Cruise ships dock at two main terminals in Cabo San Lucas: the Cruise Port Authority terminal and the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port (also called Puerto Los Cabos)
Most cruise lines use Puerto Los Cabos, the newer and larger facility on the east side of the harbor. This terminal opened in 2006 and handles the majority of cruise traffic — ships from Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian regularly dock here. The terminal has modern facilities, shops, and a short walk or shuttle to the downtown marina area.
The older Cruise Port Authority terminal (also called the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port) sits on the west side of the harbor and handles overflow traffic and some smaller ships. Both terminals are within the same harbor and roughly 10 to 15 minutes apart by car, though most passengers never need to travel between them.
Some ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to land using small boats rather than docking at a terminal. This happens when the harbor is full or when the ship is too large for the available berths. Tendering adds 30 to 45 minutes to the process of getting ashore and returning to the ship, and the ride can be rough if the Pacific swell is running.
Key Takeaways
- Puerto Los Cabos terminal on the east harbor handles most cruise ships and is the newer, larger facility with direct access to shops and the marina.
- The Cruise Port Authority terminal on the west side handles overflow and smaller ships, and both are in the same harbor about 10 to 15 minutes apart.
- Some ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to shore in small boats, which adds 30 to 45 minutes and depends on sea conditions and harbor capacity.
- Both terminals are within walking distance or a short shuttle ride to downtown Cabo San Lucas, where restaurants, shops, and the marina are located.
Puerto Los Cabos Terminal: The Main Dock
Puerto Los Cabos is the primary cruise terminal and the one you are most likely to use. The facility has two cruise ship berths, meaning two large ships can dock at the same time. The terminal building sits right at the dock, so passengers walk directly off the ship into the terminal without a shuttle.
Inside the terminal you will find a currency exchange, ATMs, shops, and information booths. The walk from the ship to the street outside takes about 5 to 10 minutes. From there, the marina and downtown Cabo are a short walk or a quick taxi ride away. The terminal also has a small food court and restrooms, though these fill up quickly when multiple ships are in port.
Parking for rental cars and taxis is organized in a lot adjacent to the terminal. If you have booked a shore excursion through your cruise line, the tour operator will have a desk inside or just outside the terminal, and you will meet your group there before boarding the tour bus.
Cruise Port Authority Terminal: The Secondary Dock
The Cruise Port Authority terminal is older and smaller, with one main berth. It is used when Puerto Los Cabos is at capacity or when a cruise line has contracted for that space. The terminal is less modern but functional, with basic services including restrooms, a small gift shop, and information.
The walk from the ship to the street is similar to Puerto Los Cabos — about 5 to 10 minutes. Taxis and tour operators are present here as well, though the terminal is slightly farther from the downtown marina than Puerto Los Cabos. The distance is not significant; it is still a short ride or a 15 to 20 minute walk if you prefer.
This terminal is less crowded than Puerto Los Cabos straightforward because fewer ships use it. If your ship docks here, you will likely experience shorter lines at the terminal facilities and faster taxi service.
Tendering: When Ships Anchor Offshore
Tendering happens when the harbor is full or when your ship is too large to fit in either berth. The ship will anchor in the harbor, and small boats called tenders will ferry passengers to the Medano Beach area or directly to the marina. The tender ride itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but the process of boarding, waiting, and returning can easily stretch to 45 minutes or longer.
Tendering is announced in your cabin the night before or the morning of arrival. Your cruise line will assign you a tender time and group number. You will need to be ready and waiting in a designated area of the ship at your assigned time. If the sea is rough, tendering may be delayed or suspended entirely, which means you may not be able to go ashore that day.
Tender service is included with your cruise fare — you do not pay extra. However, the process is slower and less convenient than docking at a terminal, so many passengers choose to stay aboard or book a ship-sponsored shore excursion that handles the tender logistics for them.
Getting from the Dock to Downtown Cabo
Both terminals are within a short distance of downtown Cabo San Lucas, where the marina, restaurants, shops, and beaches are located. The walk from either terminal to the marina takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you are comfortable walking on city streets. The route is generally safe and well-traveled by cruise passengers.
Taxis are the most common option and are plentiful outside both terminals. Agree on a price before getting in the cab — most rides to the marina or downtown area cost between 50 and 100 Mexican pesos (roughly $3 to $6 USD). Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Cabo, though availability can vary depending on how many ships are in port.
Your cruise line may offer a shuttle service from the terminal to the marina or downtown for a fee, usually $5 to $10 per person. This is convenient if you do not want to negotiate with a taxi driver, but it is not necessary — the walk is short and taxis are reliable.
What to Know Before You Dock
Bring your ship ID card or your passport if you plan to go ashore. Mexican law requires you to carry identification at all times. Currency exchange is available at the terminal, but the rates are not favorable — you will get better rates at an ATM or by exchanging money before you arrive.
Both terminals have limited luggage storage if you want to leave bags behind while you explore. Ask at the information desk when you arrive. Cell phone service works in Cabo, but international roaming charges can be high — ask your provider about a travel plan or use WiFi at the terminal or in town.
The terminals close when the last ship departs, usually in the evening. If you book a shore excursion, make sure you understand the return time and allow extra time to get back to the terminal. Missing your ship's departure is your responsibility, and the cruise line will not wait or provide transportation to the next port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk from the cruise terminal to downtown Cabo San Lucas?
Yes. The walk from either terminal to the marina and downtown area takes 15 to 20 minutes. The route is generally safe and well-marked. Many cruise passengers walk this route daily. If you prefer not to walk, taxis are inexpensive and plentiful outside the terminal.
What happens if my ship tenders instead of docking?
You will board a small boat that takes you to shore, usually Medano Beach or the marina. The tender ride takes 10 to 15 minutes, but the full process of boarding, waiting, and returning can take 45 minutes or longer. Tendering is included in your cruise fare and is not optional if your ship is anchored offshore.
Do I need my passport to go ashore in Cabo?
Mexican law requires you to carry identification at all times. Your cruise ship ID card is usually sufficient, but bringing your passport is safer. If you plan to leave Cabo and travel elsewhere in Mexico, you will need your passport.
Are there ATMs at the cruise terminals?
Yes, both terminals have ATMs. The exchange rates at ATMs are better than at the terminal currency exchange desk. Have your PIN ready, and withdraw cash before you leave the terminal if you plan to use taxis or visit local shops.
What is the difference between Puerto Los Cabos and the Cruise Port Authority terminal?
Puerto Los Cabos is newer, larger, and handles most cruise ships. The Cruise Port Authority terminal is older and smaller, used for overflow or smaller ships. Both are in the same harbor and offer similar services. Your cruise line will tell you which terminal you are using when you receive your cruise documents.