Is Cabo San Lucas Safe?

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Cabo San Lucas is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Mexico. With scenic beaches, a vivid culture, and local delicacies, Cabo San Lucas is amongst the cheapest travel destinations offering a coast life experience similar to Australia or other tropical countries.

In 2021, Cabo San Lucas witnessed a footfall of over 2.8 million visitors, of which 47.3% were from the U.S. This makes Los Cabos one of the most preferred travel places for American travelers. People flock to this place repeatedly as they don’t find the same captivating experience anywhere else.

Safety is a growing concern for travelers visiting Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas. Crime often makes headlines in this area, scaring potential tourists away. However, crime is common in just any part of the world. And Cabo San’s unique peninsula makes up for all the bad happening in shady parts of the city.

So, Is Cabo San Lucas Safe to visit? It is relatively safer to visit if you exercise these precautions.

Is Cabo San Lucas Safe to Visit?

Regardless of what you hear in the news or reports, Cabo is one of the safest places in Mexico to visit. If you’re taking the necessary precautions, being skeptical and aware, you won’t run into any hazardous scenarios. In fact, Cabo is now in top 3 most visited city in Mexico and is considered as safe as Cancun if not more.

Cabo is full of spectacular places that may take your breath away every time you visit them, which is why it is worth visiting.

It is an ideal place if you fancy a tropical environment with warm sandy beaches to walk on, clear turquoise water to dip in, and spend some calming time. The U.S. government’s travel advisory for Mexico doesn’t include Cabo San Lucas, considering it a safe tourist destination.

When visiting Cabo, you must consider these safety concerns.

• Mugging
• Robbery
• Homicide
• Pickpocketing
• Local scams
• Selling and using drugs
• Carjacking

Authorities and investigative agencies fight crime in the larger parts of Central America, including Cabo San Lucas. Constant crackdowns on gangs, scammers, and other notorious elements keep crime somewhat in check. 

But these stats shouldn’t stop you from visiting as the main tourist areas in Cabo are much safer. If you avoid bad neighborhoods, avoid shady places, and be alert, your Cabo vacation will be much more enjoyable.

Tourists may not be the prime target for criminals as most of the reported cases come from locals. There’s a high chance your vacation may go without any incidents.

Crime In Cabo

The crime rate in Cabo reached its peak of 80.29% in 2023. Severe crimes are frequent, with more male criminals compared to females. Hence authorities try to curb the crime rates using all the necessary forces to safeguard tourists. 

Cabo San Lucas’s population is 202,694, and most natives are welcoming. The vibrant and ecstatic nightlife has stunningly lighted streets, venues, and sceneries. All of this may persuade you to take a trip to Cabo. However, safety is a concern; travelers are requested to be more attentive to their environment during their vacations.

Cabo’s geolocation has a lot to do with the crimes. Its coastline is situated close to the border, making smuggling drugs from Mexico to nearby countries convenient. As a result, Cabo witnesses several gang wars in drug-related activities, and authorities struggle to curb these crimes.

Travelers are recommended to stick to the places where most tourists venture and avoid bad places. They can find eateries, shopping malls, clubs/pubs/bars, and other tourist spots in close proximity to each other. These areas are constantly patrolled and guarded by the police and authorities to ensure tourist safety.

Pickpocketing, mugging, and other petty violent crimes are common. This report from Justice in Mexico shows rising violent crimes causing deaths. More can be learned from this safety index.

The report shows 560 murders were committed in 2018, and the numbers are rising. Exhibiting wealth, like counting wad of cash, wearing expensive jewellery, and renting luxury vehicles in public, makes you a perfect target for petty criminals and scammers.

To commute within the city, we recommend using services like Uber or Lyft. This way, you can navigate without getting into trouble, and the drivers know how to get you safely to your place. Avoid roaming in shady places in the dark and asking for a lift from strangers.

Drug-Related Crimes

Cases like kidnapping and murders in Cabo San Lucas often made headlines. The latest report by Justice in Mexico shows over 35,000 intentional homicide cases in 2020.

