So, you’re looking at the news or scrolling through social media and you see it. Rumors of a shooting in Cabo San Lucas today or some vague "security alert" that makes your stomach drop if you’ve got a flight booked. Honestly, it's scary. When you think of Los Cabos, you’re usually thinking about ice-cold margaritas at Medano Beach, not wondering if it’s safe to walk to dinner.
But here is the thing about Cabo. It exists in two different worlds.
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There is the Cabo you see in the glossy brochures—the Marina, the luxury villas in Pedregal, and the "Tourist Corridor" where the security is tighter than a drum. Then there is the "real" Cabo, the residential neighborhoods where locals live and where, unfortunately, cartel-related friction occasionally boils over. Most of the headlines you see about violence are happening in those inland neighborhoods, miles away from the infinity pools.
What is actually happening right now?
As of January 18, 2026, there have been no mass casualty events or active shooter situations reported in the main tourist zones of Cabo San Lucas today. However, the region remains under an "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory from the U.S. State Department. This isn't a "Do Not Travel" warning. It’s basically the government saying, "Hey, don't leave your common sense at the airport."
Earlier in 2025, there was a high-profile incident where a confrontation between security forces and criminal groups occurred in the Arcos del Sol neighborhood. That’s a residential area. It felt a world away for people staying at the Waldorf Astoria, but for the local community, it was a heavy reminder of the underlying tension between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The reality? These groups are fighting for control of drug routes and local "plaza" territory. They are not looking for tourists. Tourists are the golden goose for the Mexican economy. If the tourists stop coming, everyone loses money—even the bad guys.
The "Is it safe?" conversation is complicated
It's not a simple yes or no. You’ve probably heard people say, "I just got back and I felt perfectly safe!" And they’re telling the truth. You’ve also seen the news snippets that look like a war zone. They’re also telling the truth.
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Violence in Baja California Sur is almost always targeted. It is hit-men going after other hit-men. The danger to you, the traveler, is almost entirely about being in the wrong place at the wrong time—which is why the experts (and the locals) tell you to stay in the well-lit, heavily patrolled tourist areas.
Basically, don't go looking for trouble in the outskirts of San Jose del Cabo or deep into the residential hills of Cabo San Lucas after midnight.
How to navigate Cabo safely today
If you are on the ground right now or heading there this week, here is the "no-fluff" advice.
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- Avoid the highway at night. The road between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is generally safe, but driving it at 2:00 AM isn't the move.
- Stick to official transportation. Uber is actually quite reliable in Cabo now, and the "sitio" taxis (the official ones at the stands) are your best bet. Avoid flagging down random cars.
- Stay away from the drug trade. This sounds obvious, right? But most "scary" interactions happen when people try to buy something they shouldn't. Don't engage with the guys whispering "tobacco" or "party" on the beach.
- The beach is for the day. Most of the beaches, like the Pacific side, aren't even swimmable because of the currents, let alone safe to wander in the dark.
Breaking down the travel advisories
The U.S. State Department and the Canadian government frequently update their alerts. Currently, Baja California Sur (where Cabo is) is usually kept at a Level 2 status. To put that in perspective, parts of Europe and even other major world cities often carry the same warning.
The biggest "today" concern isn't actually a shooting. It's usually petty crime—pickpockets at the Marina or a "quick kidnapping" where someone is forced to withdraw money from an ATM. These are way more likely to ruin your trip than a cartel shootout.
Why you’ll still see soldiers on the beach
If you see the Mexican Marines (SEMAR) patrolling the sand with rifles, don't panic. It looks intense. It feels like a movie. But their presence is actually a good sign for your safety. The Mexican government has been very aggressive about putting boots on the ground in Los Cabos to prevent the kind of violence that recently plagued places like Tulum and Cancun.
They are there to be a deterrent. Their presence is one of the reasons why the resort zones remain incredibly insulated from the violence happening elsewhere in the country.
Practical steps for your trip
- Register with STEP. If you’re an American, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. If something big does happen, the embassy knows where you are and can send you real-time text alerts.
- Download a map. Cell service can be spotty. Have an offline map of the "Tourist Corridor" so you don't accidentally turn into a neighborhood you don't recognize.
- Keep your hotel's address on you. If you’ve had one too many at Cabo Wabo, you want to be able to show a driver exactly where you’re going without a struggle.
- Watch the beach flags. Seriously, the "shooting" everyone talks about is rare; the "rogue wave" that sweeps people out is much more common. Black or red flag? Stay out of the water.
Cabo is still one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The Arch, the whales, the world-class golf—it’s all still there. The risk of being involved in a shooting in Cabo San Lucas today is statistically very low, provided you aren't wandering into the wrong parts of town or looking for a "party" in the shadows.
Your next move: Check the latest U.S. State Department Mexico Advisory for any overnight changes in the regional security status before you head to the airport.