Real adventure happens where two oceans meet. Standing at the tip of Baja California Sur, you're witnessing the wild Pacific collide with the calmer Sea of Cortez; a geographic clash that creates two entirely different coastal worlds separated by just a few kilometers of desert sand.
That dramatic meeting point explains why less than half of Los Cabos' shoreline carries green or yellow flags for safe swimming, while the rest warns visitors away with red or black flags for dangerous currents and powerful surf. Each beach tells its own story, shaped by geology, seasonal tides, and marine life that moves between these contrasting waters.
This guide helps you decide which stretch of sand fits your time, interests, and travel style. We'll start with beaches you can reach on foot from downtown Cabo and work outward to remote coves that reward a longer drive. By the end, you'll know exactly where to find the best beaches in Baja California Sur, and how to enjoy them with confidence.
The Beaches You Can Actually Reach
Every good Baja itinerary hinges on matching the shore to the day you have. Some beaches lie right outside your hotel gates, others demand a pre-dawn start and a dust-coated bumper, but each one is within reach if you know how to move around Cabo.
Buses, taxis, rental cars, and water taxis cover the gamut; you decide how much adventure you want between breakfast and that first toe-dip.
Medano Beach
Medano is Cabo San Lucas in shoreline form: loud, easy, and relentlessly fun. The two-mile arc begins at the marina and stretches east, yet the safest swimming happens between the breakwater and Tabasco Beach Bar.
Lifeguards, restrooms, gear stands, and waiter-served loungers fill the sand, so you can drop your bag and be in the water within minutes of leaving your hotel. Arrive before 10 a.m. for front-row shade.
Lover's Beach & Land's End
Where granite cliffs pinch the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez together, you'll land on Lover's Beach if the captain's timing is right. Boats leave the marina and thread past the sea-lion colony and Pelican Rock before dropping you on the sand.
The Cortez side stays swimmable; one step over the ridge to Divorce Beach, and those Pacific swells turn dangerous fast.
Chileno Beach & Santa Maria Bay
Nine miles up the Tourist Corridor, Chileno earns its Blue Flag for spotless sand, wheelchair-friendly ramps, and steady lifeguard patrols. Underwater, schools of sergeant majors flash through the lava reef, making this spot a favorite for snorkeling.
Facilities—showers, restrooms, shaded palapas—sit steps from the parking lot, but fill by late morning. Five minutes back toward Cabo, Santa Maria curves into a horseshoe cove with gentler waves and the same transparent water.
Hit Chileno early, shift to Santa Maria when crowds arrive, and pull on a long-sleeve rash guard to save the reef from lotion runoff.
Cerritos Beach
Forty-five minutes up the Pacific highway, Cerritos breaks the rule that west-coast stretches are strictly look-but-don't-touch. A sand shelf tempers the surf enough for confident swimmers, yet waves still stack nicely for year-round rides.
Board rentals, lessons, and day-beds cluster near the main access road; beyond that, you're on open sand with little shade.
Todos Santos Area Beaches
About an hour from Cabo, the Pacific coast holds two spectacular beaches that demand respect: Playa San Pedrito and Playa La Pastora. Each offers dramatic scenery with powerful surf and golden sands, though strong currents mean they're best suited for experienced swimmers and surfers.
Just beyond these beaches lies Todos Santos, one of Mexico's designated Pueblo Mágicos. The mission plaza features art galleries, adobe cafés, and the legendary Hotel California. Watch surfers in the morning, then enjoy fresh, hand-pressed tortillas at local taquerías. Refuel here before heading back, or linger for a spectacular sunset at the dunes west of town.
Balandra Beach (La Paz)
Two hours of desert highway delivers you to shallows so clear you can count stingrays from shore. Balandra's teal sandbars sit inside a protected reserve that limits daily visitors—arrive for the first entry window or risk being turned away at the gate.
The water stays knee-deep for what feels like forever, perfect for paddleboarding families, but you must bring every supply, from shade to picnic, and carry all trash out. If you crave ceviche after the swim, Tecolote five minutes north offers open-air cafés without the entry caps.
