Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Cabo San Lucas is located in the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico.
It is a beautiful location for tourists, with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
It is known for its nightlife and water-based activities, such as diving, fishing, and snorkeling.
This resort town rates as one of the top 5 tourist destinations in Mexico.
As many as 3 million tourists come through this location each year – especially by cruise.
Many celebrities vacation in or have homes in Cabo San Lucas.
Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, you may be wondering how safe this area is to visit.
Many hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions are still open for business and located relatively close together.
You’ll be perfectly safe if you stay in areas that have a lot of tourists during your visit to Cabo San Lucas.
Warnings & Dangers in Cabo San Lucas
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
In recent years, the country of Mexico has been going through a tough time with drug-related violence and cartel warfare. However, people from all around the world travel safely to Cabo every year. The most common crimes are petty theft and pickpocketing. Most crimes don’t affect tourists as long as they take the proper precautions. As with anywhere else in the world, take basic precautions to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
In Cabo San Lucas, there are a lot of tourist attractions close together. It is very unlikely that you would need to take a taxi from one end of the city to another - but if you do, make sure it is legitimate. Make sure you negotiate the taxi fee beforehand as well. Don’t hail a taxi on the street as it is too risky. Ride services including Uber and Lyft are reliable options for traveling in Cabo San Lucas, as well as taxis from the airport. Use hotel transport if you can. Don't use public transportation though.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
If you go on public transport, there is a high risk for pickpockets. You can be a target as a tourist in this area - especially if you wear flashy items. It is best to just avoid public transport here.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Cabo San Lucas is in an area where there might be earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes. It has low earthquake activity and no major fault lines nearby to generate big earthquakes. Suggested action about natural disasters like tsunamis or earthquakes: Avoid low-lying coastal areas during periods of heavy rain. Take care when swimming as there are strong currents.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Cabo San Lucas is a relatively safe city to travel to, and there is a low risk of being mugged or assaulted. However, it's always best to be aware of your surroundings and not to walk around alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
There is a very low risk of terrorism in Cabo San Lucas. The city is located quite a distance from any known terrorist hotspots, and there have been no major incidents reported in recent years.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
As with any other tourist destination, there are certain scams that you need to watch out for in Cabo San Lucas. The most common is the "grandparent scam". In this scam, someone will contact you pretending to be a relative who is in trouble and needs money urgently.Be very wary of any requests for money from anyone you have not met in person before. Virtual kidnapping is a big concern for parents whose children are traveling alone in Cabo San Lucas. This type of kidnapping scam is when a call is made to you demanding ransom. If you take a taxi, make sure you pay a fair price. Only use legal taxis, so you won't get ripped off.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women traveling alone in Cabo San Lucas should take a few extra precautions to stay safe- as they should anywhere. Avoid walking around at night, and try to stick to well-lit, populated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and always have your belongings close to you. When reviewing crime stats, crimes against women in Cabo San Lucas have the lowest rates.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
If you want to drink water in Cabo San Lucas, it's best to stick to bottled water. The tap water is not safe to drink and can make you sick. The water throughout Mexico is not good to drink and often contains contaminants and bacteria.
Safest Places to Visit in Cabo San Lucas
When you come to Cabo San Lucas, the tourist areas along the waterfront are the best spots.
These areas are well-lit and usually have a lot of people around, so you’re less likely to be targeted by criminals.
Parts of downtown Cabo San Lucas can also be safe to visit, but don’t walk around alone at night.
If you are staying at a resort, try to stay within the resort grounds.
The resorts are well-lit, have security patrols, and are much safer than off-resort areas.
Places to Avoid in Cabo San Lucas
When swimming in the sea, be aware of crocodiles in Cabo San Lucas.
These large reptiles are often found near the water’s edge and can be dangerous if you get too close.
Do not swim on the Pacific side of the coast due to harsh tides and dangerous currents.
Sharks have also been sighted.
Also, avoid street vendors selling drinks as they may be selling tap water instead of fresh, clean water bottles.
Avoid any areas off the beaten path alone and at night.
