So, you’re dreaming of that perfect Mexican beach vacation. I get it. The sun, the sand, the incredible food… It’s no wonder that over 40 million international tourists flocked there in 2024, according to the World Tourism Forum Institute. But let’s have a quick chat before you book that flight.
Lately, the headlines have been a little… intense. And if you’re like me, you want to know what’s really going on. This isn’t just another scary travel story designed to make you cancel your trip. Think of this as a breakdown of the real, specific concerns for 10 popular beach areas, using the latest official data.
And it’s not just about crime. We’re also talking about surprisingly dangerous ocean conditions and even some gnarly water quality issues. The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisories, and Mexican authorities are also raising their alert levels. Here’s what you need to know to travel smart.
Acapulco, Guerrero: A “Do Not Travel” Warning with a Double Threat
Okay, let’s get the most serious one out of the way first. Acapulco is located in the state of Guerrero, which currently has a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State. That’s the highest, most serious warning they issue. The official warning cites “widespread crime,” and some reports have noted Acapulco has one of the highest murder rates in the world. But here’s the kicker. Even if you were to ignore that giant red flag, there’s a second threat: the water itself.
Mexico’s health authority, the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS), has flagged several of Acapulco’s most iconic beaches as unfit for swimming. We’re talking about famous spots like Hornos, Suave, and Manzanillo. So in Acapulco, you’re dealing with a double whammy: an official security warning and an official health warning. It’s a situation where the two main pillars of a great beach vacation—safety and sanitation—have both been compromised.
The Coast of Colima: A Cartel Battleground You Shouldn’t Visit
Next up is Colima. This state on the Pacific coast also gets a significant, flashing Level 4: Do Not Travel warning from the U.S. government for “crime and kidnapping.” For three consecutive years, it has been ranked as Mexico’s least peaceful state. The homicide rate in 2024 was a staggering 101 per 100,000 people. The State Department points out that Colima has become a battleground for rival drug cartels. While most of the violence is targeted at gang members, the absolute risk for you is becoming an innocent bystander. Getting caught in the crossfire is a real possibility.
This isn’t about petty theft. It’s about being in the wrong place during a shootout. Your usual travel smarts—like not wearing flashy jewelry—won’t protect you from that. The advisory is less about avoiding crime and more about avoiding a conflict zone. Even U.S. government employees face heavy restrictions, being allowed to enter the tourist port of Manzanillo only via a specific toll road and only during the day. That tells you everything you need to know about the risk level.
Cabo San Lucas & La Paz: When Paradise Gets a Security Alert
This one might surprise you. Los Cabos has long been known for its reputation as a safe and luxurious playground. But things are changing. The U.S. State Department recently issued a special security alert for the entire area—Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and La Paz. The official advisory is “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” but recent events are what are concerning. This isn’t just a vague warning. It’s a direct response to a series of shocking incidents in late April 2025. We’re talking about a shootout that spilled across several Cabo neighborhoods, public buses being set on fire, and a law enforcement officer being murdered.
Most chillingly, cartels started hanging “narcomantas“—public banners with threats against officials, some of them right near the international airport. Security experts say this is because of a power struggle within the Sinaloa Cartel. Factions are now fighting for control of the area, not just for smuggling, but to control the “lucrative elements of the tourist industry” itself, like local drug sales and extorting businesses. This makes the threat to tourists much more direct.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco: Why You Need to “Reconsider Travel“
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beloved destinations in Mexico. But the state it’s in, Jalisco, is under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. That’s a severe warning, meaning you should think twice before going. The reason? “Crime and kidnapping.” The State Department provides definite warnings about “territorial battles between criminal groups” that can, and do, occur right in the middle of tourist areas. They explicitly state that these fights have injured and killed innocent bystanders.
But here’s a weird wrinkle: in the very same advisory, they say that U.S. government employees are not restricted from traveling to the tourist areas of Puerto Vallarta. What does that mean for you? It’s a paradox. The threat is real and potentially deadly. However, the fact that government employees can still go suggests that the risk is considered manageable if one is incredibly vigilant. This isn’t a “don’t go” warning; it’s a “be incredibly smart and aware if you do go” warning.
Cancun’s Main Drag: When Red Flags Aren’t for a Party
Let’s switch gears from crime to a different kind of danger. In Cancun, one of the biggest threats is often a literal red flag flapping on the beach. While the state of Quintana Roo has a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory for crime, a more immediate danger for many is the ocean. Popular beaches like Chac Mool, Delfines, and Ballenas are frequently flying red flags. That means “high danger” and “swimming is not recommended.“
And people need to take this seriously. During a recent Easter holiday, authorities reported several rescues and, tragically, two tourist deaths. The main reason? Swimmers ignored the flags and the lifeguards. It’s easy to get into that relaxed, margarita-fueled “vacation mode” and think a flag is just a suggestion. But with powerful currents and rip tides, it’s a life-or-death command. The fun, party atmosphere of Cancun can create a false sense of security, making people underestimate the raw power of the ocean.
