Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? According to Researched Travelers

"Is Cabo safe?" It's the million-dollar question on every potential visitor's mind. If you ask our parents, they'd probably say "Absolutely not! You'll get kidnapped by cartels!" Meanwhile, scroll through TripAdvisor forums or Reddit threads, and you'll likely find a chorus of "It's totally fine if you use common sense!" So which is it - a danger zone or a secure sanctuary?

As a newly married couple in our 40s from Florida, my wife and I decided to put Cabo San Lucas to the test. We spent a week exploring this famous resort town, all while balancing our remote work schedules. Our mission? To uncover the truth about Cabo's safety, one beach, taco, and margarita at a time. (It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it!)

In this article, we're spilling the beans on how we assessed Cabo's safety before our trip and sharing our honest, unfiltered experiences from our week-long stay. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family, or a couple of "29-year-olds forever" like us, we've got insights to help you navigate Cabo's sun-drenched streets with confidence.

3 Safety Factors to Consider

Before we packed our sombreros and sunscreen, we did some serious safety sleuthing. Here's our pre-trip safety checklist and how Cabo measured up:

1. State Department Travel Advisory

First stop on our safety investigation: the U.S. Department of State website. They use a 1-4 rating system for travel advisories:

1. Exercise normal precautions (white)
2. Exercise increased caution (yellow)
3. Reconsider travel (orange)
4. Do not travel (red)

As of our trip in May 2023, Cabo San Lucas and the state of Baja California Sur were sitting at a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). This is the same level as popular European destinations like France and Germany. Not too shabby, Cabo!

The advisory specifically mentions taking increased caution due to crime. However, it's worth noting that there are no restrictions on U.S. government employees traveling to Baja California Sur, unlike some other parts of Mexico.

We generally stick to destinations rated 1 or 2, so Cabo made the cut. But we made a mental note to stay alert and avoid any sketchy situations.

State Department Check: PASS (with a side of caution)

2. Latest News

Next, we put on our detective hats and scoured recent news about Cabo. We were looking for any red flags - you know, the kind of headlines that make you want to cancel your trip and hide under the covers.

Surprisingly, most of the news was overwhelmingly positive. Forbes reported that Los Cabos (which includes Cabo San Lucas) has become Mexico's top luxury destination, with a slew of new high-end resorts opening up. This kind of investment usually goes hand-in-hand with increased security measures.

We did find reports of some shootings in early 2023, but they seemed to be isolated incidents between locals, not targeting tourists. While concerning, it didn't seem to be part of a larger pattern affecting visitor safety.

One piece of news that caught our attention was the Mexican Navy taking control of the Cabo San Lucas marina in January 2023. While it sounded dramatic, it was actually part of a national anti-corruption effort and didn't seem to impact tourist activities.

Overall, the news painted a picture of a destination focused on growing its tourism industry, which typically comes with a vested interest in keeping visitors safe.

Latest News Check: PASS

3. Community Forums

Finally, we dove into the world of travel forums. After all, who better to give the real scoop than fellow travelers?

We spent hours scrolling through TripAdvisor's Baja California forum and r/cabo on Reddit. The consensus? Cabo is generally safe for tourists who exercise common sense.

Many travelers raved about feeling safer in Cabo than in their hometowns. One TripAdvisor user wrote, "We've been coming to Cabo for 20 years and have never had a safety issue. Just use the same precautions you would in any unfamiliar place."

We did note some concerns about aggressive timeshare salespeople and the occasional report of pickpocketing in crowded areas. But violent crime against tourists seemed to be extremely rare.

A few tips kept popping up:

• Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night
• Use official taxis or reputable ride-share apps
• Don't flash expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash
• Be cautious with alcohol, especially at wild party spots

All in all, the traveler experiences we read were overwhelmingly positive, which helped put our minds at ease.

Community Forums Check: PASS

With all three safety factors giving us the green light, we booked our flights and packed our bags. Next stop: Cabo San Lucas!

First Hand Experience in Cabo San Lucas

After a smooth flight and an easy pass through customs (pro tip: fill out your FMM form online before you travel), we stepped out into the Cabo sun. Our first impression? This place is gorgeous! But would its beauty be matched by a sense of security? Here's our neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown:

Medano Beach

Ah, Medano Beach - the heart of Cabo's tourist scene. This two-mile stretch of golden sand is where the action is, and it's likely where you'll spend a good chunk of your Cabo vacation.

We strolled along Medano Beach every day, both in the early morning (gotta get those steps in!) and in the afternoon. The vibe? Lively, but not chaotic. We saw families building sandcastles, couples parasailing, and groups of friends playing beach volleyball.

Safety-wise, we felt completely at ease. There's a visible police presence, and many beachfront hotels have their own security staff keeping an eye on things. The biggest danger seemed to be the risk of sunburn - that Cabo sun is no joke!

One day, I (Sarah) decided to take a solo walk while Alex was on a work call. A few vendors approached me to sell souvenirs, but a polite "No, gracias" was all it took to send them on their way. I never felt pressured or uncomfortable.