Most of the crimes committed are gang-related, like turf wars or people on drugs. Gangs fighting over the control of territories are one of the biggest causes of killing.

Mexico is notorious for tourists getting caught in crossfires, with several cases making news in 2022. It is recommended not to venture into the areas where notorious elements reside. Stay close to the tourist spots and don’t go too deep into the city unless it is a famous tourist attraction.

Tourist Scams & Frauds

Tourist scams and frauds are prevalent just in every tourist place in the world. Cabo San Lucas also suffers from scams keeping local authorities restless. The scam reaches the top during the peak seasons when tourists flood this picturesque city.

The year 2022 reported over 800 cases of tourist scams and frauds, slightly less than in 2021. These scams usually include local guides, local people selling fake vintage items for souvenirs, strangers demanding money to help someone in trouble, and more. Avoid indulging in anything that sounds fishy, and definitely do not share personal information as it can be used to bait you.

Abductions

Criminals target tourists to make quick bucks. Abduction is the easiest way to ask for ransom money from loved ones in exchange for the release of the traveler. The most common way of trapping tourists is by getting them into vehicles that appear to be local cabs.

Cabo San Lucas used to have 3rd highest number of kidnapping cases. However, the numbers are in decline. According to a border report, Baja California reported just 2 cases in September 2022.

Beware of the people claiming to be local guides walking you through the city. It could be dangerous and put you at risk of getting in trouble. This may seem negative, but if you keep a skeptical mind and are attentive to your surroundings, you’ll avoid every malicious element.

Areas to Avoid in Cabo San Lucas

The best tourist spots like hotels, beaches, restaurants, attractions, and other tourist facilities are located close. These areas are constantly overwatched by the authorities, who have managed to curb criminal activities.

But curiosity kills the cat, and if you stroll aimlessly around the city, you will invite mugging, attacking, kidnapping or worse, murder. Los Cabos, the municipality for Cabo San Lucas, is infamous for failing to curb crime levels related to tourists.

There’s a constant scuffle between the drug cartel and the municipality. Although the cartels usually don’t target tourists, you never know when you will get caught in the crossfire.

These are some of the bad areas to avoid in Cabo San Lucas:

City Center

Crowded places are the ideal pickpocketing spots, and Cabo San’s city center is one of them; it reports over 20 pickpocketing or mugging-related incidents daily. To reduce any risk, steer away from narrow, congested areas.

Crowded places are the ideal pickpocketing spots, and Cabo San’s city center is one of them; it reports over 20 pickpocketing or mugging-related incidents daily. To reduce any risk, steer away from narrow, congested areas.

If you don’t want to lose your personal items like watches, wallets, or chains, keep an eye out for people being extra friendly. If someone has been following you for some time or seems in a rush, stay away from them.

When you visit Cabo, ensure staying in a hotel and not some murky place around the town to save money. The hotel areas get patrolled all the time. You will also find plenty of fun spots near the hotel where most tourists hang out.

Los Cangrejos and Las Palmas

These two dangerous neighborhoods are located near the airfield and have serious problems. Crimes like aggravated assault, carjacking, and mugging are increasing here. Many tourists venture into these places thinking they are safe as they are close to the airfield. But those are the active playground for cartels and could get you in trouble.

It is human nature to want to explore more, however, not all places are safe enough to do that. Sticking to specific tourist attractions will make your vacation sublime and stress-free. The heavily guarded area for tourists is a stretch between Cabo and San Jose. 

Santa Rosa

Near Cabo sits San Jose Del Cabo with another dangerous area, Santa Rosa. It is infamous for armed robbery, aggravated assaults, grand theft auto, and mugging. Not many tourists visit this neighborhood and steer far away from here. 

Tourist accommodations and attractions, like warm and serene beaches and waterfronts, can be found on the 20-mile stretch of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. This stretch is heavily guarded by police personnel for security. There’s also a chance of getting mugged or having trouble en route to San Jose. Book a cab from reputed providers and keep your doors and windows shut.

