The Best Things to Do with Your Day When Cruising to Cabo

Heading on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera? This week Lisa shares everything you need to know about visiting Cabo as a cruise destination.

If you and your family are looking for a fun cruise destination, then Cabo might be for you!

Arriving at the Port

Arriving in Cabo is a bit different from other destinations. Cruise ships are unable to pull up to the dock, so they have to anchor in the bay.
From here, you’ll take tender boats to shore. You might have to wait to get on a tender boat.

If you book an excursion through the cruise line, you’ll meet up with your group on the boat before departing.

Money

Mexico’s currency is pesos. However, every time my family has traveled to Cabo, everywhere has accepted our U.S. dollar.
Both street vendors and tour companies were okay to accept U.S. dollars.
Be sure to bring cash if you plan to shop at local markets. Bring smaller bills.
Exchanging money to pesos isn’t really necessary.

Arriving in Cabo

If you haven’t booked any excursions ahead of time, don’t worry!
There are so many vendors and companies right when you get off the ship that are ready to take you on all sorts of adventures.

Our Family’s Favorite Things To Do in Cabo

Right when you get off the ship, there is a large market for all of your souvenir needs! This is a large warehouse with lots of tables and booths selling all sorts of items.
There are lots of great restaurants all along the main street to grab some Mexican food!
Our family’s favorite excursion that we’ve done in Cabo was riding a catamaran (with nets to lay on over the water) to a snorkel location. They also made us fresh guacamole to enjoy!
You can also take a speed boat out to a more remote location to snorkel.
- We were even lucky enough to watch whales on our ride! On this same excursion, they took us to an area with kayaks and paddleboards to ride around on.
If you are interested in whales, there are whale watching tours! January-March is the best time to see the whales.
Swimming with dolphins is also a fun option!

You can head to Cabo Adventures and they have a pool for you to swim with dolphins. The only downside is that this excursion seems a little overpriced to me. They also make you pay for any images that they take of you during the excursion. Be aware that you can’t take your own photos.

If you want a chill day or just want to hang out, there are great beaches! Be aware that many beaches have strong rip tides and recommend not swimming. However, there are some safer options.

Medano Beach is within walking distance of the port! Or you can take a water taxi. It is a fun beach with lots of vendors and beautiful water. There are also options to rent paddle boards or go parasailing.
Lovers Beach is right by “the land’s end”, which is the end of the peninsula. It is safe to swim here. You’ll need to take a water taxi to get to this beach.

Eat Mexican food! Especially any foods with seafood. The fish tacos around town are so good!
We have booked multiple excursions through Cabo Adventures.

More Things To Do in Cabo

Golf. There are lots of golf courses in Cabo. Be sure to set a tee time before arriving.
Ziplining. Be aware that most ziplining locations around here are an hour or hour and a half drive away.
Ride a camel. There are camels to ride through the desert!
ATV riding
Go to Cabo NOT on a cruise. There are so many resorts to visit in Cabo for longer-term stays.

Returning to the Ship

Cruises always have an “all aboard” time. The ship doesn’t wait for people who are late.
Pay attention to the last tender boat time. You don’t want to get stuck on shore! Be in line prior to the latest time to get on the ship.
However, if the line is super long and the “last boat” is going to leave, don’t stress. They won’t leave you if you’re in line before the last boat.