One of the things I hate the most about travelling is being stuck in crowds, especially on beaches. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE taking in beautiful sceneries, but a bunch of sweaty people staring you down while wearing a bathing suit turns me off. So, my boyfriend and I are always trying to find ways to work around that, and sometimes it requires venturing off as soon as one of us says, "Ouh! Let's go see what's behind that thing."
If you know anything about Cabo San Lucas, you know that many beaches are not swimmable due to strong rip currents and huge waves. That said, tourists migrate to the few swimmable beaches, which creates pretty big crowds.
My boyfriend and I asked some locals for a lovely swimmable beach that's not too crowded, which is how we ended up at Playa Coral Negro, BUT when we got there, we were faced with people trying to sell us umbrellas and a group of 30-ish tourists snorkelling around. Still, we were pretty satisfied because we knew there was much worse in Cabo.
As the tide lowered, a path revealed itself, piquing our curiosity, which brought us to Playa el Balconcito, and we LOVED it.
Playa el Balconcito isn’t just another beach; it’s a hidden gem. Isolated from the busier shorelines, it gives you the kind of peace that’s rare in a tourist-heavy destination like Cabo San Lucas.
This little secret harbour removes you from the commercialized feel of resorts and restaurants here. Instead, you're treated to pristine waters, dramatic rock formations, and pure tranquillity. The water is so clear that you can see everything underneath you, with some little fish swimming around you. The rocks are home to colourful fish, so it might be something to consider if you're into snorkelling.
How to Find This Cute, Secret Swimmable Beach in Cabo San Lucas
1. Go to Playa Coral Negro and go down to the water.
2. When looking at the beach, head to the far right side.
3. Cross the rocks, provided that the tide is low enough.
Playa el Balconcito is only accessible by foot and is not made to accommodate for wheelchairs. However, free street parking is available at Playa Coral Negro.
It is better to go when the tide starts to lower. Otherwise, when it gets too low, boats are closer to the shore, which can be dangerous for swimmers. This also creates bigger waves and stronger currents, which makes it harder to swim out.
That said, plan your day accordingly. Click here to see the tide times in Cabo San Lucas.
The rocks are home to several mini crabs, so if you're trying to climb on them, you might feel a little pinch on your toes. When you approach them, they will hide since they are scared, but just pay attention to where you step.
Of course, who says cute beach without cute pictures? Playa el Balconcito promises great pictures with unobstructed sunlight, beautiful rocks, and waves hitting against them.
Our founder (@mariemichelefournier) made sure to snap some pics with one of her favourite Naia Swims bikini! The Strawberry Set blends in perfectly with the Cabo San Lucas vibrant colours. She is wearing a size S for the top and the bottom.
Rating: 8.5/10
Overall Opinion: Having visited several beaches worldwide, this one is a hidden gem. Although it is beautiful and uncrowded, you unfortunately cannot spend the whole day there because (1) you need to time yourself with the tides and (2) low tides can make swimming more dangerous.
All in all, Playa el Balconcito is a must-see if you're in Cabo San Lucas. Whether you're looking to escape the crowds, explore hidden paths, or just relax on a beautiful, secluded beach, this secret spot has it all. Just be sure to plan accordingly, so you can enjoy everything this hidden gem has to offer.
Click here for more of Naia's travel tips!