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 a classic resort city located at the very southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.
Americans have been vacationing in Cabo San Lucas for decades, taking advantage of balmy winter weather and great surf.
The peninsula is divided into two states, and while the northern half has a Level 3 advisory from the U.S. Department of State, Baja California Sur has a Level 2 advisory, meaning increased caution is necessary.
But that’s created some controversy among longtime visitors and residents who say the area doesn’t necessarily fit the image of a dangerous Mexican city.
The tourist areas, in particular, have a reputation for being generally safe, albeit with tourist scams and petty theft as continual issues that everyone has to deal with.
But there are other issues tourists need to look out for as they embark on what should be a fun time in the sun.
Knowledge is power, and knowing what Cabo San Lucas is like gives that fun trip a much better chance of going smoothly.
Warnings & Dangers in Cabo San Lucas
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
You'll have to watch out for pickpockets, scams, and a lot of natural phenomena that can cause problems. However, if you're staying in the tourist areas in Cabo San Lucas, general precautions with an emphasis on protecting your belongings is the word of the day. Lock your hotel doors and windows. Lock car doors and keep windows mostly closed (and valuables out of reach if someone were to reach inside the car at a stoplight, for example). Don't wander, and stay out of dark, isolated areas. Bugs, the weather, and tap water are additional risks.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Overcharging and unlicensed taxi scams are common, and pickpockets can be an issue on public transportation. Arranging for transportation in advance is better, rather than trying to hail taxis in the street.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Unfortunately, pickpockets do like to target those tourist areas, including near markets and on public transportation. Watch your belongings carefully. Pickpocketing is a crime of opportunity, so minimize the opportunities you give these crooks. Hide valuables, have money ready for transportation fares instead of showing everyone where you keep your wallet after you take out money on the bus. Also, keep copies of documents in your hotel in a room safe.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Cabo San Lucas is in the zone for tropical storms and hurricanes. Those don't always hit the area, though, so just keep an eye on weather reports if you're there during hurricane season. More frequent concerns are riptides at beaches, especially because the beaches usually don't have signs warning you when the risk is elevated. Learn to identify riptides, and stick to beaches that have lifeguards (not all of them do). Heat illness can be a problem in summer if you don't stay hydrated. Finally, bugs are a real problem, especially bark scorpions and spiders. Shake out shoes and clothes before putting them on. Rattlesnakes are in the area, too.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Low in tourist areas; however, watch out for muggings around ATMs. Use ATMs that are inside banks, and don't wear flashy jewelry or show money.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The state of Baja California Sur is under a Level 2 advisory from the State Department, meaning the risk of danger is elevated. However, terrorism and cartel violence tend not to involve tourists (unless you do something dumb). If you're staying in tourist areas, the risk will likely be low, but it's a good idea to remember that the risk is present. Recently, there was an incident where pictures showing banners, supposedly from the Sinaloa cartel, warned Americans to stay away, but those pictures were unverified.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
A common scam in Cabo San Lucas is the timeshare pitch. These are often disguised as information booths for tourists that then try to pressure you into buying timeshares. Another common scam is the unofficial taxi; someone will approach you at the airport and try to get you to go with them instead of waiting for a regulated taxi. If you want to take a taxi from the airport, speak with the airport staff about where the regulated taxi stand is located. Other scams involve exchanging money with someone claiming they have a better deal for you; you don't know if the money they give you is real or if the rate really is better. ATM skimmers are a risk, so use ATMs that are inside banks. Unlicensed and fake tours or other activities are also a problem.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
The tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas tend to have a good security presence. It's still a good idea to be cautious about going out at night alone, wandering in deserted areas, and so on. Anecdotal reports online mention some harassment from men, although sometimes the harassers are other tourists and not local Mexican men. If traveling alone, it may be better to keep quiet about that fact and to take Ubers or regulated, licensed cabs instead of walking at night.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Don't drink tap water in Cabo San Lucas, and don't brush your teeth with it, either. Get bottled water for any use that might result in you ingesting the water. Don't have ice in your water, either.
Safest Places to Visit in Cabo San Lucas
Stick to tourist areas like downtown Cabo San Lucas and the marina.
Those will have more people and more security.
At night, stay where it’s well-lit.
Places to Avoid in Cabo San Lucas
Avoid places that aren’t well-lit, and you may want to be cautious when traveling outside the tourist areas of the city.
One of the reasons why the tourist areas are so relatively safe is the increased security presence, and heading outside that just removes that extra layer of protection.
Also, be aware of danger signals at beaches, such as red flags.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Cabo San Lucas
- Keep a close watch on your belongings and valuables. Property theft is a real risk in Cabo San Lucas.
- Register for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP. You’ll get email alerts and have an easier time contacting the embassy if you require help.
- Hats and sunscreen or sun-protective clothing. The sun can be harsh, and the heat in summer can be brutal.
- Always shake out shoes before you put them on. Scorpions like to crawl inside. Don’t put your hands where you can’t see where they’re going, either, because snakes can be a problem in the region. If you’re coming from an area of the U.S. with similar issues, like Arizona, use the same precautions that you do at home.