Cabo Pulmo
Two hours northeast, pavement ends and a corrugated dirt road ushers you into Cabo Pulmo National Park, guardian of a 20,000-year-old reef. Bull sharks, turtles, and dense clouds of jacks roam the protected bay, and local guides keep visitor numbers low to protect coral health.
The last petrol station is in La Ribera, so top off there, and pack cash—ATMs haven't reached this fishing hamlet yet. Rash guards are essential for sun protection and comfort, while protecting the delicate marine ecosystem. The park enforces strict conservation practices to preserve its vibrant reef.
Beaches Near La Paz
If you're already overnighting in La Paz, tack on Pichilingue or Tecolote. Pichilingue sits next to the ferry terminal with calm turquoise water ideal for a late-day swim.
Tecolote faces Isla Espíritu Santo and trades serenity for seafood shacks and kayak rentals. Both share the same drive time as Balandra, so fold them into the same trip rather than burning a separate day. Stay past dusk and you'll watch the sun drop behind cactus-lined peaks, a quieter finale than anything closer to Cabo's bright lights.
Why Tours with Cabo Adventures Are Your Best Option
Driving Baja's backroads delivers authentic adventure—exhilarating when time is plentiful, but potentially challenging when navigating unexpected detours or closed access points. This is where expertly guided tours transform your beach experience.
Your guide navigates permits, provides professional equipment, and times each visit perfectly for ideal conditions. Door-to-door service is available to eliminate transportation logistics, allowing you to focus solely on the experience ahead.
While following a set itinerary, the expertise pays dividends at special-access locations. Let's explore three extraordinary tour options that showcase Baja's most spectacular coastal treasures.
Balandra Beach
Sail across the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortés aboard a luxury double-deck catamaran and discover the world-famous Balandra Bay, one of Mexico’s most beautiful natural treasures. With limited daily access, entry to Balandra can be challenging for independent travelers — but your spot is guaranteed in advance with Cabo Adventures. Enjoy breathtaking views of mangroves, desert landscapes, and the iconic Mushroom Rock as you cruise through this protected paradise.
After snorkeling in one of Balandra’s crystal-clear bays, continue to Gaviota Beach to relax, kayak, or swim in calm, shallow waters surrounded by pristine nature. Onboard, delight in a hearty breakfast, a fresh deli-style lunch, and an open bar, all served by an attentive crew. This full-day adventure blends comfort, exploration, and the authentic beauty of Baja California Sur.
Cabo Snorkel & Sea-Adventure
Please update: The Snorkel & Sea Adventure Tour takes you on an exhilarating speedboat journey along Cabo’s most iconic coastline. Cruise past the dramatic granite formations of Land’s End, with up-close views of Lover’s Beach, the Sea Lion Colony, and the world-famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, before heading toward the tranquil Chileno Bay, one of the best snorkeling spots in Los Cabos.
Dive into crystal-clear waters filled with tropical fish, colorful coral, and — if you’re lucky — sea turtles gliding by. Our professional-grade snorkeling gear ensures comfort and safety, while our expert guides share fascinating insights about Cabo’s marine life and coastal landmarks.
After your snorkeling session, enjoy a light lunch of fresh handmade quesadillas and refreshing beverages. This family-friendly half-day adventure combines speed, fun, and stunning scenery — the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Sea of Cortés.
Your Baja Beach Adventure Awaits
Match the coast to your comfort level and the day's flag color. Calmer bays on the Sea of Cortez reward snorkelers, while the Pacific's drama is better admired from shore unless you're surfing a spot that's proven safe. Always scan the posted flags and respect local guidance on swimming safety—green invites, yellow cautions, red or black close the water entirely.
An early start beats crowds and afternoon winds almost everywhere. Pack shade, at least three liters of water per person, and reef-friendly clothing since many locations offer little shelter and zero services. Tread lightly—leave only footprints, never stand on coral, and steer clear of wildlife during heavy surf.
The best shorelines in Baja California Sur unfold exactly as they should: vivid, wild, and waiting for you. When you're ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary, book your beach excursion with experienced guides who stand ready to turn that vision into the adventure that stays with you long after the sand settles.
