Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port Guide: 10 Best Things To Do
The Cabo San Lucas cruise port is a popular destination on Mexican Riviera itineraries. It is known for its iconic rock formations, including the majestic El Arco at Land’s End.
Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, this vibrant port offers a perfect mix of activities for an unforgettable day. Want to see El Arco up close, go whale watching, explore the lively downtown, savor delicious Mexican cuisine, or relax on the beach? Cabo has it all. Recently, we cruised there aboard the Celebrity Solstice from Los Angeles, leaving behind the rainy spring for warm sunshine and stunning natural views.
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In this article, we’ll guide you through the top activities at Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port and what to expect when you step off at Marina Cabo San Lucas Port. Join us as we share our experiences and tips to help you make the most of your visit to Cabo.
Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port
Do cruise ships dock in Cabo San Lucas?
Cruises anchor just offshore, near the famous Arch of Cabo and Marina Cabo San Lucas. A tender boat transports you from the ship to the port in a 10-minute ride.
Is Cabo San Lucas a tender port for cruise ships?
Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port is a tender port. This means the cruise ship will anchor offshore in Cabo San Lucas Bay and transport passengers ashore.
We’re usually cautious about tender ports due to the potential delays in disembarking. Tendering speeds can vary greatly—sometimes it’s quick, while other times it may take hours, depending on the cruise ship’s and port’s efficiency.
For instance, on Celebrity Solstice cruises, tender tickets are distributed in the morning at the Martini Bar on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving later than the given time means receiving a higher ticket number, which could delay your departure to port.
If you do not have access to priority tender, booking a tour sponsored by the cruise line can expedite your tender process, as these tours typically receive priority.
What to do in Cabo San Lucas from a cruise ship?
There is no shortage of things to do for cruise ship passengers in Cabo San Lucas. You can book an excursion through your cruise line or explore independently. Upon reaching the port, numerous activities and tours are readily available for booking.
What is Cabo San Lucas famous for?
El Arco in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is home to the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, also known as El Arco. This iconic rock formation at the peninsula’s southern tip is a must-see. You can take a boat tour to get a closer view of El Arco and the surrounding marine environment, teeming with sea lions, dolphins, and whales (depending on the season).
What to do in Cabo San Lucas for a day?
The most popular thing to do in Cabo San Lucas cruise port for a day is a boat tour of Land’s End to see the Arch, with some time included at Lover’s Beach, where you can swim and explore the rock formations.
Tips For the Day in Cabo
The marina area of Cabo San Lucas Port offers limited things to do, primarily numerous pharmacies and shops typical of a cruise port. For more engaging experiences, consider booking a shore excursion, negotiating with a tour operator outside the tender area, or exploring independently further.
Tours and Shore Excursions
We intended to book a shore excursion through our cruise line at Cabo San Lucas, a tender port but found that everything was already booked. Similarly, all worthwhile independent tours were sold out.
Typically, we either explore independently or pre-book tours. Fortunately, it was easy to negotiate a fair price for a tour of Land’s End and whale watching with a tour operator just outside the tender area.
If you haven’t booked anything in advance, plenty of tour operators will wait outside the tender area to arrange a fun day. After disembarking, we approached a reputable vendor outside the tender area. Along the marina’s boardwalk, numerous shops offer tours.
Read more: Tips for Booking Shore Excursions
Transportation Options
Water Taxis: These are the most popular choice for cruisers disembarking at the port. You can book and negotiate tours or transportation to nearby attractions directly from the dock.
Taxi Cabs: Taxicabs are available outside the marina, and taxis can reach nearby locations or head into town. Prices can be high, so agreeing on the fare before you board the cab is important.
Currency
US dollars are widely accepted at the port and are the preferred currency. Credit cards are also accepted at establishments that have credit card facilities.
Sun Protection
The sun in Cabo can be intense, making sunscreen and a hat essential, especially if you’re planning a boat tour. Even shaded areas won’t fully protect you as the sun reflects off the water. If you forget a hat, you’ll find vendors selling them around the port area, where you can negotiate prices. I even added a new hat to my collection during my last visit!
Read more: What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port
1. Take a Boat Tour of Land’s End, See El Arco
A boat tour of Land’s End is a must-do when visiting Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port for the first time. At the southern tip of Cabo, this remarkable rock formation is where you’ll find El Arco, the iconic granitic arch that dips into the sea at high tide.