If lost or if someone is trying to sell you something, ask for help at the nearest hotel or tourist information booth.
You should avoid going to San Jose Del Cabo – which is easy for tourists to do.
It is mainly a residential area – and the region most crime occurs in.
This area is a 30-minute bus ride away from the resort town of Cabo San Lucas.
So you won’t be close enough to experience the danger there.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Cabo San Lucas
- Stay aware of your surroundings – lookout for someone following or watching you. Stay in groups whenever possible. If you have to be on your own, avoid walking past dark alleyways or deserted streets.
- Do not show the locals that you are carrying a lot of money when in Cabo San Lucas. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and keep valuable items such as cameras and cell phones hidden in public places like bars and clubs.
- Be cautious around strangers – if someone is trying hard to sell something, it may be a rouse for them to steal from you instead. Do not accept any drinks offered by strangers at night, and never leave your drink unattended while partying in Cabo San Lucas.
- Be careful when traveling to Cabo San Lucas by car – locals have been involved in smash-and-grab robberies behind the freeway near downtown.
- Do not leave your valuables unattended or visible inside of shops or businesses in Cabo San Lucas. If you must leave something behind, ask an employee if they will hold onto it for you until you return.
- Be careful of taxis. Make sure you only use legitimate ones. Aim for Uber or hotel shuttles instead.
- Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs in Cabo San Lucas – do not allow anyone to distract you while withdrawing money and conceal your PIN from view. If someone is closely observing you, cancel the transaction and head to another machine.
- Watch out for dangerous animals – especially crocodiles – when swimming or hiking near the water’s edge in Cabo San Lucas; these animals can often be found roaming around the area.
- Never leave your drinks unattended while enjoying a night out in Cabo San Lucas, as there have been cases of tourists being drugged and robbed. Beware of accepting drinks from strangers or being close to anyone who may be trying to drug you.
- Be sure to familiarize yourself with the areas that you will be visiting in Cabo San Lucas before departing on your trip, to avoid any dangerous situations. Following these tips will help ensure that your vacation goes smoothly and without any unfortunate incidents.
So... How Safe Is Cabo San Lucas Really?
There are some frightening tales of people who have gone to Cabo San Lucas for vacation and never returned home.
These stories typically involve the local drug cartels, which are extremely dangerous.
However, you won’t encounter cartel activity in your resort or tourist area.
To avoid physical or virtual kidnapping ( a big problem here), be careful about where you travel within the city.
Keep your personal information guarded.
Avoid walking through dark alleys or desolate streets during nighttime hours when possible.
There is also a high level of crime related to theft in Cabo San Lucas.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching are an issue.
It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to not leave any valuable belongings unguarded – especially in crowded places or when traveling by car.
While crime against women is relatively low here, there have also been reports of sexual assaults against tourists.
Thousands of tourists still visit each year and enjoy a variety of attractions and activities, such as visiting the beautiful beaches or partying at clubs and bars.
However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and stay as close to the resort tourist area as possible.
How Does Cabo San Lucas Compare?
City | Safety Index |
---|---|
Cabo San Lucas | 68 |
Playa del Carmen | 69 |
Acapulco | 63 |
Cancun | 71 |
Guadalajara | 62 |
Mexico City | 45 |
Merida | 78 |
Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
Melbourne (Australia) | 80 |
Montreal (Canada) | 81 |
Useful Information
Visas
Mexico usually allows Americans to stay for up to six months on an approved cost-free Visa. You can get the visa on arrival.
Currency
The currency of Mexico is the peso. 20 pesos are equal to one US dollar. You can use your credit card in most major cities in Mexico, but it is best to carry cash. Some places may accept US dollars, but Pesos are best.
Weather
Temperatures in Cabo San Lucas only range between hot and warm. The summers are long, hot, stuffy, and mostly overcast, while the winters are pleasant, dry, and partly overcast. The temperature fluctuates between 61°F and 91°F with rare dips below 56°F or rises above 96°.
Airports
The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas.
Travel Insurance
Come to Cabo San Lucas with some type of travel insurance for both health and property protection. It is best to protect yourself in case of food-borne illness, animal stings, or theft.
