Best California Coastal Cruises from Los Angeles to Mexico and Catalina
The Best of West Coast Cruises
By Hannah Rheaume | Published on December 19, 2025
When it comes to sunny, warm-weather vacation destinations, the beautiful Baja Coast and Mexican Riviera check every box. You’ll find it all here — rich culture and history, delicious cuisine, sun-kissed beaches and dramatic landscapes that alternate between rugged limestone cliffs and dense, green jungles. There are so many reasons why this picturesque region is consistently rated one of the top vacation destinations in the world — and California coastal cruises from Los Angeles are the perfect way for any sun-seeker to tick it off their wander list.
Key Takeaways: Royal Caribbean California Coastal Cruise Highlights
Royal Caribbean California coastal cruises range from three to seven-night itineraries. Cruise vacations typically depart from the San Pedro port in Los Angeles on the Amplified Navigator of the Seas®.
The best times to cruise to Baja California are between October and April for cooler weather and January to March for whale watching. Here are some of the overnight stays you might experience:
- ● Catalina Island: Catalina has laid-back beach-town vibes mixed with Mediterranean charm. Highlights include hiking with panoramic Pacific views and visiting Descanso Beach for water sports.
- ● Ensenada: Known for fresh seafood, world-class wine and mezcal tastings. Outdoor lovers can go whale-watching, snorkeling, windsurfing or kayaking here.
- ● Puerto Vallarta: Exquisite beaches range from secluded coves to lively shorelines with endless water sports. Explore lush botanical gardens, vibrant street food and rainforest horseback rides.
- ● Cabo San Lucas: Renowned for energetic nightlife and water adventures — but equally stunning for its dramatic landscapes like Land’s End.
- ● Mazatlán: A cultural wonderworld mixing big-game fishing, sandy beaches and a lively Malecón.
- ● Explore California coastal cruises and venture to the Baja Coast’s dynamic regions.
What To Expect on Your West Coast Cruise
While lots of travelers choose to fly into one of the Mexican Riviera’s main resort cities, like Cabo San Lucas or Ensenada, Mexico, there’s an even better way to experience all the best destinations along the Baja Coast — fly into Long Beach airport and set sail on a cruise getaway. Royal Caribbean offers plenty of kid-friendly cruises from San Pedro port in Los Angeles to Mexico, making it easier than ever before to hit top ports along the West Coast like Catalina Island, Cabo, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.
What’s more, the ship you’ll be sailing on is one of the most popular in the fleet. Home to adrenaline-boosting waterslides, show-stopping entertainment and plenty of room to kick back and soak up the sun, the Amplified Navigator of the Seas is a destination in and of itself.
Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of California coastal cruises from Los Angeles to choose from, so you can find an epic getaway that fits right into your schedule. This includes three to four-night escapes to charming Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico, to five-night adventures that include an overnight in Cabo. If you have a full week to work with, you can set sail on a seven-night itinerary that hits the ultimate Mexican Riviera trifecta — Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.
If you’re seeking cooler weather, book your cruise for between October and April. However, if you’d like to join the whales during migration season, make sure you book between January and March. Depending on your nationality, you may not need a passport for closed-loop cruises (those that start and end in the same destination). Still, it’s strongly recommended to carry one as your primary form of identification when traveling to a foreign country.
Here’s a closer look at all the amazing destinations you can visit on cruises from Los Angeles to Mexico.
Catalina Island
Even if you only have a few days to spare for a Baja cruise from Los Angeles, you can still look forward to a great experience that goes big on natural beauty. Royal Caribbean offers three- and four-night sailings to captivating Catalina Island, California, a top vacation destination among Los Angeles locals seeking a peaceful break from the city.
Though it’s just a stone’s throw away from the California coast, Catalina Island feels a world away. You’ll find a mix of laid-back beach-town vibes and Old-World Mediterranean charm here, along with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy all day long. Think hiking trails that yield panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and lush botanic gardens blooming with Catalina cherry, island scrub oak, cedar, agave and aloe plants.
If you’re craving a bit of old-school glamor, head to the Catalina Casino in Avalon, where Hollywood’s glitterati once gathered and danced to the sounds of big bands. For the ultimate beach break, there’s pretty Descanso Beach, perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling and paddle boarding.
Ensenada
Most of the shorter Pacific coastal cruises from Los Angeles also include a stop at Ensenada, Mexico — a popular resort town located just 70 miles south of the border. You can reach this vibrant Baja gem on three, four or five-night sailings from Los Angeles on board Navigator of the Seas.
