’s Beach (Most Scenic Beach in Cabo)
Accessible only by boat, Lover’s Beach sits between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, offering one of the most dramatic settings in Cabo. Swimming conditions vary, but the scenery alone makes it worth visiting. Why go:
Iconic Cabo views
Unique location
Boat access
For nearby stays, explore the best hotels in Cabo.
Divorce Beach (Wild and Dramatic)
Just steps from Lover’s Beach, Divorce Beach faces the Pacific and is known for its strong waves and dramatic coastline. It’s not swimmable, but it’s one of the most visually striking beaches in Cabo.
Why go:
Dramatic scenery
Fewer crowds
Great for photos
Stay nearby by browsing the best hotels in Cabo.
Palmilla Beach (Best Swimmable Beach Near San José del Cabo)
Palmilla Beach is one of the best swimmable beaches in Cabo and one of the few located closer to San José del Cabo. It’s also home to one of the area’s most iconic hotels.
Why go:
Swimmable
Less crowded
Easy access
Where to stay nearby:
One&Only Palmilla (read our full hotel review for the One&Only here)
For more options, see the best hotels in Cabo.
Where to Stay for the Best Beaches in Cabo
If your priority is beach access, the Corridor is the best area to stay in Cabo, offering proximity to the most swimmable beaches. San José del Cabo is quieter, while Cabo San Lucas offers more energy—but fewer consistently swimmable beaches.
To compare areas and hotels, read our article Cabo San Lucas v. San Jose del Cabo
Plan Your Cabo Trip
Cabo San Lucas vs San José del Cabo
One and Only Palmilla Hotel Review
FAQs About Cabo Beaches
Are beaches in Cabo swimmable?
Not all beaches in Cabo are swimmable due to strong currents, but Chileno Beach, Santa Maria Beach, and Medano Beach are safe for swimming.
What is the best swimmable beach in Cabo?
Chileno Beach is widely considered the best swimmable beach in Cabo.
Where are the clearest beaches in Cabo?
Chileno and Santa Maria offer the clearest water and best snorkeling conditions.
Which Cabo beaches are unsafe for swimming?
Beaches along the Pacific side, like Divorce Beach, are generally not safe for swimming.