From the deck of our cruise ship, the view was already impressive, but we decided to hop on a water taxi for a closer look. You get to see El Arco up close, along with Pelican Rock, the Sea Lion Colony, Lover’s Beach, and Divorce Beach. The area is busy, and the tours move quickly, allowing you to take in many sights briefly.
If the tides are low, you might want to ask the water taxi to drop you off at Lover’s Beach or Divorce Beach. You can explore these spots, swim, or go snorkeling for an hour or two—it’s a great way to soak in the natural beauty and relax.
Tour Ideas:
The Arch Tour with Amazing Captain in Cabo San Lucas [book here]
Tours in Cabo, Paseo al Arco, and Fin de la Tierra in Clear Boat [book here]
2. Relax at a Nearby Beach
Can you walk to a beach from the cruise port in Cabo San Lucas?
Canary Beach (Playa Pública): The closest beach to Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port, only a 5-minute walk away.
Medano Beach: If you’re looking for a beach with facilities, restaurants, and bars, this popular beach is about a 30-40 minute walk from the port.
Visiting Mexico often brings to mind two things: beaches and tacos. If you’re in Cabo for a short period and prefer a more laid-back experience, consider spending some time at one of the nearby beaches instead of booking a busy tour.
Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach)
Famed for its secluded, romantic setting, Lover’s Beach features golden sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning rock formations. Accessible only by boat, timing your visit with a favorable tide is crucial; high tide can submerge the beach entirely, making it unsafe.
Despite having no facilities or lifeguards, Lover’s Beach can become quite crowded, especially on days with multiple cruise ships in port. Vendors often stroll the beach, selling various items.
El Medano Beach
Playa Medano is the most popular beach in Cabo San Lucas. It is a 10-15-minute taxi or water taxi ride from the port or about a 30-40-minute walk. Known for its lively atmosphere, the beach is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a hub for tourists looking to eat, drink, and engage in water sports like parasailing and jet skiing. However, it’s not the place for quiet relaxation.
Cannery Beach | Playa Pública
Playa Pública is the closest beach to the cruise port. It lacks the commercial activity found at other beaches, so it’s quieter and ideal for a peaceful swim and sunbathing session. Remember to bring your beach towels from the ship.
Other Beaches by Taxi:
- Chileno Bay Beach: A 20-minute ride away, great for snorkeling.
- Santa Maria Beach: Arriving at this horseshoe-shaped cove is approximately a 20-minute ride.
- Palmilla Beach: A 30-minute ride from the port, this beach offers a relaxing setting.
Tour Ideas:
Beach Day at Chileno Bay [book here]
3. Experience a Whale Watching a Tour
Whale watching is a highlight in Cabo San Lucas, perfectly positioned on the migration paths of several whale species, including humpback, gray, and blue whales. The peak season from December to March offers the best chance to see these majestic creatures frolicking and breaching in the waters around Cabo.
As your cruise ship approaches Cabo San Lucas, keep an eye on the ocean—especially if you’re visiting during whale season. Viewing from your balcony or the ship’s deck might reward you with sightings before you disembark.
In Cabo, you can book whale-watching tours that often offer the option to combine a visit to Land’s End. These tours depart from local marinas and offer a fantastic opportunity to get up close with the whales.
Along with a memorable food tour in Mazatlán, the whale-watching tour stood out as a top experience. We were amazed by the number of whales close to our boat and the sheer joy of these encounters. Despite previous trips, a couple with us mentioned this was the most whales they’d seen in Cabo San Lucas. Remember, while sightings are common during the season, they are not guaranteed.
Tour Ideas:
Whale Watching with Photos Included [book here]
Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas: Sightseeing Cruise [book here]
Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas [book here]
4. Go Snorkeling or Diving
Cabo San Lucas is a snorkeling and diving paradise, thanks to the crystal-clear waters where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. These vibrant ecosystems host an array of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks.
Top Snorkeling and Diving Destinations in Cabo San Lucas:
- Santa Maria Beach and Chilean Bay: You can take a taxi to these beaches if you bring your own snorkel gear. You can find snorkeling right from the shore.
- Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park: This protected area features the only living coral reef on North America’s west coast, making it a prime destination for diving. You’ll want to book a tour to go here.
How to Explore:
- Boat or Catamaran Tours: These tours take you directly to the best snorkeling spots.
