Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is a vacation destination that many travel enthusiasts and tourists consider a dream location. Cabo San Lucas is famous for its sunny nature and stunning weather – not to mention the tropical beaches that feel like they’re straight out of paradise.
You can get to Cabo San Lucas cruise port on a cruise ship that will help you see all the natural wonders in Mexico, many of which are nearby Cabo. Read on to learn about getting to Cabo San Lucas through a cruise port guide.
Port Overview
Upon arriving in Cabo San Lucas, your cruise liner won’t be able to pull into the inner harbor. Instead, you’ll likely have to get off the cruise liner and onto a smaller boat to get into the inner harbor.
When inside, you’ll see civilization and people bustling around the area. Small shops, chain stores, and a currency exchange await you. This port isn’t far from the rest of the city and can be easily traversed. You’ll likely be able to get ahold of a taxi or transportation from the inner harbor.
Transportation
You can get around Cabo San Lucas in two ways. Either you can hire a taxi or similar services, or you can use public transportation. Many busses and taxi companies frequent the area since many tourists are in Cabo San Lucas, especially near the inner harbor.
Consider using public transportation or walking to your destination if you are close to where you’d like to go. However, you may need a transportation service or vehicle to visit somewhere a little farther inland.
Sightseeing & Activities
Cabo San Lucas is no stranger to stunning visuals and sights worth taking your time to explore. Whether you want to understand a piece of history or go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, there’s something for you to enjoy at Cabo San Lucas.
Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whale and dolphin watching is one of the biggest industries in Cabo San Lucas, and the companies that offer these services will provide stunning views. A whale and dolphin watching tour will take you out on the open water, where you’ll have unrestricted sight of pods swimming in clusters toward the sea.
Many of these creatures are undisturbed by the frequent boats and human activity since these animals are left alone, and people are discouraged from bothering them.
Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
Cabo San Lucas has crystal clear bays for you to scuba dive or snorkel in, giving you an opportunity to see wildlife up close and personal. Consider renting scuba gear, getting certified, and going out on an adventure with a certified professional.
Those who don’t want to go scuba diving can stick close to the surface by snorkeling and still get the ability to see some of the most eye-catching sea creatures. Cabo San Lucas is home to Marlins, yellowfin tuna, and red snappers.
Taste Cabo
Everyone has to eat, including tourists who aren’t familiar with Mexican food. Authentic food from Cabo San Lucas may be a lot different than the local Mexican food joint. Eating at Cabo San Lucas will turn your vacation into a dream come true experience for you and the whole family. Many of these meals rely on the plentiful fish in the area.
You’ll be able to try tons of new finger foods and full dishes from restaurants dedicated to providing a taste of Cabo. You’ve never had shrimp and fish tacos until you’ve tried them with Cabo San Lucas seasonings.
Water Sports at Medano Beach
Medano beach is famous for being the safest place to swim and enjoy the water in Cabo San Lucas. Because of its safe reputation, this location is the premier spot for families with small children who want easy-going waves and gentle relaxation.
Medano beach can be the perfect place for snorkeling in the bay since it has calm waters with fish who enjoy the peace. You can also rent floating tubes, noodles, and other water items to enjoy this area. Some tourists may take jet skis and other watersports devices on Medano beach.
Swim with Whale Sharks
Whale sharks may be sharks but they are harmless to humans. Swimming with these creatures is a rite of passage for many Cabo San Lucas tourists and can only be done in a few places globally.
Consider taking a dip with these gentle giants to get a real feel for how small humans are compared to the vastness of nature. If you’re lucky, you may be able to reach out and touch one as it swims passed you.
Shopping & Food
Cabo San Lucas is full of marketplaces that capture the culture and essence of the area. These items are perfect for you to bring home as gifts or decor. Additionally, you can spot some of the best, most authentic Mexican food joints in the area in Cabo San Lucas.
Puerto Paraiso Shopping Mall
The Puerto Paraiso Shopping Mall is one of the best shopping locations in Cabo San Luca and will provide you with hours of entertainment and fun. This shopping mall has everything from a food court to dozens of stores you may find in other parts of the world.
However, there are a few hidden gems in Puerto Paraiso Shopping Mall that you won’t find anywhere else. These gems have culturally significant items that can give you a feel for paradise even when you get back home.
Plaza Bonita
As its name suggests, Plaza Bonita is a small and cute shopping center that has nearly everything. Consider getting a new tropical outfit or a pair of sandals to wear on the beach here. You may also want to explore the shops for something you can take home to remember your trip in the days to come.
This area has jewelry, handmade items, and things you may require during your stay.
Los Tres Gallos
Los Tres Gallos is one of the best-rated restaurants in Cabo San Lucas. This restaurant is hailed by locals and visitors as a stunning culinary experience with tons of flavor and atmosphere. Consider making a reservation as this location can get overwhelming, especially on the weekends.
Los Tres Gallos has an outdoor eating area, and one inside in case the weather is undesirable. LED lights make the atmosphere one you’ll never forget and will enable you to take some of the best photos.
Nearby Beaches to Check Out
A Mexico vacation isn’t complete without a stroll on the beach, and Cabo San Lucas is in high supply of those! The beaches near this area have stunning, clear water you can see and some of the most unique shells.
Lover’s Beach
Also called Playa del Amor, Lover’s Beach is a solitary piece of beach broken off from the rest of the beach area and includes a small pool of water you can swim in. This location is popular among couples and those looking for a little alone time with the one they love.
Consider taking a swim in these waters with your loved one and enjoying the pristine beach in this area. You’ll likely never forget such a romantic excursion.
Playa Publica Cabo San Lucas
Playa Publica Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular beaches in the region and is visited by many tourists and locals every day. This area has plenty of shaded awnings to escape the hot sun while enjoying your time on the beach.
Additionally, the water in this location is stunning and clear, meaning you’ll get a glimpse of many tropical fish that wander a little too close to shore.
The Cannery Beaches
The Cannery Beaches are a set of beaches connected in Cabo San Lucas. Since these beaches are connected, you can traverse them on foot or use a beach access area to enjoy them.
The Cannery Beaches have clear, blue water that you can look into and see dozens of fish swimming about under the surface. Taking a dip in these fish can leave you feeling refreshed and shocked at the calm experience.
Other Things to Do
Although you may only be in Cabo San Lucas for a short time and can’t get far from Cabo San Lucas cruise port, you can still do plenty of things. Take time to enjoy the water, go snorkeling, or visit ancient historical sites from a time long passed.
Visit Cultural Centers and Museums
There are no historical sites in Cabo San Lucas, although the location has been settled for nearly 13,000 years. Cabo San Lucas was home to a civilization of hunters and gatherers who survived off the land and didn’t make advanced architecture, meaning there are few artifacts to find.
However, the area was colonized in the 1600s and has since been built upon. You can visit cultural centers to understand the history of Cabo San Lucas and learn about those who lived there before Spain’s ships arrived on the shore.
Go Hiking
Cabo San Lucas has dozens of hiking trails that can give you a good understanding of the terrain and provide you with stunning views you won’t find anywhere else. These hiking trails are typically easy and won’t have you exerting too much energy to complete them, meaning you’ll have plenty of energy for a night on the town.
See El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is a famous location and you’ve likely seen it as a computer wallpaper before. This location is a large rock arch that was naturally formed. Many tourists will swim and wade out under the arch to get the photo of a lifetime.
Consider seeing this natural wonder before leaving on your cruise ship.
Go On a Boat Tour
Boat tours can offer you a view of Cabo San Lucas from angles your cruise ship won’t be able to. These tours can also get you up close and personal with some wildlife, areas of the peninsula with jagged rocks, and other natural formations you won’t be able to see anywhere else.
Additionally, your boat tour guide will have plenty of information about how the island was formed and its history.
Currency
Cabo San Lucas is located in Mexico where they use the peso. Tourists and travelers will likely need to access a currency exchange to get the money needed to purchase food items and souvenirs.
Cruise Lines That Sail to Cabo San Lucas
Every major cruise line will have cruises to Cabo San Lucas because this location is a top vacation destination. Cabo San Lucas runs on tourism and makes a lot of accommodations for tourists, meaning it will be one of the easiest places for cruise lines to get to.
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess are three of the major cruise lines that stop in Cabo San Lucas frequently.
Final Thoughts
Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful vacation destination you can get to through a cruise line. The Cabo San Lucas cruise port is not too far from the city, making it a perfect place for you and your family to get off the cruise ship and explore the city.
Many cruise ships will remain in the area for a day or two, which is plenty of time for you to enjoy some watersports like snorkeling or enjoy historical sites that may date back thousands of years. Remember that Mexico uses pesos and you’ll need to exchange your currency upon arriving so you can purchase food and items.
