Don’t Just Book a Beach—Book One You Can Actually Swim In
Los Cabos might be known for its stunning coastlines, but here’s the truth: most beaches here are too dangerous to swim. Between strong Pacific currents, steep underwater drop-offs, and seasonal surf, you’ll find plenty of beaches that are better for views than for vacation dips. But don’t worry—there are safe spots. And they’re gorgeous.
If you’re dreaming of floating in turquoise water, snorkeling off the sand, or just safely wading in with a cocktail nearby, this list is for you. These are the best swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, and the resorts built directly on them.
Why Most Cabo Beaches Aren’t Swimmable
This isn’t just travel gossip—it’s real geography. Much of the Los Cabos shoreline, especially along the Pacific and the exposed eastern edges, faces powerful open-ocean currents. The waves can look deceptively calm from shore, but just a few feet in, there’s often a wicked undertow or steep drop. That’s why you’ll see warning signs on many beaches—and why so many Cabo resorts don’t actually allow ocean swimming.
But tucked between rocky outcrops and coral headlands, a handful of beaches are naturally protected or enhanced with breakwaters to create calm, swimmable zones. Here’s where to find them—and which resorts put you right on the sand.
Resorts on Swimmable Beaches in Cabo San Lucas
Playa El Médano
Why it’s swimmable: Flat bay with lifeguards, calm surf, and a long stretch of soft sand—this is the classic Cabo swim beach.
Resorts on the beach:
- Breathless Cabo San Lucas – Adults-only, all-inclusive, and right on the marina—Breathless blends high-energy pool scenes with chill beachfront lounging. It’s ideal for couples or groups who want to mix party with pampering.
- ME Cabo
- Casa Dorada
- Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos & Rosé
- Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas – A grand, all-inclusive beachfront stay with oceanview suites, 24-hour room service, and access to Riu Santa Fe’s lively entertainment next door. Perfect for travelers who want comfort, value, and direct beach access.
- Riu Santa Fe
- Villa del Palmar, Villa del Arco, Villa La Estancia
- Club Cascadas, Corazón Cabo, Bahia Hotel
Hacienda Beach
Why it’s swimmable: Quieter tip of Médano, protected by the Land’s End rock formations.
Resorts:
- Hacienda Beach Club & Residences (private feel, upscale villas, direct sand access)
Resorts on Swimmable Beaches in the Tourist Corridor
Playa Santa María
Why it’s swimmable: Horseshoe-shaped cove with Blue Flag certification. Ideal for snorkeling and calm swims.
Resort:
- Montage Los Cabos (modern luxury, top-rated spa, family- and couple-friendly)
Playa Chileno
Why it’s swimmable: Coral-rimmed with gentle entry, lifeguards on duty, and another Blue Flag beach.
Resort:
- Chileno Bay Resort & Residences by Auberge (laid-back luxury, swimmable bay access, suites + villas)
Playa Palmilla
Why it’s swimmable: Historic fishing cove that’s usually calm year-round.
Resort:
- One&Only Palmilla (iconic luxury, celeb favorite, world-class service)
Playa Bledito / Tequila Cove
Why it’s swimmable: Man-made breakwater forms a protected lagoon—usually calm on green-flag days.
Resorts:
- Hilton Los Cabos
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos – La Pacifica
- Garza Blanca Resort & Spa
- Paradisus Los Cabos (family-friendly, full-service all-inclusive)
Fiesta Americana Cove
Why it’s swimmable: A small reef-sheltered pocket on the eastern edge of the resort.
Resort:
- Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos – Elegant yet approachable, this upscale resort is set in the hills with views over the Sea of Cortés. Guests love the wine spa, swim-up bars, and the semi-private cove that’s swimmable on calm days. (Heads up: The main beach isn’t safe for swimming, but that hidden cove is a gem when the flag is green.)
Playa Acapulquito (Old Man’s)
Why it’s swimmable: Calm in winter months; light surf in summer (watch the flags).
Resort:
- Cabo Surf Hotel (boutique surf-chic, great for couples, beachfront restaurant)
Resorts on Swimmable Beaches in San José del Cabo
Palmilla
Same calm, swimmable bay as above—just 10 minutes west of downtown.