The Los Cabos Coastline: A Coast of Caution for Swimmers
Beyond the recent crime alerts, the beaches of Los Cabos have a long-standing, hidden danger. The coastline is stunningly beautiful, but much of it is completely unsafe for swimming. This isn’t about bad weather; it’s about geography. Take Playa Solmar, for example. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches to look at in Cabo, but swimming is strictly forbidden. It has a nasty combination of powerful waves, a severe undertow, and a high risk of “rogue waves.” One minute you’re in waist-deep water, the next you’re being pulled out to sea.
The danger comes from where the warm, calm Gulf of California smashes into the mighty Pacific Ocean. This collision creates invisible, unpredictable currents and sudden, steep drop-offs just feet from the shore. This isn’t a theoretical risk. A 57-year-old American tourist recently died at Playa Santa María after being caught in a rip current.
Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca: Taking the “Beach of Death” Nickname Seriously
This beach in Oaxaca is famous for two things: being Mexico’s only legal nude beach and having a terrifying nickname: “Playa de los Muertos,” or Beach of the Dead. The name, which comes from the ancient Zapotec language, is no joke. The beach has no protective reef, so huge Pacific waves crash directly onto the shore. The seafloor creates powerful, swirling currents that can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea.
Historically, the beach claimed about 50 lives a year. But here’s the good news. In 1995, a team of volunteer lifeguards was formed, and they have made a significant impact. They are well-trained and well-equipped. In one two-year period, they performed 180 rescues with zero drowning deaths. The takeaway? The danger is very real, but it’s now being managed. The story of Zipolite is no longer just “Beach of Death.” It’s “Beach of Death with Awesome Lifeguards.” Don’t just jump in the water. Find the lifeguards, ask them where it’s safe, and only swim between their flags.
Nayarit’s Beaches (Guayabitos, Bucerías): Heed the Rip Current Alerts
Just north of the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta lies the beautiful coast of Nayarit, with charming and popular beach towns like Bucerías, Sayulita, and Guayabitos. As more travelers look for alternatives to the big resort cities, these smaller towns have exploded in popularity. But with more people comes more risk. The local Civil Protection authority recently issued a red flag alert for several of these key beaches, including Guayabitos and Bucerías.
The reason is simple and dangerous: “strong rip currents and high waves.” Lifeguards specifically pointed to “especially dangerous currents” in the area. This is a classic case of tourism growth potentially outpacing safety infrastructure. The currents have always been there, but now many more people are being drawn into them.
Tijuana & Rosarito: A Double Whammy of Crime and Contamination
The border city of Tijuana and the nearby beach town of Rosarito are facing the same “double threat” we saw in Acapulco. First, the security risk. The state of Baja California is under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for “crime and kidnapping.” The U.S. State Department warns that criminal organizations are fighting for control of the valuable border region. Second, the health risk. Just like in Acapulco, Mexico’s COFEPRIS agency has deemed beaches in both Tijuana and Rosarito as unsafe for swimming due to sewage contamination.
And the numbers are truly shocking. Banderas News found that Tijuana Beach had bacteria levels of 3,609 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters (CFU/100ml) of water. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends avoiding contact with water exceeding certain bacteria thresholds, typically above 235 CFU of E. coli/100 ml. That’s more than 15 times the acceptable level. The very things that make Tijuana a dynamic hub—its proximity to the U.S. and the massive flow of people—also put its public infrastructure under incredible strain, creating a layered risk environment for any visitor.
The Pacific Coast (Seasonal): The Overwhelming Hurricane Threat
Finally, there’s the one threat that trumps all others: hurricanes. From roughly June through November, the entire Pacific coast of Mexico is in the path of potentially catastrophic storms. This isn’t a small risk; it’s an overwhelming one. We saw this with the recent Hurricane Erick, which exploded into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm off the coast, forcing evacuations in states like Oaxaca and Guerrero.
A hurricane is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter how careful you are about crime or how good a swimmer you are. When a significant storm is approaching, it brings life-threatening surf, torrential rain, flooding, and mudslides. Airports shut down, roads become impassable, and emergency services are stretched to the breaking point. The only correct safety response to a hurricane is to get out of its way.
Key Takeaway
Look, Mexico is a vast, diverse, and incredible country. Millions of people have the time of their lives there every single year, completely safely. This isn’t about scaring you; it’s about empowering you. The key is to understand that the risks are particular to specific regions and certain situations.
Crime and Security: This is a significant issue in specific states, such as Guerrero, Colima, and Jalisco. Your best defense is to read and respect the U.S. State Department advisories. If they say “Do Not Travel,” don’t travel.
Ocean Dangers: This is a threat on every coast. Your best defense is to learn the beach flag system and never to underestimate the power of the ocean, especially when red or black flags are flying.
Health & Sanitation: This is a hidden danger on certain beaches, particularly in Acapulco and Tijuana. Check local reports, and if a beach is flagged for contamination, stay out of the water.
A few minutes of research before you book—and a quick check of the flags before you swim—can make all the difference. Travel safe, and travel smart.
Advisories are subject to change. Always check the latest information here: (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html).
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Don’t Swipe Until You Read This: The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some advantageous options that can boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
