10 Fun Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas’ Cruise Port!

Visiting Cabo San Lucas on a cruise and wondering what to do? You’re in for a treat!

From the cruise port, you can easily stroll into town, feast on tacos, shop for cool souvenirs – and even ride a camel for a truly unique Cabo adventure!

We’ve been coming to Cabo for over 20 years now, ticking off nearly every activity, restaurant and bar as we go. We’ve also cruised with big names like Princess, Royal Caribbean and Holland America (plus several small and luxury lines).

So trust us – we know exactly how to make the most of your short stop in port and still get back onboard with time to spare.

Here are our top picks for the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas’ port on your Mexican Riviera cruise!

Note: All prices are in USD

Where do cruise ships dock in Cabo San Lucas?

Ships don’t dock! Cabo San Lucas is a tender port – meaning cruise ships anchor out in Cabo San Lucas Bay, rather than docking at a pier.

You’re ferried to shore on smaller tender boats. 

The tender ride usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Mind you, if two or three cruise ships are in port, and yours is anchored farthest out in the deep blue yonder, this can stretch to 20 minutes.

Where is the Cabo San Lucas cruise terminal located?

Once you’ve disembarked your tender, you’ll be right in the heart of the action.

The tender pier is at the south end of the Cabo San Lucas Marina – a short walk from the town center and within walking distance of Medano Beach, Cabo’s best beach. (See the map below.)

Don’t miss these top 10 things to do in Cabo San Lucas’ cruise port!

Most cruise ships spend about 5 to 6 hours here – just enough time for a fun taste of this sunny port. Some ships, though, are in for a shorter 4-hour stop, sailing off again by 4:00 or 5:00 pm.

With this in mind, we’ve cherry-picked easy-to-reach adventures and shorter tours that let you soak up the best of Cabo, without worrying about missing your tender back to the ship.

1) Take a boat ride to see the famous Cabo San Lucas Arch

You can’t visit Cabo without seeing its most famous landmark – El Arco, the dramatic stone arch at Land’s End. And the best part? It’s super easy to get to from the cruise tender pier.

From where you land, it’s about a 10- to 15-minute stroll along the marina to where all the water taxis line up. Hop aboard one and you’ll be cruising past Cabo’s rugged rock formations and the barking sea lions that sunbathe nearby.

Expect to pay around $20 to $25 per person for a round-trip water taxi. (If it’s very busy with lots of cruise passengers milling about, you might have to pay a little more.)

Stop at Lover’s Beach

If you wish, the water taxi will drop you off at Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) at Land’s End after your sightseeing boat tour (and pick you back up later at an agreed time).

This beautiful swimming-and-snorkeling beach on the calm Sea of Cortez side of the Baja California Peninsula can only be reached by boat (or by paddling to it by kayak or SUP board).

Bring snorkeling gear to peek at the colorful fish, or just relax on the soft sand.

Also walk across the sand to Divorce Beach (on the Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula). But don’t swim there! The riptides and surf are notoriously dangerous.

2) Stroll around the marina

Wondering what to do in Cabo on a cruise that’s free? Easy! Just walk around the marina.

This is where Cabo life hums along – with sleek white yachts bobbing in the water, pelicans drying off on fishing boats and bars calling your name with frosty margaritas.

The whole marina is pedestrian-only, and it takes us about 30 minutes to walk from the cruise tender pier to to the end near the Breathless Resort (and the start of Medano Beach).

Feeling like you need to burn off some more of those cruise ship calories? A jog around the marina should do the trick. Just go early or late in the day – the midday sun is strong here and there’s not much shade.

The marina is also a good place to shop for souvenirs or gifts for people back home.

3) Chill on Medano Beach

Los Cabos is famous for its golden sand and turquoise waters – and chances are, you’ll want to dive right in!

But before you grab your towel and go, know this… Some of Cabo’s beaches aren’t safe for swimming.  Powerful surf and rip currents make many off-limits, especially on the Pacific side.

The great news? Medano Beach – Cabo’s most popular and swimmable beach – is very close to the port.

Along with its calm waters that just beg you to take a dip, Medano Beach is also ideal for water sports – parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding and jet skiing, to name a few.

Getting to Medano Beach

It’s about a 30-minute walk to the start of the beach (40 minutes if you’re heading to the livelier spots).

Don’t feel like walking? Transportation in Cabo is excellent. Simply hop in a taxi, Uber or even a water taxi from the marina.

Beach clubs and chair rentals

You can spread out your towel for free anywhere on the beach, but plenty of beach clubs make life cushier. Think umbrellas, chairs, cocktails and food.

Beach vendors also rent umbrellas and chairs – about $25 to 35 for two chairs and an umbrella, or $50 USD for two plastic loungers with shade.

4) Go taco or tequila tasting (or both!)

Tacos and tequila – could there be a better combo? 

Taco tasting

Cabo’s packed with tasty taquerias. But our go-to for Baja-style shrimp tacos (and killer margaritas!) is Tacos Gardenias. It’s simple, cheap and oh-so-good.

We always ask for flour tortillas (which we prefer), instead of the usual corn tortillas.

Just a couple of blocks behind Medano Beach, not far from the marina, Tacos Gardenias is an easy stop for cruise ship passengers. Pop in for lunch after Medano Beach time or walking around the marina.

5) Watch whales

If you’re visiting Cabo on a cruise during the winter months – December to March/April, which is when cruise ships normally visit here – you’re in luck. It’s the prime time for whale watching!

These wonderful creatures migrate from the Arctic and Alaska down to the warm waters of Cabo, where they mate and give birth.

With a bit of luck, you might see some adorable baby humpback whales too. (February and March are especially great months.)

Whale watching tours in Cabo are easy to arrange on your own. (We’ve gone on a ton of them.) Boats leave from the marina (so they’re close to the tender pier). And you’ll likely save money compared to booking through your ship.

7) Party like a rock star

8) Snorkel at Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay

Just a short drive from Cabo San Lucas along the Tourist Corridor, Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay are teeming with colorful fish – like underwater confetti swirling beneath the Sea of Cortez.

Private snorkeling boat tours

9) Ride a camel on the beach

Is it safe to book your own Cabo San Lucas shore excursions?

Cruise lines always offer cruise-sponsored tours to Cabo’s top attractions – like boat trips to the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas.

Why book your own excursions

Many cruise line passengers prefer to book their own independent tours instead of the ship’s. (We often do!) They’re usually less expensive, often involve smaller groups and can be more adventurous or flexible.

Why book through the ship

That said, cruise-sponsored tours come with peace of mind. They’re guaranteed to get you back to the ship on time.

If for some reason they’re late, the ship will wait (or, as a last resort, they’ll cover the cost of transportation and expenses to get you to the next port).

Safe Cabo excursions to book independently

Other tips for planning your cruise day in Cabo

When researching all the fun things to do in Cabo on a cruise and booking your excursions, keep in mind the following tips to make sure your day goes off without a hitch. 

Book excursions early

Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s busiest cruise ports, so the best activities sell out fast. Once you know what you want to do, reserve your spot early.

Consider a private tour

Private tours let you set your own schedule – perfect for planning the most convenient time for you. You’ll find great options on Viator and GetYourGuide, and your ship may also offer private ship-sponsored ones.

Allow plenty of time

• Remember that Cabo is a tender port, so it can take 30 to 45 minutes to get ashore. 
• Plan to be back at the marina (and cruise pier) well before the last tender – we always aim for the second-to-last tender.
• Do any tours first, then use leftover time to explore the town, marina or beach.

Bring cash

Many local vendors take cash only. (U.S. dollars are fine, but you’ll usually get a better rate in pesos.) You’ll also want some cash for tips.

And while Cabo is very safe, we recommend you don’t carry more than you need. 

Prepare for the heat

Even in the winter months, Cabo’s sun can be intense! Apply sunscreen, wear a hat and bring a water bottle with you. 

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