Our Medano Beach highlights:

• Sunset drinks at The Office on the Beach (yes, it's touristy, but the people-watching is top-notch)
• Paddleboarding with High Tide Los Cabos (the instructors were super safety-conscious)
• A heavenly massage at Casa Dorada Spa (I may have drooled on the massage table)

Is Medano Beach Safe? YES (just watch out for those sneaky waves!)

Marina Cabo San Lucas

The Marina is the bustling heart of Cabo, filled with restaurants, shops, and yes, a whole lot of tourists. But don't let the crowds deter you - this area is a must-visit, especially around sunset.

We wandered around the Marina several evenings, and while it was busy, it never felt overwhelming or unsafe. The whole area is well-lit and there's a constant flow of people, which typically deters any would-be troublemakers.

One night, we decided to test the late-night scene. We had dinner at The Brewhouse (great craft beers!) and then took a slow stroll around the marina at around 11 PM. Even at this hour, there were still plenty of people out and about, including families with kids. We felt perfectly safe, though we did keep an extra eye on our belongings as a precaution.

Marina must-dos:

• Take a water taxi to Lover's Beach and the Arch (negotiate the price beforehand!)
• Enjoy some people-watching and live music at Cabo Wabo Cantina
• Indulge in some seriously fresh seafood at Lorenzillo's

Is the Marina Safe? YES (but keep an eye on your wallet in crowded areas)

Downtown Cabo San Lucas

Venture a few blocks away from the Marina, and you'll find yourself in downtown Cabo. This is where you'll get a taste of local life beyond the tourist hotspots.

During the day, downtown Cabo is a hive of activity. We loved exploring the side streets, popping into local shops, and practicing our terrible Spanish with patient shopkeepers. The main square, Plaza Amelia Wilkes, is a great spot to sit and watch the world go by.

At night, the vibe changes. While it's not unsafe, per se, it definitely requires a bit more caution. The streets are less crowded, and some areas can be poorly lit. We stuck to the main streets and more populated areas when out after dark.

One afternoon, I (Alex) decided to explore solo while Sarah was working. I wandered into a local market off the main drag and had a moment of "am I okay here?" But my worries were unfounded - the locals were friendly and seemed more amused by my attempts at Spanish than anything else.

Downtown discoveries:

• Best tacos al pastor: Tacos Guss (cheap, delicious, and packed with locals - always a good sign)
• Coolest local art: Galeria Golden Cactus
• Best coffee: Bola del Café (their cold brew saved us from many a tequila-induced headache)

Is Downtown Cabo Safe? YES, but exercise extra caution at night

The Corridor

The Corridor is the 20-mile stretch of highway connecting Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo. It's lined with luxury resorts and stunning beaches. While we didn't stay in this area, we did spend a day exploring.

Safety-wise, The Corridor feels like its own little bubble. Most of the beaches are attached to resorts, which means they come with an extra layer of security. We never felt unsafe, but we also didn't get the same local vibe we enjoyed in Cabo San Lucas proper.

We rented a car for our Corridor adventure (more on transportation safety later), which gave us the freedom to beach-hop. Just be aware that many beaches along the Corridor have strong currents and aren't suitable for swimming.

Corridor highlights:

• Chileno Beach: Great for snorkeling and one of the few swimmable beaches on the Corridor
• Sunset drinks at Esperanza Resort (splurge alert, but worth it for the views)
• A quick peek at the famous One&Only Palmilla (we felt underdressed just driving by!)

Is The Corridor Safe? YES (it's probably the most secure area in Cabo)

Pedregal

Pedregal is the Beverly Hills of Cabo - a ritzy hillside neighborhood filled with luxury villas and high-end resorts. While we didn't stay here (champagne taste on a beer budget, unfortunately), we did spend an afternoon exploring.

The entire neighborhood is gated with 24/7 security, so safety is top-notch. We had to show ID to enter, even though we were just visiting for the day. Once inside, we felt incredibly safe walking around. The streets are quiet and impeccably maintained.

The highlight of Pedregal is undoubtedly the views. We hiked up to the top of the hill (note: it's steep!) and were rewarded with panoramic vistas of Cabo and the Pacific Ocean. Just remember to bring water - that Cabo heat is no joke!

Pedregal picks:

• Sunset hike to the Pedregal lighthouse (free and fantastic views)
• Fancy dinner at El Farallon at the Waldorf Astoria (we didn't eat here, but we drooled over the menu)

Is Pedregal Safe? YES (possibly the safest area in all of Cabo)

San Jose del Cabo

While technically a separate town from Cabo San Lucas, many visitors make the trip to San Jose del Cabo for its more laid-back, authentic vibe. We dedicated a full day to exploring this charming town.

San Jose del Cabo feels noticeably different from its rowdier sister city. The pace is slower, the streets are quieter, and there's a much stronger sense of local culture. We felt very safe walking around, even as we wandered off the main tourist streets.

The highlight of San Jose del Cabo is undoubtedly the Art District. We visited on a Thursday night during the Art Walk (November through June) and were blown away by the lively yet laid-back atmosphere. Streets are closed to traffic, galleries stay open late, and there's live music on every corner.

