The Cabo cruise port: tender landings from the bay
Cabo San Lucas has no pier where large cruise ships can tie up. Your ship anchors in the bay, and small tender boats carry passengers to the port area. Plan for a tender landing, not a gangway.
In 2024 the port had 4 anchorage positions, one fixed landing pier and 5 floating landing piers, enough for up to 12 tenders at the same time. The setup can change. Public tenders go to the multipurpose basin, and further tender facilities lie in the port area. No particular landing is guaranteed for each ship, so follow the instructions you get on board.
Ashore, the marina is the starting point for most boat trips. A short Cabo boat tour is one way to see El Arco, and the next sections show which ones fit a few hours in port.
Shore excursions compared
Single examples for 2026, per person, in US dollars. A $3 dock fee per person comes on top of each one.
| Excursion | Length | Price shown | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass-bottom boat to the arch and Lover's Beach | 45 minutes | $18 instead of $25 without land transfer, $35 instead of $45 with | Life jacket included, beach stop optional |
| Sunset shared tour | 2 hours | $95 instead of $115 | Land transfer and drinks included |
| Snorkeling at the arch | About 45 minutes by boat plus time in the water | $77 instead of $85 without land transfer, $89 instead of $99 with | Equipment, vest, snacks and soft drinks included |
| Whale watching, in season | Winter season | $98 instead of $115 deluxe, $89 instead of $99 glass-bottom version | Land transfer, guide and soft drinks included |
For most cruise stops, the 45 minute glass-bottom trip is the one that fits a short time in port. The sunset tour and the snorkeling program take longer than most stops allow, so check them against your ship's times first.
Our pick: a short boat tour from the marina
A 45-minute Arch tour from a marina dock is the shortest option for a port day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Shore excursions from Cabo San Lucas
Boat trips to El Arco, whale watching, snorkeling and more, with live prices and availability.
Planning your time ashore
What to settle before you leave the ship.
Ship times
The time in port, the last tender back and boarding priority depend on your ship and cruise line. Ask on board, and do not book an excursion that leaves no margin before the last tender.
Tender ride and waiting
The length of the tender ride and any queue vary with the day. Weather and your ship's own program can limit time ashore, so build in extra time.
Port operations
Transfers and boat tours can clash with daily port operations. Check an excursion against your ship's times before you commit.
Fees
The protected-area fee at El Arco is 125 MXN per person and day. Children under 12, older people, retirees and people with disabilities are exempt, with proof if needed. Students and teachers with a valid ID get 75 percent off, and Mexican nationals and foreign residents with official proof get 50 percent off. The dock fee that operators ask for is a different item, so ask whether the park fee is included.
Ashore and at the beaches
Where to spend the time you have.
Marina walk
A walk around the marina is separate from any boat tour and its dock fee. More ideas are in things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
Médano Beach
Médano is generally suitable for swimming, but check the flag on the day. Black means closed and red means do not enter the sea. See Médano Beach and Cabo beaches.
Lover's Beach
There is no road to Lover's Beach. You arrive by water taxi from Médano, by glass-bottom boat from the marina or by kayak or paddleboard, and a landing is not guaranteed in rough water. See Lover's Beach.
Plan the rest of your trip
If cruising is only part of the plan.
Cabo cruise port: frequently asked questions
Can cruise ships dock in Cabo San Lucas?
No. There is no pier where large cruise ships can dock directly. Ships anchor in the bay and passengers come ashore by tender.
How does the tender landing work?
Tender boats carry passengers from the ship to the port area. In 2024 there were 4 anchorage positions and landing piers for up to 12 tenders at once. Which landing you use depends on your ship.
How much time do I have ashore?
That depends on your ship and cruise line. Ask on board for the time in port and the last tender back, and allow extra time for the tender ride.
What is the shortest boat tour from the port?
The glass-bottom boat example takes 45 minutes. In 2026 it was priced at $18 instead of $25 without land transfer and $35 instead of $45 with it, plus a $3 dock fee per person.
Do I pay a fee to visit El Arco?
The protected-area fee is 125 MXN per person and day, with exemptions and discounts for some groups. Operators add their own dock fee, so ask what your price includes.