Making the most of Cabo San Lucas
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships anchor near the famous arches and tender guests into the marina. Central Cabo San Lucas is a pleasant 10-minute walk along the waterfront, although a taxi may be preferable in hot weather.
Investigations are continuing into the potential construction of a cruise-ship berth.
Los Cabos Airport lies approximately 29 miles (48km) northwest of Cabo San Lucas.
At the end of Mexico’s 1,000-mile Baja California peninsula, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo combine excellent weather with dramatic, exotic scenery.
Cabo San Lucas surrounds a large marina and beautiful bay where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. It is recognised for an informal atmosphere and energetic nightlife, and has long drawn anglers pursuing a major catch. Beaches, abundant restaurants and shops, and accommodation for varied budgets broaden its appeal. The renowned natural stone arch El Arco rises at Land’s End. Long, sandy El Medano is the main swimming and water-sports beach, lined with relaxed restaurants and accompanied by golf and classic coastal views...
Getting around
A car is unnecessary for central Cabo, but can be useful when exploring beyond the Marina district or alternatives such as a water taxi to Medano. The value depends on the length of the port call.
Water taxis also make short trips from the marina to Medano Beach or out towards the arches.
Join a boat excursion to a snorkelling beach; dozens of operators wait around the tender landing.
Pez Gato Whale Watch is another well-liked excursion.
Nearby places
A glass-bottom boat to the arch in Cabo San Lucas Bay offers families an enjoyable, good-value look beneath the water. The journey reveals diverse fish, birds and marine species, including the sea-lion colony beside Pelican Rock. Daily snorkelling boats leave Cabo San Lucas marina for Santa Maria or Chileno bays in the Tourist Corridor. Suitable for every age and approachable for beginners, these three- to four-hour outings combine cruising and snorkelling with equipment, tuition, drinks, snacks and entertainment...
Food and shopping
After leaving the tender, the flea market is on the left and the boardwalk on the right. Follow the waterfront for places to eat.
At the dock exit, turn right and continue towards the large hotel at the marina’s end. Look for a broad opening with a lighthouse-like structure; pass through it to reach the main shopping street.
Money
Mexico uses the peso (MXN), whose symbol resembles that of the US dollar and can cause confusion. Dollar prices in visitor areas show US$ or an S with two strokes. The approximate rate is 17 peso to 1US$.
US dollars are accepted extensively in Cabo San Lucas, so exchanging them is unnecessary. Carry smaller notes for taxis and incidental spending if paying only in dollars.
Cards are less widely accepted than in Europe or the USA, and some businesses add around 5% to card transactions.
Staying connected
Cabo San Lucas has several cafés providing customers with free Wi-Fi, together with a number of other public hotspots.
Opening Hours and
Typical hours are Mon-Sun 1000/1100-2000/2200 in major towns and cities, and Mon-Fri 0900-1400/1600 elsewhere in the country.