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If you’re currently dreaming of turquoise waters and sun-drenched sand in Los Cabos, you’re in for a truly spectacular trip.
The sky is blue, the drinks are cold and the desert landscape is as breathtaking as ever. However, if your itinerary includes a lot of open ocean swimming, you may want to adjust those plans just a little bit.
A powerful new swell is currently rolling into the coastand local authorities are urging all tourists to exercise extreme caution on the beaches of Los Cabos.
This is no reason to panic or cancel part of your holiday.
In fact, watching the ocean flex its muscles from a safe distance is one of the most mesmerizing things you can do.
It just means you need to have a healthy dose of respect for the water, pay close attention to local warnings, and maybe trade your dip in the ocean for an afternoon of lounging by the resort pool.
What is happening in the water now?
Starting Monday, July 6, a major maritime swell will make its way to the Los Cabos coast.
This is a completely natural weather phenomenon, but it brings serious energy to the coastline.
According to local Civil Protection and Risk Management teams, this incoming swell is expected to produce waves of 1.80 to 2.5 meters high. peak on Tuesday, July 7.
But here are the realities of visiting this region during the summer months: This is not an isolated event, and it is certainly not the end of the story. During the summer season, the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur regularly suffers from this mar de fondo events.
They are part of the natural rhythm of the ocean in this part of the world. Even after this particular swell subsides, be prepared for the ocean remain active and unpredictable for the rest of the summer.
Understanding that these issues are a recurring theme will help you plan better and experience less stress.
When you view these alerts as a normal part of the seasonal cycle and not a “surprise” disruption, it becomes much easier to keep up the holiday spirit.
Why Cabo Beaches Require Extra Respect
If you’ve visited this incredible destination before, you probably already know that Los Cabos has a reputation for having some incredibly beautiful, yet famously non-swimmable beaches.
Unlike the soft, bathtub-like waters you find in other tropical destinations like the Caribbean, the deep Pacific Ocean here is known for its raw, untamed power.
Even on a beautiful, windless day, the beaches along the Pacific Corridor have steep slopes, rattling coastal breaks and hidden undercurrents that can easily pull the strongest swimmer out to sea. When a big swell like this rolls into town, it takes away all those everyday hazards and amplifies them significantly.
Suddenly an innocent walk on the wet sand can become dangerous when an unexpected sneaker wave rushes onto the coast 🌊.
This is exactly why you should keep your guard up all summer long, and not just during this particular week.
The famous flag system that you must follow
When you head to the sand this week or anytime during your summer vacation, your first priority should be looking for the colored flags put up by the lifeguards.
This flag system is incredibly simple, completely universal, and literally designed to save your life. Never trust your own judgment about the color of the flag flying on the beach.
A green flag means the water is safe for swimming, but you should always stay aware of your surroundings. A yellow flag means you need to proceed with caution, and since these waves occur all summer long, you should treat any yellow flag with serious respect.
A red flag is a strict warning that conditions are dangerous and that you should stay out of the water. Finally, a black flag means that the beach is complete closed to all swimming activities. If you see a black or red flag, don’t even walk near the water’s edge. It’s not a suggestion; it is an essential safety boundary 🚩.
Safe ways to enjoy your vacation this week
The best way to deal with this weather event and any future events during your stay is to simply switch your plans around.
You are still in one of the most beautiful places on earthand there’s no shortage of amazing things to do that don’t involve fighting an 8-foot wave.
First, keep a close eye on children and older travelers when spending time on the sand. The ocean can move quickly and it is always better to keep a safe distance from the shoreline. Instead of swimming, use this as an excuse to find a fantastic beachfront restaurant, order some fresh guacamole, and enjoy the dramatic show the ocean puts on from the safety of your table.
Watching the Pacific Ocean surf crash against the rocks while sipping a margarita is a quintessential Cabo experience 🍹.
This is also the perfect time to fully embrace your resort’s pool. Swim-up bars, luxurious cabanas and crystal clear, wave-free waters provide a guaranteed safe and relaxing swimming experience.
You paid for those luxury amenities, so this is the week to make the most of them. It’s the ultimate summer hack for traveling to Cabo: when the beach is wild, the resort pool is your refuge.
Important visitor tip for Los Cabos: Don’t forget the mandatory tourist tax that must be paid separately and is not included in your flight ticket.
What about the ‘swimmable’ beaches?
If you’ve done your research before booking your trip, you probably know that Los Cabos has a few famously safe, swimmable beaches, such as Medano Beach, Chileno Bay, and Santa Maria Beach. Because these particular bays are hidden in the Sea of Cortez or protected by natural rock formations, they typically offer calm, very predictable conditions.
However, when a huge maritime swell rolls in, even these protected bays are not immune to the ocean’s brute force.
The natural rocky breakwaters will certainly soften the blow, but you can still expect significantly stronger currents, much higher surf than normal, and sudden drop-offs where the underwater sand has shifted.
A beach that was perfectly calm for wading on Sunday may have a powerful, hidden undertow on Tuesday. Don’t let the reputation of a ‘swimable’ beach lower your vigilance: during a big swell you should still exercise extreme caution, even in the historically safe zones.
Where to place it: Drop this part immediately afterwards “Why Cabo Beaches Require Extra Respect” and just before “The Famous Flag System You Must Follow.” It perfectly bridges the gap between the dangerous Pacific side and the protected bays, and leads directly to why checking the daily flags is non-negotiable.
Switching gears to land adventures
If you’re adventurous but the ocean is off limits, Los Cabos has an incredible array of land-based activities. The rugged desert landscape almost begs to be explored. You can book an ATV tour of the dunes, take a camel ride on the arid trails, or head into town to explore the vibrant arts district in San Jose del Cabo.
The shopping, culinary scene and world-class golf courses remain completely unaffected by the rough seas. Your journey will still be incredible.
By staying informed, respecting the power of the Pacific Ocean and making smart choices about where you swim, you will ensure that your vacation remains safe, fun and highly memorable, no matter what the ocean does ✨.
