Cruise Port Stop Guide: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Updated January 6, 2026
Originally published January 5, 2026
Need help planning your Cabo San Lucas cruise stop? Welcome! You’ve come to the right place – this complete Cabo Cruise Port Guide covers best tours, top attractions, beaches overview, shopping, souvenirs, seasonal tips, FAQs and so much more for cruise passengers.
Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s most popular cruise ports, known for its dramatic desert-meets-sea landscapes, iconic rock formations, world-class snorkeling, and vibrant marina scene. Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo offers cruise visitors a perfect mix of beaches, boat tours, luxury resorts, adventure excursions, and lively shopping and dining…all within easy reach of the port.
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LOGISTICS
PORT: Puerto de Cabo San Lucas | CURRENCY: Mexican Peso (MXN)
TENDER | Arrival: 9:00 | Departure 18:00 1 USD = 17.38 MXN (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE)
LANGUAGE: SPANISH
Hola – hello O-la | Adiós– good bye ah-dee-os |Por favor – please por fah-vor | Disculpe – excuse me Dees-kool-peh | Gracias – thank you grah-see-as
MONEY MATTERS
U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Cabo but you should bring smaller denominations to pay for taxi rides and small items. Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the US or Europe with some places charging a surcharge to accept.
COMMUNICATION
English is widely spoken in Cabo especially in tourist areas.
TENDER INFORMATION
- If you have never been to a tender port before, the most important thing to consider is that tendering is the issue of time as it takes up a LOT of time. You’ll need to account for that getting off and back onto the ship!
- Tender boats usually run continuously once the port opens
- Priority tendering may apply for guests with ship-sponsored excursions
- Seas can be choppy at times, especially in winter months
- Wheelchair accessibility is limited due to tender boarding conditions
PORT INFO
BEAUTIFUL TIP: Reminder that arrival times for port days are estimates for when the ship will be docked and may not be when the port has given approval to the ship to allow passengers to get off. IF the activity start time is close to arrival times, I will always reach out the activity/tour provider and find out exactly what their policy is if I am not able to be there on time. I have found that many operators are flexible especially if the majority/all of the participants are from the cruise ship but some may not be able to accommodate late arrivals with no refund given. Whilst both scenarios are valid business practices, don’t make the mistake of finding out it’s the latter when you aren’t able to join!
CRUISE TERMINAL LOGISTICS
Since this is a tender port, there is only a pier here not a full terminal. There will likely be a queue to get back to the cruise ship, so hats, sunscreen and hydration are key as you’ll likely be lined up in the sun.
To the left of the tender pier is the Marina Mercado (Market), home to dozens of small stalls packed to the brim with souvenirs, clothes and home décor items.
TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS/TOURS
*Whale Watching Tour Includes Photos
Marine biologist guided small group (each boat is limited to 10 people) whale watching tour. Photos are included on this tour as well as the guarantee of a second free tour available if you don’t see the whales
Meetup is close to tender pier / Duration: 2 hours
Arch & Lover’s Beach + Snorkeling Tour
Meet up ~1 KM/ 15 min walk from cruise terminal) / Duration: 2 hours with option to stay longer at the beach
City and Cruise Tour of Los Cabos + Lunch
Pick up available (near cruise terminal) / Duration: 6 hours / Max 12 persons
Would rather get lunch on your own, book this Los Cabo tour instead
Kayak to the Arch, Lovers Beach & Snorkel
Note: Max weight per tandem kayak: 193kg / 425lbs for two people
Pick-up is available (?? from cruise terminal) / Duration: 2.5 hours
Horseback Riding Tour + Tequila Tasting
Note that Park Entrance Fee $25.00 per person is not included in price
Pick-up is available / Duration: 2 hours
Beach & Desert ATV Tour + Tequila Tasting
Note that Park Entrance Fee $25.00/person is not included in price nor is insurance – which you can add for additional cost
Pick-up is available / Duration: 2 hours
Downtown Food and Tacos Tasting Tour
Discover a more local side of Cabo San Lucas with help from your guide on this food tour with all tastings are covered as part of this comprehensive tour
Pick-up is not available (280 m /4-6 min walk from pier) / Duration: 2 hours 45 min
Mexican Cooking Class + Local Markets
Pick-up is not available (280 m /4-6 min walk from pier) / Duration: 4.5 hours
CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO
Cabo San Lucas is one of the most cruise-friendly ports in Mexico, offering easy access to beaches, iconic scenery, shopping, dining, and unforgettable excursions. Whether you want a relaxing beach day, a snorkeling adventure, or a lively marina experience, Cabo delivers, even if you’re here on a short port day.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Once you get off your tender boat, Cabo San Lucas is one of the easiest cruise ports to get around, especially if you plan to stay near the marina. Many top attractions, restaurants, and beaches are within walking distance of the tender pier, while buses, water taxis and taxis make it simple to explore farther afield.
