Many Los Cabos beaches are not safe for swimming, especially on the Pacific side and in San José del Cabo, where currents are strong. The calm, swimmable spots are mostly protected bays on the Sea of Cortez: Chileno Bay, Santa María Bay, Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Palmilla, the beach at Hilton Los Cabos and the long beach at Costa Palmas. For photos, swimmable water means families and couples can be in the shallows instead of only on the sand.
The first thing families ask us about Los Cabos is whether the children can go in the water. The honest answer: at some beaches yes, at many no. It matters for safety first, and for photographs second, because water in the frame changes the whole session.
The Calm, Swimmable Beaches
- Chileno Bay: a protected cove on the Corridor, known for snorkeling. See our Chileno Bay guide.
- Santa María Bay: a horseshoe bay with calm, shallow water, home to Montage Los Cabos.
- Médano Beach: the main beach of Cabo San Lucas, busy and lively, with El Arco to the south.
- Palmilla: the beach at One&Only Palmilla, near San José.
- Hilton Los Cabos: one of the few swimmable beaches on the Corridor. See our Hilton guide.
- Costa Palmas: a long, calm beach on the East Cape at Four Seasons.
Conditions change with the season and the swell. Always check the flag on the day, and ask the resort.
Beaches to Admire, Not Swim
The Pacific side, including the beaches at Pedregal, Diamante and Quivira, has strong currents and heavy surf, and the resorts there tell guests to swim in the pools. The long beach of San José del Cabo also has strong currents. These are some of the most beautiful sunset beaches in Los Cabos, and we photograph on them often, but from the sand.
What It Means for Your Photos
On a calm bay, a family session can include children splashing in the shallows and parents holding them up at the waterline, which gives the most natural, joyful frames. On a surf beach, we use the waves as a backdrop, keep everyone dry and choose moments between sets. Both work beautifully; they simply look different, so choose with that in mind. Our Los Cabos family photography page shows both.
Practical Tips
- Bring a dry change of clothes if you plan to get in the water during the session.
- Light fabrics dry fast; avoid anything that turns see-through when wet.
- On calm bays, the last hour before sunset is also when the water is warmest to stand in.