Cabo San Lucas is considered one of the sweetest stops for cruises on the west coast of Mexico and the top reason is quite simple: the town has everything for everyone— stunning views, easy exploration, and plenty of action or relaxation by the water for those who seek it. A large number of travelers who come on cruises find Cabo to be their most loved port in the whole journey.
If you are on a cruise to Cabo San Lucas for the first time, this guide will be your help by giving you all the necessary information. The port operations will be discussed along with the locations for ships, the amenities that you need, and the top activities in town—all in a simple and easy manner.
Overview of the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port
The port of Cabo San Lucas is located at the tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. Despite being a small industrial port, it is still far less than the other ports in Mexico. It is a beautiful natural harbor accompanied by beaches, cliffs, and blue-green water.
Still, most other ports have the opposite situation where cruise ships are docked at a pier. Due to Cabo San Lucas being a tender port, vessels drop anchor at a considerable distance from the coast and small boats are used to ferry passengers to the land.
Not only this, but the arrangement gives you the most amazing views and also the tender ride is generally short and smooth.
Is Cabo San Lucas a Tender Port?
Indeed, Cabo San Lucas is a port of a tender type.
Tender boats carry passengers to the marina while large ocean liners wait offshore. The journey is usually five to ten minutes long. Even if some individuals are on their first cruise, they would still find it quite easy because the ship crew members guide all the guests. Tender is a great way to get to land.
Where are the cruise ships docking in Cabo San Lucas?
Due to the lack of a pier, the cruise ships are moored in the sea and at the feet of Land's End.
The passengers are ferried to:
- Cabo San Lucas Marina
- The waterfront area downtown
You are in the city center right when you get on the tender boat. It seems that you are during shops, eateries, fun activities for groups, and the beach.
The cruise lines that are famous and recognized which barges their ocean-going vessels are Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
Cabo San Lucas Cruise Terminal and Address
Unlike some ports, Cabo does not have a massive cruise terminal building. The marina is the focal point of the entire town.
- Port area location: Cabo San Lucas marina, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Just, it doesn't require a long walk, a shuttle, or any sort of confusion. You disembark the tender and you are there.
Also Read: Best Beaches in Cabo San Lucas 2026
What Amenities Are Near the Cabo Cruise Port?
The absence of a formal terminal does not keep Cabo from having all the amenities usually sought by cruise visitors.
Restrooms, souvenir shops, local tour booths, restaurants and cafes, ATMs and currency exchange, along with free Wi-Fi at some restaurants, are all the things you will find near the marina.
Meetings with most shore excursions take place right at the marina or within a few minutes’ walk.
Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port Layout
The layout of the Cabo cruise port is very simple to comprehend.
- Tenders come to the marina
- Cabo downtown flows from there
- Shopping streets come off nearby
- From the beach, it is between a 10-to-15-minute walk.
You would not lose yourself in the vicinity, with what gets left in the memory by the marine sight.
Also Read: 10 Best Beaches in Mexico
Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for Cruise Passengers?
It is a frequent question whether Cabo is safe or not.
Speaking of safety, Cabo San Lucas is in most parts very safe for cruise passengers. Tourists can even walk around the marina and the downtown area without any security concerns as these places are crowded with locals and tourists and the security is also very good there.
city centers are brimming with people, welcoming tourists, and keeping a desirable level of security.
Breezy safety tips:
- Stay in the bustling places
- Keep an eye on your things
- Choose licensed cabs or tour guides
- Obey the signals from your cruise line
It is the case that cruisers mostly feel at ease to see the place by themselves.
Also Read: Top 5 Romantic Places in Baja, Mexico
Things to Do Near the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port (No Tour Needed)
Cruisers often cite one reason above all others for their love of Cabo San Lucas, and that is the simplicity of its enjoyment with little planning beforehand. The moment your tender takes you to the marina, you are already during the whole event. No need for a shuttle, taxi, or a long walk to have a blast with your day. Everything appears to be close, easy-going, and hospitable.