Walking
Many attractions are within short/medium walking distance of the tender pier/cruise terminal (with the exception of beaches). Sidewalks around the marina are generally flat and well-maintained, though some streets farther inland can be uneven.
- Cabo Marina: Shops & restaurants 1 – 5 minutes
- Land’s End boat departure docks: 2 – 5 minutes
- Puerto Paraíso Mall: 500 m (.31 miles) / 7 – 10 minute walk from tender pier
- Medano Beach: 1 kilometer (.62 miles) / 14 – 18 minute walk from tender pier
City Bus
Public buses are available and extremely affordable but the stops are along the main highway making it less convenient for cruise passengers. Routes connect Cabo San Lucas ↔ San José del Cabo.
Water Taxis
Essentially these are boats for hire and are an easy way to get around coastal attractions ie Marina ↔ Medano Beach, Land’s End / El Arco, etc. Note that prices should be negotiated before boarding and that you can arrange for one way or round trip transport. Payment in cash and if using USD, in smaller bills.
Uber / Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and regulated in Cabo with prices fixed by zone. Because they are not metered, always confirm the fare before entering. Payment in cash and if using USD, in smaller bills. Uber is available in Cabo and I have used it multiple times without incident.
Transportation Tips for Cruise Visitors
- Carry small bills for water taxis and tips
- Confirm taxi prices before entering
- Allow extra time to return for tender boarding
- Avoid last-minute long-distance trips
TOP ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (The Arch of Cabo San Lucas)
Accessible by boat only (via water taxi or tour) Cabo’s most iconic landmark where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
Whale Watching *Seasonal
SEASONAL: Cabo’s whale watching season is from mid-December through April. I was told that peak viewing months are January and February but it was pretty incredible when I was there in March.
I really loved this small group whale watching tour for so many reasons: responsible tour company committed to the whales’ well being (ie staying the required distance away), lead by a passionate and knowledgeable marine biologist and also some of the most active whales I have ever seen (it’s crazy how many whale tours I have been on!) – for what it was like, read this.
Medano Beach
Within Cabo San Lucas: 1 kilometer (.62 miles) / 14 – 18 minute walk from tender pier
Cabo’s most popular swimmable beach lined with restaurants and beach clubs (which are very loud and contribute to a party vibe on this beach) Best for: Swimming, dining, beach clubs, families (due to calm waters)
Note that swimming is not allowed at many beaches in Cabo due to strong rip currents and large waves among other dangers
Land’s End
Accessible by boat only (via water taxi or tour) Located near El Arco, Land’s End features dramatic rock formations and stunning coastal views. Often combined with Lover’s Beach & Divorce Beach on tours
Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach)
Accessible by boat only (via water taxi or tour), this scenic beach sits between calm waters and dramatic cliffs. Beautiful tip: Swimming conditions vary – check safety flags.
Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach)
Accessible by boat only (via water taxi or tour) Located on the Pacific side near Lover’s Beach, known for rough waves and dramatic scenery. Best for: Photos (not swimming)
Cabo San Lucas Marina
Within Cabo San Lucas: 1 – 8 minute walk from tender pier
The heart of the cruise port experience offering shopping, dining, and tour departures. Best for: Easy exploring, souvenirs, casual meals
OTHER ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
Chileno Bay
Outside Cabo San Lucas: 15.2 km (9.44 miles) / ~20–25 minutes by taxi
Pick-up is available (close to cruise terminal) / Duration: 7 hours
Santa Maria Bay
Outside Cabo San Lucas: 12 km (7.45 miles) / ~18-22 minutes by taxi
Pick-up is available (?? cruise terminal) / Duration: 4 hours
San José del Cabo + Weekly Art Walk
Outside of Cabo San Lucas (Within San José del Cabo): Distance: ~30–40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas
If you are interested in-depth look at San Jose including the art scene, consider the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk, Beer Tasting & Chocolate Demonstration. This four hour tour includes samples of beer + pizza slices & visit a Mexican chocolate factory & Art Walk & a visit to the Jesuit Mission in Plaza Mijares
For those who have an overnight in Cabo, consider venturing over to San José del Cabo Art Walk. Note that this is held Thursday evenings (Nov–June) in San José del Cabo’s historic art district.
- Galleries open late / Live music and street vendors / Cultural and relaxed atmosphere
- Best for: Art lovers, repeat visitors, cultural experiences
BEST WAYS TO COMBINE ATTRACTIONS ON A CRUISE DAY
- Short Port Day: Marina + El Arco Small Group 1 Hour on Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Adventure Day: Los Cabos Arch & Playa del Amor Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak With Snorkeling + Beach ATV & Camel Ride COMBO Tour
- Culture Day: Visit Todos Santos Todos Santos Day Trip from Cabo San Lucas or Magical Todos Santos Tour, Camel ranch, Lunch & Tequila
- Relaxed Day: Walking marina + long lunch + shopping or Medano Beach or El Arco Small Group 1 Hour on Glass Bottom Boat Tour (beach drop-off option available)
WEATHER, BEST TIME TO VISIT AND SEASONAL TIPS FOR CABO
While Cabo is a popular year-round destination due to the sunny desert climate, traveling here during different times of the year offers varying experiences. Here’s what to expect:
- Winter (December – March)
- Best for: Cruise travelers interested in whale watching or seeking outdoor excursions and/or beach weather
- Average Daytime Temperatures: 70 – 80°F (21 – 27°C)
- This is part of peak cruise season in Cabo with calm, sunny days
- Spring (April – May)
- Best for: Great time for snorkeling, sailing, fewer crowds with possibility to see whales into April
- Average Daytime Temperatures: 80–90°F (27–32°C)
- Cabo has an excellent and fairly long shoulder season
- Summer (June – September)
- Best for: Cruisers who like fewer cruise crowds and don’t mind hot days
- Average Daytime Temperatures: 90 – 100°F+ (32 – 38°C)
- Expect it to be very hot and surprisingly humid (it is a desert climate) with intense short rainstorms. Hurricane season starts in June and peaks typically in August/September
- Fall (October – November)
- Best for: Value travelers, fishing, late-season cruises
- Average Daytime Temperatures: 85 – 95°F (29 – 35°C)
- Note that while the weather improves by late October, hurricane season does run through the end of November
SEASONAL EVENTS, HOLIDAYS AND CLOSURES IN CABO
- Semana Santa (Easter Week): March/April. As a predominately Catholic country, expect this time to be very busy
- Mexican Independence Day: September 16
- Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Nov 1-2: cultural events and ofrendas/altars
- Christmas & New Year: Reduced business hours on holidays
EAT / DRINK
- Where & (some of) What I Ate + Prices
- Tacos Gardenias: (top left photo) 22.18 Three tacos (fish x2:fried and grilled + shrimpx1) plus two of their limeades: made with club soda. Everything was absolutely delicious (I actually ate here a few times)
- Los Claros: (bottom left photo) $21.48 Three tacos (fish/grilled fish/shrimp) were tasty + the mixed seafood tostada was okay + Virgin Pina colada was refreshing but not extraordinary
- El Farallón: (top middle + right photos) $0 Here’s more on what my experience was like at this famous cliffside restaurant PS lol it’s always travel hacking related when my meals are super low or free not due to complaining!
