Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port Guide: Whale Watching, ATV Adventure & The Famous Arch
- Jen "Travel Girl"
- Mar 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 12
My Experience Visiting Cabo on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas
Cabo San Lucas had always been on my travel bucket list. Whether visiting by plane or cruise ship, it was a destination I had dreamed about for years. I finally made that dream a reality during my recent cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.
When I found a cruise itinerary that included an overnight stay in Cabo San Lucas, I booked it immediately. The cruise itself was only five days, and I usually prefer sailings that are seven days or longer, but since Cabo was the main highlight of the itinerary, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Even better, I found a great deal on a solo cruise cabin designed specifically for solo travelers—something I’ll cover in a separate blog post.
This sailing departed from San Pedro Cruise Port in Los Angeles, so I flew from the East Coast to California. The three-hour time difference definitely took some adjusting, but it was completely worth it once we arrived in Cabo.
If you’re wondering what to do in Cabo San Lucas on a cruise, here’s exactly what my experience looked like.
Arriving at the Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port
Our ship arrived in Cabo San Lucas at 1:00 PM on the first day.
Cabo is a tender port, which means cruise ships cannot dock directly at the pier. Instead, the ship anchors offshore and passengers are transported to land using smaller boats called tenders.
The tender ride only takes a few minutes and drops you right in the Cabo marina area, where you’ll find:
Restaurants and bars
Local shops and markets
Excursion vendors
Boat tours and water activities
One of the best things about Cabo is that you don’t necessarily need an excursion to enjoy the port. You can easily walk around the marina, grab some local food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the beautiful views.
The marina is especially beautiful at night when the lights reflect on the water and the cruise ships glow in the harbor.
Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas
One of the main reasons I was excited to visit Cabo was whale watching season.
I had booked a whale watching excursion ahead of time because this was something I had always dreamed of experiencing in person. Seeing whales up close is something I had only seen on documentaries and National Geographic.
After meeting our group at the marina, we boarded a small boat and headed out into open water.
One thing I quickly learned about whale watching: patience is key.
Our boat moved quickly through the ocean searching for whales, and eventually we spotted them.
Watching these massive creatures surface and dive was absolutely breathtaking. Seeing whales in their natural habitat is something that photos and videos simply cannot capture fully.
What to Bring for Whale Watching in Cabo
If you plan to do a whale watching excursion, I recommend bringing:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A hat with a chin strap
Lightweight breathable clothing
A camera or phone ready to record
The boat I was on had very little shade, so sun protection was essential.
The Clear Boat Tour & Cabo’s Famous Arch
After returning to shore, I spent some time exploring the marina area. While walking around, I came across a local tour vendor offering a clear boat tour to see the famous Cabo Arch.
The price was great, so I decided to go for it.
The clear boat experience allows you to see marine life beneath the water while cruising past Cabo’s most famous landmark, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas.
Our tour guide Stefano, who is originally from Argentina, shared interesting history and fun facts about the arch and surrounding rock formations.
Since we arrived around sunset, Stefano also offered professional photos at the arch, which turned out amazing thanks to the perfect lighting.
Just keep in mind that the photos are optional and purchased separately, but they make for incredible souvenirs.
Day 2 in Cabo: Horseback Riding & ATV Adventure
My second day in Cabo started early because we had to be back on the ship by noon.
I booked a horseback riding excursion through Viator, which saved me about $20 compared to booking through the cruise line.
The tour company communicated clearly ahead of time and sent instructions about where to meet outside the cruise port.
Once I met my driver, we drove about 25 minutes to Migrino Ranch, where the adventure took place.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
At the ranch, guests were checking in for different activities. I was the only person scheduled for horseback riding, while the rest of the group had booked ATV tours.
They offered me the option to upgrade to a combo experience that included both horseback riding and ATV riding, and since the price was the same, I decided to try both.
I had never ridden a horse before, but it turned out to be a fantastic experience.
The horses were calm and well-trained, and riding along the beach with the ocean views was absolutely beautiful.
My First ATV Ride in Cabo
After horseback riding, it was time for the ATV adventure, which turned out to be the most exciting part of the excursion.
We rode through desert trails and sandy paths, and it was easily one of the most adrenaline-filled experiences I’ve ever had.
If you enjoy adventure activities, I highly recommend trying ATV riding in Cabo.
One thing to note: there was a $25 park access fee that had to be paid at the ranch. This fee is not always included in the booking price, so keep that in mind when planning.
Once the excursion was finished, my driver Joel made sure I was safely back at the cruise port with plenty of time before boarding the ship.
Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting on a Cruise?
Absolutely.
Cabo San Lucas offers an incredible variety of experiences for cruise travelers.
During my visit I was able to:
Go whale watching in the Pacific Ocean
Visit the famous Cabo Arch (El Arco)
Take a clear boat tour
Ride a horse on the beach
Drive an ATV through desert trails
It was a destination full of adventure and unforgettable moments.
Whether you want to book exciting excursions or simply explore the marina and enjoy local food and drinks, Cabo truly offers something for everyone.
Cabo Cruise Excursion Resources
If you're looking to book excursions in Cabo, I recommend checking out Viator, where you can often find great deals compared to cruise line prices.
I’ll also include the contact information for Stefano, a fantastic local guide who offers tours around Cabo and the famous arch.
Need Help Planning Your Next Cruise?
If you’re planning your next cruise vacation and need help finding the best itineraries, cabins, or excursions, I’d love to help.
Feel free to contact me anytime, and I’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Until next time…
Happy cruising!
— Jen
Jen’s Travel Adventures
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