Palmilla
Baja California Sur, Mexico
Palmilla is a beach in Baja California Sur, Mexico, located 5.37 km from San José del Cabo. It holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for environmental management and water safety standards.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Palmilla
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Palmilla?
Palmilla is a beach in Baja California Sur, Mexico, located 5.37 km from San José del Cabo. It holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for environmental management and water safety standards.
The beach is open during its designated season. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water. April through June offer the best conditions for a visit, though the beach sees its heaviest crowds from January to March and in December.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Baja California Sur, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Mexico certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Palmilla faces west toward Pacific Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Feb | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Mar | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Apr | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| May | 26°C | 23°C | Med |
| Jun | 28°C | 25°C | Med |
| Jul | 30°C | 27°C | Med |
| Aug | 29°C | 26°C | Low |
| Sep | 28°C | 25°C | Low |
| Oct | 27°C | 24°C | Low |
| Nov | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Dec | 21°C | 18°C | High |
The best time to visit Palmilla is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 29.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 26.8°C in July.
How crowded does Palmilla get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Mexico, Palmilla sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Palmilla open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Palmilla
Is Palmilla safe to swim?Palmilla is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Palmilla?Peak water temperature at Palmilla reaches around 26.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 20.3°C.
What is the beach like at Palmilla?Palmilla on the Baja California Sur coast of Mexico. The beach is open during its designated season. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water. April through June offer the best conditions for a visit, though the beach sees its heaviest crowds from January to March and in December.
Does Palmilla have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Palmilla meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Transport
Getting to Palmilla
How do I get to Palmilla by car?Palmilla is approximately 5.37 km from San José del Cabo. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Palmilla?The nearest airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) (SJD), approximately 15.4 km away.
Can I get to Palmilla by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to San José del Cabo. The nearest recorded bus stop is 943 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Palmilla
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Palmilla. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Palmilla
- Bus stop Bus stop 481 m
Parking near Palmilla
- Parking Parking 397 m
- Parking Parking 473 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | April – November |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 3.5 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 943 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 23.0136°N, 109.7180°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Mexico |
Frequently Asked Questions
Palmilla FAQ
Is Palmilla suitable for children?
Palmilla has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Mexico.
Is Palmilla free to access?
Access to Palmilla is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Baja California Sur, Mexico, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Palmilla?
The best time to visit Palmilla is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: January, February, March, December, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 26.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Palmilla?
Palmilla is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Palmilla?
Palmilla is located in Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is approximately 5.37 km from San José del Cabo. The nearest airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) (SJD), 15.4 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Palmilla?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 481 m from Palmilla (Bus stop). Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Palmilla?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 397 m from Palmilla, with 2 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Mexico, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore MexicoWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Palmilla
- Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.