Real agents. Real experience.

Port Canaveral at a glance

Nearest airportOrlando (MCO), about 45 miles
Drive from MCOAbout 45 to 60 minutes
NearbyCocoa Beach, about 10 minutes
CurrencyUS dollars
Best forBeaches, theme parks, space
Time you needA night or two before or after

Our consultants who’ve been here

Amy Davoli, CTA, Travitude Travel Group travel consultantAllison Brown, Travitude Travel Group travel consultantBarbara Durley, Travitude Travel Group travel consultant

Amy, Allison & Barbara

“I’m down in Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach for the night, scoping out restaurants, hotels and things to do.” – Amy

Our top picks in Port Canaveral

Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.

Kennedy Space Center

FamiliesMust see

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a short drive from the port, with real rockets, space shuttle Atlantis and astronaut experiences. It’s a great add-on day before or after your cruise, especially for families.

Distance
A short drive from the port
Tickets
Admission required
Don’t miss
Space shuttle Atlantis
Time needed
Most of a day
Tip: Check the launch schedule. You might be able to see a rocket launch while you’re in town!

Cocoa Beach

BeachClose to the port

Cocoa Beach is just minutes from the cruise terminals, with wide sandy beaches, a historic pier and lots of restaurants and beach hotels. Amy has stayed overnight in the Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach area before a trip, and it’s a great spot for a relaxing pre-cruise night by the ocean.

Distance
About 10 minutes from the port
Cost
Free beach access
Good for
A pre-cruise night
Don’t miss
The Cocoa Beach Pier
Tip: Many Cocoa Beach hotels offer cruise packages with parking or a shuttle to the port. Ask us which ones!

Ron Jon Surf Shop

PopularShopping

Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is a must-stop before or after your cruise. Known as the world’s largest surf shop, it’s packed with beachwear, sandals, souvenirs and surfboards, and it’s open 24 hours a day, so you can pop in even after a late flight.

Where
Cocoa Beach
Hours
Open 24 hours
Shop for
Beachwear and souvenirs
Good for
Grabbing anything you forgot!
Tip: Forgot your sunscreen, flip-flops or a beach cover-up? Ron Jon has you covered before you board.

Add Universal or Disney

Theme parksFamily favourite

Port Canaveral is about an hour from Orlando, so it’s easy to add a few days at Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World before or after your cruise. Amy, Allison and Barbara are our Universal consultants, and Amy has visited Universal and Disney with her sons.

Drive to Orlando
About an hour
Universal
Three theme parks, including Epic Universe
Disney
Four theme parks
Book
We can package it with your cruise
Tip: Do the parks first and the cruise second, so you can relax on the ship after all that walking!
Adding a theme park?

Port Canaveral is about an hour from Orlando’s theme parks. Our consultants can package your cruise with a stay at Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World.

Plan Universal →Plan Disney →

More ideas for your day in Port Canaveral

Popular things to do that we book for clients.

Rocket launching from Florida's Space CoastWatch a rocket launch

Rockets launch regularly from Cape Canaveral, and the beaches near the port are great viewing spots. Check the launch schedule before your trip!

Amy Davoli's sons on the savanna at Disney's Animal Kingdom, FloridaAnimal Kingdom

Pairing your cruise with Walt Disney World? Amy did the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom with her sons, and they loved it. Ask us about adding Disney to your trip.

Person on a high ropes course in the treesHigh ropes or mini golf

Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures, about 7 minutes from the cruise terminal, has high ropes courses with zip lines and suspension bridges at levels from beginner to extreme. Prefer something lower? Golf N Gator nearby has two 18-hole mini golf courses and alligator feeding.

Know before you go

  • Arrive a day early: Flights can be delayed, and a pre-cruise night near the port means no stress on embarkation day.
  • Plan your transfer: Port Canaveral is about 45 miles from Orlando’s airport. Ask us about Go Port: shared shuttles ($29.99 USD per person each way), private cars and Fly Snooze Cruise hotel packages.
  • Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
  • Parking is available: at the port if you’re driving down, or ask about park-and-cruise hotel packages.

Port Canaveral FAQs

Quick answers for your day in port

How far is Port Canaveral from the Orlando airport?

About 45 miles, usually a 45 to 60 minute drive depending on traffic.

How do I get from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral?

Go Port runs shared shuttles ($29.99 USD per person each way), private cars and Fly Snooze Cruise hotel packages. Ask us to add it to your booking.

What is there to do near Port Canaveral?

Cocoa Beach and Ron Jon Surf Shop are minutes away, Kennedy Space Center is a short drive, and Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World are about an hour away.

Is Port Canaveral only a departure port?

No. It’s also a port of call on some cruises from New York and New Jersey.

Do I need a passport for a cruise from Port Canaveral?

Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.

Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?

No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has sailed from Port Canaveral and can help with flights, hotels and transfers.

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