Port Canaveral, located about an hour east of Orlando, Florida, is the third busiest cruise port in the world. Although a popular cruise hub, Port Canaveral may be better known for its famous neighbor - NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The area is so known for the space program that it is known as the Space Coast. If that is not enough, its area code – 321 (blast off!!!)

Sharing Cape Canaveral with the space shuttle does not, however, steal the importance of Port Canaveral as a cruise port. As home-port to nine cruise ships, Port Canaveral services more than 2 million cruise passengers a year and until recently, with the expansion of Port Everglades, was the second busiest cruise port in the world. Port Canaveral's proximity to Disney World also makes it a popular cruise embarkation port, with many families splitting their vacation time between the popular Orlando theme parks and ocean cruising. And for those with less time, Disney Cruise Lines has three ships sailing out of this port: Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic. Carnival Cruise Lines has 3 ships that sail out of Port Canaveral; Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Dream and Carnival Sensation. Norwegian Cruise Line sails the Norwegian Sun from this cruise port. ↑ Back to Top

Facts

Where is Port Canaveral?

Port Canaveral is on the central east coast of Florida on Cape Canaveral (see map.)

What language is spoken at this port? Do they speak English?

English is the official language in the state of Florida.

What is the time zone in Cape Canaveral?

Cape Canaveral is in Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC -5 hours)

Current Time - Cape Canaveral, FL, USA

Money & Currency

What is the national currency?

The US Dollar (USD).

Where can I get or exchange money?

The Cocoa Beach Courtyard in Cape Canaveral, only four miles away from the port, offers a currency exchange service. The Discount Ticket Center offers same day, cash, no waiting, currency exchange service in addition to multiple other services and information that are useful for tourists.

• Banks closest to Port Canaveral: 

  There are many banks within a couple of miles of Port Canaveral, below are a few:

  • SunTrust Bank is located at 1500 E Merritt Island Cswy, Merritt Island, FL 32952 see map)
  • Community Bank of the South is located at 277 North Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952 (see map)
  • Wells Fargo Bank is located at 1350 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953 see map)
• ATMs closest to Port Canaveral: 

  There are many ATMs located throughout the city and in the cruise terminal.

Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates. Also, public phones are available throughout the city. If the US is not home, you can purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Port Canaveral does not offer WiFi in the cruise terminal, however free WiFi is available at all Starbucks, most McDonald's locations and area hotels for their guests. For those that need to connect, but do not like to travel with their computer, Mr. Sweeps Internet Café, located a little over 25 miles south of the port (see map).

What are the cell phone rates?

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates.

Typical Weather in Cape Canaveral (Orlando)

Cape Canaveral is an ideal location for cruising due to its moderate climate. The hottest month is July with an average high of 91°F and the coolest month is January with an average low of 51°F. The weather in Florida tends to be sunny and warm (hence the "Sunshine State") with moderate to little rain. The hurricane season is roughly from July until November.

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Cape Canaveral (Orlando)

Getting Around

Walking

Walking is not recommended because distances are too great and Florida's streets are not pedestrian friendly.

Taxis

Taxis are available and plentiful around the port. Be mindful that locations in Cape Canaveral tend to be spread out.

Public Transportation

There are some bus routes, but they tend to be unpredictable and not user friendly. We do not recommend any public transportation in Cape Canaveral.

Car Rentals

• For shuttle services contact CBC Transportation at 1-877 939-8294 or visit their website for more information.
• For car rentals contact Avis Rent a Car at 321-783-3643 or visit their website for more information.
• For luxury vehicles contact Ace Luxury Transportation at (407) 292-4444 or visit their website for more information.

Port Canaveral to/from Airport

What is the best way to travel between the port and the airport?

