Welcome to the Heart of Cabo
The Cabo San Lucas marina is where the action is. It’s the city’s main gathering spot, where luxury yachts line the docks next to waterfront restaurants and modern shopping plazas. Once a simple harbor for a local cannery, it has transformed into the social and commercial center of Cabo San Lucas.
Quick Facts About Cabo San Lucas Marina:
- Capacity: 380 slips for vessels up to 375 feet long
- Location: Downtown Cabo San Lucas, next to Puerto Paraiso Entertainment Plaza
- Key Features: Full-service boatyard, fuel dock, 24-hour security, shopping, dining, and nightlife
- Activities: Sportfishing charters, whale watching, snorkeling tours, sunset cruises
- Major Events: Three annual Bisbee fishing tournaments with large cash prizes
- Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday Closed
Stroll the boardwalk and you’ll see everything that makes Cabo famous. Water taxis wait to take you to Lover’s Beach and El Arco (The Arch), the famous rock formation at Land’s End. Fishing boats head out at dawn, and glass-bottom boats offer tours all day. The area is also home to the Puerto Paraiso Mall, high-end shops at Luxury Avenue, and dozens of restaurants and bars. On Saturdays, the Circuito Cultural brings local artists to the waterfront from noon to 10 PM. Whether you’re here for a fishing trip, a sunset cruise, or just to enjoy the view with some fresh ceviche, the marina is the place to be.
Quick look at Cabo San Lucas Marina:
Your Complete Guide to the Cabo San Lucas Marina
The Cabo San Lucas marina is more than a place to dock a boat; it’s a maritime community and a top tourist destination. Its facilities and services cater to a wide range of vessels, from sportfishers to mega yachts.
Cabo San Lucas Marina Yacht Tours
The Cabo San Lucas marina, operated by IGY Marinas, is a top-tier facility with 380 slips that can accommodate boats up to 375 feet. It provides reliable power, a full-service boatyard with a 75-ton travel lift, and a modern fuel dock with clean diesel and gasoline. The marina even has its own desalination plant for a steady supply of potable water.
Security is taken seriously, with 24-hour patrols and keycard access to docks. Boaters also have access to clean restrooms, showers, laundry, and a swimming pool. For paperwork, a marine documentation agency is on-site.
It’s best to book a slip in advance. When you arrive, contact the marina office on VHF Channel 88A for your slip assignment. Be sure to check in and out with the office for each stay. The marina enforces environmental rules to protect the water, including proper disposal of trash and waste. For everyone’s comfort, noise should be kept low after 10:00 PM, and pets must be on a leash.
Activities and Water-Based Adventures
The marina is your starting point for adventure on the Sea of Cortés. Sportfishing is the main attraction, with charters leaving daily to catch marlin, tuna, and dorado.
Other popular water activities include:
- Whale Watching: From December to April, you can take a tour to see migrating humpback whales.
- Sunset Cruises: Enjoy the famous Cabo sunset from the water. Many cruises include dinner and drinks.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Boats can take you to calm spots like Chileno Beach and Santa Maria Beach to see local marine life.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: See the underwater world around El Arco without getting wet.
- Parasailing: Get a great view of the marina, Medano Beach, and Land’s End from above.
From the marina, you can easily visit El Arco, the rock formation at the tip of the peninsula. Water taxis will also take you to Lover’s Beach for swimming and sunbathing. On the Pacific side is Divorce Beach, where swimming is unsafe due to strong currents. For more on local adventures, you can find information on hiking in Cabo San Lucas.
Shopping and Dining at the Cabo San Lucas Marina
The area around the marina is a shopper’s and foodie’s paradise. You can find everything from local crafts to international brands.
Shopping:
The Puerto Paraiso Mall offers 50,000 square meters of shops, including well-known brands and a movie theater. For designer goods, Luxury Avenue has jewelry and fashion boutiques. Along the boardwalk, you’ll find smaller shops selling cigars, tequila, beachwear, and art from local galleries and artisan markets.
