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Cruise Port Advisor
Destinations › Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Cruise Port Guide

Your guide to Cabo San Lucas cruise port — El Arco rock arch, Land's End, Medano Beach, ATV tours, whale watching, and everything to do on a Cabo cruise stop.

Cabo San Lucas — or simply Cabo — is a resort city on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Rated one of Mexico's top 5 tourist destinations, Cabo is framed on the west by the dramatic Lands' End rock formations, bordered to the north by the arid Baja desert, and lined to the east with mega-hotels along the Playa El Medano beachfront.

Cabo San Lucas and nearby San Jose del Cabo are collectively known as Los Cabos. San Jose del Cabo is the political seat — smaller, charming, with cobblestone streets and the area's main airport (SJD). Cabo San Lucas is the "Main Town," 20 miles from the airport and the favorite of most tourists. The Corridor — the highway connecting the two — is lined with golf courses, condos, and resorts.

Check out these excursions in Cabo San Lucas.

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Know Before You Go

Cabo is an extremely popular cruise stop and the tender process can be lengthy on busy days — get your tender ticket early. Note that Lover's Beach (on the Pacific side of El Arco) is accessible only by water taxi and has rough surf — do not attempt to swim there. Divorce Beach on the Pacific side near El Arco is also rough and not safe for swimming.
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Hot Tip

Take a water taxi (~$10–$15 each way) to Lover's Beach at the base of El Arco — you can't swim on the Pacific side but the scenery is spectacular and you can snorkel on the protected Sea of Cortez side. The water taxi will wait for you or return to pick you up.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Quick Facts

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CurrencyThe Mexican peso is Cabo's official currency. Each peso is made up of 100 centavos. At this writing (January 2022), one U.S. dollar equals 20.4 pesos. It is best to convert your cash to pesos as the return exchange rate can be unfavorable. Even if you pay in U.S. dollars, you will receive change in pesos. Banks in Cabo will have regular banking hours but will only exchange U.S. dollars for pesos between 9 a.m., and 1 p.m. Traveler's checks will have a lower exchange rate. There is usually no charge for commissions on money exchanges. U.S. dollars can also be exchanged at a Casa de Cambio, a money exchange house, but these establishments have lower exchange rates. Banks, ATMs, or using your credit card are best to get a higher exchange rate in Cabo. 
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LanguageSpanish is the national language of Mexico, and it is spoken in Cabo San Lucas. That being said, English is also commonly spoken in Cabo because of its popularity with tourists. 
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WiFi & PhoneWiFi connections in Cabo are usually stable. The government of Mexico has designated free WiFi spots in Cabo, but those tend to be farther away from the city center. Nearly all hotels and many restaurants and cafes have free Internet. It is mainly offered through the national telephone service provider Telmex. If you see signs with the logo "infinitum," those are indicators of the service. The speed and bandwidth are comparable to the United States. Check with your provider to make sure you can roam for free on the Telmex networks. 
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Where You DockCabo San Lucas Cruise Terminal (tender port), Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
CABO SAN LUCAS WEATHER

Where You Dock in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

Cabo San Lucas has no cruise pier. All ships anchor offshore in Cabo San Lucas Bay and tender passengers ashore — about a 10-minute ride each way. Factor this into your return time.

Cruise ship with tender boats in Cabo San Lucas Bay

Passengers are dropped at the Tender Pier at the Cabo Marina — about a 15-minute waterfront walk to the heart of town. Right at the pier you'll find restaurants and bars (including Señor Frog's), a pharmacy, ATM, restrooms, souvenir shops, and the Marina Mercado arts and crafts market.

Getting Around Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Transportation options once you're ashore.

🚶 Walking

The walk from the tender pier to the main area of town is about 15 minutes along the waterfront — easy and flat. Downtown has a variety of shopping and restaurants. Note that walking between Cabo and San Jose del Cabo is not feasible due to the distance.

