Port Description

Where You're Docked

Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the marina, which is a pleasant 10-minute waterfront walk to the heart of Cabo San Lucas. Not shy about pursuing cruise ship business, the town is usually wide open at 8am (even at that time you can have breakfast at Cabo Wabo or go parasailing). Even the pelicans are out early.

Getting Around

The town center is very walkable. Taxis, mostly of the sedan type (as opposed to safari cabs), do line up at the marina. For explorations beyond the city limits, your best bet is to rent a car; among the agencies that have offices in town are National, Budget, Alamo, and Dollar.

What to See and Do

Start by admiring El Arco, Cabo's premier site. It's one of the last two rocks that mark "land's end." Basically, El Arco is a big rock with a wide arch cut through it by generations of tides and sea. You can see it from the marina, from any of the cascading patios at Da Georgio II (a restaurant just outside of town) or by taking a boat trip in which the vessel sails through it.

Cabo San Lucas has loads of party restaurants to choose from, including El Squid Roe, Hard Rock Cafe, Coyote Ugly, and Carlos 'n' Charlie's. The ultimate? Cabo Wabo Cantina, Concert Hall, and Restaurant, which opens at 8am and is owned by rocker Sammy Hagar.

Numerous party-boat-style expeditions (mostly half-day) are available. Charter operators have booths at the marina where you can sign up on the spot.

Shop for tourist trinkets downtown (pretty much the same stuff you find at every other Mexican Pacific port); finds include glassware, silver jewelry, rugs, and Indian blankets.

If you want to hit the beach, Playa Medano, fronting the Bahia de Cabo and the Sea of Cortez is a quick taxi ride from the marina. Also nearby is Playa Mendano, where all sorts of watersports rentals are available. If you rent a car, head to the "corridor" between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, which rings the Sea of Cortez, and pick a beach, any beach. Closer in, Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) is snuggled between rock formations near El Arco and fronts both the bay and the Sea of Cortez; you need to hire a water taxi to drop you off and pick you up (they are easily accessible at the marina). Be aware there are no facilities, so bring a picnic.

Where to Eat and Drink

In Cabo San Lucas, El Shrimp Bucket (Blvd. Marina, Mariena Fiesta) is a fun Mexican chain known for fresh seafood. Other options, among many, include The Crazy Lobster (Hidalgo Street) and Pacho's (Hidalgo Street). On Playa Medano try Las Palmas (Playa El Medano) for great seafood and an unbeatable view. O Mole Mio (Marina Blvd., Plaza del Sol) dishes up nouvelle Mexican. Da Giorgio II (Misiones del Cabo) is set amidst a series of cascading pools and offers a simply gorgeous view of El Arco (10 minutes outside of town, it requires a taxi ride or rental car).

Staying in Touch

At the El Dorado liquor store they will let you use the Internet for free (in the Costa Real Cabo mall on the opposite side of the marina from where you arrive). San Francisco Coffee has wireless access on the marina near #5 dock. The Internet Cafe (Marina Blvd., Plaza Nautica) is tucked behind Cafe Europa.