Can You Drink the Water in Cabo? What You Should Know

Is it safe to drink the water in Cabo?

Cabo’s water supply mainly comes from underground aquifers in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and local desalination plants. At the source, the water is generally clean and safe.

The issue arises during distribution.

Much of the local plumbing infrastructure is outdated or poorly maintained. As water flows through old or compromised pipes, it can pick up contaminants before reaching your hotel or rental condo tap.

So while the water starts out clean, it’s often not safe to drink by the time it reaches the faucet.

Even locals tend to steer clear of drinking the tap water directly. And if the people who live here don’t drink it, that’s a good enough reason for us to pass too!

Bottom line: In general, the tap water in Cabo isn’t considered safe to drink.

Can you drink the water at Cabo resorts?

Most (if not all) of the hotels and resorts in Cabo have their own desalinization systems, so technically the water that comes out of the tap in your room is treated and clean.

Staff at our timeshare resort have reassured us their tap water is safe to drink – and we have family members who do so regularly without issue.

Still, not all resorts are equal. We’ve heard of guests at the all-inclusive RIU Santa Fe, one of Cabo’s best budget stays, being advised not to drink the tap water. (Bottled water is free and readily available here anyway.)

Most resorts play it safe and offer purified water for drinking – they know travelers are cautious.

You’ll often find water dispensers in public areas like lobbies and lounges. (At Hotel El Ganzo in San Jose del Cabo, for example, they skip plastic bottles and have pretty glass dispensers in the hallways with paper cups – we love that!)

And in resort restaurants, servers usually pour house water (agua de la casa) that comes from large sterilized garaffones (refillable bottles). It’s filtered and totally safe to drink. Of course, you can always ask for bottled water instead, if you prefer.

Bottom line: Even at resorts, we skip drinking from the bathroom tap or kitchen faucet. Stick to the house water or bottled water – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What about water at local restaurants?

At high-end spots like Flora Farms, El Huerto and other farm-to-table favorites, we’re perfectly comfortable sipping their house water, if available.

But at casual eateries and local taco joints, house water usually isn’t offered – so we just ask for bottled water instead.

Bottom line: If filtered house water is offered, it’s fine to drink.

Is the ice in drinks safe?

Ice in cocktails and other drinks – whether at a resort bar or a nice restaurant – is typically made with filtered or purified water. We’ve never had an issue.

Still, if you’re ever unsure, especially when dining at a smaller or off-the-beaten-path place, it’s totally okay to ask if the ice is made with purified water. (If in doubt, play it safe and order a beer.)

If you’re staying in a vacation rental or hotel room with a kitchenette, don’t use tap water to make your own ice. Use bottled, filtered or boiled water.

Bottom line: Go ahead and enjoy that margarita or mezcalita on the rocks – the ice is almost always safe and the drink will be delicious!

Can you brush your teeth with the tap water?

Yes, you can safely brush your teeth with the tap water. We do all the time. Just don’t swallow the water.

If you want to be extra cautious however, use bottled water (or boiled water, if you’re staying in a condo or villa).

Where can you buy bottled water in Cabo?

The bigger the bottle, the better the deal per glass.

Local corner stores usually stock 5-liter bottles, which are great for one person for the day — with some left over.

Since we usually stay in Cabo for a few weeks at a time, we stock up on cases of bottled water then take an Uber back to our resort.

If you’re staying at an Airbnb or Vrb (Vacation Rentals by Owner), there’s a good chance your place will have a 20-liter (5.3 US gallon) garrafon. This is the typical way locals store drinking water at home. These large bottles sit on a dispenser (or are turned upside down to rest atop the dispenser) and are refilled regularly.

Our personal tips for hydrating safely (from 20+ years of visiting Cabo)

• Stock up on bottled water: It’s cheap and sold everywhere. We always keep plenty in our hotel room or vacation condo.
• Use a reusable bottle: We bring our own and ask the hotel if they offer filtered water stations for easy refills.
• The house water at resorts is safe: We’re comfortable drinking the purified house water served at resort restaurants and bars (which usually comes from the large garaffones).
• Bring water on tours: Most organized tours provide bottled or purified water. Still, for boat trips or full-day excursions, we like to bring extra — just in case!

Extra tip: Some travelers take Dukoral (an oral vaccine that protects against E. coli-related diarrhea) before trips. We’ve taken it before heading to Cabo – mainly when we had other travel plans after. But honestly, we’ve never had stomach issues in Cabo, even without it.

Final thoughts on the drinking water in Cabo

Don’t drink the tap water in Cabo – it’s just not worth the risk. While you might hear from some that it’s okay, we recommend sticking with bottled or purified water.

That said, there’s no need to stress.

Cabo is set up for visitors, and staying hydrated is easy. From purified house water at resorts to affordable bottled water at every corner store, you’ve got plenty of safe options.

Follow a few simple tips, and you’ll stay healthy, happy – and ready to raise a glass (with safe ice!) to your Cabo vacation.

More Cabo trip planning tips

• Essential Tips for Planning Your Cabo Trip
• Is it Safe to Travel to Cabo?
• Renting a Car in Cabo
• What to Pack for Your Visit to Cabo
• 8 Ways to Get Around in Cabo: From the Bus to Uber
• The Best (and Worst!) Time to Go to Cabo
• How Much to Budget For Cabo
• 15 Cool Cabo Souvenirs (and Where to Buy Them)

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