⛵ Water Taxi

Water taxis depart from the downtown marina and will transport you to Cabo's top beaches. Rates are not metered but are generally reasonable — starting around $15 USD one way as of January 2022.

🚕 Taxi

Taxis are plentiful in Cabo and line up at the marina. The heat can make even a short walk uncomfortable, making taxis worth it. Note that fares tend to be on the steep side — agree on a price before getting in.

🚗 Car Rental

If you plan on exploring the area for a while, renting a car may be more economical than taxis. Available companies include Alamo, Hertz, Avis, National, and Budget. Note that Mexico's mandatory insurance can be steep. You'll need a driver's license, passport, and major credit card. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Make the most of your time ashore.

🎯 Cabo offers an exceptional range of activities — from water sports and beach life to whale watching, fishing, and golf:

Resort Day Pass — Enjoy a luxury resort with white sand beaches, pools, restaurants, and drinks. Check out options with ResortPass.

Corazon Cabo Resort and Spa beach

Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa

El Medano Beach — A quick water taxi from the marina. Swimming, jet-ski rentals, kayaking, water skiing, parasailing, banana boating, and beach volleyball all available.

El Medano Beach Cabo San Lucas

El Medano Beach

Chileno Beach — About 20 minutes from the pier. Calm, clear water ideal for snorkeling. Restrooms available and shade palapas on a first-come basis.

Chileno Beach Cabo San Lucas

Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) — Accessible only by water taxi. Tucked between rock formations fronting both the bay and the Sea of Cortez. No facilities — bring provisions and water shoes for the rocky stretches.

Lover's Beach El Arco Cabo San Lucas

Whale Watching — From mid-December to mid-April, gray, blue, and humpback whales visit the waters off Cabo. Several tour operators offer multi-hour tours — a genuinely spectacular experience.

Whale watching Cabo San Lucas

El Arco — The iconic rock arch carved by centuries of tide and water. A glass-bottom boat tour gets you close — sea lions are frequently spotted here.

El Arco rock formation Cabo San Lucas

Fishing — Cabo considers itself the "marlin capital of the world." Full and half-day excursions are available from the marina.

Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

Golf — At least a half-dozen courses welcome day visitors. The most famous is the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, designed by Jack Nicklaus — rated one of the world's top 100 by Golf Magazine, with both ocean and desert views.

Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol golf

Beaches & Outdoors in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

🏖️ Cabo's beaches vary dramatically — calm bay beaches ideal for swimming, and spectacular but dangerous Pacific-side beaches for scenery only:

⚠️ Important: All Pacific-side beaches including near El Arco have dangerous surf and rip currents. Do not swim at Lover's Beach or Divorce Beach — scenery only.

Medano Beach

The main social beach of Cabo — protected, calm water right in the bay. Beach chair rentals, bars, jet-ski rentals, kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, and banana boating. Quick water taxi ride from the marina.

Santa Maria Beach

About 10 minutes by taxi — a protected cove with excellent snorkeling in clear, calm water. One of the best snorkel beaches near Cabo.

Chileno Bay Beach

About 20 minutes from the pier — quieter than Medano with calm, clear water great for snorkeling. Restrooms available and shade palapas on a first-come basis.

Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor)

Accessible only by water taxi (~$10–$15). Tucked between rock formations at the base of El Arco — snorkel on the protected Sea of Cortez side. No facilities — bring provisions. Wear water shoes on the rocky stretches.

Shopping in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Where to shop and what to look for.

🛍️ Cabo has a wide range of shopping from luxury boutiques to local crafts markets:

Puerto Paraiso Shopping Mall

Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas 1501 · puertoparaiso.mx

Cabo's large marina-based mall on multiple levels. Arts and crafts galleries with handmade Mexican goods, swimwear and resort clothing boutiques, marina-facing restaurants including Ruth's Chris, a food court, 10-theater cinema, bank, ATM, and currency exchange.