- Diving Excursions: Book through your cruise or local operators.
Tour Ideas:
Visit The Arch & Snorkel in Chileno Beach [book here]
Snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas [book here]
Los Cabos Snorkeling Tour: Chileno Bay & Santa Maria Cove [book here]
6. Explore Downtown Cabo San Lucas
If you’re looking for a change of pace from beach and water activities, Downtown Cabo San Lucas offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife. With an array of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs, you’re sure to find delicious food and great souvenirs.
How to Get to Downtown Cabo San Lucas from the Cruise Port:
- Walking: It’s about a 30-minute walk from the marina where your ship tenders. Exit the tender area to the right onto the marina’s boardwalk. Continue along the boardwalk until you pass the Oyster Bar on your right, then veer left onto Blvd de la Marina. Follow this boulevard past Starbucks, heading north into the downtown area.
- Taxi or Pedicab: For a quicker option, taxis and pedicabs are readily available near the cruise port. Depending on traffic, a ride downtown typically takes about 5-10 minutes.
Downtown is also close to Medano Beach. You can make a pit stop along the way if you like.
7. Try the Local Cuisine
Many seasoned cruisers might think they’ve experienced all there is to see in Cabo, but disembarking for some excellent Mexican food is always a good reason to explore anew. Sampling traditional Mexican cuisine is a highlight of visiting Cabo San Lucas or other Mexican cruise ports. You can enjoy a meal near the marina, head downtown, or join a food tour introducing you to authentic local flavors and dishes.
Recommended Foodie Spots in Cabo San Lucas:
- Taqueria El Gran Pastor
- Guss Tacos
- Flora Farms
- Los Michoacanos
- Solomon’s Landing Los Cabos
- La Rana Vegana (vegan)
- Mariscos El Torito (seafood)
Tour Ideas:
Eat Like A Local Cabo Food Tour [book here]
Taco Safari in Cabo San Lucas [book here]
Cabo San Lucas Downtown Food & Tacos Tasting Experience [book here]
8. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
If your cruise ship remains in port overnight or departs late in the day, consider taking a sunset cruise. First, check your itinerary to ensure you have enough time, and remember to factor in the last tender back to the ship.
A sunset cruise in Cabo San Lucas offers a romantic and enchanting experience. As the sun dips below the horizon of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the coastline, the iconic El Arco, and the area’s natural beauty.
These cruises often feature drinks, snacks, and live music, all set against a spectacular sunset, creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxation and enjoyment.
Tour Ideas:
Sunset Dinner Cruise in Cabo San Lucas [book here]
Snorkel & Sunset Sail in Cabo San Lucas [book here
9. Enjoy the Nightlife
Cabo San Lucas is celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect spot for those who love to dance the night away. This is especially true for cruise itineraries that include an overnight stay.
If you plan to explore after dark, the main hotspots are downtown, Medano Beach, and the Marina district. These areas are full of lively bars and clubs. While tenders typically operate throughout the night, it’s wise to check with your ship’s crew about the tender schedule to ensure you can return to the ship without any issues.
Read more: 10 Best Beach Drinks That Never Fail
10. Take a Day Trip
street in todos santos mexico
If you have a full day at the Cabo San Lucas port, consider taking a day trip to explore more of the Mexican Riviera.
Options for Day Trips:
- Rent a Car: Enterprise offers car rentals near the cruise port, allowing you the freedom to explore independently.
- Book a Guided Tour: For a more structured day, you can book a tour that includes both a guide and transportation.
Popular Day Trip Destinations:
- Todo Santos: Just an hour’s drive away, this picturesque coastal town is celebrated for its vibrant art scene.
- San Jose del Cabo: Located about a 45-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas, it offers a quieter atmosphere and is a popular destination for vacationers arriving by plane.
- La Paz: A two-hour drive will take you to this charming coastal city, renowned for its rich marine life and beautiful beaches.
Each destination provides a unique glimpse into the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Mexican Riviera, making them worthwhile excursions from Cabo San Lucas.
Tour Ideas:
Balandra, La Paz and Todos Santos [book here]
Todos Santos Day Trip from Cabo San Lucas [book here]
Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo Sightseeing Tour [book here]
Check Out these adventurous tours in Cabo San Lucas
If you’re looking for some fun adventures, consider these tours:
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.