Cabo offers everything from casual taco spots to upscale waterfront dining. Try one of these highly rated places
- The Office on the Beach: Famous beachfront restaurant known for their lively atmosphere. Serving Mexican favorites and margaritas (950 m / 14-18 minute walk from tender pier)
- Captain Tony’s: Another highly rated beach side place with marina views and a relaxed vibe. Known for seafood and classic Mexican dishes (800 m / 11-14 minute walk from port)
- Los Tres Gallos: Excellent for a sit-down lunch. Traditional Mexican cuisine (400 m / 6-9 minute walk from cruise terminal)
- Cabo Wabo Cantina: Some say it’s a must visit experience with live music. (550 m / 8-11 minute walk from tender pier)
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS
Shopping in Cabo is easy and cruise-friendly with most stores clustered around the marina.
- Puerto Paraíso Mall: Air-conditioned mall near the marina with international brands, jewelry, souvenirs. Clean restrooms and dining options (500 m / 7-10 minute walk from tender pier)
- Marina Mercado (Market): Flea market home to dozens of small stalls packed to the brim with souvenirs, clothes and home décor items (To the left of the port)
- Luxury Avenue Los Cabos: High-end designer shopping ~ Rolex, Cartier, and other luxury brands (short taxi ride)
Unique Cabo/Mexican souvenirs
- Mexican silver jewelry
- Talavera pottery
- Tequila & mezcal
- Hand-woven textiles
Beautiful Tip: Prices are negotiable in many independent shops.
GOOD TO KNOW + FAQs FOR VISITING CABO CRUISE PORT
- Book your tour early especially during peak seasons as tours fill up quickly.
- Hydrate: The sun can be very strong plus the arid climate (and adding in adult beverages can be a recipe for disaster!) Hydrate!
- Is Cabo a tender port?
- Yes. If you have never been to a tender port before, the most important thing to consider is that tendering is the issue of time as it takes up a LOT of time. You’ll need to account for that getting off and back onto the ship!
- Can I walk to attractions from the port?
- Yes – marina, shops, restaurants, and some beaches are within walking distance.
- Are beaches swimmable in Cabo?
- Medano Beach is swimmable but note that many others are not due to strong rip currents and large waves among other dangers.
- Do I need water shoes for the beaches?
- No if you are spending time at Medano Beach but YES at other beaches around the area as they have sharp coral and rocks and you’ll want the extra protection!
- Do I need reef safe sunscreen?
- While this is not mandated (as required by law in places like Aruba), it is best to use eco-friendly sun protection (mineral-based ie zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) as it helps preserve the delicate marine ecosystems
- What time zone is Cabo in?
- Mexico follows Mountain Standard Time (MST) and does not observe daylight savings. Be sure to double-check your ship’s time before returning to the port!
Not sure what to pack for a cruise? Here’s the essentials you will need in the ultimate cruise packing guide & here’s all of my packing guide and lists
OTHER CABO POSTS
While these are not cruise related, these posts include what I did, ate and drank + prices whilst in Los Cabos (both Cabo San Lucas & San Jose del Cabo) so you might find the info helpful.
FOR ALL OF MY FREE CRUISE PORT / TRAVEL GUIDES – Click Here
About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status. And she shows you the receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets. Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking and how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often. While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – because seeing the world shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
This is great! Thanks