Reviewed · CABO PARTY BOATS
Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar
The best part of this Cabo cruise is the change of pace: you leave the busy marina behind, pass the famous Arch by boat, then spend time in a bay where you can swim, snorkel, or simply stretch out on deck. It is a private four-hour charter for your group, not a shared sail with strangers.
I like two things in particular: the crew handles the practical work while you enjoy the water, and lunch, an open bar, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cabo San Lucas also make the day easier to arrange.
One consideration: the sailing is private, but the swimming stop may not be. A group found its snorkeling bay crowded with other boats, so book for the boat, crew, and flexibility rather than a promise of solitude in the water.
- A close pass by the Arch: The cruise pauses near Cabo’s signature rock formation and Lover’s Beach for photos.
- A boat for your group: The charter accommodates up to 15, giving you room to celebrate together and set a more personal pace.
- Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a meal with Baja-style ceviche and pasta, plus unlimited drinks from the open bar.
- Water gear is available: You can borrow snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards at the bay stop.
- Transport is part of the plan: Round-trip pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Cabo San Lucas.
- A good-weather outing: The cruise depends on conditions, and expectant mothers may not participate.
A private boat changes the rhythm of the day

At $2,299 per group for up to 15 people, this is not a bargain outing for a couple. It is a way to put a whole family or friend group on one boat, with the crew, food, drinks, and water gear arranged together. At full capacity, the base price works out to about $153 per person, before the $2-per-person dock fee. With a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly.
That arithmetic matters, but so does what you are buying. A private charter gives your group the boat to itself, rather than asking you to share the deck and schedule with a crowd of unrelated parties. It can be a strong choice for a birthday, family gathering, or friends traveling together, especially if you value time together more than a low price per head.
The boat is described as a sailboat, and the day includes time under sail after the swimming stop. It is not simply a transfer to a beach: the crossing and the return are part of the outing. You can settle on deck, feel the wind, and watch the coastline change as the crew takes care of the boat.
From hotel pickup to the Cabo marina

Round-trip private transportation is included, with pickup offered at hotels in Cabo San Lucas. The pickup is scheduled approximately one hour and 30 minutes before the tour start time, and the exact time and location are confirmed within 24 hours of booking. Look for a white van or bus, and check the operator’s booking chat to confirm the details before the day.
That early collection is worth factoring into your plans. The four-hour cruise does not include the pickup time, and the drive to the marina means this is a larger part of your day than the boat time alone. If you cannot find your hotel in the pickup dropdown, try searching its name, then confirm directly with the operator.
At the marina, you meet the crew and board. Shoes must come off before you step aboard, so wear footwear that is easy to remove. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or want one for the deck afterward.
The transition from van to boat can feel a little busy around the meeting point. Once you have found your guide, the boarding process is reported as smoother. Give yourself a moment to get oriented, and keep your pickup confirmation handy.
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The Arch and Lover’s Beach from the water

The first major sight is El Arco, the famous rock arch at Land’s End. The boat cruises past the formation and Lover’s Beach, with about 15 minutes listed for this stop. That is enough time to take pictures and see the landmarks from the water, but not an extended visit ashore.
Seeing the Arch by boat is a useful way to appreciate its scale and position at the meeting of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. You get the classic Cabo photo angle without needing to arrange a separate water taxi. The crew guides the boat past the landmark, then heads out toward a bay for the longer swimming stop.
Treat this as a scenic pass, not a beach landing. The listed plan is to view the Arch and Lover’s Beach from the water before sailing onward. If standing on the beach is important to you, this cruise does not promise that experience.
A quiet stretch under sail
After Land’s End, the trip moves into the Sea of Cortez. The crew serves appetizers as you settle in, and the boat continues toward a bay. This stretch is a central part of the appeal: you are not rushing from one photo stop to another, but spending time aboard as the crew sails and serves.
Food details vary in the descriptions of the meal. The listed sample menu includes grilled shrimp with dip, fresh seafood ceviche, and Italian pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. Other meal combinations have included items such as guacamole and chips, cooked shrimp, Caesar salad with chicken, fruit, or pasta salad. Think of these as examples rather than a fixed menu, and tell the operator in advance if you need the vegetarian option.
The crew is often praised for being attentive and upbeat, and named crew members associated with the trip include Roger, Pablo, Victor, and Miguel. Staffing can change, so do not assume a particular person will be aboard. Still, good hosting matters on a private charter: it helps the day feel relaxed rather than like a checklist of stops.
Music has also been part of the onboard atmosphere. If your group wants a lively celebration, the combination of music, open bar, and private boat may suit you well. If you prefer a quieter sail, remember that this is a hosted group outing, and the tone can depend on your party and crew.
Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboards at the bay

