How Safe is Cabo San Lucas? Traveler Safety Tips & More
If you’re traveling to Cabo, you’re probably wondering about the safety of the city, especially if it’s your first visit. The good news is that Cabo San Lucas is generally considered a very safe destination for tourists, with a low crime rate compared to other major cities in Mexico (and many places in the U.S.!). In this post, we will give some updates on the general safety of the area, as well as provide some tips, precautions, and best practices for your visit.
General Safety & Crime in Cabo San Lucas
As far as actual crime goes, Cabo is safer than many major cities in the U.S. For example, in 2021, San Diego had a crime rate of 374 violent crimes per 100,000 people and Cabo’s crime rate was just above 138 crimes per 100,000 people for the same time period. The U.S. Department of State’s website currently classifies Cabo as a Level 2 destination: “Take Precaution” rating, advising travelers to exercise increased caution in the state of B.C.S. (Baja California Sur - where Cabo San Lucas is located). That being said, even countries like Britain and Spain are also considered a Level 2 rating.
It’s also important to know that there are no restrictions for U.S. government employees visiting Baja California Sur, which includes tourist areas like Cabo, San José del Cabo, and La Paz. On top of that, the general crime in Cabo has actually been on the decrease for the last 5 years. The State Attorney General of Justice in Baja California Sur has confirmed that rates for all categories of crime have decreased drastically since 2018. The number of intentional homicides and vehicle theft, some of the most common occurrences in Mexico, are down 95% and 74% respectively. Heading into 2023, pickpocketing in the city is also down 52% and violent robbery has dropped 63%.
To what does Cabo owe such safety and even decrease in crime? With the general crime rates and perception of heightened danger in the country of Mexico, the Mexican government has given extra attention to Cabo in order to protect it for tourism and make it as safe as possible for residents and visitors. This is good news for travelers. The government has implemented solid measures to increase security in popular tourist areas, including the deployment of additional police and military personnel at beaches and in town - the military will continue to patrol the city to help safeguard tourists for at least the next 6 years and probably more.
In addition going into 2023, the city is adding 300 new security cameras in hot spots, 150 newly trained police, as well as installing panic buttons in both Cabo and San José that link directly to the police in an emergency. Hotels and resorts in Cabo San Lucas also have their own security measures in place to protect their guests.
Precautions and Advice
Violence rates are plummeting, and a strong police presence continues to discourage criminals from operating in the area. All that being said, While you are enjoying Cabo for its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant nightlife, it's important to be aware of potential safety concerns and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Here are some safety tips and precautions to consider when planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas:
Research the area before you go. Familiarize yourself with the local culture, customs, and potential safety risks. This can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations and make informed decisions about where to go and what to do.
Stay in a safe area. Choose a reputable and secure hotel or resort, and be mindful of your surroundings when exploring the local area. Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas, and consider taking a reputable taxi or using a ride-sharing service instead. We offer private driving services to our guests. You can find out more about what we offer our guests here.
Protect yourself from crime. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and avoid flashing expensive items like jewelry or electronics. If you're carrying a purse or wallet, keep it close to your body and out of reach of pickpockets.
Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings, especially when walking or driving. Avoid wearing headphones or other distractions that could prevent you from hearing what is going on around you.
Know the emergency numbers. In case of an emergency, it's important to know the local emergency numbers. In Cabo San Lucas, dial 066 for emergencies or 060 for medical assistance.
Carry copies of your ID / passport, and leave the originals at your resort in case anything happens. If your resort has a safe, consider using it.
Travel in groups - great advice for anywhere you travel!
Consider using cash to avoid credit card skimmers. We have a whole post about paying in Cabo here.
Never accept drugs or alcohol from anyone on the street - you truly never know what you’re getting.
Drink only bottled water and avoid ice - the bacteria found in Mexican tap water that can make you sick.
If you’re new to Cabo and aren’t sure on the unsafe areas, sticking to the tourist corridor is a safe bet.
Book excursions and tours in advance with a trusted company.
Avoid driving at night.
Stay calm and simply walk away from harassing merchants.
Don’t give money to those that approach you for it.
By following these safety tips and using common sense, you can greatly reduce the risk of encountering any safety issues during your trip to Cabo San Lucas. Over and over again, Los Cabos has proven itself a safe destination, and for now, things are only getting safer. As authorities continue to enhance those security measures, the beloved destinations of Los Cabos will become even safer. Enjoy your vacation and stay safe!
Los Cabos has so much to offer its visitors! If you’d like help planning your stay, feel free to contact us here for local Cabo expertise. You can also email us at info@edsdestinations.com. We offer concierge services and luxury vacation rentals that will make your stay enjoyable, comfortable, and unforgettable. Happy Travels!