Cabo San Lucas Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High °C | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 29 | 26 |
Low °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
High °F | 77 | 79 | 81 | 82 | 86 | 88 | 91 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 84 | 79 |
Low °F | 57 | 57 | 59 | 61 | 64 | 68 | 75 | 77 | 75 | 72 | 64 | 59 |
My experience was horrendous on this “beautiful place”. I was victimized and had a very traumatic event happen with me and my friends. Cabo San Lucas is not safe and won’t be. I’ll make sure everyone knows.
Hi, what and when?
Lexi, can you share how your robbery happened for context? Did you go out late at night clubbing, or get robbed on the streets while shopping in broad daylight? Was is on an excursion? I realize it may be hard to think about it. But the context will truly help others much better.
Thank you for considering sharing more detail.
PLEASE SHARE EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED…WE NEED TO BE READY IF WE
VISIT……THANK YOU……N
Cabo very unsafe
That’s according to an annual study by a Mexico City-based advocacy group, the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice (CCPSCJ), which tracks murders in cities around the world that are not at war.
Its findings show that in 2017, Los Cabos had a higher per capita homicide rate than any other city in the world, increasing by 500 per cent from the previous year to 365 killings. While last year’s figures are expected to see a fall from 2017’s record high, El Universal newspaper reports this may be down to local businesses contributing millions of pesos towards housing federal police now deployed in Los Cabos.
Stay safe when safe
Cabo is where ‘cartel’ bosses have their ‘vacation’ homes! Thats why, as opposed to any major city in the U.S. crime in Los Cabos is negliglible at best! Next time go vacation in Anaheim with a week-long pass in Disneyland.
“Los Cabos” is NOT Cabos San Lucas. That’s like comparing the south side of Chicago to rural Illinois.
Question on where was bad experience.
Thanks Lexi. Please fill us in on a few details …like did you go clubbing or was it at a resort etc? Very sorry for you bad experience.
It’s a review of Lexie
Lexie,
Why have you given Cabo SL 4 out of 5 stars and why haven’t you’ve expounded upon your experience? If you want to inform other travelers,
I’m sure it’s for their safety. Please fill in the details and answer travelers’ questions.
LOVE CABO
WE LOVE CABO we have been 5 times , we stay downtown and walk everywhere . Day and night.
Reply to Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn,
What date is the last time you stayed in Cabo, and which resorts do you recommend? There is a post above that says it is very dangerous!
I have a condo in Cabo and go down about six times a year. Quite often I’m with a girl friend not my husband. I have never had any problems day or night. You do exactly like you would in let’s say Seattle. Stay on the main well lit streets at night, don’t get drunk and do stupid things. People there are very friendly and helpful. You can use Uber but do not order them to pick up at your hotel, walk up the road and make sure your Uber app matches the license of car picking you up. They get fined if they come to hotel. The taxi drivers don’t like Uber guys and they can’t pick up at the airport.
Im Going soon, is it safe?
Hi, I’m going to Cabo in April with my sister and a male friend. Are we safe? and what tips would you give us. We live in AZ.
but you gave it 4 stars…..weird
Why rate it 4 stars
That's Lame ~ We Have Fun!
Wow! I’m so sorry to hear this. 🙁 We’ve been going to Cabo almost yearly for over 20 years and have never had a real negative experience. Hopefully you will return one day and find some peace there.
Recommend
Thinking of going. Where do you stay?
Hah hah hah hah! Lived here for over 8 years and the only “victims” we’ve seen are the obvious. Which always end up everywhere…even in L.A., Seattle or East Bumbphuc, Wisconsin!
Need Dates!!!
Where are the dates on these comments?
How is one supposed to know how current they are?
WTF
Cabo is great
I have been visiting cabo for 23 years. I have enjoyed bringing my whole family. 3 girls and my beautiful wife. I have been there 6 times. We leave tomorrow for cabo for a family get together. I have always had a feeling of safety there. The locals are the nicest people I have met. You are treated like royalty. I have traveled many places as my wife was a travel agent for over a 10 years. I love cabo! I do live in Alaska though. Anyways that’s my 2 cents
Hi Dan. I’ll be going to Cabo in Nov. Any recommendations for family activities? I wanna move to Homer in 2022. How do you like it in AK?