Costa Azul
Why it’s swimmable (sometimes): Surf spot most of the year, but can be safe for swimming in winter (Nov–Feb) on green-flag days only.
Resorts:
- Surfrider Beach House
- Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos – A favorite for families and groups, this all-inclusive resort sits just steps from the beach with multiple pools, top-shelf dining, and a water park for kids. Though it’s across the road, guests can walk to Costa Azul beach in minutes.
East Cape (Bonus)
Costa Palmas / La Ribera
Why it’s swimmable: Naturally calm Sea of Cortés shoreline with snorkeling-friendly conditions.
Resorts:
- Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas (ultra-luxe, east-facing beach, private-feeling escape)
How to Know If It’s Safe to Swim in Cabo
Even on a “safe” beach, conditions change daily. Always check the colored surf flag before entering the water:
- 🟢 Green: Go for it!
- 🟡 Yellow: Caution, watch the surf.
- 🔴 Red: Dangerous—stay out.
- ⚫ Black: Beach closed—serious hazards.
Your resort will usually fly the flag on the beach or post it near pool areas. When in doubt, ask the lifeguards.
Ready to Book Your Cabo Beach Escape?
Choosing the right resort in Los Cabos isn’t just about star ratings or photos. It’s about finding a place where you can actually enjoy the beach. A calm bay. Clear water. A spot where you can swim, snorkel, and sip a drink with your feet in the sand. If that’s your idea of paradise, we’ve got you covered.
We know which resorts sit on safe, swimmable beaches and which ones don’t. We’ve done the research, walked the shoreline, and helped hundreds of travelers book Cabo trips that hit all the right notes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family-friendly stay, or a luxurious all-inclusive with top-shelf perks, we’ll help you find the perfect match.
Don’t guess when it comes to your vacation. Let us point you to the resorts that actually deliver what you’re dreaming of. Reach out now and let us help you plan a Los Cabos trip that’s actually relaxing—because nothing says vacation like walking out of your room and into the sea. We know which resorts deliver—and which beaches you’ll actually enjoy!
Questions About Cabo’s Swimmable Beaches — Answered
Q1: Can you swim at Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas?
A: Yes. Medano is the main swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas, with calm water, lifeguards, and a long shoreline lined with resorts and beach clubs.
Q2: Which resorts in Cabo have swimmable beaches?
A: Resorts like Breathless, Riu Palace, ME Cabo, Montage, Chileno Bay, One&Only Palmilla, and Hilton Los Cabos sit directly on verified swimmable beaches.
Q3: Are all beaches in Cabo safe for swimming?
A: No. Most beaches in Cabo have strong currents or steep drop-offs. Only certain protected coves are safe for swimming, and conditions can change daily.
Q4: Is the beach at Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos swimmable?
A: Partly. The main beach is usually too rough, but there’s a small pocket cove on the property that’s swimmable when the surf is calm and the green flag is posted.
Q5: Can you swim at Chileno or Santa Maria Beach?
A: Yes. Both beaches are Blue Flag certified, reef-protected, and excellent for swimming and snorkeling, especially during calm weather.
Q6: What do the colored beach flags mean in Cabo?
A: Green = Safe, Yellow = Use caution, Red = Dangerous, Black = Beach closed. Always check the flag before swimming and follow lifeguard instructions.
Q7: When is the best time of year to swim in Cabo?
A: Winter and early spring (November to April) generally bring calmer surf and better swimming conditions, especially on the Sea of Cortez side.
Q8: Is Hyatt Ziva on a swimmable beach?
A: Not directly. Hyatt Ziva is across the road from Costa Azul Beach, which is only swimmable in winter on calm days. Always check the surf flag before swimming.
Q9: Are there family-friendly resorts on swimmable beaches?
A: Yes. Resorts like Hilton Los Cabos, Paradisus Los Cabos, and Hyatt Ziva offer family-friendly amenities and access to calm beach areas or protected coves.
Q10: How can I make sure the beach is swimmable before I book?
A: Ask a travel advisor who knows the destination well. We can guide you to resorts on safe beaches, explain seasonal surf patterns, and confirm real swim access.