- Use ATMs inside banks only. Don’t use isolated ATMs due to the risk of theft and robbery.
- Legitimate businesses should have business registration seals.
- If you travel to Cabo during the spring, summer, or early fall — especially if you’re driving — watch the weather reports. Tropical storms and hurricanes can make last-minute changes in direction that bring them next to or over the peninsula.
- Avoid dark streets, and it’s better not to wander around alone at night.
- If you’re not sure where to go to get food or do other activities, ask the concierge at your hotel.
- Stay in reputable hotels. Airbnb does have locations in Cabo, but be careful choosing a place to stay. If you’re not familiar with Cabo San Lucas, stick with hotels.
So... How Safe Is Cabo San Lucas Really?
Going by the State Department’s warnings, you’d think that Cabo San Lucas is rather scary.
However, residents and frequent visitors — the area is home to many people originally from the U.S. — don’t see what the fuss is about.
Many anecdotal reports online state that Cabo itself is fairly safe and that travelers haven’t felt unsafe.
A common claim is that walking around Cabo San Lucas is like walking around Los Angeles.
No one would really argue that Los Angeles isn’t the safest place, but they’d also say that it’s not horrible and that people could visit there without issue.
The best things to do before planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas are to read the State Department warnings and then look at both news sites and forums.
Check out what’s been happening for the past month or so to determine whether anything happening during that time would have made you feel unsafe.
How Does Cabo San Lucas Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Cabo San Lucas |
72 |
| Acapulco |
45 |
| Cozumel |
82 |
| Juarez |
28 |
| Mexico City |
55 |
| Tijuana |
38 |
| Ensenada |
78 |
 Rushville | 86 |
| Gary | 52 |
 Saskatoon | 73 |
| Kissimmee | 82 |
| Salina | 62 |
| San Angelo | 83 |
Useful Information
Visas
Travelers going to Cabo San Lucas from the U.S. don't need visas if they're U.S. citizens. But they do need a multiple immigration form, or FMM, which they can apply for online or at the airport when they arrive. This is basically an entry permit, and it doesn't count as a visa. If your stay is for fewer than seven days (six or fewer), the FMM should be free. If you're staying longer than that, you'll have to pay a fee that's around $46. The FMM is good for 180 days; if you want to stay for longer than that, you need to apply for a temporary resident visa.
Currency
Cabo San Lucas uses the peso and centavo (1 peso = 100 centavos). ATMs and banks offer good exchange rates, while cambios (which are currency exchange offices) may have rates that aren't as good -- but cambios are often open when banks are closed. Be aware that some ATMs dispense U.S. dollars. Because the peso uses the $ sign, you may at times become confused about whether a price is in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos. You can always ask if something is in pesos. Current exchange rates in January 2026 have US$1 = MEX$17.96. This is approximate, and exchange rates change over time.
Weather
Cabo San Lucas is at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, and the temperatures reflect its southern location. High temperatures in January average (using Fahrenheit) 79 degrees, with an average low of 57, and the summer months average 100F-101F, with lows in the upper 70s. Humidity is moderate, thankfully, with average humidity in summer hovering around 51%. Winter evenings will require jackets, but otherwise, plan for layers that you can remove as the day goes on and the weather gets warmer.
Airports
Cabo San Lucas has two airports. One is Los Cabos Airport (SJD), otherwise known as San José del Cabo International Airport. This is one of the bigger airports in Mexico, and plenty of major U.S. carriers fly here. The second airport is Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL); however, if you fly in from the U.S., you'll likely land at SJD. CSL tends to handle smaller flights and is a good airport to use if you're going to fly to a nearby city in Mexico. SJD offers transfer shuttles, and you can catch taxis or rent cars there as well. Book private transfer shuttles ahead of time; you can find booking information on the SJD website. You can also take the Ruta del Desierto bus from the airport or rent a motor coach if you're with a large group.
Travel Insurance
It's a very good idea to carry travel insurance if you head to Cabo San Lucas. It's not required for entry into Mexico or Baja California Sur. However, the insurance can cover those medical and economic costs you might encounter if you get sick or have part of your trip cancelled. If you lose items to theft, the insurance can cover replacement, and depending on the policy, it might cover evacuation costs. Check first with your own insurance agent about buying a policy, and then look at travel insurance agencies to compare policies. Note that travel insurance is different from car insurance, and if you rent a car or drive yours down to Cabo, you'll need an insurance policy that fulfills Mexican requirements, and that's from an agency legally allowed to issue policies in Mexico.
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 |
23 | 25 | 27 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 32 | 28 | 25 |
| Low °C |
12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 17 | 14 |
| High °F |
73 | 77 | 81 | 86 | 90 | 93 | 97 | 95 | 93 | 90 | 82 | 77 |
| Low °F |
54 | 55 | 55 | 57 | 61 | 66 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 68 | 63 | 57 |
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.
you will be safe
yes
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.