Buccaneer Queen

You can experience the spirit of sea adventures in Cabo San Lucas aboard the legendary Buccaneer Queen. This impressive 29-meter wooden ship is a masterfully crafted replica of a 17th-century galleon. Built in 1968 in California, it recreates the pirate era's atmosphere with its four masts, intricate rigging system, and authentic design, originally intended for Hollywood film sets.

Today, this "pirate" ship is considered one of the most recognizable attractions Mexico has to offer in the Los Cabos area. The vessel serves as a unique platform for boat trips, allowing tourists to comfortably explore scenic coastal spots, including Lover's Beach and the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Despite its formidable historical appearance, the galleon is equipped with all modern amenities for the safe leisure of 85 passengers.

The Buccaneer Queen is the only themed ship of its kind in the bay, where history meets entertainment. A costumed crew, stylized decks, and the chance to see the rich marine life of the Sea of Cortez make it a must-visit for family vacations and themed cruise enthusiasts.

For cruise details or ticket bookings, you can contact the ship's representatives directly. The office is located right in the marina area, making it easy to find the team before departure.

Onboard the Buccaneer Queen, guests can expect a rich program that turns an ordinary boat trip into a real show. During the day, the ship sets off on snorkeling expeditions to the coral reefs of Chileno Bay. During stops, you can not only swim in crystal clear water but also participate in interactive entertainment: the pirate crew organizes treasure hunts, hosts contests, and tells legends of the famous corsairs who once sailed these waters.

The winter months offer a unique opportunity for whale watching. The galleon's high deck provides an excellent vantage point to see majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. For romance seekers, sunset cruises allow you to enjoy views of Lover's Beach and the Arch in the rays of the setting sun, accompanied by live music.

The evening program turns into a rowdy pirate party. Guests can enjoy theatrical sword fights, musket fire (simulated, of course), dancing, and traditional pirate "grog." It's a great place for those who want to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere, take spectacular photos in historical costumes, and see night-time Cabo San Lucas from the deck of a real sailing ship.

Finding the legendary pirate ship is easy: the Buccaneer Queen is moored in the city's main marina at Muelle del Cabo 0. If you are staying in the city center or arriving at the cruise terminal, you can reach the meeting point in just 10–15 minutes with a leisurely walk along the scenic waterfront.

For travelers arriving from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), it is most convenient to use a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately 500–700 Mexican pesos. Many hotels in the Los Cabos area also include a transfer to the marina in their tourist packages, so it's worth checking this option at the front desk.

For those who prefer public transport, buses run regularly from neighboring San José del Cabo, stopping within walking distance of the pier. The bright silhouette of the wooden galleon is visible from afar, so navigating the marina will be easy even for first-time visitors. It is recommended to arrive at the location at least 30 minutes before the departure time indicated on your ticket.

The history of the Buccaneer Queen began far from the Mexican shores—the ship was built in 1968 in Coronado, California. Designers created it as an exact replica of an ancient galleon, specifically intended for filming Hollywood movies. Its wooden hull and authentic rigging made it the perfect "actor" for historical films.

The ship's finest hour came in 1995 when it participated in the filming of the large-scale adventure movie "Cutthroat Island" starring Geena Davis. The ship's spacious deck and stylized salon served as excellent sets for pirate battles. After its film career ended, the ship appeared in commercial advertisements for a while before changing roles to become a tourist attraction.

In 2001, the galleon arrived at its new home in Cabo San Lucas. The location was no accident, as the Baja California coast in the 16th and 17th centuries was indeed a haven for famous buccaneers like Francis Drake and Thomas Cavendish. Today, the ship continues these maritime traditions, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of the Age of Discovery in settings created by both history and cinema.

The duration of your adventure aboard the Buccaneer Queen directly depends on the chosen program. Most standard excursions, such as snorkeling tours or trips to the famous Arch, last about 3 hours. If you plan to go on a sunset cruise, budget about the same amount of time.

For those choosing the night pirate parties, the program can stretch up to 4 hours of non-stop fun. In the winter season, whale watching tours typically take 2 to 3 hours. In any case, considering the need to arrive at the marina early and the time for disembarkation, it's best to set aside half a day for visiting this attraction.

The ship welcomes guests daily, following a clear schedule of themed tours. The sales office and check-in desk at the marina operate on the following schedule:

• Monday – Friday: from 08:00 to 21:00
• Saturday: from 08:00 to 23:00 (extended hours due to evening shows)
• Sunday: from 08:00 to 21:00

Note that departure times for specific excursions (morning snorkeling, day cruise, or evening party) are fixed. It is recommended to check the current departure schedule for a specific date by phone or directly on-site.

Its location in the heart of the marina makes visiting the pirate galleon an excellent starting point for exploring other interesting parts of the city. A walk around the area will allow you not only to enjoy the sea breeze but also to see modern monuments and park areas.