The boat anchors in a picturesque bay where you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or try a stand-up paddleboard. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are included for use, so you do not need to rent those items separately. This is the main chance to get into the water during the four-hour cruise.
The bay is not guaranteed to be secluded. Other boats may be anchored nearby, and one group found the snorkeling area busier than hoped. That is a sensible expectation to carry: the private charter means your own boat and crew, not exclusive use of the bay.
How much time you spend in the water can also shape the rest of the trip. One group felt the snorkeling session was shorter than expected because the crew planned time to sail back. The cruise balances several things within four hours: the Arch, the crossing, a swimming stop, lunch, and the return. If snorkeling is your top priority, ask the operator how much time is typically allowed at the bay on your date.
You can also skip the water and stay aboard. Sunbathing on deck or enjoying the view is part of the outing, and nobody needs to snorkel to make the charter worthwhile. Bring a towel, and consider your comfort in the sun and on a moving boat.
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Lunch and the open bar aboard

Lunch is served back on board, with seafood ceviche and pasta among the sample dishes. The meal is paired with unlimited drinks from the open bar. The food has been a particular strength for many groups, with comments noting fresh ceviche, well-prepared pasta, and appetizers such as shrimp, guacamole, and chips.
Because menu details have varied, tell the operator when booking if you need a vegetarian meal. The vegetarian option is available by request. Do not assume that every example listed will appear on your sailing, and contact the operator if you have specific dietary needs beyond that.
The open bar makes the charter feel festive, but it is worth pacing yourself. You are on a boat, and the day includes swimming and time in the sun. The minimum drinking age is 18. If some people in your group do not drink, the value still rests on the private boat, food, equipment, and transport, not just the bar.
The return sail and the real value

After lunch, the crew pulls up the anchor, raises the sails, and sets a course back toward Cabo San Lucas. This final stretch lets you enjoy the boat as a sailboat rather than treating it only as a floating lunch venue. The trip ends with a return to your hotel.
For a group of 15, the price can compare well with arranging several separate activities, meals, drinks, and transport. For two or four people, it is a costly way to spend four hours. The value improves when your group is large enough to share the fixed charter price and wants the convenience of staying together.
There is also a $2 dock fee per person, which is not included in the price. Souvenir photos are another extra, though they are available to purchase. Towels are not supplied. These are small costs beside the charter price, but knowing them in advance helps you budget without surprises.
The cruise is weather-dependent. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; later cancellations are not refunded.
Who should book this Cabo sailing

I would put this cruise high on the list for a group celebration, a family party with older children, or friends who want a private day on the water without organizing every detail themselves. The strongest points are the crew, the food, the open bar, the Arch pass, and having a boat reserved for your group.
It is less suited to anyone seeking a low-cost boat trip, a long snorkeling session, or a guarantee of an empty swimming bay. The outing gives you a taste of several Cabo experiences in one half-day, but the schedule has to divide time among them.
Book it if your group values privacy aboard, easy transport, and a lively meal-and-sailing day more than a bargain price. Before confirming, check your hotel pickup details, disclose any vegetarian meal request, and ask about typical time at the snorkeling stop. Those few checks will help you know whether this is the right boat day for your group.
FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately four hours. Hotel pickup is scheduled about one hour and 30 minutes before the tour start time, so allow extra time for transportation.
How many people can join the private charter?
The price covers a private group of up to 15 people. Only your group participates in the activity.
What is included in the price?
The package includes lunch, unlimited drinks from an open bar, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and private round-trip transportation.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Cabo San Lucas. The pickup time and location are confirmed within 24 hours of booking.
Is the $2 dock fee included?
No. The dock fee is $2 per person and is not included in the listed group price.
What food is served?
The sample menu includes grilled shrimp and dip, fresh seafood ceviche, and Italian pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.
Are towels provided?
No. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim.
What is the minimum age for drinking?
The minimum drinking age is 18.
What happens if poor weather cancels the cruise?
If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
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