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Toes in the Sand: World Beach Day & Cabo’s Blue Flag Beaches

Observed annually on September 1st, World Beach Day, a.k.a. International Beach Day, is a global initiative dedicated to celebrating the importance of beaches as essential ecosystems, cultural landmarks and sources of joy and recreation for millions of people. World Beach Day serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty of coastlines while raising awareness about their preservation and highlighting the role they play in biodiversity. Beaches promote well-being and offer sustainable livelihoods. They encourage individuals, communities and organizations to engage in clean-up activities, educational programs and beach-related festivities to honor and protect the planet’s precious coastal treasures for future generations.

In a way, every day is World Beach in Los Cabos. 

The iconic Blue Flag program, originated by the Foundation for Environmental Freedom and one of the world’s most acclaimed awards for sustainable beaches, is ubiquitous in Cabo, which claims 19 certified Blue Flag beaches along its rugged shoreline. To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. When you see a Blue Flag flying in Los Cabos, be assured that the beach is clean and accessible; has excellent water quality; meets high safety standards; and is working to protect local ecosystems.

One of the aims of the Blue Flag program is to encourage the public to learn more about their environment. For example, at the entrance to each Blue Flag beach is an information display that in words and pictures describes the site’s biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena.

Here’s our pick of the best places to celebrate World Beach Day at four of Cabo’s finest Blue Flag beaches: 

  1. Medano Beach. A recent addition to Cabo’s roster of Blue Flag beaches, Medano Beach is the sandy backyard of Pueblo Bonito’s two downtown resort hotels, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos (aka Blanco, and Rose). This lovely two-mile stretch of soft sand is lapped by the calm waters of San Lucas Bay. Lined with casual restaurants, cantinas and beach clubs, this grand strand is ground zero for social life in Cabo San Lucas. Family-friendly and great for people-watching, Medano Beach is also a good choice for swimming and water sports, whether it’s splashing in the gentle surf or launching a paddle board or a jet ski. While it pulsates with activity throughout the day, Cabo’s most popular beach is serene at sunrise.  

  1. Santa Maria. A magnificent horseshoe-shaped cove, Santa Maria Bay is embraced by a pair of peninsular volcanic arms that rise to cactus-covered headlands. This designated National Marine Preserve and long-time Blue Flag-certified beach is known for its placid waters and superb snorkeling. Brightly colored tropical fish inhabit shelves of coral-encrusted rock at both ends of the crescent beach. Beachgoers seeking shade should arrive early to claim one of the thatched palapas. Or bring or rent an umbrella. Santa Maria has a spacious parking lot as well as updated restrooms and showers. 

  1. Chileno Bay. A mainstay among the Blue Flag certified beaches in Los Cabos, Chileno Bay is one of Cabo’s most attractive beaches. The long, wide sandy beach fronts a sheltered bay, its clear waters and gentle surf a magnet for swimmers and snorkelers. Kids of all ages tend to gravitate to the tide pools at the rocky east and west ends of the beach. Conveniently located in the center of the Corridor, Chileno Bay offers ample parking and handicap access. Like Santa Maria, there are recently improved public facilities for showering after sea-bathing. 


Las Viudas (“The Widows”). A local hideaway situated around the bend from Santa Maria’s lava promontories, this secluded Blue Flag beach generally has bigger waves and a stronger undertow than the beaches mentioned above. But it offers a sense of solitude and a dramatic mountain backdrop. The water is ideal for swimming once you get past the first wave break, but most beachgoers are content to watch the large rolling waves crash into the rocks at the west end of the beach. A narrow sandy road leads to Las Viudas. Parking is informal. Public restrooms and showers facilities are available.