Is it Safe to Travel to Cabo? (Mexico Travel Advisory?)
Are you wondering if it’s safe to travel to Cabo? You’re in the right place! I have been to Cabo many times as well as booked numerous trips for clients.
Cabo San Lucas, located on the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, has become a popular tourist destination for many travelers.
With its all-inclusive resorts, pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and delicious food, it’s no wonder why this is one of the most sought-after destinations.
Cabo is a great place to get away as it is a short flight from the United States, and many American tourists flock to Cabo for spring break, honeymoons, and to escape cold winters.
But with any foreign travel destination comes the concern for safety. Especially Mexico. The US news is filled with reports of cartel violence and tourists getting caught in dangerous situations.
Thankfully, Cabo is generally a safe destination for tourists. The US Department of State advises travelers to “exercise normal precautions” when visiting the region, which means that it has the same risk levels as any other tourist destination.
In addition, Cabo has implemented several safety measures over the last few years to protect its visitors. It now has more police presence, increased security at its resorts and beaches, and more surveillance cameras installed around the city.
Of course, there are still potential risks associated with visiting any foreign destination, so it’s important to do your research and be aware of the potential dangers.
Be sure to use common sense and trust your instincts when making decisions about activities, transportation, and safety in Cabo San Lucas.
Mexico Travel Advisory 2024
Let’s address the elephant in the room right off the bat. If you live in the US you have undoubtedly been told that Mexico is unsafe. While this is certainly true for some locations, it doesn’t mean that ALL of Mexico is unsafe.
Did you know that other countries (such as Australia) have travel advisories for their citizens about traveling to the US? Certainly, there are dangerous areas in the US, and also lovely areas where travelers should feel safe visiting.
The same is true in Mexico. It’s all a matter of where you go, how you behave, and how you mitigate the risks.
State Department Travel Advisories look like this:
- Exercise Normal Precautions (blue)
- Exercise Increased Caution (yellow)
- Reconsider Travel (orange)
- Do Not Travel (red)
Places in Mexico you should consider not traveling to (2024) include:
- Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Guerrero state due to crime.
- Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Sinaloa state due to crime and kidnapping
- Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.
Places in Mexico you can travel and “exercise caution” :
- Aguascalientes state due to crime.
- Baja California Sur state due to crime.
- Chiapas state due to crime.
- Coahuila state due to crime.
- Hidalgo state due to crime.
- Mexico City due to crime.
- Mexico State due to crime.
- Nayarit state due to crime.
- Nuevo Leon state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Oaxaca state due to crime.
- Puebla state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Queretaro state due to crime.
- Quintana Roo state due to crime and kidnapping.
- San Luis Potosi state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Tabasco state due to crime.
- Tlaxcala state due to crime.
- Veracruz state due to crime.
You will notice that Baja California Sur State is on this list, and that is where Cabo San Lucas is located.
However, there is a disclaimer that while areas in the state have higher crime rates, the restrictions don’t apply to tourist areas in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz.
It’s also important to know that “Baja California” is the area surrounding the US border, and is listed as an orange-level advisory, this is not the same as “Baja California Sur” where Cabo is located.
🚨 You can always check with the US State Department to check current advisories
Cabo vs Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas is in the Municipality of Los Cabos. Los Cabos is a very large area and Cabo is a small part of it. While Cabo has resorts, nightlife, and some shopping areas, there are other parts of Los Cabos that you should avoid – particularly at night.
There are definitely areas of Los Cabos that you don’t want to go to, as they do have high crime rates and increased cartel activity.
San Jose del Cabo is also in Los Cabos and is safe for tourists too! In fact, San Jose del Cabo is where the airport (San Jose del Cabo International Airport) is located that you will fly into when vacationing in “Cabo”.
Is Cabo Safe?
Cabo is generally safe. Every city has petty crime, as well as isolated instances of major crimes and Cabo is no exception. However, violent crime is low in Cabo San Lucas and other popular tourist destinations in the area.
The key to being safe, in Cabo (and everywhere) is using common sense, minimizing risk, and being aware of your surroundings.
Travelers should be vigilant with personal safety, and use good judgment when it comes to transportation and activities while in Cabo San Lucas.
At night, it is not a good idea to walk around, especially alone. Taking a cab or traveling with a group is a better choice.
When drinking, everything becomes more dangerous. Your judgment is impaired, your reflexes are slower and these things can make you an easier target for crime. So, it’s best to drink responsibly and stay in public areas or with a group.
Know your limits with alcohol, don’t leave your drink unattended, and get a safe ride back to the resort.
Don’t buy or use drugs in Cabo. I have many clients that say they have been approached and offered drugs while vacationing in Cabo. While this can be annoying, or alarming, remember that this can happen anywhere.
We have been offered drugs in Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Belize, and Hawaii. My kids were offered drugs in Las Vegas (when they were 15 and 16) and daily in Seattle.
The point is, drugs aren’t a “Mexico problem”, drugs are a global problem. Don’t engage with those that are selling or using drugs.
Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry a lot of cash.
Stick to tourist areas, and avoid unlit areas.
Are Cabo Resorts Safe?
When it comes to resorts, Cabo San Lucas has no shortage of options. From luxury properties like The Resort at Pedregal to more budget-friendly options like the Riu Santa Fe, there’s something for everyone.
These resorts prioritize guest safety and security, and many offer 24-hour security and gated entrances.