Port Canaveral has three international airports and one regional airport within an hour drive; however Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary hub for travel to and from Central Florida. Located 45 miles west of the port (see map) Orlando International Airport is too far for a regular taxi. Renting a car is probably the best option considering the cost and that it is an easy, straight drive. Shuttle services, chauffeured cars/vans and buses are also good options from MCO to Port Canaveral, below are a few options:

• CBC Transportation offers Town cars, SUVs, luxury vans and limousine services.
• Super Shuttle offers Town cars, SUVs or vans.
• Star Trans offers services for 1-10 passengers. Contact them at (407)810-7272.

Hotels

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from Port Canaveral?

• If you are driving from out of town to Cape Canaveral for your cruise:

  The Residence Inn in Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to stay if you're waiting for your cruise. They offer a pre-cruise package that includes parking while on your cruise and shuttle service to Port Canaveral.

• If you are flying to Cape Canaveral for your cruise:

  The Radisson Resort at the Port offers complimentary breakfast, free parking for the duration of your cruise, and a free shuttle to Port Canaveral. Ask for the cruise package when making your reservation.

• For a hotel close to major Cape Canaveral attractions:

  The Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort is a good choice for those who want to experience Cape Canaveral, relax in a beautiful hotel, and embark on a cruise. This hotel is only .8 miles from the port and it has a lazy river for sunny afternoons. This hotel provides free parking for the duration of your cruise and shuttle service to Port Canaveral.

Food & Drink

What are the best eats in Cape Canaveral (Orlando)?

The Florida Lobster Tail is a delicious, grilled sensation in Port Canaveral. Order this meal to get a taste of an authentic, Florida dish.

Where are the best places to get them?

• Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar is the best place to eat in Port Canaveral. If you want to have some drinks and listen to live music then sit inside and enjoy the nightlife. If you want to enjoy a beautiful afternoon then sit outside on the wooden deck and watch cruise ships stroll by.
• Atlantic Seafood is a great alternative to avoid the tourist packed Grills Seafood and still get the same, fresh seafood that is so characteristic of Cape Canaveral. This place is known for its superb service and relaxing patio.
• Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar is a newly remodeled restaurant that’s well worth a visit. Watch dolphins and cruise ships pass by as you enjoy some of the most delicious oysters in the city.

What are the must-drinks in Cape Canaveral (Orlando)?

The Grills Grand Hurricane will blow your mind! This mixture of rum, Grand Marnier, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine is the perfect way to complement a long day at the beach.

Where is the best place to get one?

Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar is known as a hot spot for astronauts, film crews, tourist and locals alike. Ask for a Grand Hurricane and enjoy their live entertainment.

Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Cape Canaveral (Orlando)? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

NASA souvenirs at the Space Shop offers affordable souvenirs related to the Kennedy Space Center. You can find patches, space toys, t-shirts and other common souvenirs in this conveniently located store.

$25-$75

Beach wear and all types of surf accessories from Ron Jon Surf Shop is a great way to get prepared for a cruise to tropical destinations. If you are an adrenaline junkie or are buying a gift for one, there is also a vast selection of surf, boogie and skate boards.

Over $75

Space Shuttle Models is a very appropriate souvenir of your visit to Cape Canaveral. Whether you buy a kit and build it yourself or an already built model, it will look great on almost any mantel.

Attractions

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Cape Canaveral (Orlando)? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• 

  The Kennedy Space Center

  The Kennedy Space Center is an ABSOLUTE must for every single tourist in Cape Canaveral. Visit their Rocket Garden that is decorated with space ships that were never active and enjoy an amazing movie in the IMAX Theater.

Orlando area theme parks:
• Disney World is the largest and most visited recreational resort in the world with four theme parks, two water parks and 23 themed, on-site hotels. Come and experience the magic of Mickey and all his friends in Walt Disney's world of fantasy and adventure.
  

  Overview of Magic Kingdom

  

  Very cool Epcot tilt-shift video

  

  A ride down Blizzard Beach's Summit Plummit
Universal Orlando Resort not only has two of the most fantastic theme parks in the world (Universal Studios and Island Of Adventure), but it hosts some exiting, annual events, such as Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras, Rock the Universe, and Grinchmas. So if you are looking to either "Ride the Movies" at Universal Studios or find some exciting roller coaster action at Islands of Adventure, you can't go wrong here.

