Mexico’s Pacific coast is the easiest warm-weather cruise for travelers in the western US. Ships leave from Southern California and sail to Baja California and the resort towns of the Mexican Riviera. It suits first-time cruisers, families and anyone who wants sun without a long flight.
When to go
Sailings run for much of the year, with the main season from October to May. Winter brings dry, sunny weather and whale watching. Summer and early fall are hotter and more humid, and the Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs roughly May through November, most active from August to October.
| When | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| October and November | Warm and drying out after the rainy season. Seas around Cabo can still be lively. | Beach time, fewer crowds |
| December to April | Dry, sunny and pleasant. Humpback and gray whale season along Baja. | Whale watching, winter escapes |
| May and June | Hot and dry, with warm water. Quieter before summer holidays. | Swimming, snorkeling |
| July to September | Hot, humid and the wettest months. Storms can change ports. | Short getaways, flexible travelers |
Baja getaway, Mexican Riviera or longer?
- Baja cruises (3 to 5 nights): Usually Ensenada, sometimes with Catalina Island or San Diego. A relaxed, easy-to-plan break, popular for celebrations and first cruises.
- Mexican Riviera (typically 7 nights): Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán, with sea days in between. Expect beaches, snorkeling, sportfishing, old-town walks and tequila or food tours.
- Longer Pacific Mexico (8 nights or more): May add Manzanillo, Zihuatanejo, Huatulco or Sea of Cortez ports such as La Paz and Loreto. Fewer crowds and more varied scenery.
Cabo San Lucas is often a tender port, so you ride a small boat to shore. Its famous arch, El Arco, is easy to see on a short water taxi or glass-bottom boat trip.
Port days on the Mexican Riviera are flexible. In Puerto Vallarta you can walk the Malecón and old town on your own. In Mazatlán the historic center is a short taxi ride from the pier. In Cabo, many people spend the day on a boat, at a beach club or snorkeling in the protected bays. Use licensed taxis or ship tours, and allow plenty of time to get back before all-aboard, especially in tender ports.
Where cruises leave from
Most sailings start in Southern California. Long Beach and Los Angeles (San Pedro) have the most departures, including many short Baja trips. San Diego has a smaller but steady schedule and is the closest US port to Mexico. Some longer sailings leave from San Francisco, adding sea days each way.
If you live in the West, you can often drive to the ship and skip the flight. Parking is available at the main Southern California terminals; check the details with your advisor before you go.
Which cruise line?
Carnival has a large presence on the West Coast, with many short and weeklong trips. Princess Cruises is a long-time favorite here with a relaxed, classic style. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian offer big ships with plenty to do. Holland America Line often sails longer routes from San Diego with a quieter atmosphere. Celebrity also visits on some seasonal sailings.
Packing and travel documents
- Pack light summer clothes, swimwear, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Bring a light jacket for evenings and sea days, which can be cool and windy off California.
- Water shoes help on rocky beaches and for snorkeling.
- US citizens on closed-loop cruises that start and end at the same US port may be allowed other proof of citizenship, but a valid passport is strongly recommended in case you need to fly home from Mexico. See our US passport page.
- Check current entry requirements with Mexican authorities and our advisors before you sail.
Bring small US bills for tips and taxis. Many vendors in port towns accept dollars, though change may come in pesos.
Browse Mexican Riviera and Baja cruises or request a quote from our advisors.