Diversity is the name of the game at this fan-favorite port. If you’re a foodie, get ready to dig into world-class cuisine that spotlights fresh-caught seafood (fish tacos and ceviche are menu standouts at most restaurants here). Wine and spirit lovers can look forward to sampling some of the region’s finest varietals and mezcals, served during guided tastings offered at many of Ensenada’s cozy bodegas — especially in the Valle de Guadeloupe.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s plenty to see and do on the sparkling waters of the Pacific — like whale-watching tours, great snorkeling and diving, visiting La Bufadora blowhole and windsurfing. One of the coolest things to do during a visit to Ensenada is to kayak out among the sheltered coves and dramatic rock caves just off Arbolitos Beach. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the famous Rivera del Pacifico.
When people think of the most romantic destinations in the Mexican Riviera, Puerto Vallarta is usually the first place that comes to mind. Hugged by the turquoise waters of the Bahía de Banderas, this world-famous resort town is best known for its exquisite beaches. Quiet and secluded Playa La Garza Blanca is a great choice for tranquil lounging beneath swaying palm trees. Playa de Los Muertos and Playa Los Camarones offer a livelier vibe and all kinds of water sports and activities.
Conchas Chinas Beach, with its sheltered inlets and natural pools, is a favorite among couples. If you’d rather spend your time closer to port, Puerto Vallarta offers no shortage of cool city sights. Its botanical gardens are famous, encompassing 79 acres of unique flora and fauna. Its street food scene rivals that of the world’s top culinary capitals — just try some tasty tacos al pastor and you’ll probably agree.
Another great way to spend your day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is horseback riding through the Sierra Madre rainforest in search of glittering waterfalls and rivers. No matter what kind of adventure piques your interest, you’ll find Puerto Vallarta more than lives up to its reputation as a must-visit destination. You can sail there on a seven-night cruise from Los Angeles on board Navigator of the Seas.
Every bit as famous as Puerto Vallarta — though probably better known for its lively energy and nightlife — is Cabo San Lucas. A favorite destination among spring breakers and bachelor or bachelorette groups, Cabo offers plenty of fun for those looking to let loose. However, there’s more to this world-renowned vacation spot than beach bars and nightclubs.
Cabo is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes along the Mexican Riviera. This includes Land’s End (also known as El Arco), where towering stacks of basement rock form arches over the sapphire water. There’s also Playa Chileno, a Blue Flag-certified beach that’s a favorite among snorkelers and divers, and Acapulquito, a good option for surfers and home to a well-known surf school.
Water sports abound in Cabo, too. You can hop on a thrilling banana-boat ride, zip over the brilliant blue waves on a jet ski, or soak in views while soaring through the air during a parasailing excursion. Royal Caribbean offers five- and seven-night West Coast cruises from Los Angeles with stops in Cabo. Some itineraries even include an overnight here so you can experience the city’s luxury shopping and local dining, too.
Mazatlán
Last but certainly not least is Mazatlán, another great city to cross off your travel list when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico. This vibrant resort town is a great destination for families, couples and groups of adventure-seeking friends. It’s famous for its big-game fishing and its miles of pretty shoreline — some of the most famous beaches line its lively Malecón.
Mazatlán also bursts with culture and history. You’ll find a healthy dose of it along the charming cobblestone streets and colorful 19th-century buildings of its Old Town, as well as in the rustic “Pueblos Magicos” (or “Magic Villages”) that surround Mazatlán. Each beckons with an authentic taste of traditional life outside the city. If you’re craving a bite to eat, you’ll find all kinds of delicious cuisine to choose from in Mazatlán’s many bodegas and beach bars. Make sure to try some sweet pineapple tamales, smoked marlin and homemade mole while you’re here.
Thrills On Deck In Between Destinations
The incredible ports you’ll visit aren’t the only things to look forward to when you book a California coastal cruise from Los Angeles. The ship you’ll be sailing on offers just as many one-of-a-kind experiences. Amplified with epic activities and spaces to unwind, Navigator of the Seas is a fleet-favorite that truly lives up to the hype. If you’re chasing thrills, brave any of the ship’s hair-raising waterslides, like The Blaster® aqua coaster and the Riptide℠ mat racer.
If all you want to do is kick back and bask in the sunshine, you’ll be happy to know the ship features an expanded resort-style pool deck with plenty of room to chill out in between refreshing dips. And at night, the adventure keeps going with dazzling ice-skating shows, Broadway-style performances and drinks that raise the bar at Bamboo Room and The Lime and Coconut®.
What To Know Before You Go
Ready to book a cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico? The best way to make sure you get the best cruise deals is by signing up for emails with exclusive sales and promotions and regularly checking the Royal Caribbean website.
If you aren’t an L.A. local, consider spending a few days before or after your Baja cruise getting to know the City of Angels. Home to lots of iconic sights, a world-renowned food scene and plenty of rich history, Los Angeles is a place everyone should visit at least once.