Plaza Gali

Marina Boulevard — closest plaza to the tender pier

Jewelry stores, arts and crafts, pharmacies, sunglasses, boutiques, and duty-free shops. Also home to Fiesta Mexicana (souvenirs), a Starbucks kiosk, Señor Frog's, and OXXO (Mexico's convenience store equivalent) for cold drinks and snacks.

J & J Habanos

Calle Madero · jnjcabo.com.mx

The most reliable place in Los Cabos for genuine Cuban cigars — Montecristo, Cohiba, and Romeo y Julieta available singly or by the box. Also boasts one of the largest premium 100% blue agave tequila collections in the area.

Pepita's Magic Of The Moon

Calle Madero

Widely considered Los Cabos' best designer boutique. Original custom creations — beachwear, lingerie, skirts, slacks, and formal dresses all on offer.

Luxury Avenue

Cabo San Lucas Marina

High-end boutique on the marina carrying Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, Longchamp, Montblanc, Victoria's Secret, Lacoste, Ultrafemme, and Ultrajewels.

Plaza San Lucas

Carretera Transpeninsular

Home to Walmart with La Europea (a well-stocked deli and wine/liquor store) inside. Also a GNC and numerous clothing stores and boutiques for everyday needs.

Dining in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Where to eat and drink ashore.

🍽️ Restaurants are numerous in Cabo with Mexican food that appeals to most palates — tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are everywhere. Seafood is also plentiful, with ceviche and grilled wahoo being popular. Margaritas are the signature drink of Cabo. Along the main corridor, several stores offer tequila tastings.

Dress Code & Tipping

Cabo is very casual — shorts and flip-flops are acceptable even at night. A few high-end restaurants like Passions or Mandela have dress codes, so check ahead if dining upscale. Tipping is expected: 10–20% of the total bill is standard.

Restaurants

The Crazy Lobster

10-minute walk from the pier

Lobster tacos, shrimp, ribs, burgers, and more. A fun, casual spot with good value.

Panchos Restaurant & Tequila Bar

10-minute walk from the pier

Owned by California ex-pats. A mesquite grill at the center of the restaurant serves chicken mole, carne asada, and fresh seafood. Excellent tequila selection.

El Coral

9-minute walk from the pier

The oldest restaurant in Cabo, serving Mexican dishes and fresh seafood. A classic Cabo institution.

La Casa Country

1.2 km from the pier (15–20 minute walk)

Mexican food with the best fajitas in town and a line dancing show included. A lively, entertaining dinner option.

Nicksan

8-minute walk from the pier

Some of the freshest sushi in the area. Ask the chef for the best of the night — a surprisingly excellent Japanese option in Cabo.

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Cabo Gold Coast Cruise & Snorkel

⏱ 4 Hours · Medium activity

This half day guided tour starts with a  cruise along the Golden Coast of the Sea of Cortez which takes you to the Chile...

Book This Tour →

Off Road Quad Runners

⏱ 4 hours · Medium activity

Your professional guide will lead you by ATV through 100 acres of Cabo coast line and desert, including up mountains, ca...

Book This Tour →

Surfing Lessons at Costa Azul

⏱ 4 hours · High activity

Only a 5 minute walk from the pier, experience surfing at one of the best spots in Mexico - the Costa Azul. Begin your l...

Book This Tour →

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Cabo San Lucas known for?

Cabo is known for El Arco — the dramatic natural rock arch at Land's End where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. It's also known for beautiful beaches, world-class sport fishing, whale watching, nightlife, and water sports.

Is Cabo San Lucas a tender port?

Yes — most cruise ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers ashore. The tender ride takes about 10 minutes and boats run continuously throughout the day.

What is the best beach in Cabo?

Medano Beach is the most accessible for cruise passengers — it's right in the bay near where tenders dock and has calm water suitable for swimming. Lover's Beach at the base of El Arco is also popular but requires a water taxi.

Is Cabo San Lucas safe for cruise passengers?

The tourist and marina areas are generally safe. Cabo is heavily dependent on tourism and the resort zone is well-patrolled. Exercise normal caution and stay in tourist areas.

Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos

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