We have been going to Cabo San Lucas every year since 2007 for 1 to 2 weeks.
The marina and areas within 3 to 5 blocks of the marina are safe.
We walk the areas, both during the day and at night, without any incidents.
Like any city, one always needs to be aware of his/her surroundings.
Recommendations:
1) do not drive a rental vehicle.
2)if you want a taxi, have your resort get one for you.
3) do not wear expensive jewelry and watches (better not to even wear them).
4) be respectful of Mexico’s culture — do not be loud or abusive.
5) avoid wading on the Pacific coast – strong undertow – very dangerous.
6) use sunscreen and,
7) most importantly, relax and have fun.
Based on personal interests, great shopping opportunities.
A few restaurants worth enjoying (there are several):
El Farallon (around $200 per couple but outstanding location in Pedregal on the Pacific – great food – this is a must location.
Baja Brewing CO located on the 9th floor roof top of Cachet Beach Club overlooking the Arch and entrance to the marina (beautiful views) – another must location, Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant (located off one of the side streets – get a table in the balcony area) – large servings, Squid Roe — fun place in the evening – good food – set back and enjoy the servers and, if you want, dance on your chair or the area behind your booth, Cabo Wabo for dancing and live entertainment — the crowd changes throughout the evening.
Need help planning my vacation
Hi, I’m traveling there in April for the first time with my husband. I was just wondering why you do not recommend driving a rental. What would you say is the best beach to swim at since you mention not to swim in the pacific area. Somebody told me that there’s no lifeguards on the beaches except at some of the areas where the hotels are located. I can swim, but not the best. All the info you have before it greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hi Jessy
We are here now and we rented a car. All the trip advisor forums state it is completely safe and so far we feel safe as well.
Cabo is absolutely AMAZING
My husband and I flew to Cabo San Lucas Nov 2018 for a week. Had a fabulous time. Stayed at the Marina Fiesta Resort all inclusive. Very secure resort. Staff was wonderful. They work hard to make sure all your needs are met. Tip , Tip and Tip. Walked around the Marina during the day and evening, did not feel threatened. Will be heading out there again in Nov 2019 with our family and grand-children. If you stay aware of your surroundings , use common sense and if you feel like something isn’t right than chances are it’s not. Enjoy, be smart and most of all relax.
We are going to Cabo in August this year, it will be our 9th year. We have walked around downtown Cabo at night and have never felt scared or threatened. The people in general are nice. Will keep going back.
LOVE CABO, DON'T HESITATE TO GO
We have been going to Cabo since about 2006. Never had any problems there regarding safety or crime. We stay in the corridor and have traveled freely to San Jose, Todo Santos, Cerritos Beach, and LaPaz. No trouble anywhere and we do always rent a car. We are not prone to just sitting in a resort, so we do move around the area frequently to experience more than our excellent resort. We find the people there very pleasant and friendly. We will be returning in 2020 again without any concerns (at least at this time). Surely there is crime there, but from what we have seen, it is no different, and probably better, than any city in California.
Reply question
Hey Mdzee, what insurance did you buy when you rented the car? Thank you
Cabo is great
I have been frequenting Cabo since 1989. I travel there at least once a year. I have never seen nor had a problem in 30 years. I went down w my kids for many years. No issues. The worst I saw was kids selling Mota (weed) downtown. For me, it’s a very safe destination, certainly for Mexico.
Love Cabo
Been going to Cabo for at least 15 years….almost every year. Bought in to the Villa Group and usually stay at Del Arco. I have been fishing there at least 15 times. I have walked back several times at 1 or 2am from Cabo Wabo’s without any incidents. Sure I’ve been asked if I want to buy drugs and kids trying to sell you stuff. So far….no problems.
