Top Baja Cruises To Book in 2025 and 2026

No matter which Baja Mexico cruise you choose, one thing is guaranteed to be true: The journey is the destination — and every destination is a journey. From Ensenada to Cabo San Lucas and everywhere in between, the magic of Mexico's Pacific Coast is enchanting and enticing.

You can take shorter Cabo San Lucas or Ensenada cruises or extend your trip and continue south to Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. No matter how far you go or how deep you dig, here are the best ways to ensure you enjoy your time on land as much as you relish the luxurious environment on the ship. Plus, get tips on cruise packages and what to expect on a Baja cruise.

Key Takeaways

● Royal Caribbean Baja vacations offer many itineraries and cruise packages to choose from, ensuring you get the exact cruise you’ve dreamed of.

● All guests need a valid passport to sail, ensuring smooth re-entry to the United States.

● On board, you’ll enjoy signature shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, with the bonus of exciting shore excursions.

● The best months to go on a Baja cruise are typically between November and May.

● This is especially true when looking for more inexpensive cruises to Mexico.

● Ensenada cruises are the perfect way to enjoy tapas and sip your wine of choice.

● Cabo San Lucas boasts rocky cliffs you can enjoy either from sea or sand.

● Mazatlán is home to stunning coastal scenes and excursions you won’t want to miss.

● Puerto Vallarta is loved by swimmers and surfers alike, as it has countless beaches to choose from.

● Check out Royal Caribbean’s Mexican cruises to see which of these cities is your next destination.

Where Does a Baja Cruise Go?

Cruises to Baja, Mexico, through Royal Caribbean transport you from the California coast to vibrant seaside escapes like Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Whether you’re booking a quick three-night getaway or an extended weeklong sailing, itineraries offer a mix of beach time, cultural exploration and outdoor adventures.

Shorter cruises often feature wine country excursions in Ensenada or paddleboarding beneath Cabo’s famous El Arco. On the other hand, longer trips allow for extended experiences, from strolling Mazatlán’s historic center to taking a boat trip to Puerto Vallarta’s hidden Marietes Islands.

Royal Caribbean makes planning easy with Baja Mexico cruise packages designed for every traveler, whether you’re seeking a family-friendly escape, a culinary journey or a romantic retreat. All guests will need a valid passport to sail, ensuring smooth re-entry to the United States. On board, you’ll enjoy signature shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, with the bonus of shore excursions that take you from sandy beaches to bustling markets.

Wondering when to book cruises to Baja, Mexico? The best months are typically between November and May, when the weather is warm, the seas are calm, and the shoreline is alive with seasonal festivals and marine life sightings.

Let’s explore the top four places to visit on your next Mexican cruise:

1. Ensenada, Mexico: Wine Down On Ensenada Cruises

If you take a three or four-day Baja Mexico cruise from California, you're sure to call in Ensenada, the first stop on the way down the Mexican Riviera. Although Ensenada is right on the sea, you'll want to make a beeline toward the Wine Route that snakes through northern Baja's lush interior. Enjoy tapas and cheese boards or simply sip the red and white wines on offer at vintners like Casa Pedro Domecq and Vinedo Cuatro Cuatros; it's easy to see what all the buzz is about.

After getting a bite to eat, take in the panorama from Ensenada Mirador, which offers sweeping views of the city and All Saints Bay beyond it. Or, head north of the city center and take a swim at Playa San Miguel. Here, smooth, black rocks meet turquoise waves, which are as famous among surfers as they are among sunbathers.

2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Enjoy Coast, Culture and Cuisine

Taking Cabo cruises to the tip of the Baja Peninsula isn't complete without a visit to El Arco, or "The Arches" in English. Enjoy a boat ride or stand-up paddleboard excursion around and underneath these arches, whose muted, sanded surfaces contrast almost hypnotizingly with the electric shades of blue water lapping at their bases.

Of course, plenty of onshore delights make Cabo a top stop on a Baja Mexico cruise from Los Angeles. Tear into succulent steaks and luscious lobster at JM Steakhouse, or savor a romantic seaside meal at Don Manuel's, located along the picture-perfect Pedregal Coast. Sip craft beer during the day at the aptly named Baja Brewing, or dance the night away at La Vaquita, where the only thing hotter than the jams is the shot menu.

3. Mazatlán, Mexico: See Amazing Architecture and Stunning Scenery

Mazatlán is home to captivating coastal scenes, but this is one of the first stops on your trip where you'll see truly impressive historical architecture. Take a walking tour to get a guided explanation of the Centro Historico along the Old Mazatlán walk. Or, head out on your own to discover attractions ranging from colorful Plaza Machado and its picturesque balconies or the Immaculate Conception Basilica, constructed at the end of the 19th century in a Baroque revival style.

End the day along the sea, strolling the coast-hugging Malecon promenade as the sun sets into the Pacific Ocean. Walk all the way north to the Letras de Mazatlán Instagram spot, or enjoy a golden hour swim at beaches like Playa los Pinitos and Playa Norte in the south. No matter where you choose to explore, extending your journey southward to Mazatlán is bound to be well worth it.

4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Bask at The Beach

There's a reason most of the best Baja Mexico cruises sail all the way to Puerto Vallarta. You'll never feel as alive as you will sunning yourself on the shores of Los Muertos Beach in the southern hotel zone, while Playa de Oro, farther north, more than lives up to its golden name.

If you've got a full day or longer in Puerto Vallarta, take a day excursion by boat to the Marietas Islands, where a breathtaking hidden beach awaits. If you haven't got as long or simply don't want to venture as far, explore central beaches like Las Glorias Beach and Playa Camarones. Here, you can savor the latter's namesake shrimp at delicious restaurants like Mango's Beach Club and El Barracuda.

Cruising The Baja: Exploring The Mexican Riviera

Whether you take a three or four-day Baja Mexico cruise or extend your trip as long as a week, there's no limit to the discoveries you can make exploring the Mexican Riviera. Tour the stunning wine country outside of Ensenada, or enjoy Cabo cruise excursions like a boat trip through the Arches of Cabo San Lucas. Farther south, appreciate old and new world architecture along the sea in Mazatlán or take your pick of boundless, beautiful beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Cruising is about so much more than the time you spend at sea, particularly when you stop along Mexico's treasure-filled Pacific Coast.

Ready to see, taste and enjoy everything Mexico has to offer? The best way is through a Baja cruise, where the journey is just as relaxing and fun as the destination.

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