San Jose del Cabo gems:

• Best farm-to-table meal: Flora Farms (make a reservation well in advance!)
• Coolest local market: San Jose del Cabo Organic Market (Saturdays only)
• Best art gallery: Galeria de Ida Victoria (the owner is a wealth of information about local artists)

Is San Jose del Cabo Safe? YES (we actually felt slightly safer here than in Cabo San Lucas)

Cabo San Lucas by Foot

One of the best ways to really get a feel for a place is to explore it on foot, and we did plenty of that in Cabo. Overall, we felt very comfortable walking around most areas, but there were a few things we kept in mind:

1. Sidewalks can be uneven or nonexistent in some areas, so watch your step.
2. The heat can be intense, especially midday. We learned quickly to time our walks for morning or late afternoon.
3. Some areas are hilly (looking at you, Pedregal!), so wear comfortable shoes.

We felt safe walking during the day in all the areas we visited. At night, we were a bit more cautious. We stuck to well-lit, populated areas and avoided any dark, empty streets.

One evening, we decided to walk back to our hotel from a restaurant in the Marina area. It was about a 20-minute walk, and while we felt generally safe, there were a few poorly lit sections that made us a bit uneasy. In hindsight, we probably should have taken an Uber for that particular trip.

Speaking of which...

Cabo San Lucas by Uber

Uber is relatively new to Cabo, having arrived in 2018. We found it to be a safe, convenient, and affordable way to get around. Here's when we opted for Uber instead of walking:

• Airport transfers (it's a bit too far to walk!)
• Late-night returns to our hotel
• Trips to more distant areas like San Jose del Cabo
• When we were carrying beach gear or groceries
• One particularly sweltering afternoon when the thought of walking made us wilt

All our Uber experiences were positive. The cars were clean, the drivers were friendly, and we never felt unsafe. One driver even gave us some great local restaurant recommendations!

A few Uber safety tips:

• Always check that the license plate matches the one in the app
• Share your trip details with each other (or a friend back home) using the app's share feature
• Sit in the back seat if you're riding solo
• Trust your gut - if something feels off, don't get in the car

Final Thoughts

So, is Cabo San Lucas safe? Based on our experience, the answer is a resounding yes - with the usual caveats that apply to any tourist destination.

We never felt unsafe during our week in Cabo. The biggest risks we encountered were sunburn, the occasional aggressive timeshare salesperson, and the temptation to overindulge in margaritas and tacos (guilty as charged on that last one).

That said, we're not naive. Like any popular tourist destination, Cabo does have its share of petty crime, particularly in crowded areas. And while violent crime against tourists is rare, it's not unheard of.

The key, as with any travel, is to stay aware and use common sense. Here are our top safety tips for visiting Cabo:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
2. Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash
3. Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street
4. Be cautious with alcohol, especially if you're out alone
5. Respect beach warning flags - those currents can be dangerous!
6. Use reputable tour operators for any activities or excursions
7. Keep important documents and valuables in your hotel safe
8. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases - it can help in unexpected situations
9. Stay hydrated and use sun protection - the Cabo sun is intense
10. Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it

We'd also recommend getting travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. While we didn't need to use it, we felt better knowing we had that safety net.

Who Should Visit Cabo?

Based on our experience, we'd say Cabo is a great destination for:

• Couples looking for a romantic getaway
• Groups of friends wanting a fun beach vacation
• Families (many resorts have great kids' programs)
• Retirees (the pace can be as relaxed or as lively as you want)
• Solo travelers (though you might want to avoid spring break season)

Cabo might not be the best fit if you're looking for a deeply authentic Mexican cultural experience or if you're on a very tight budget - it is a tourist town, after all.

Would We Go Back?

Absolutely! We felt safe, welcomed, and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cabo. The combination of beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals make it a place we'd love to revisit.

In fact, we're already planning our next trip. There's still so much to explore - whale watching season, the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, more of those incredible sunsets...

So if you're on the fence about visiting Cabo San Lucas, we say go for it. Pack your sunscreen, bring your common sense, and prepare for a fantastic (and safe) Mexican adventure. Just save us some tacos, okay?

Additional Resources

For more information on safety and travel in Cabo San Lucas, check out these helpful resources:

• U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Information
• Los Cabos Tourism Board Safety Information
• TripAdvisor Baja California Forum
• Reddit r/cabo community

Remember, while we've shared our personal experiences and research, it's always a good idea to check the most current information before your trip. Safety situations can change, and staying informed is key to a worry-free vacation.

Happy travels, and enjoy Cabo!

About Us

We're Tobi and Sarah, a pair of digital nomads who tied the knot last year and decided to see the world while working remotely. With over 30 countries under our belts, we've developed a knack for balancing adventure with safety. And as self-proclaimed foodies, we're always on the hunt for the best local eats - without ending up with food poisoning, of course!

Our unique setup means we often split up during the day - one of us working while the other explores. This gives us a dual perspective on safety, both as a couple and as solo travelers. Plus, it means double the food recommendations. Win-win!