Cannery Beach Playa La Empacadora
A serene, less crowded beach near the marina, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing with soft sand and clear waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter and cooler beach time
Cannery Beach Playa La Empacadora
Best Time
Quieter and cooler beach time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, less crowded beach near the marina, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing with soft sand and clear waters.
"It's the best lowkey place to be for free, offering a lovely view and swimmable waters without constant solicitation."
🚶 Walk from Marina
Easily walkable from the marina, turn left out of the marina entrance.
☀️ Free Umbrellas
Grab a free thatched umbrella early, or rent one for $10-$15.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Beach Vibe
Cannery Beach
Enjoy a less crowded beach experience with soft sand and clear, swimmable waters. Perfect for relaxation.
Snorkeling Opportunities
Cannery Beach
Discover marine life like stingrays and pufferfish in the clear waters. A hidden gem for underwater exploration.
Rocky Shoreline Exploration
Cannery Beach
Clamber on the rocks for unique views and access to a smaller, private beach area. Offers a bit of adventure.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Cannery Beach
Beach Amenities & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk from Marina
Easily walkable from the marina, turn left out of the marina entrance.
☀️ Free Umbrellas
Grab a free thatched umbrella early, or rent one for $10-$15.
⚠️ Watch for Debris
Be mindful of occasional broken glass or bottle caps; water shoes recommended.
🐠 Great for Snorkeling
See stingrays, pufferfish, and more in the clear, chilly waters.
El Medano Beach or Cannery Beach in Cabo?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk from Marina
Easily walkable from the marina, turn left out of the marina entrance.
☀️ Free Umbrellas
Grab a free thatched umbrella early, or rent one for $10-$15.
⚠️ Watch for Debris
Be mindful of occasional broken glass or bottle caps; water shoes recommended.
🐠 Great for Snorkeling
See stingrays, pufferfish, and more in the clear, chilly waters.
🌊 Strong Currents
The current can be strong, so swim with caution.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cannery Beach is praised for its tranquil atmosphere, soft sand, and clear waters, offering a more secluded experience than busier Cabo beaches. Visitors enjoy snorkeling and exploring the rocky areas. However, some note the water can be chilly and strong currents are present, and occasional debris requires caution.
"Beautiful beach, pretty secluded with minimal locals selling items. Clear water, soft sandy bottom. There were some bottle caps, pieces of broken bottles that we found along the shore, so be mindful of that if you aren't wearing water shoes or have little ones with you. You're able to walk through the rocky water area to access another private beach as well. Water was very chilly (February) but we enjoyed it nonetheless. Some people were snorkeling."
Alyssa Foote
"Such a fantastic place! Quiet, clean, good for snorkeling. We saw a stingray, puffer fish and lots of other fishes😍"
Anna Zueva
"It’s actually a great beach less than 10 minutes walk from the marina. Simply head out of the marina and turn left to follow the road.
The sand is soft and the water is so warm. The thatched umbrellas on the beach are free but first come first serve. You can rent umbrellas for $10/small or $15/large.
There’s a teen that works there named Anduar who’s super friendly and get give you a deal on the umbrella (aka sombria) and knows the water taxi guys.
Only toilets are portapotties tho."
Danny Y
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
It's a straightforward walk! Exit the marina and turn left, following the road. You'll reach Cannery Beach (Playa La Empacadora) in under 10 minutes.
While not directly walkable from all cruise terminals, it's a short taxi or shuttle ride to the marina, from where it's a pleasant walk.
Yes, water taxis are available and can be a convenient option, especially if you befriend a local like Anduar who knows the drivers.
Limited parking might be available near the marina, but walking from the marina is the most recommended and easiest approach.
Cannery Beach is generally less crowded and less touristy than El Medano, offering a more relaxed atmosphere without constant solicitations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cannery Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee, making it a great free option.
Public beaches in Cabo San Lucas are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official posted hours for Cannery Beach.
No advance booking is necessary for beach access. You can simply show up and enjoy the beach.
Standard beach regulations apply. Be mindful of the environment and any posted local rules.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy on the beach.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You'll find free thatched umbrellas on a first-come basis, and rentals are available. Portapotties serve as restrooms.
The water is generally swimmable, but be aware of strong currents. It was described as chilly in February.
The sand at Cannery Beach is soft and pleasant underfoot.
Compared to other beaches, Cannery Beach has minimal local vendors, offering a more peaceful experience.
Yes, you can walk through the rocky water area to access another, smaller private beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The rocky shoreline offers unique angles, and the clear water provides great opportunities for shots with marine life visible. The less crowded nature also makes for better photos.
Cannery Beach does not face the sunset, so it's not ideal for sunset photography. For sunsets, consider beaches on the western side of the marina.
With clear waters and visible marine life, it's a good spot for underwater photography if you have the right equipment.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the beach.
The natural rock formations and the meeting point of the freshwater and saltwater are picturesque elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The reduced number of vendors means fewer interruptions for families trying to enjoy their time. The ability to walk from the marina makes it convenient for a shorter outing. Exploring the rocky areas can also be a fun, low-key adventure for curious kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
While umbrella rentals and water taxis have associated costs, the core beach experience is free. The opportunity for snorkeling without needing to book an expensive tour also adds to its budget-friendly appeal. Just be mindful of potential small costs for water shoes if you choose to buy them.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Cruise Ships
Take advantage of the free umbrellas or rent one if needed. Pack your own essentials to keep costs down. Be aware of the water conditions and consider water shoes for comfort and safety. It's a great way to enjoy a local beach vibe before heading back to your ship.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waters: Swimming and Snorkeling
It's worth noting that while the water is swimmable, caution is advised due to the currents. If you're with children or are not a strong swimmer, staying closer to shore or opting for a life vest is a good idea. The soft, sandy bottom provides a comfortable entry into the water, making it accessible for most visitors.
Beach Amenities and Comfort
Many visitors appreciate the relative lack of aggressive vendors compared to more popular beaches like El Medano. This allows for a more peaceful and uninterrupted beach experience. However, some reviewers did mention finding occasional debris like bottle caps or broken glass along the shore, so wearing water shoes or being mindful of your footing, especially with children, is recommended.
Navigating to and from Cannery Beach
For those coming from further afield, a taxi or shuttle to the marina is the most practical first step. Once at the marina, the walk is short and pleasant. Some visitors have even noted the helpfulness of locals, like a teen named Anduar, who can provide tips on water taxis and umbrella deals, further enhancing the ease of access and overall experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit