Cruise ships in Cabo San Lucas dock at two main terminals in the harbor

Most cruise ships arriving in Cabo San Lucas use one of two cruise terminals: the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port (also called Puerto Los Cabos) or the older Cabo San Lucas Pier. The newer Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port, which opened in 2021, is the primary facility and can handle the largest modern cruise ships. The older pier, located closer to downtown, still receives some cruise traffic but is used less frequently now.

Both terminals are in the same general area at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. The distance from either dock to downtown Cabo San Lucas is short—roughly 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or shuttle. This proximity makes it straightforward to get into town for shopping, dining, or water activities without spending hours in transit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port (Puerto Los Cabos) is the primary modern terminal and handles most large cruise ships arriving in Cabo.
  • The older Cabo San Lucas Pier still operates but receives fewer ships; it is closer to downtown but has smaller capacity.
  • Both docks are within 10 to 15 minutes of downtown Cabo San Lucas by taxi, shuttle, or organized shore excursion.
  • Ships typically stay in port for 8 to 12 hours, giving passengers time to explore town, beaches, or book water activities.
  • Tender boats may be used if the ship is too large to dock directly at the pier, adding 15 to 30 minutes to the process of reaching shore.

The Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port (Puerto Los Cabos)

The Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port opened in 2021 and is the newer, larger facility. It was built to accommodate modern mega-ships and currently handles the majority of cruise traffic to Cabo. The terminal has dedicated cruise facilities including passenger processing areas, shops, and services designed specifically for cruise passengers.

This port is located on the east side of Cabo San Lucas harbor and is equipped with modern infrastructure. Ships dock directly at the pier rather than anchoring offshore, which means passengers can walk off the ship without waiting for tender boats. The terminal is managed by Puerto Los Cabos and is designed to handle multiple large ships simultaneously.

Getting from the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port into town is straightforward. Taxis line up outside the terminal, and the ride to downtown Cabo San Lucas typically costs between 100 and 150 Mexican pesos (roughly $6 to $9 USD, though exchange rates vary). Many cruise lines also offer organized shuttle services directly from the terminal to popular beaches and shopping areas.

The Older Cabo San Lucas Pier

The original cruise pier in Cabo San Lucas, sometimes called the Cabo San Lucas Pier or the downtown pier, is located closer to the town center. This facility is older and has a smaller capacity, so it now receives fewer cruise ships than the newer port. Some smaller cruise lines and expedition vessels still use this pier because it puts passengers directly in the heart of downtown.

The advantage of docking at the older pier is that you are already near restaurants, shops, and the marina. The walk from the pier into downtown is only a few minutes, and you do not need to arrange transportation if you want to explore on foot. However, this pier cannot accommodate the largest modern cruise ships, so if your ship is a mega-ship, you will dock at the newer Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port instead.

When ships are too large to dock directly

Some of the largest cruise ships cannot fit at either pier and must anchor offshore in the harbor. When this happens, the cruise line uses tender boats—smaller boats that ferry passengers from the ship to the dock. The tendering process adds time to your arrival; you may wait 15 to 30 minutes or longer for a tender boat, depending on how many passengers need to go ashore and how many tender boats are available.

If your ship is tendering, the cruise line will announce this before you arrive and will post a tender schedule in your cabin or on the ship's app. Passengers are usually called in groups by cabin number or color-coded card. Bring your room key and any identification required by Mexican authorities. The tender ride itself is usually 10 to 15 minutes, and once you reach the dock, you proceed through the same passenger processing as if you had docked directly.

How long ships stay in port

Cruise ships typically remain in Cabo San Lucas for 8 to 12 hours, though some stay longer depending on the itinerary. A ship arriving in the morning might depart in the late afternoon or early evening. This window is enough time to take a shore excursion, visit a beach, or explore downtown, but you will not have a full day ashore.

The exact timing depends on your specific cruise itinerary. Check your cruise documents or the ship's daily program to see when all-aboard time is—this is the important date by which you must be back on the ship. Missing all-aboard can result in being left behind, so plan your activities with this time in mind and allow extra time to return to the ship.

Getting from the dock into town and beyond

From either cruise terminal, you have several options for getting around. Taxis are the most common choice and are regulated by the port authority; fares are posted at the taxi stand. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Cabo, though availability can vary. Many cruise lines offer organized shore excursions that depart directly from the terminal—these include beach trips, snorkeling, fishing, ATV tours, and visits to local restaurants.

If you prefer to explore on your own, downtown Cabo San Lucas is walkable and has shops, restaurants, and the marina. The beach at Medano is the main public beach and is accessible from downtown. Water activities like parasailing, jet skis, and boat tours are available through vendors near the marina. Plan your route before you disembark so you can make the most of your time in port.

What to know about Mexican customs and documentation

When you arrive at either cruise terminal, you will go through Mexican customs and immigration. Have your passport or passport card ready. U.S. citizens can use a passport card or a Real ID-compliant driver's license for cruises that return to the same U.S. port, but a full passport is safer and required if you plan to travel beyond Cabo. Citizens of other countries should check their country's requirements for entering Mexico.

The customs process is usually quick for cruise passengers, but it can take longer if the ship is large or if there are delays. Once you clear customs, you are free to leave the terminal. When you return to the ship, you will go through the same process in reverse. Arrive back at the terminal with enough time to clear security and board before all-aboard time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay in Cabo after my cruise ends?

Yes, you can disembark and stay in Cabo, but you will need to arrange your own return transportation to the ship or to an airport. This is not recommended unless you are comfortable navigating a foreign country on your own and have a clear plan for getting back. Most cruise passengers stay on the ship for the duration of the voyage.

What happens if my ship tenders and I am uncomfortable with small boats?

Tender boats are safe and operated by trained crew, but if you are very uncomfortable, you can stay on the ship. However, you will miss the port. Some passengers choose to stay aboard and enjoy the ship's facilities while it is in port. Talk to the crew if you have concerns; they can answer questions about the tender process.

Do I need a passport to go ashore in Cabo?

U.S. citizens on a closed-loop cruise (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) can use a passport card or Real ID driver's license. A full passport is safer and required if you plan to travel beyond Cabo. Non-U.S. citizens should check their country's entry requirements for Mexico before your cruise.

Is it safe to take a taxi from the cruise port?

Taxis at the cruise port are regulated and generally safe. Use the official taxi stand at the terminal rather than hailing a cab on the street. Agree on a fare or confirm the meter is running before you get in. Alternatively, use a ride-sharing app or book an organized shore excursion through your cruise line.

What is the difference between the two cruise ports in Cabo?

The newer Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port (Puerto Los Cabos) is larger, handles most modern mega-ships, and is located slightly outside downtown. The older Cabo San Lucas Pier is smaller, closer to downtown, and receives fewer ships. Your ship will be assigned to one or the other based on its size and the cruise line's arrangements.