You can spend your entire vacation within the safe boundaries of the resorts, especially those resorts that offer All-Inclusive amenities.
A few resorts, like RIU, have sister properties that you can visit which allows you to explore other resorts and areas while still remaining on “resort property”.
If you are nervous or concerned about safety in Cabo, you can stay at the resorts and have a wonderful vacation. However, I always recommend getting out and exploring the area, shopping at local shops, and eating at local restaurants.
Check with the concierge at your resort for recommendations on where you can safely explore.
Are the beaches safe in Cabo?
Now, let’s talk about the beaches. Cabo San Lucas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Playa del Amor and El Médano Beach.
With that being said, Cabo beaches are notoriously dangerous. They are not dangerous because of crime or marine life, but because of the dangerous currents and riptides that form along the coast.
Always pay attention to beach flags and posted signs. Learn how to spot riptides and know your limits in the water.
A good rule my dad always said is “Never turn your back on the ocean.” Don’t underestimate its power.
The waters around Cabo San Lucas are also a major draw for travelers. From snorkeling to scuba diving, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the underwater world.
Cabo is also a wonderful place to go whale watching! I highly recommend taking advantage of this experience if you can, it’s truly incredible.
Another favorite excursion in the Cabo waters is to go fishing. You can go on fishing trips for Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, Snappers, and more.
Is Food Safe in Cabo?
Let’s talk about the food. Cabo San Lucas is known for its delicious cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes. Be sure to try some of the local specialties like fish tacos, ceviche, and churros.
When it comes to food safety, I always recommend eating at restaurants that are busy and have a good reputation. Your hotel/resort can be another great resource for finding safe places to eat.
When I travel I like to eat at restaurants where I see locals eating, and I’ve always had good luck with that strategy.
Be wary of food from vendors that have been sitting in the sun, or may have not been prepared or handled with good hygiene.
Here’s a true story about food in Cabo:
My son (21) went to Cabo with his friends after college graduation. They stayed in an Airbnb and ate out for most meals. They were fine, happy, and healthy for most of the trip.
Then, my genius son went to the beach and ate oysters that a local fisherman had IN A BUCKET, IN THE SUN, that he opened WITH A KNIFE HE TOOK OUT OF THE BUCKET!
Needless to say, he got ridiculously sick and had to get medical attention.
The moral of the story, the food in Cabo is mostly fine but use good judgment.
Can you drink the Water in Cabo?
The short answer is: no. The water in Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding areas is not safe to drink, as it often contains high levels of bacteria.
I always recommend drinking bottled or filtered water while visiting Cabo and avoiding ice cubes in drinks if you can’t confirm the source of the ice.
Most resorts and restaurants will filter their water (and ice) because the locals do not drink the water either, and in that case, the water is perfectly fine to drink.
I will drink water and ice freely in resorts and larger restaurants and stick to bottles at street vendors and smaller establishments.
Should You Have Travel Insurance when Traveling to Mexico?
I recommend travel insurance no matter where you are traveling. It’s good practice to get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies as often your health insurance won’tƒ be accepted abroad.
✅ Check Travel Insurance Rates Here
A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Safe While Traveling in Cabo
Traveling to Cabo can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to keep your safety in mind. While this beautiful city offers plenty of adventures and stunning views, it’s crucial to be cautious and prepared for any situation.
To help you stay safe during your trip to Cabo, here are 10 tips to keep in mind:
1. Be aware of your surroundings.
Whether you’re walking around town or enjoying a night out, be conscious of the people and environment around you. Stay alert and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
2. Leave valuable items in your hotel room.
Avoid carrying expensive possessions such as jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash while exploring Cabo. Instead, keep these items secured in your hotel room or in a hotel safe.
3. Be cautious when using ATMs.
When using an ATM, choose one located in a well-lit area, and avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at once. Be sure to cover the keypad when entering your PIN and check for any suspicious devices attached to the machine.
4. Keep important documents and emergency contacts with you.
It’s important to have your passport, travel documents, and emergency contacts on hand at all times. Consider keeping a photocopy of these documents in a safe location in case you lose the original copies.
5. Avoid crowded spaces.
Mass gatherings can pose a safety risk, especially during holidays or festivals. Be cautious of large crowds and use extra care when navigating through them.
6. Use reputable transportation services.
Choose licensed taxi drivers or rideshare services rather than accepting rides from strangers. Review the vehicle before getting in and make sure it has a working seatbelt.
7. Don’t overindulge in alcohol
.Alcohol can impair judgment and increase the risk of getting into an accident or other dangerous situation. Be mindful of how much you drink, especially if you will be alone or with unfamiliar people.
8. Familiarize yourself with local emergency contacts.
Know the emergency contact numbers for the local police, hospital, embassy or consulate. It’s crucial to have these numbers on hand in case of an emergency.
9. Be cautious of water activities.
While Cabo is a popular destination for water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and boating, it’s essential to be cautious. Check weather conditions and only swim in areas that have a lifeguard on duty.
10. Use common sense.
Finally, use common sense and trust your intuition. If something feels off or unsafe, listen to your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.
In conclusion, while safety concerns are always a valid consideration when traveling, we hope this post has put your mind at ease when it comes to visiting Cabo San Lucas.
With its beautiful resorts, stunning beaches, and delicious food, it’s a destination that’s definitely worth considering for your next vacation. So pack your bags and get ready to experience all that Cabo San Lucas has to offer!
