Share The Article

If you have visited Cabo San Lucas in the last six months, you have likely felt it: the hustle on the beach has been intense.

While local vendors are a colorful and essential part of the Cabo experience, the sheer volume of sellers on Medano Beach and the Marina boardwalk has recently tipped from “lively” to “overwhelming.” Tourists have reported being approached every 30 seconds while trying to eat lunch, with unauthorized sellers pitching everything from cigars to hair braiding.

This week, local authorities responded.

In a massive operation over the weekend, inspectors from the Fiscal Inspection department removed 300 unauthorized vendors from the main tourist zones. Here at The Cabo Sun, we are breaking down what this “cleanup” means for your next beach day and how to ensure you are supporting the legal, local workers who follow the rules.

The “Golondrinos”: Why The Crackdown Happened

To understand the operation, you have to understand the system.

There are currently 698 officially registered vendors in Cabo San Lucas. These men and women pay for permits, undergo background checks, and follow strict rules about where and when they can sell. They are part of the formal economy.

The 300 people removed this weekend were part of a different group, often referred to locally as “Golondrinos” (Swallows). These are informal, unlicensed sellers who often arrive during high season to make quick cash. Because they operate outside the system, they don’t pay fees, they don’t wear the official uniforms, and—most importantly for tourists—they are often the most aggressive.

Manuel Barajas Gerardo, the head of Fiscal Inspection, emphasized that the goal isn’t to stop people from working, but to “guarantee order, protect the image of the port, and safeguard the tranquility of tourists.”

How To Spot A Legal Vendor (And Why You Should)

With 300 fewer people pitching you on the sand, the beach will feel significantly calmer. But when you do want to buy a souvenir, how do you know who is legit?

As we detailed in our guide to spotting legal vendors, the city has made it easy.

1. Look for the White Uniform: Official beach vendors are required to wear pristine white attire. If someone approaches you in street clothes (jeans and a t-shirt) selling silver on the beach, they are likely unregulated.

2. The Badge: Authorized sellers carry a visible ID badge issued by the municipality, often with a QR code. This is your guarantee that if you buy a silver chain, it is actually silver, and if you book a tour, the boat actually exists.

3. The Attitude: Legal vendors know the rules. If you say “No, gracias,” they walk away. Unlicensed sellers often push harder because they know they have limited time before inspectors spot them.

What This Means For Your Vacation

If you are arriving this week, expect a noticeable difference in the vibe at Medano Beach and the Marina.

• The Walkway: The Marina boardwalk, which had become a gauntlet of sales pitches, should be clearer. You can walk from your hotel to your dinner reservation without stopping ten times to decline a water taxi.
• The Sand: While you will still see vendors (the 698 legal ones are still working!), the density will be lower. You will have more space to breathe between interactions.

The “No, Gracias” Still Applies

Even with fewer sellers, you are still in Mexico, and commerce is part of the culture. You don’t need to be rude to be left alone.

A firm, polite “No, gracias” with eye contact is still the gold standard. Don’t ignore them—that just makes them try harder. Acknowledge them, decline, and go back to your margarita.

Authorities have stated that these operations will continue throughout the high season to keep the numbers manageable. It is a move designed to find the balance between supporting local livelihoods and ensuring that travelers can actually relax on their vacation.