Halloween Horror Nights

A ride on The HULK rollercoaster

A ride on The Dueling Dragons rollercoaster
SeaWorld Orlando is part aquarium and part theme park. Enjoy a variety of exhibits, such as the Shamu Underwater Viewing and Dolphin Cove or if you are looking for a more exhilarating experience you can ride the Manta, Kraken and Journey to Atlantis among others.

SeaWorld shows

A ride on The Manta rollercoaster

A ride on The Kraken rollercoaster
The Holy Land Experience is a theme park and museum that recreates first-century Israel. This is the great way to learn about the birth of Christianity in a fun, interactive fashion.

Video: Merrit Island Natural Refuge Overview
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge boarders the Kennedy Space Center and the Canaveral National Seashore. It is approximately 140,000 acres of government protected land that is home to over 20 species on the endangered list, including the bald eagle and florida panther. It is very popular with nature enthusiasts and bird lovers especially.

Beaches

Although almost any turn on State Road 1A1 will get you to a beach, here some of the best options of the more than 35 miles of public beach:

• The Canaveral National Seashore is a picture-perfect place for those who in vision a desolate, tropical paradise. The 23 miles of untouched, sandy beaches give the perfect opportunity to take a break from the chaos of city life.
• Lori Wilson Park is recommended for those who love the outdoors and might take a break from swimming to fish or hike thorough the trails for a while. There are some concession stands to buy snacks after a long day on the beach.
• The most obvious destination is the famous Cocoa Beach that can offer everything from nice waves to surf to a beautiful boardwalk and a romantic pier. Just park your car on one of the multiple metered spots along the strip and enjoy the sun.

Shopping

• 

  Video: Ron Jon Surf Shop Cocoa Beach
  The Ron Jon Surf Shop at Cocoa Beach will get you prepared for the several beaches you are sure to encounter on your cruise. You can find anything from surfboards to snorkeling gear and fashionable clothing. For those curious about learning to surf, you can even take some surfing lessons and enjoy the beach and hang ten.

Golf

Cape Canaveral has several good golf courses in the area, below are a few of them:

• The Cocoa Beach Country Club is located in a peninsula surrounded by the Banana River Lagoon. Expect to see wildlife, especially birds, as you stroll through their three, nine hole courses. Contact them at (321) 868-3361 or online for tee times.
• The Savannahs Golf Course is listed under "Places to Play" by Golf Digest. The plantation style clubhouse, par 72 championship course, and proximity to Port Canaveral make it a great choice for visitors wanting to unwind. Water and wetlands are a factor on over 10 holes so be ready to take on one of Florida's most difficult courses. Contact them at (321) 455-1375 or online for tee times.
• The Sam's Executive Golf Course features a short 2,960 yard, 18 hole, par of 58 course. This short yardage course is designed to reward the shot maker. Contact them at (321) 632-2890 or online for tee times.

Scuba

Scuba Diving is not recommended in Cape Canaveral because the closest reef is 20 miles offshore and there are no charters that travel there regularly. We recommend you wait for a future destination on your cruise because diving shops are probably going to take you to Jupiter for a worthwhile dive.

Tours

• The Kennedy Space Center has been the home to every manned space launch since 1968. This NASA installation has been dedicated to space exploration and is an incredible landmark of aeronautic history. Complete with IMAX film, this tour will take you through the Saturn V Complex and the International Space Center facility. You will also have the opportunity to view the Astronaut Hall of Fame and for an extra charge you can take part in the Astronaut Training Experience
• Sea Leveler Sport Fishing Charters are a good opportunity for some deep sea fishing on the beautiful waters of Florida. This 30 foot island hooper guarantees an entire day of entertainment and family fun.