Dining:
With over 50 restaurants, there’s something for every appetite. Many places have outdoor seating with great views of the yachts. You can find casual taco stands, sushi bars like Nick-San, and upscale seafood restaurants like Lorenzillo’s. For a unique experience, try the “you hook it, we cook it” service. After a successful fishing trip, many local restaurants will prepare your catch for you.
Fishing Tournaments and Nightlife
The marina is the center of Cabo’s famous fishing tournaments and its after-dark entertainment scene.
Fishing Tournaments:
Cabo is a top sportfishing destination, hosting several major tournaments each year. The most well-known are organized by Bisbee’s, including the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament in October, which is one of the richest fishing tournaments in the world. During these events, the marina is full of energy as teams compete for huge prizes.
Nightlife:
When the sun goes down, the marina district lights up. Bars and restaurants along the water have live music, from traditional Mexican bands to rock cover bands. Popular spots like Cabo Wabo Cantina and Señor Frog’s are known for their party atmosphere. You can also find plenty of places to relax with a cocktail or dance at a nightclub. The area is compact, making it easy to walk from one spot to the next. For tips on the local scene, check out this guide to Navigating Los Cabos nightlife.
Planning Your Marina Visit
A visit to the Cabo San Lucas marina is an immersion into the city’s maritime culture. To make the most of your experience, it helps to know your options for lodging, transport, and local customs.
Where to Stay and What to See Nearby
There are many places to stay near the marina, from resorts with direct water views to hotels a short walk away.
Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa is a popular choice, with suites overlooking the marina and a ‘Dine Out All-Inclusive Plan’ that lets you eat at other local restaurants. Other nearby hotels include Sandos Finisterra, Playa Grande Resort, and Tesoro Los Cabos. For more ideas, this Guide to boutique hotels in Cabo can help.
The marina is a great starting point for exploring:
- Medano Beach: The main swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas is just a short walk away, lined with beach clubs and restaurants.
- Downtown Cabo San Lucas: Walk a few blocks inland to find more local shops, bars, and restaurants.
- Day Trips: Consider a trip to the quieter, artsy town of San José del Cabo or the bohemian surf town of Todos Santos. La Paz, the state capital, offers a different vibe with its beautiful malecon (boardwalk) and access to Espiritu Santo Island.
Getting There and Practical Tips
The marina’s main office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The surrounding businesses have their own hours, often staying open late.
Transportation to the Marina:
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is about a 40-50 minute drive from the marina. SJD Taxi offers reliable transportation from the airport.
- Private Transfers: A direct and comfortable option. You can book an SUV, van, or Sprinter for your group. A great perk is the ability to add a grocery stop on the way to your hotel or rental, and these vehicles can go inside private communities.
- Shared Shuttles: A budget-friendly choice for getting to major resorts. Shuttles carry multiple groups and make a few stops. Car seats are not permitted on shared shuttles, and they cannot make grocery stops or enter private communities.
Booking airport transportation in advance is recommended. SJD Taxi tracks your flight to ensure a driver is there when you land. You can Book your airport transportation online.
Local Transportation:
Within Cabo San Lucas, taxis are readily available throughout the marina area and downtown. It’s a local custom to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your trip, as taxis are not metered. For a unique and scenic way to travel, water taxis are a popular choice. These small boats, known as ‘pangas,’ can take you from the marina to popular spots like Medano Beach and Lover’s Beach, offering great views of the coastline and El Arco along the way.
Practical Tips for Visitors:
- Safety: Los Cabos is one of the safest destinations in Mexico. The marina area is well-lit and secure, but always use common sense travel safety. For more details, read Is Cabo San Lucas safe?.
- Currency: US Dollars are accepted in most tourist spots, but paying in Mexican Pesos often gets you a better rate. ATMs are widely available.
- Tipping: Tipping is standard. Plan on 15-20% at restaurants and tip guides and boat crews based on service.
- Vendors: You may encounter tour sellers on the boardwalk. A polite “no, gracias” is enough if you’re not interested.
- Language: English is common, but learning a few Spanish phrases is always appreciated.
- Drinking Age: The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18.