Beach days in Los Cabos are some of the best of any trip — sand under your feet, the Sea of Cortez in front of you, the desert mountains behind. They’re also where the small mishaps happen: a scraped knee, a sunburn, a blister from new flip-flops. A compact beach first-aid kit handles 95% of these moments without ending anyone’s afternoon. Here’s our practical local list, item by item.
Sunburn Relief
The most common beach issue, by a wide margin. Even with sunscreen, four hours under the Baja sun can leave skin pink and tight.
- Aloe vera gel — pure, ideally chilled in your hotel mini-fridge.
- Isdin Post-Solar After-Sun Lotion — a popular OTC item used for soothing sun-exposed skin.
- OTC pain relievers like Advil FastGel may help with the discomfort of a mild burn.
For more on sunburn care, MedlinePlus has a helpful overview at MedlinePlus: Sunburn.
Jellyfish Stings & Sea Critters
Jellyfish encounters are uncommon but not unheard of on Cabo’s Pacific-side beaches. Sea urchins occasionally turn up on rocky shorelines. A small “ocean kit” tucked into your beach bag is worth its space.
- Small bottle of white vinegar — commonly used to rinse certain jellyfish-tentacle areas (a traditional first-response item; for severe stings or any allergic reaction, seek medical care).
- Tweezers — for visible spines or tentacle remnants.
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream for itching after the rinse.
- Benadryl — an oral antihistamine commonly kept on hand for sting reactions.
Cuts, Scrapes & Coral Scratches
Sand has a way of finding fresh scrapes. Rocks at the tide line, coral snorkeling near the Arch, sharp shells on Lover’s Beach — minor wounds are part of beach life. Clean, cover, repeat.
- Antiseptic wipes for quick cleaning.
- Neosporin antibiotic ointment.
- Curitas waterproof bandages — they survive a return to the water.
- Gauze pads and surgical tape for anything larger.
Blisters from New Sandals
Vacation footwear is rarely broken in. Combine new flip-flops with hot sand and a few miles of walking, and you’ve got the recipe for a heel blister.
- Moleskin or hydrocolloid blister pads.
- Waterproof bandages.
- A small pack of cushioning gel pads for under-strap rubbing.
Motion Sickness & Boat Trips
A sunset cruise, a fishing charter, or a snorkel trip to the Arch can mean a few hours on the water. If you or anyone in your party is sensitive to motion, prep ahead.
- OTC motion-sickness tablets (taken before boarding, per the label).
- Ginger candies or chews — a low-tech option many travelers like.
- Sea-Band acupressure wristbands.
Dehydration Support
Sun, salt, and a margarita or two at lunch can leave you genuinely dehydrated by afternoon. Headache, fatigue, and that “I just need to lie down” feeling are common signs.
- Emergen-C packets.
- Electrolyte powders (Pedialyte, Liquid I.V., or a local equivalent).
- A large reusable water bottle that you actually use.
Eye Irritation: Sand, Salt & Sunblock
Sunscreen running into your eyes during a snorkel session is more uncomfortable than it sounds. So is a windy day at Médano kicking sand into them.
- Refresh Tears lubricant eye drops.
- Visine for redness relief.
- A small bottle of saline for rinsing.
Putting Your Kit Together
A gallon zip-top bag holds all of the above and tucks neatly into a beach bag. Add a small towel, a tube of reef-safer sunscreen, and you’re ready for any beach in Los Cabos.
If you’d rather not pack all of this, you don’t have to — every item above is available at our shop in Cabo San Lucas, and we can deliver to your hotel before your beach day even starts. For more on traveler health basics, see CDC Travelers’ Health.
This is general information, not medical advice. For any serious injury, allergic reaction, or symptom that doesn’t improve, consult a healthcare provider promptly.