Cruise ships in Cabo San Lucas dock at one of two locations: the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port (also called Puerto Los Cabos) or at anchor in the harbor with tender service to shore

Most large cruise ships use the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port, a dedicated facility on the east side of the harbor near the marina. This is a proper dock where the ship ties up directly to the pier, and you walk off the ship onto land. A smaller number of ships—usually older or larger vessels that don't fit the dock—anchor in the harbor itself and use small boats called tenders to ferry passengers to and from the Medano Beach area.

Which option you get depends on your ship's size and the port's schedule that day. You won't know for certain until a few days before arrival, when the cruise line sends you the final port information. If your ship anchors, the tender process adds 15 to 30 minutes to getting ashore and returning, and it can be cancelled if the weather turns rough.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port on the east harbor is the main dock, where most ships tie up directly to the pier.
  • Larger or older ships anchor in the harbor and use tender boats to move passengers to Medano Beach, adding time to your shore visit.
  • Your cruise line will tell you which method applies to your ship three to five days before arrival.
  • If your ship is tendering, check the weather forecast—rough seas can delay or cancel tender service.
  • The cruise port is within walking distance of the marina, restaurants, and shops, but taxis and tour operators are also available at the dock.

The Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port (Puerto Los Cabos)

The Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port opened in 2018 and is the primary dock for cruise ships visiting the area. It sits on the eastern side of the harbor, near the marina district, and can accommodate two large ships at once. When your ship docks here, you step directly off the gangway onto the pier with no additional boat ride needed.

The facility includes a terminal building with restrooms, a few shops, and information booths. From the dock, the marina is a short walk—about five to ten minutes on foot—where you'll find restaurants, bars, and tour operators. Taxis and shuttle services wait outside the terminal. Most cruise lines also offer their own organized shore excursions that depart from the dock.

Because this is a newer, purpose-built facility, it handles the majority of cruise traffic. If your ship is large but not oversized, you will almost certainly dock here rather than anchor.

Anchor and Tender Service

When a cruise ship is too large to fit at the dock or when the dock is already occupied by two other ships, your vessel will anchor in Cabo San Lucas harbor and use tender boats to move passengers ashore. The tenders are large motorboats that hold 100 to 200 people each and make repeated trips between the ship and Medano Beach, the main public beach near the marina.

The tender process takes longer than a direct dock. You'll wait in a muster station or designated area on the ship, board a tender in groups, ride to the beach (usually 10 to 15 minutes), and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the marina or town. Returning to the ship follows the same process in reverse. In calm conditions, the whole cycle adds 30 to 45 minutes to your shore time compared to docking directly.

Rough seas are the real problem with tendering. If waves are too large, the tender service can be delayed or suspended entirely for safety. This is rare in Cabo San Lucas because the harbor is relatively protected, but it does happen during storm season (late summer and early fall). Your cruise line will announce any tender delays or cancellations early in the morning on the day of port.

How to Know Which Method Your Ship Will Use

Your cruise line will send you a final port schedule three to five days before you arrive in Cabo San Lucas. This document will state whether your ship will dock at the cruise port or anchor and tender. You can also call the cruise line's guest services line or check your online account a few days before arrival.

If you're booking a cruise and want to know in advance, you can contact the cruise line directly or check their website. Some lines list typical docking versus tendering patterns for each ship, though weather and port traffic can change the plan at the last minute.

Getting Around Once You're Ashore

From either the cruise port dock or Medano Beach (if tendering), the marina and downtown Cabo San Lucas are close by. Taxis wait at both locations and charge a flat rate—usually $5 to $15 USD depending on your destination. Ride-sharing apps like Uber also operate in Cabo San Lucas, though service can be slower than in larger cities.

If you're not taking a cruise line shore excursion, you can walk to nearby restaurants and shops from the dock or beach. The marina has upscale dining and retail. Downtown Cabo San Lucas, about a 10-minute taxi ride away, has more casual restaurants, markets, and tourist shops. Many passengers also book private tours or water activities (snorkeling, fishing, whale watching) through independent operators at the dock.

What to Expect at the Dock or Beach

At the cruise port dock, you'll find a small terminal building with basic amenities. There are restrooms, a few gift shops, and information desks. The atmosphere is orderly because it's a controlled facility. Security screening is minimal if you're just walking off the ship, but you'll need your ship ID card to re-board.

If you're tendering to Medano Beach, expect a more casual scene. The beach itself is public and can be crowded with tourists, vendors, and water sports operators. There are beach bars and restaurants along the sand. Taxis and tour guides congregate near where the tenders land. The beach is safe and well-traveled, but it's busier and less controlled than the cruise port dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay on the ship if it's anchoring and tendering?

Yes. If you don't want to go ashore, you can stay on the ship. However, some cruise lines reduce onboard activities and services while the ship is in port, so the experience is quieter. The ship will not move while anchored, so you're not missing anything by staying aboard.

What happens if tender service is cancelled due to weather?

If seas are too rough, the cruise line will announce the cancellation early in the morning. You won't be able to go ashore that day. Most cruise lines offer a onboard credit or partial refund of your port fees if this happens, though policies vary. Check your cruise documents for the specific policy.

Do I need my passport to go ashore in Cabo San Lucas?

Yes. Cabo San Lucas is in Mexico, so you need a valid passport or passport card. Your cruise line will collect this information during check-in. Keep your passport with you when you go ashore, or leave it in your cabin safe if you're staying close to the dock.

Is the cruise port dock within walking distance of restaurants and shops?

Yes. The marina is a five to ten-minute walk from the dock and has restaurants, bars, and shops. Downtown Cabo San Lucas is farther—about a 10-minute taxi ride—but taxis are inexpensive and readily available at the dock.

What time do tenders usually start running?

Tender service typically begins 30 to 60 minutes after the ship anchors and the all-aboard time is announced. Your cruise line will post the tender schedule on your cabin TV or in the daily program. The last tender back to the ship usually runs 30 to 60 minutes before the ship's departure time, so plan accordingly.