- The very first spot we would suggest is Downtown Cabo San Lucas, the marina area. The place is a heaven for those who love to shop as it is packed with different kinds of shops selling nothing but memories, local shops, gemstones, and even open-air sellers.
- A remarkable location to lose track of time especially if you enjoy sleuthing around for small acquisitions or gifts. The docking area offers spectacular views, is smooth, and convenient for walking, thus giving you the chance to choose the speed that is most comfortable for you.
- Moreover, food and drinks are in proximity all around the cruise port area. A variety of dining options is available along the marina and surrounding streets including fast tacos to sit down dinners with a water view. The cruise passengers usually order lunch to be served from the nearby restaurants, or a cold drink, or maybe just relaxation and watching the people for some time. This is a perfect way to get the feeling of Cabo without being rushed.
- However, if you prefer a slightly more strenuous activity while still being near the port, you may book short boat rides from the marina before the sail. Water taxis and small tour boats provide quick trips which take you under the famous rock formations and point out where the seals are. Trips like these are under an hour long and are perfect for the limited time port stay.
- A day at a slower pace for the tourists, walking along the waterfront would be sufficient. The bay and the cliffs around are already providing beautiful views for the tourists to see fishing boats, yachts, and cruise tenders in all directions. A lot of the tourists claim that besides the scenery, the easy-going atmosphere of no pressure is the main reason why they find Cabo so delightful.
In short, the vicinity of Cabo San Lucas cruise port is rich in attractions that do not necessarily require a schedule. It is a matter of choosing between shopping and dining or wandering and soaking in the sun by the beach, and all these are done within a very short distance hence easy to enjoy even if one is a first-time visitor to Cabo.
Also Read: Things to do in Cozumel Cruise Port
Best Beaches Near the Cabo Cruise Port
The beaches of Cabo San Lucas are varied, and all are within a short distance from the cruise port thus even with a tight port day it is very easy to experience some beach fun. If you require quiet water for swimming or if you are just looking for a relaxing place nearby there are still good options.
- Medano Beach is the number one and cruise best beach in Cabo. It is one of the very few beaches that permit swimming and this one is around a 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the marina. Beach chairs, umbrellas, restaurants, and bars occupy Medano Beach which is a glorious point at the whole area. Paddling and jet-skiing are among the water sports options or just simply admire the beach and unwind.
- If you want the different experience you can take a quick water taxi to Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach by the Land’s End. Lover’s Beach is less turbulent and has a great backdrop for pictures while Divorce Beach is also a Pacific facing beach, but it is not suitable for swimming due to very strong waves, and it is good only for walking and taking pictures. A trip to these beaches from the marina is quite short and a cruise day can accommodate them easily.
All in all, the beaches of Cabo are the main attractions of the port and there are numerous options for all types of travelers right next to the cruise port.
Shore Excursions in Cabo San Lucas
Relaxation & Beach Breaks
- Medano Beach: A beach full of life, suitable for swimming, and equipped with water sports, restaurants, and beach bars.
- Tierra Sagrada Beach Club: Beach club treatment with food and beverage service at the lounger, the whole thing is inclusive.
Water & Marine Adventures
- El Arco and Land’s End: The famous Arch, Pelican Rock, and Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) are available for viewing via glass bottom boat rides, clear kayak tours or water taxis.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Gear is usually included in the price for snorkeling during the tours to the coves of Chileno Bay and Santa Maria where the water is calm and crystal clear. Most tours also provide food.
- Sailing and Cruises: Enjoy the luxury of catamaran cruising, sunset sailing with open bar, and the dolphin encounter.
- Whale Watching: Winter and early spring guided tours that have a great probability of viewing the whales at very close distance.
Desert and Outback Experiences
- ATV and UTV Tours: The most adventurous way to see the desert, the beaches and the canyons.
- Camel Rides: Besides being the most touristic, the sweetest activity often has camel and tequila tasting on the beach.
- Jeep Tours and Hiking: Nocturnal visits to deserts and mountains with professional guidance, also covering the Sierra de la Laguna area.
