City in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
Resort areas are well policed, but the region has seen rising crime.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
Resort areas are well policed, but the region has seen rising crime. Petty theft, drink spiking, taxi disputes and ocean hazards are the main visitor risks.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-08-11.
- Homicide rate in Mexico: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Mexico: 12.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Cabo San Lucas at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Pickpocketing on the marina and at beach clubs, drink spiking in downtown bars, break-ins at rentals and occasional drug-related violence away from resorts. |
| At night | The marina and Medano Beach strip stay lively and are fine late; use app taxis rather than walking between bars on dark side streets. |
| Solo women | Comfortable in the main resort strip. Catcalls and pushy touts happen; watch drinks, avoid empty beaches at night and use app rides. |
| Other risks | Strong undertow at Lover's Beach and Pacific side; Summer heat above 38°C; Hurricanes Aug–Oct |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Timeshare touts offering free tours, breakfasts or activities
- Water-taxi and snorkel sellers overcharging for the Arch trip
- Drinks and fees added to bar tabs near Cabo Wabo
- Taxis quoting steep flat fares; use apps where possible
Take care
- Medano Beach after dark: muggings and drunk swimmers
- Highway 19 and the Corridor at night: fast traffic, drunk drivers
- Downtown side streets late: robbery risk
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carrying any firearm or even a single bullet can mean prison.
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned and can be confiscated.
- Drinking in the street is illegal in most cities and brings fines or arrest.
How Cabo San Lucas compares in Mexico
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Mérida | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Miguel de Allende | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cozumel | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Isla Mujeres | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Holbox | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bacalar | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guanajuato | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Monterrey | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Valladolid | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Paz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puebla | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Querétaro | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Morelos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mazunte | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Todos Santos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ajijic | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mexico City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cancún | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tulum | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Playa del Carmen | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Vallarta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cabo San Lucas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Oaxaca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Guadalajara | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Escondido | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Sayulita | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Cristóbal de las Casas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Mazatlán | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tijuana | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Acapulco | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable in the main resort strip. Catcalls and pushy touts happen; watch drinks, avoid empty beaches at night and use app rides.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe at night?
The marina and Medano Beach strip stay lively and are fine late; use app taxis rather than walking between bars on dark side streets.
What is the crime rate in Cabo San Lucas?
Pickpocketing on the marina and at beach clubs, drink spiking in downtown bars, break-ins at rentals and occasional drug-related violence away from resorts. Nationally, Mexico records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Cabo San Lucas?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
More about Cabo San Lucas
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Los Cabos International Airport (GAP)
- Visit Los Cabos
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.