Do not stop your vehicle for helping strangers or getting anything in or near Santa Rosa. Asking for help is an everyday play to dupe tourists. If you need anything, buy it in San Jose or Cabo. 

You’ll find that most of the crimes in Cabo transpire in underdeveloped areas, which are not near tourist destinations. Lack of money and basic privileges have people to do unimaginable things.

These are some safety measures to take when visiting Cabo San Lucas:

• Don’t drink tap water: Tap water in Cabo is not clean, so carry bottled water.
• Stay near the hotel: Areas near tourist accommodations are safe and guarded by police. Stay close to it and avoid wandering off.
• Make groups: If you travel alone, try to stay with a group. Roaming alone has a higher chance of getting conned.
• Be subtle: Don’t show off luxury items or a wallet full of cash. Try to be subtle.
• Don’t wander off at night: Night is dangerous, so only get out if you have to, and even then, stay close to your hotel. You’ll find everything you need there.
• Use trusted service providers: When booking cabs or hotels, use trusted service providers like Uber, Lyft, Expedia, and more.
• Say no to souvenir sellers: Souvenir sellers get on to your face trying to sell cheap stuff at a ridiculously higher price. They also get aggressive sometimes. Say no.
• Listen to weather news: Staying updated on the weather is essential. The weather here is volatile and prone to high tides, tsunamis, and even earthquakes.
• Carry light clothes: Cabo’s weather is humid and hot. Pack light and wear light for the best comfort.
• Don’t buy drugs or alcohol from locals: If you fancy alcohol, buy it from a good store. You’ll find one or two wine shops in the touristy area. And avoid buying drugs from locals. You never know what’s in them. 
• Don’t swim too far: Cabo’s beach or waterfronts don’t have lifeguards. If you get in too deep and in trouble, the chances of rescue are low. 

Emergency contacts

In case of any emergency, travelers can contact on the following numbers:

• American Consulate: 624 143 3566
• Hospitals and Clinics: 624/105–8500
• General Hospital: +52 624 146 4356
• Foreign Consulates: 624/143–3566
• Customs Bureau: +52 624 146 4356
• Tourist Police: (624) 143-3977
• Local Emergencies: 060
• Ambulance: 065
• Medcare and Ground ambulances: 624 143 4020, 800 716 3097

Cultural Considerations When Visiting Cabo San Lucas

Mexico is culturally rich, and the natives take their culture quite seriously. The natives are welcoming and are known for warm hospitality and cheerful nature. To maintain their cultural integrity, wear clothes properly, especially near religious or any site with high cultural value. 

Public displays of affection are uncommon and may put off the locals, so avoid doing that in public. Last but not least, locals aren’t fluent in speaking English, so be respectful and patient while interacting with them.

Health Concerns

Visiting foreign land comes with certain health risks, which can be avoided if you’re careful enough. For example, don’t drink tap water or open water anywhere. Eat a properly cooked meal at a clean place. When eating at street food vendors, make sure the vendors maintain some degree of hygiene. The last thing you would want is to get sick on travel.

Tropical areas manifest lots of insects like mosquitoes, flies and more. They can cause malaria, dengue, bacterial infections, and more. Use mosquito repellent; don’t spend too much time near dirty areas. Wear clothes that cover most of your body when necessary.

Visit the nearest hospital at any sign of weakness, fever or upset stomach.

The Bottom Line: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe To Visit?

Yes, Cabo San Lucas is relatively safe to visit, given you consider a few things. Keep an eye on the latest reports, news, and advisories released by your country for Mexico. A thorough research can save your life.

Stay alert, avoid bad places, and don’t indulge in anything that feels suspicious, and you can have a bashing vacation. Steer away from notorious neighborhoods and travel close to your accommodations. Take necessary health measures like drinking bottled water, eating food at hygienic places, and having plenty of rest.

All these precautions will ensure a rocking time in Cabo San Lucas.

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