Culture and Town Discoveries
- City Tours: An excursion to San José del Cabo with stops at the old mission, the main plaza, and the galleries of artists.
- Todos Santos: A day at the artists’ town, which has the character of a mellow town and the famous Hotel California, is a one-day visit with a stay overnight.
- Food and Drink Experiences: Tequila tasting, taco tours, and food-making workshops are only a few of the local food experiences.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Beaches in Cozumel
Tips for Cruise Stop in Cabo San Lucas
- Tender time planning: Cabo San Lucas is a tender port, thus if you would like to visit early, the first tender ticket is for you.
- Always have small notes: US dollars can be used everywhere. However, small notes are needed for taxis, tips, and small purchases.
- Always the last minute for returning: In case you make your own tour bookings, always plan to be in the vicinity of the marina at least an hour earlier than the last tender time.
- Prefer comfort to fashion: Dress in soft, light shoes and clothes that let air through. Cabo is a casual place and it will be your day more enjoyable if you are comfortable.
- Smart sun protection and heat handling: The Cabo sun is very hot during all seasons.
- Swimming at beaches: It is not a good idea to swim at all Cabo beaches. Medano Beach is generally calm but the beaches on the Pacific side are often very stormy.
How Cabo San Lucas Compares to Other Mexico Cruise Ports
Cabo San Lucas is at the center of most conversations that cruise lovers have about the Mexican Riviera's best stops. Direct juxtaposition of Cabo with other ports along the itinerary helps to explain the reason.
Cabo vs Ensenada Cruise Port
Generally, the Ensenada cruise port is the starting point or final stop for West Coast cruises, particularly for Short trips from California, which are not that common because of the great interest in Ensenada's laid-back atmosphere, markets, and the close La Bufadora natural blowhole attraction. Main distinctions:
- Convenience: Ensenada has its anchorage right at the port and thus very accessible for a tour by foot. Cabo uses tender boats, which means a little more time waiting but also a very scenic and pleasant arrival.
- Scenery: Cabo's magnificent seashore with the iconic stone formations has more "wow" effect than the working harbor of Ensenada.
- Activities: Ensenada prefers to promote gentle shopping, eating, and wine tasting tours, while Cabo has more aquatic activities and beach clubs to offer.
- A lot of cruisers find Ensenada nice and simple, while Cabo is still the main vacation highlight.
Also Read: 5 Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta During Mexico Cruise
Cabo vs Mazatlán Cruise Port
The Mazatlán cruise port gives a powerful impression of the Mexican culture, as it has a historical city center, one of the world's longest promenades, and less crowded spots than Cabo.
- Mary: Ideally, Cabo can be very crowded, especially on days when cruise ships are in port; Mazatlán is never very crowded.
- Mazatlán is glamorous and the one who holds the banner of Mexico's great past, active local scene, and savory native food.
- Excursions: The best excursions and cultural activities of Mazatlán, while whale watching, snorkeling, and luxury catamarans are the factors that make Cabo so popular.
Also Read: Which cruise line goes to Mexico?
Reasons Why a Lot of Cruisers Consider Cabo as the Best Port
Cabo is always at the top of the charts in comparison due to some of its features:
- The Arch at Land’s End is the most photographed site right next to the marina that is very lively and easy to explore without any guided tour.
- A perfect balance between relaxation and adventure that can be experienced on the same day at the port.
- Affordable as well as reliable shore excursions that are very easy to book.
- The marina area is vivacious, and it is quite simple to do a self-guided tour.
Even the most experienced cruisers often say that Cabo is one of the ports where they feel “special” just as soon as they land.
Final Thoughts: Is Cabo San Lucas Worth It on a Cruise?
Whatever your preference is among beach, boat trips or just enjoying the view, Cabo possesses a good mixture of nature's splendor and good-natured amusement. Most reviews of Cabo San Lucas cruises summarize the destination as a place that is special even for short visits bringing the overall cruise experience of Cabo well worth it for both first-timers and repeat cruisers to the same extent.
