Cabo San Lucas is a resort city nestled in the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Popular amongst party enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, and explorers of natural beauty, this oasis is a perfect example of an exotic vacation. However, questions linger whenever a travel-related topic arises. When it comes to this Mexican retreat, safety is the most important aspect.
The most important question most ask is the same “Is Cabo San Lucas safe for tourists?” Well, it is pretty much safe! It is not new information that Mexico is known for its notorious crime rates and is highly disregarded when it comes to tourists. However, we should not judge a book by its cover and most importantly, generalizing an entire nation based on the rumors of some cities. Some places south of the border are dangerous. It is no lie but a place like the Baja California Sur peninsula is not one of them. That is why three million people visit this resort destination each year.
Local Insights on Safety
The best way to learn about a place is through the locals. Gladly, the residents of this exotic tropics resort are some of the most humble people on the planet. The community works hard for the promotion of tourism and is committed to the well-being of those vacating. They welcome travelers with open arms and have established strong measures to ensure the safety and security of the area. Their endeavors show that the city is among the safest places in the country, and the state of Baja California Sur is the fourth safest.
According to the locals, the marina, resort area, and beaches are safe for all visitors. Meanwhile, if you ask them “Is Cabo Mexico Safe?” in the case of the market and heavy rush areas, they recommend caution because of pickpockets. You should put your guard up at night and avoid lonely, dark streets. Displaying flashy jewelry is like sticking your neck out to be robbed, so prevent doing that. The city is overall a happy and fun place to party. Enjoy the tranquility while watching your belongings and preventing leaving your drinks unattended. Most crimes are theft-centric and targeted at tourists, but if you are careful, that’s rare.
Moreover, you must be aware of Hollywood celebrities vacationing in Cabo San Lucas. They mostly stay around world-class marinas as that is the safe region. So, as long as you make your choices wisely, you are safe.
Safety Tips for Traveling in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Every place has its own set of rules, customs, and traditions, and it is better to abide by them while respecting their norms. The same goes for this tranquil Mexican vacation spot. Cabo San Lucas is a place that demands caution when it comes to crowded places. The locals are sweet, but you should only trust your instincts and have someone on your emergency contact for when things turn topsy-turvy. Here are some tips to help you understand Is Cabo San Lucas Safe or not and to ensure your exploration is more mindful and safe!
Transportation
The first thing you will be required to do after landing at the airport will be to catch a ride to your hotel, resort, or stay. This is a crucial time as you can not trust the local cab drivers; they will charge you heavy dollars and may not be safe. Stick to your regular Uber or any other reliable ride app; yes, they work in Cabo. You may as well rent your own car if you have an international driver’s license. It is, in fact, a better option as you do not have to spend time scrutinizing if you can trust the unofficial driver. Ensure to check the documents and the health of the car before renting in the future.
Food
Always dine at clean restaurants and do not eat if the food is raw or uncooked as the seafood can be health hazardous in such conditions. Other than that, everyone knows Mexican cuisine is to die for, but you should be cautious with it. Clean your hands properly before eating and make sure the place you are having your meals is hygienic. In terms of food, the answer to “Is Cabo San Lucas Mexico safe?” would depend on which part of the city you are dining in and how prominent the restaurant is.
Water Sports
Do not just jump into the water. The solid high tides can be extremely dangerous unless a professional says otherwise. If you are signing up for water activities, like snorkeling, Scuba diving, or Jet Skiing, carefully examine the condition of the equipment. Go through the weather forecast before signing up, as you do not want to waste your money on a canceled trip. Don’t forget to check if the operator is certified and licensed to deliver such guidance.
Pickpockets
Like any other tourist destination, there are high heft rates when it comes to Cabo San Lucas. Pickpockets are everywhere and you should know how to keep your precious belongings close and not flash them to entice others. Carrying heavy cash on you can make you a target, try to stick to minimum cash and wear the least amount of jewelry when walking around crowded places. If you ask “Is Cabo Safe?” while carrying heavy cash and jewelry then your answer would be a “No.”
Keep docs Safe
Documents are extremely essential when it comes to traveling internationally. So keep several copies of your passport, credit cards, and travel insurance. Keep a copy in your hotel room, one in your bag and others in your suitcases. Make sure you have the original one on you at all times. Do not go around showing it off to people you do not trust. It is important to be extremely vigilant when it comes to passports.
Places of Attraction
Once you know how to get around after getting an answer to “Is Los Cabos Safe?” you can easily begin your exploration. Here are a few places where you can truly experience this Mexican paradise without feeling tense about the crime and theft.
- El Arco (The Arch)
- Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach
- Marina Cabo San Lucas
- Todos Santo
- Whale Watching
- Santa Maria Beach
- Sunset Cruises
- Scuba Diving
What to Avoid at All Costs to Stay Safe in Cabo San Lucas
- The sea area is known for large reptiles such as crocodiles so avoid swimming without permission or expert supervision. It is also common for high tides to emerge on the Pacific side of the sea, so be careful.
- Do not walk alone in the dark alleys and lonely streets, unless you want to be mugged.
- San Jose Del is popular for noxious crimes against tourists and is only 30 minutes from downtown. Make sure you do not end up on the wrong side of the city.
Safe Travels in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
To ensure you never have to ask “Is it safe to travel to Cabo?” after this make sure to follow the given steps:
- Sign up for the smart traveller enrollment program which keeps you in check during international vacation.
- Keep in touch with the State Department, either via call or social media.
- Go through the crime and safety news and updates before your visit.
- Always have at least one emergency contact.
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Common Inquiries and Answers
Cabo San Lucas is one of the top 10 safest places to visit in Mexico, so you are pretty much in luck here.
Keep your guard up in the state of Baja California Sur, but overall, Cabo San Lucas is a safe place to travel.
First-time visitors should be in contact with a trusted one who knows the area and should not walk alone at night or leave valuables in the hotel rooms. Pickpockets are common, so keep in check and use transportation that you know is safe.
Explore the traditional Mexican arts and crafts, try the mouth-watering Mexican food, and visit lively nightlife at the exuberant clubs in downtown Cabo San Lucas.
When in Cabo Marina, open you should go for Whale watching, Fishing charters, ATV tours, Snorkeling, Sunset cruise, Golf, Scuba diving, Camel Adventures, Jet ski rentals, and Parasailing.
Do not panic. Just pay the required fine, and the police will let you go.
If you want to stay near the bars, water, and party, Medano Beach is your top pick. Pedregal and San José del Cabo is for the exotic experience. Meanwhile, if you are on a family vacation, staying at Playa Grande and Solmar can be fun for all.
Rental cars are your best pick when it comes to exploring the extended parts of the city. Cabs can be expensive and unsafe for so many reasons. Otherwise, you can walk most parts of the city.
Most would insist on not carrying any flashy, expensive jewelry to Mexico, but it is safe to wear lighter jewelry in the daytime. Just avoid flashing those diamonds on the lonely night alleys.
Nightlife is perfect in Cabo as long as you avoid taking drinks from strangers and walking around the strange empty street.