Best Beaches in Cabo San Lucas
From the famous Arch to Lover’s Beach — where to spend your port day.
Medano Beach
The main swimmable beach in Cabo, lined with beach clubs and restaurants, close to the marina.
Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor)
Accessible only by boat, tucked beneath El Arco, with calmer Sea of Cortez water on one side.
Santa Maria Beach
A protected cove good for snorkeling, roughly a 15-minute drive from the port.
Chileno Beach
A quieter, less crowded snorkeling beach with calm, clear water.
Tip: Medano Beach is walkable from the tender/port area; Lover’s Beach requires a short water-taxi ride from the marina.
Cabo Beaches Compared
| Beach | Swimming | Getting There | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medano Beach | Yes, generally calm | Walk or short water taxi from the tender pier | Beach clubs, water sports, convenience |
| Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) | Sea of Cortez side only | Water taxi or glass-bottom boat past El Arco | Iconic scenery, photos |
| Divorce Beach | No — dangerous surf | Walk across from Lover’s Beach | Views only |
| Chileno Bay | Yes, great snorkeling | About 20–25 minutes by taxi | Families, snorkelers |
| Santa Maria Bay | Yes, protected cove | Taxi or snorkel cruise | Snorkeling, quieter day |
| Playa Palmilla | Yes, calm | Taxi toward San José del Cabo | Relaxed, local feel |
Safety note: Many Pacific-facing Cabo beaches have strong currents and steep drop-offs. Swim only where it’s known to be safe and obey warning flags.
Planning Your Cabo Beach Day
- Most ships anchor and tender guests into the marina, so allow extra time getting ashore.
- Water taxis from the marina to Lover’s Beach are inexpensive; agree on a pickup time.
- Beach clubs on Medano charge a minimum spend or entry fee for loungers and umbrellas.
- Snorkel cruises to Santa Maria and Chileno often include gear and drinks, a good value for families.
- In winter (roughly December–April), watch for humpback whales just offshore.