Am I Safe in Cabo San Lucas?
The easy answer is…. Yes!
Now compare Cabo to a few cities in United States, such as Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, etc. After comparing numbers, the answer is still ‘yes.’
The crime rate in Cabo San Lucas is very slim and most of the time, not enough to get media attention. The tip of the Baja is a family-friendly destination that relies on tourism. Government officials and military have placed enough public service safety measures which contribute to the fact that there is little-to-no crime in Cabo San Lucas.
Aside from enhanced Police presence, the Tourism Board, since June 2020, has enhanced its already strict protocols, which is applicable not only to this resort city but statewide. There is a new color-coded classification provided to establishments such as hotels, restaurants, bars, tour operators and convention centers, which determines the level of safety they can offer. The system also has enhanced protocols to measure density and capacity levels, which helps adhere to new COVID-standards and social distancing protocols.
Does this sound like a safe place to you? So, let us pop this question again for you: is it safe? Yes, Cabo is definitely safe and a worthy destination to rest, relax and unwind.
While it’s true that USA has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for the whole country of Mexico, it shares equal billing with other popular destinations such as Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. And the good thing is, Baja California Sur, the Mexican state where Cabo San Lucas is part of, is not included in the travel advisory, unlike Mexico state wherein Mexico City is located. Listed within the latest list of cities in the world with the highest murder rates, Cabo is not on the list, even though 19 other Mexican cities are on the list.
Even though travelers are safe, it is still recommended to follow protocols when you are in areas that are unfamiliar:
- While exploring the area, try to limit to daytime hours, except for your dinner and unwinding appointments at a local reputable restaurant or bar
- Drink your purified water and other drinks only at recognized hotels, restaurants and shops
- Be aware, just like in any other place, of thieves and pickpockets. Of course, local police are always on the prowl to protect visitors, but it pays to be alert, cautious and protective of your belongings
- Try not to hail a taxi from the street when you need one. Hire one or an Uber which originates from your smartphone’s App. And share your whereabouts online with trusted people while riding the hired vehicle
- While there, don’t swim into the ocean without knowing where your exact location is. Most of the safe beaches are on the eastern side of the Baja peninsula. And never try to enter a closed beach. Perhaps the safest body of water to swim in if you are still undecided is your villa’s swimming pool
- Many tourists have covered the merits of Cabo and Cancun and hands down, they feel safer in Cabo. They even say that it is improbable to be part of a drug route because it is at the tip of a 1000-mile peninsula; most locals state that Cabo has, “one road in and one road out.”
- Never withdraw money from an ATM that’s in a dilapidated or dark side of town. To be very safe, withdraw from a machine located in a well-lit and well populated area
- There is a US Consulate in the area located at Carretera Transpeninsular Km 27.5 Local B221, Palmilla. You can email through ConAgencyLosCabos@state.gov or call 624-143-3566 for inquiries
There are 9.5 million Mexicans who are dependent on tourism for their livelihood. Their government wouldn’t take this fact for granted. Tourism management along with Government officials also give serious consideration to the safety of 40 million visitors to Mexico every year. Take heed of Official Warnings and General Restrictions directed towards Tourists, follow the local laws, and you are well on your way to a great vacation in one of the top tourist destinations in the world!
