Cabo Right Now: How I'm Staying Smart (and Still Having Fun)

Because nothing ruins pre-vacation excitement quite like a brand new travel advisory.

Welp, exactly two days before my highly-anticipated weekend trip to Cabo, the State Department dropped a fresh Mexico travel advisory, advising U.S. travelers to "exercise increased caution" in Mexico due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

This wasn’t exactly the pre-vacation intel I was hoping for as I was packing my sunscreen and swimsuits, but hey, this is what I do for clients every day: zoom out, get factual, and plan an incredible trip with smart boundaries.

Let's talk about what this actually means for any upcoming Mexico plans you may have (spoiler: you don't have to cancel).

What the Advisory Actually Says (And Why I'm Still Going)

Cabo San Lucas is in Baja California Sur, which the State Department rates as Level 2: "Exercise increased caution." That's the exact same level as Mexico City and Quintana Roo (hello, Cancún). Translation? This doesn't have to mean "don't go"; it just means "go smart."

My advice: think situational awareness, sticking to the good areas, and not making questionable choices after your third margarita. The advisory also reflects where U.S. assistance might be limited, which is government-speak for "be a grown-up and have a plan."

My Personal Cabo Safety Playbook

The short version you'll actually remember

I curate and plan trips for a living, and these are the exact moves I'm using for my own trip:

Stay in the bubble. Base yourself in the established zones: Medano Beach, the Marina, the Corridor, and San José del Cabo's walkable historic center. These areas are patrolled and busy, two very good words in travel.

Move with the pros. Book airport transfers and activities with vetted operators, i.e. your hotel's recommended transportation partners and established tour companies with real reviews and proper permits. If you wouldn't trust someone with your wallet at home, then don't trust them with your day in Cabo.

Keep nights dialed down. The riskiest time to wing it is when you're tired and tipsy. Stick to on-property or well-lit, busy areas for your evening plans, and use official taxi stands or hotel cars when heading back to your home base. Save any spontaneous beach walks for daylight hours.

Be smart with ATMs and valuables. Use bank-attached ATMs during the day, carry only what you need, and leave the good jewelry and passports in the room safe. AirTag your bag and keep your phone tucked away when you're not using it.

Trust your gut on new "friends." Earlier this summer, the US Embassy flagged kidnappings linked to dating apps. Yikes. My advice? Don't go on “the apps" in Mexico, but if you must, make sure you meet in public, tell someone where you're going, and if something feels off, it probably is.

Checkpoints = compliance theater. If you hit a road checkpoint, cooperate and follow instructions. The advisory specifically warns against trying to flee or arguing with the authorities. Trust me, this isn't the time to be the main character in your own action movie.

Enroll in STEP. This small "step" takes only two minutes, gets you local alerts, and helps the Embassy find you easily if there's a real emergency. I do it for every international trip.

Screenshot everything. Save offline directions, confirmations, and your hotel's address in Spanish. Also download WhatsApp, since most drivers prefer it anyway.

Daylight is your friend. Do your exploring when the sun's up, and keep evenings close to your base. It's a simple rule, but it has the biggest impact on your safety.

My "Low-Risk, High-Joy" Cabo Hits

These are my go-to recommendations when you want all the Cabo fun with none of the sketchy logistics:

Land's End by boat – this is Classic Cabo from the marina with an established operator. Think mid-morning timing, tons of people around, and an easy in and out.

Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay snorkeling – Both are Blue Flag beaches with calm water and facilities. Plant yourself for a few hours, or book a reputable snorkel cruise.

Medano Beach day – The most swimmable stretch in town. Grab loungers at a known beach club or snag a resort day pass. Daylight hours only.

Sunset sail – Be sure to board from the Cabo marina with a long-established, reputable company. You’ll get those dramatic coastline views without the DIY transport drama.

Farm-to-table dinner in San José del Cabo – Book this through your hotel concierge, and arrange car service both ways. These restaurants are magical, and having a professional driver makes it stress-free.

San José gallery stroll – The historic center is charming, and the Art Walk (in high season) brings good energy. This is a great daylight or early evening activity, but make sure you pre-arrange your transport back.

Spa and pool day – Think low-logistics bliss. Spring for a day pass, or book a spa treatment at your property. Sometimes the best vacation is the one where you don't leave the resort.

Golf with resort pickup – Choose courses that include transport, or that your hotel can arrange. It’ll mean one less thing to coordinate.

Cooking class or taco tour – Food experiences are safe, happy ways to feel connected to a place. Stick to companies your hotel vouches for.

What I'm Actually Doing This Weekend

Because I practice what I preach:

Upon landing, I'm starting with a pre-booked airport transfer straight to my hotel — no random taxi roulette for me. The afternoon will be spent unwinding at Medano Beach, followed by an early dinner on-property.

Day two brings an Arch boat tour with Chileno snorkeling, then a sunset sail to cap off the day. Everything's pre-booked, including return transport to the hotel, because sticking with hotel-recommended services keeps me in safe, reliable hands.

My final evening calls for dinner out in San José del Cabo, with round-trip car service arranged through the concierge — naturally.

Everything else? Hotel pool, spa treatments, long lunches, and potentially some early nights. My goal is zero heroics and maximum relaxation.

Emergency Info (Screenshot This Now)

Dial 911 in Mexico for local authorities. It works.

Enroll in STEP before you go for local alerts.

U.S. Consular Agency – Los Cabos (San José del Cabo)
Las Tiendas de Palmilla, Km 27.5, Local B221, San José del Cabo, BCS, 23406

Check the Embassy website for current contact hours and procedures.

The Bottom Line

Cabo’s Level 2 rating doesn’t mean “stay home,” it means plan with intention. Choose busy, well-policed areas. Use vetted operators. Keep nights simple. Enroll in STEP. Then relax into what you came for: the ceviche, the sunsets, the marina lights, and the ocean air.

I’m still heading to Cabo in 48 hours, and I’m excited. Smart planning doesn’t cancel fun—it protects it. If you want help planning a trip that’s both safe and spectacular, let’s chat.

Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects my own research and travel approach as of the publication date. Travel advisories, safety conditions, and local regulations can change quickly. I cannot guarantee your safety, and you are solely responsible for your own travel decisions. Always check official government sources—such as the U.S. State Department—before traveling, and make choices that align with your own comfort level and risk tolerance.

Want help planning a trip that's both smart and spectacular? Let's chat. Because life's too short to choose between safety and adventure when you can absolutely have both.

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