We also bought into villa group and stay at Villa Del Arco. We’ve been going to Cabo for 15 years and have never had any incidents or issues. All the locals there work very hard to make you happy. Love Cabo!
We both loved it!
It was perfect! The weather was just right and the resort was everything I had hoped for. If you don’t do well in scorching heat opt for May-June, the weather is spot on. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, we will come back for sure.
Car rental company extorted money, about $160, by saying a factory blem/bubble on a tire was caused by us as we drove from our hotel to Cabo airport to return to states. Even one rental worker tried to tell boss it was factory defect. He would have none of it. Had us cornered because we had plane to catch. Also a lady in our group of four had money extorted from her married daughter’s family in Cabo or Vallarta. Getting off excursion boat, parents and kids, the dad was quietly threatened, told his family to get off the boat and he stayed behind to pay the bribe/extortion fee for the families safety. Maybe was only family on that boat. I would say Cabo is probably safe in resorts and daylight main down town areas and hopefully on large group excursions. Just be warned, better safe, than sorry. You are always safe, until you are not, and then it is too late. I have traveled to the main tourist spots in Mexico and stayed in Morelia Mexico with a Mexican family once for 5 weeks. I love the humble Mexican people and the beauty of their beaches and resorts. But with the influences of crime, murders, drugs, cartels, zetas, bribery, corruption, there are reasons you see signs that say ” Pray for Mexico”.
Good advice.
I don’t rent from local companies anywhere, regardless of the cost differential.
Even then, I was extorted by car rental companies in Barcelona, and years ago, in Italy.
Not surprised this happens in Mexico, too.
Same with me! They said they would keep my 15 year old daughter as collateral until I came back with $440!!!! Be very careful renting a car out here they are cartel owned.
Why?
They held your 15 year old daughter for a $440.00 ransom and you gave four stars? Why four stars and what’s your guess as to why they didn’t go for $450 or even $500?
Im Going soon, is it safe?
when was this?
Joe Mama
not funny. didnt laugh
BE CAREFUL
Hi there. I advise you to stay in the resorts for your own safety. I went there for vacation and stayed in cheap AirBNBs. I ended up getting extorted and trafficked there by many of the locals. I was stuck there for four months before finally going to the consulate located on the marina. Be wary of the folks on the marina offering you ‘special prices’ for various activities, such as fishing, water taxis, glass bottom boats, tours of the city, camel riding, etc. Most of them are just trying to get your cash and rarely show up for the tours and activities that they are offering you. Also, if you on the market for any all-inclusive packages with resorts or timeshares, please be careful not to disclose that information to the activities salesmen on the marina, they will offer you a number of different resorts with the promises of cash or free activities, but it is just another way for them to get to know you and extort you. Stay away from the restaurant called The Sleepless Lobster, the folks there are particularly good at getting tourists to buy girls and drugs from them by luring you in with free tequila shots and the promise of a good time.
If you want to go to Cabo, chances are you will be safe if you stay at a resort and utilize the amentities those places offer. There are plenty of good people there who will treat you well and who will not extort you. However, do be aware that there are plenty of people who are actively trying to get use you, too. Keep your phones and valuables close to you or keep them in safes at the resorts. Do not trust any of the activity sellers on the marina even if they are the smoothest talkers and stellar salesmen. Many of them are very good at it, and even though they may show you pamphlets and magazines with legitimate-looking activities to sell you, if they are giving you extremely lower prices than what those pamphlets say, chances are that they are not actually working for the companies on those pamphlets and are just trying to get as much cash out of you as quickly as possible. Please be careful, and enjoy your vacation.
My wife and I have gone to Cabo for at least one week each of the past 13 years. We walk anywhere and everywhere, and other than a few of the locals trying to sell trinkets, we have never been hassled or made to feel unsafe, anytime of the day or night.
