Cabo San Lucas
¡Bienvenidos a Cabo San Lucas! This sun-drenched resort town on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula is famous for its stunning rock formations, lively atmosphere, and world-class sport fishing. Often simply called "Cabo," it's a destination that perfectly balances adventure and relaxation, with beautiful beaches and a bustling marina right at your fingertips. The iconic "El Arco" (The Arch) at Land's End is the star attraction, and the city itself is a compact, walkable paradise that makes for a fantastic day in port.
⛵ Port Introduction
Unlike many other cruise ports, there is no dock for ships in Cabo San Lucas. Instead, cruise ships drop anchor just offshore in the bay. You'll take a tender boat from your ship to the main tender pier, which is located right on the bustling marina. The ride is short and scenic, giving you a beautiful view of the famous Arch as you approach. The pier itself is very small and doesn't have much in the way of services, but it's a very short walk to the main action of the city.
⚓ Terminal Information
The tendering process is straightforward and efficient. Once you're off the tender, you'll step onto a small pier. There is no large, formal terminal building. Instead, a small pier leads to a lively waterfront street. You'll find a few vendors and a tourist information booth right there to help you orient yourself. From the pier, you are immediately in the heart of the marina, with restaurants, bars, and shops all around you.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
While there isn't a traditional terminal building, the area around the pier is full of facilities. You'll find restrooms, ATMs, and a number of small shops and tour kiosks. The marina is a hub of activity, and you'll easily find a place to grab a snack or drink. Restrooms are available in nearby restaurants and public areas, and it's a short walk to find tourist information and tour pickups.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Spanish, but due to the high volume of tourism, you will find that English is widely spoken, especially in the main tourist areas, restaurants, and shops. It is very easy to get by using only English. However, knowing a few key Spanish phrases is always a respectful and fun way to connect with locals.
A few useful phrases:
· Hola (OH-lah) - Hello
· Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you
· ¿Dónde está el baño? (DOHN-day ehs-TAH el BAH-nyo) - Where is the bathroom?
· La cuenta, por favor (lah KWEHN-tah, por fah-VOR) - The check, please
· ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR cohn tar-HEH-tah) - Can I pay with a card?
💰 Money
The currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but U.S. Dollars (USD) are widely accepted everywhere. In many cases, prices in tourist areas are listed in USD. While it's convenient to use dollars, you may receive change in pesos, so it's a good idea to have some pesos on hand for smaller purchases or for places that don't accept dollars. Many businesses accept credit cards, but it's always smart to have some cash for smaller vendors and tips. ATMs are easy to find and are located in banks and at larger stores. For safety and the best exchange rates, it is always recommended to use ATMs inside a bank or a reputable store like a Walmart or Costco, rather than on the street.
🚗 Transportation
Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable city, especially the marina area and downtown. Most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance of the tender pier.
· Taxis: Taxis are abundant and a convenient way to get around, especially if you want to venture to a different beach or to San José del Cabo. Taxi rates are not metered, so it is essential to agree on a price with the driver before you get in. Taxis for larger groups are available, typically in the form of larger vans.
· Ride-Sharing: Uber and other ride-sharing apps are available and are a good option. The apps provide a fare upfront, which can help you avoid price negotiations.
· Public Bus: For a very local and inexpensive experience, public buses connect Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo and other points along the tourist corridor. The buses are a great way to see more of the area and the fare is a very low flat rate.
♿ Accessibility
The accessibility in Cabo San Lucas for those with limited mobility is a 2 out of 10. The tender process itself can be a significant challenge as you have to navigate from the ship to the tender and then from the tender to the dock. Many of the streets in town, particularly away from the main marina area, are uneven with high curbs, making them difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to "get to town" is simply to walk. The tender pier is located right in the heart of the marina, which is the center of tourist activity. As soon as you step off the tender, you are already there. From the pier, you can walk around the marina, head to Medano Beach, or stroll into the downtown area in just a few minutes.
🚽 Toilet
Public restrooms are not as common in Cabo San Lucas as they are in the U.S. and Canada. However, you can easily find clean, accessible restrooms at restaurants, bars, and cafes. It's polite to make a small purchase, even just a drink, before using their facilities. It's a good idea to carry some small change, as some public restrooms may charge a small fee.
💊 Drugstore
· Farmacia Similares: A well-known and budget-friendly pharmacy chain. The closest one is located at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, a very short walk from the marina area. They are typically open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
· Farmacia Roma: Another large and reliable pharmacy. There is a location at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, which is very close to the tender pier. They are usually open 24/7.
✨ Authentic Experience
1. Water Taxi to Lover's Beach and El Arco: Instead of a large tour, take a small water taxi from the marina to see the iconic Arch. You can ask the driver to drop you off at Lover's Beach, which is a secluded and beautiful spot. It's a great way to support a local captain and get a more personal and flexible experience.
2. Explore the Backstreets of Downtown: While the marina is bustling, the true heart of Cabo is found a few blocks back from the water. Wander off the main tourist drags to discover local taquerias and small shops selling authentic crafts and souvenirs. Look for a place with a line of locals to ensure you're getting the most authentic food.
3. Tacos de Pescado (Fish Tacos): For a truly authentic culinary experience, seek out a small, local spot for fresh fish tacos. The fish is often caught that same morning and prepared to perfection. Unlike the versions you might find at home, these are simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
