Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? 9 Things to Be Careful Of [2023]

Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? That’s a question many travelers ask before booking their next vacation in Los Cabos. After all, safety is paramount when it comes to traveling. 

To ensure a worry-free and secure trip, it’s important to be aware of potential safety hazards and how to avoid them. In this article, I will highlight nine things you should be careful of and safety tips to keep in mind while you travel to Cabo San Lucas.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy all that this beautiful destination has to offer while minimizing the risks when traveling to Cabo San Lucas.

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Is Cabo San Lucas Safe to Travel to Right Now?

Los Cabos, which includes Cabo San Lucas and its neighboring town of San Jose del Cabo, is a stunning area in the Baja California Sur state of Mexico. Offering a unique mix of desert landscapes, stunning beaches, and clear waters, Cabo San Lucas attracts adventure seekers and beach lovers alike, making it one of the most popular spring break destinations in Mexico. 

The U.S State Department issued a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory for travelers to Baja California Sur state of Mexico (including Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz). This is the same advisory level as France and Spain. 

Even though Cabo San Lucas is relatively safe and considered one of the safest cities in Mexico, crime can happen, just like any other tourist destination. The local authorities have implemented safety measures, but it’s important for you to take precautions to ensure your safety.

9 Things to Be Careful of in Cabo San Lucas & Safety Tips

Situated at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is widely regarded as a top destination for spring break in Mexico. However, there are important things to keep in mind when visiting, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

1. Timeshare Presentation

If you are planning to visit Cabo San Lucas, you might be offered free transportation or tours at an incredibly low cost or even for free in exchange for a 90-minute timeshare presentation. However, what you think is a 90-minute presentation can end up lasting much longer.

These presentations are a high-pressure sales pitch, and you may end up losing at least half of your day. Sometimes, you may be stuck for up to 11 hours listening to different sales representatives who will try to convince you to buy a vacation membership.

The promoters will lure you with a free breakfast and take you on a tour of a fancy resort, but be prepared to face intense sales pressure. They may even offer you a “discounted” price if you buy immediately, but unless you can commit to thousands of dollars (in most cases, between $20,000 to $30,000), you will end up wasting your valuable vacation time.

So unless you’re genuinely interested in buying a timeshare membership, it’s best to decline the offer of a 90-minute presentation.

If you’re interested in doing a timeshare presentation, grab this guide to learn how to get out of a timeshare presentation fast!

2. Street Crime

Cabo San Lucas is a relatively safe destination; however, street crime is still prevalent, and tourists need to be cautious. Pickpocketing is a common occurrence, and thieves often target tourists carrying valuable items like cameras, wallets, and mobile phones.

To avoid being a victim of pickpocketing, you should keep your valuables in a safe place, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and use a money belt to keep your money and passport safe.

The best way to avoid street crime is to stay vigilant, especially when walking in unfamiliar areas, and avoid walking alone at night. It’s also crucial to be aware of your surroundings and to keep your valuables in a secure place.

3. Natural Hazards 

Hurricane season runs from June to November, and while most of the stormy weather occurs in September, it’s essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast during this period. The worst that typically happens is a few days of high winds and waves, but you should follow local weather updates and have a plan in case of an emergency.

You should also watch out for strong currents, and be careful when participating in water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Follow your tour guide or only swim in designated areas.

4. Alcohol-related Incidents

Alcohol-related incidents can be a concern in Cabo San Lucas, particularly in the popular nightlife areas.

First of all, it’s crucial to be aware of the legal drinking age in Mexico. Some restaurants are bars may not check identification, but you should always be prepared to show your ID card and avoid underage drinking.

Remember to drink responsibly and be aware of the effects of alcohol. It’s important to know your limits and avoid excessive drinking, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Also be mindful of accepting drinks from strangers, as these items could be spiked or otherwise dangerous. It is best to only consume items from trusted sources.

5. Car Rental Insurance Scams

Purchasing car insurance in advance with a reputable company can help you avoid insurance scams when renting a car in Mexico. I learned this the hard way and wasted a lot of time any money.

Also, be sure adhere to all local driving laws, drive defensively, and keep your eyes open for potholes or other hazards on the road. In addition, it’s essential that you wear your seatbelt at all times while driving in Mexico and never drive under the influence of alcohol.

6. Sun Safety

Sun safety is an essential consideration for visitors to Cabo San Lucas. The strong UV rays can cause sunburn and dehydration. It’s important to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Use a high-quality sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and be sure to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Remember that the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so plan outdoor activities accordingly.

7. Accommodation Safety

Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers, ranging from all-inclusive resorts to downtown hotels. When it comes to travel safety, all-inclusive resorts can be a great option due to the increased security measures they implement.

These resorts have many security guards monitoring access and preventing non-guests from entering the premises. Additionally, all-inclusive resorts typically include all meals and entertainment, reducing the need to venture outside the resort after dark. This makes it easier for travelers to stay safe while enjoying their holiday in Cabo San Lucas.

8. Food Safety

Another important consideration for travelers to Cabo San Lucas is food safety. While the city is known for its delicious cuisine, it’s important to take precautions to avoid getting sick. One of the most basic and crucial steps is to avoid drinking tap water.

The tap water in Cabo San Lucas is not safe for consumption and can contain harmful bacteria and parasites. It’s important to only drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth or washing fruits and vegetables.

In addition to avoiding tap water, it’s also recommended to be cautious when it comes to street food and food from roadside vendors. To reduce the risk of food poisoning, it’s best to stick to restaurants and cafes that have a good reputation and to ask for recommendations from locals or hotel staff.

9. Stay Connected

Making sure your phone will work in Mexico while traveling to Cabo San Lucas is important for a number of reasons, but one of the most crucial is to ensure that you have access to emergency services if needed.

Accidents and emergencies can happen at any time, and having a reliable way to contact emergency services such as the police, fire department, or ambulance can mean the difference between life and death. A working phone can also allow you to quickly contact your embassy or consulate if you’re in need of assistance.

In addition to emergency situations, having a working phone in Mexico can also be helpful in everyday situations. For example, if you get lost or need directions, having a phone with GPS can be a lifesaver.

Cabo San Lucas Travel FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

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