Love Cabo
We have a timeshare in Cabo. Watched the city grow from a small town with sandy streets to what it is today. When we first went to Cabo you could know just about everyone in the city by the second day and the people treated you like family. Never had a problem. We go out at night and walk back to the timeshare. Most people very kind. We rent a car in the states and and pick it up at the airport. We have traveled outside of Cabo to La Paz, Todos Santos, Los Barriles, Cabo Pulmo and San José del Cabo. Never had any trouble driving. Driving from the airport to Cabo is a lovely drive with an ocean view. You pass through many small towns. Now, it also has a lot of US stores. Walmart, Builder Square etc. Like any where you need to use common sense.
What company do you typically use to rent a car?
We have gone to Cabo for many years and have created many relationships with people there and have never had a problem, not saying that it can’t happen but it never has . We don’t go clubbing at night , we do go to the marina and we eat there , we also use the same boat owner every time we rent a boat . People have been wonderful and fun .
Boats
Any chance you’d share the boat owner? Going in Sept again & in the past have experienced the off season closed signs so would love to have any inside info. Thanks 😊
Been going to Cabo for over 10 years, never any problems. Just dont get drunk and stupid. Buying a condo there in a few weeks. Greatest place on earth!
Hi Carri,
I am interested to buy a Condo too in Cabo. What do you do when you are not there in Mexico. Do you rent it. Is it a good investment? Thank you.
A friend of ours bought a condo there and after visiting them we are buying the condo net door.
Water deliveries
Check out water service to condo .you might need delivery service . Meaning you could be out of water some times.
Your life is worth more than an inexpensive vacation
it has the number one homicide rate in all of Mexico for a reason. better safe than sorrry.
We Loved Cabo. We had an Amazing time. Cabo was everything we expected it to be and then some. If you haven’t been, you’re missing a treat!
Drugged, robbed, assaulted
Been going to Cabo for 6 years with no problems until this year. Got drugged from a bar at the marina and robbed. Sexual assault was being lined up when policía came around the corner.
Cabo is great to visit unless you get targeted and drugged for robbery or sexual assault.
Traveler beware, the police extort money from travelers who make simple traffic mistakes! My daughter drove on a quiet one way street and the police extorted $157 US dollars from her and her travel mate. The money was obviously never used to pay a fine and was pocketed by the police.
I would never travel to a place where you cannot trust the people who are supposed to be protecting you from criminals when they are criminals themselves. STAY AWAY!!!
Squid row is.taking young teens hostage for money extorted from the parents
Has happened to two groups my daughter knows from UCSB be careful
Safer here than in the States!
My wife & I go down to Cabo every 4 to six weeks to help our real estate clients with second homes & vacation properties. We feel safer here than Anywhere in the States! Keep in mind that if you go looking for trouble, you will find it ANYWHERE! Don’t do stupid stuff or act a fool & you’ll be fine! The people here are some of the kindest, caring and most grateful that I’ve ever seen! They work their butts off for peanuts to provide world class service at all the resorts and restaurants unlike anything you experience in the states! Closing on our Vacation Home Soon with a rooftop firepit, jacuzzi & ocean view! It’s paradise on earth down here!
Don't act like an A**!
I have been to Cabo at least 8 times and have never had a problem. My mother-in -law has a time share at Villa del Arco. We did get T-Boned one time on the way to the airport to go home but we just pulled the car over to a gas station. It was a big box truck that did it but we were all fine. He wanted money but an Aussie pulled over and told us that it was the rental car companies responsibility since we had full insurance and we didn’t have time to screw around as our flights were leaving soon so we just called a cab and bailed. We have never been ripped off, assaulted, nothing like that We walked all over that town, Squid Roe all the places. If you act like a drunk asshole you might get treated like one, but I find that to be the case in most countries I have been to.
I’ve been going to Cabo San Lucas for 51 years. I’ve spent over 400 days there and have not had any problems.
We went last November (escaped wearing masks) and had a wonderful time! The scenery and beaches were gorgeous, and the taxi driver and hotel staff were very nice, and grateful for our business. They told us that for five months during the worst of the pandemic, the people there practically starved because Americans did not come. We did have some trouble trusting the locals in negotiating a simple excursion, and had to tip like crazy about a dozen different people, but really enjoyed the trip to Lover’s and Divorce Beaches. We did swim in front of the hotels, enjoy sushi and seeing all their handmade wares. At night in the marine, my husband was approached with offers for drugs and girls, and our neighbors in the hotel room next to ours partied really hard and even knocked on our door at 3 a.m. We’ve planned a trip with our grown kids and look forward to sailing, snorkeling or fishing this time. Thank you for all your good comments and advice. You always have to be careful when traveling.
Love Cabo
My husband and I go almost every year to Cabo – 25 years for me over 40 for him. He was going their before their was a marina, paved roads and only one telephone. We skipped last year because of Covid. We have plane reservations to go this year but not sure because of the Delta variant. We have never had a problem but we don’t do stupd. A family member once ask us if her son who was graduating from high school would be safe there. We told her you can get in trouble anywhere at 2 AM on a backstreet. I wouldn’t even do that in the small TX town where we live. Can anyone report on how bad the virus is in Cabo. I live in a tourist town and I don’t trust the numbers. It’s like Jaws all over again!
Considering the risk involved and the list of other options, I highly recommend finding another destination. Mexico is worse than they’re reporting in order to keep tourists coming. Most tourist that go missing are assumed to have gone home and they will not report you missing until you are found and proven of foul play whether dead or alive.
And you know this how?
Think
No matter where you go….predators look for the weak and vulnerable. Pay attention and try to bring a person or look of someone who would get violent if need be. You would be surprised how just a UFC shirt or something similar can make a criminal think twice! They want quick and easy! Mace or stun gun ,be ready, don’t worry! Most powerful weapon of all…..Faith and prayer! Be wise and have fun….if you get to drinking ,don’t get drunk until you are safe at hotel .😎🙏🏝️
Cabo: Cartels, Crime, and Scams
I’ve traveled extensively throughout Latin America: Brasil, Colombia, El Salvador, Peru, etc. Cabo is by far the shadiest.
Groups of cartel drug dealing kids (18-20 years old?) standing outside every bar aggressively trying to sell drugs. They follow you, grab you, wait for you outside of bars. Brand new iPhone was stolen by bar owner of Sports Bar Red Bull AKA El Toro billiards club.
He later tried to resell the phone back to me; however, I was already back in the states. It was insane. They do this in front of the police (police are corrupt and onboard obviously). Per credit card transactions, I was overcharged and double-charged regularly.
The bar that stole my phone charged me over 300 dollars for one beer. ..Yes. You could not pay me to return to this crime-ridden, corrupt, and just pure evil city. From speaking with the embassy, Cancun has an even worse Cartel presence!
I have a digestive problem. Did any find they had ny problem with the local water?
I have been going to Cabo since I was 11 years old – used to walk home late at night OFTEN. Always used the buddy system and took well lit routes.
Be smart – be proactive. Dont let suspicious people close….just like ANYWHERE.
Lovely Vacation Island
Los Cabos is a lovely place for our vacation: beach, surf fishing, charter fishing, local food, restaurant, especially the local people are so friendly and trying their best to help all times without any profit demands. Super safe and enjoyable place for our vacation at wintertime, we love this place a lot …
VERY SAFE - Moving there
Some of these comments are truly laughable. The only reason people comment negatively is because they’re ignorant travelers and don’t use common sense. Easy targets for getting mugged etc. As a Chicagoan who is in the process of moving to Cabo… And have been coming to cabo yearly since I was 15, I have NEVER felt safer. I have a 2 year old and I feel 10 times safer walking the streets in Cabo at night than I do here in the city of chicago at navy pier. Every city has scammers waiting to steal and pray on some drunk tourists with $3000 purses . Rule number 1 to vacation, lay low. People go there and scream “rob me I’m rich.” Have some common sense. I went 2 weeks ago, alone, and I was walking the streets (not even downtown) at night to get tacos, and still felt safer than in Chicagos downtown. Never leave without telling someone where you are going (including your hotel staff). Stay in lit up busy areas. Don’t get blacked out drunk. Very simple. I can’t wait to be relocated and finally feeling safe where I live.
Or you can go to Puerto Rico and not worry about anything.