Cabo San Lucas Private 38 ft Sailing Tour with Snorkeling

The best part of this Cabo outing is having a sailboat and crew to yourselves, so you can shape three hours around the Arch, a snorkel stop, a swim, or simply time under sail. I like the private format, which lets you set the pace, and the mix of drinks, snacks, and water gear already included.

There is one caveat: the boat is called a sailing tour, but wind and route can affect how much actual sailing you do. Some outings spend more time cruising under motor, so tell the captain what matters most to you before leaving the marina.

The best parts, at a glance

• El Arco is close to the start: The boat visits Cabo’s famous rock formations, with Lovers Beach and the Pacific in view.
• Pelican Rock gives you a proper snorkel stop: Plan on about 45 minutes in clear water, with tropical fish and gear supplied.
• Your group sets the rhythm: This is a private charter for up to four, not a shared boat with a fixed group schedule.
• The crew helps with the details: Captains and mates including Gabriel, Alexis, Angel, David, and Caesar have been praised for attentive service.
• Food and drinks are part of the price: Expect an open bar, bottled water, and snacks. The exact food can vary.
• It is a three-hour outing, not a hotel transfer: You meet and return at F Dock in the marina.

A private sail with room to change the plan

Cabo Sailing Ocean Adventures runs this three-hour trip on a 38-foot sailboat. The $750 price is per boat for up to four people, so the cost works out to $187.50 per person if you fill all four places. For two people, you are paying for privacy and flexibility as much as for time on the water.

That flexibility is the main reason to choose this over a shared excursion. Your captain can ask what you want to do and help arrange the order. You might start with the Arch, snorkel at Pelican Rock, then sail, or spend longer swimming and less time at a sightseeing stop. You do not have to match another group’s pace.

The private setup also suits families and small groups with different comfort levels. One family with children aged seven and nine appreciated being able to manage the sequence of activities, and a crew member patiently helped a first-time swimmer. If someone in your party is unsure about snorkeling, you can discuss that with the crew rather than feeling pushed to keep up with strangers.

Starting at F Dock in Cabo’s marina

The meeting point is F Dock at the Marina in Cabo San Lucas. The boat returns to the same place at the end of the activity. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrange your own way to the marina and leave enough time to find the dock.

The trip is offered at several times of day, though the exact departure options depend on the date you choose. A booking is made for your group alone, and confirmation is provided at booking. The experience is offered in English and may be operated by a multilingual guide.

The average booking lead time is about 21 days. That is a useful planning cue if you have a particular day or departure time in mind, especially since a private boat has limited capacity. The boat is for up to four people, so larger parties should not assume they can add extra places.

El Arco, Lovers Beach, and the open water

The first listed stop is El Arco, Cabo’s distinctive natural arch and one of the area’s defining sights. You also get views of Lovers Beach, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding rock formations. The planned stop is about 15 minutes, enough for photos and a look from the water, but not a long visit ashore.

The Arch is a natural feature, not an activity with a separate admission charge. Its value here is the approach by boat: you see the rock formations from the water and can take in the coastline without having to build a separate outing around the landmark.

Some groups have chosen to swim to Lovers Beach, but the exact plan depends on the captain’s advice and conditions. If swimming there is important to you, bring it up before departure. The crew can help you decide how to fit it into the limited three hours.

Keep expectations flexible around wildlife. Sea lions, turtles, manta rays, and whales have been spotted on some outings, but there is no guarantee of seeing any of them. One group sailing near the end of whale-watching season saw whales close by; another trip could pass through the same waters without a sighting.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock

Pelican Rock is about 15 minutes from the marina and is the main snorkeling stop. The planned time in the water is around 45 minutes. The site is described as having 20 to 25 feet of clear water and abundant tropical fish, making it suitable for both new and experienced snorkelers.

Snorkel gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. A paddleboard is also provided for use. The crew can help with the practical side of getting into the water, and the private format gives you more say in how long you stay. Still, the stop is not a lesson or a dedicated snorkeling expedition: it is one part of a broader sailing trip.

Water temperature and personal comfort can affect how much you enjoy this stop. One couple chose not to snorkel earlier in the day because the water felt too cold, then swam briefly later. If snorkeling is your top priority, tell the captain; if you would rather stay aboard, the trip can be adjusted around your group’s preferences.

Sea conditions can also affect the feel of the outing. One group had two people become seasick, despite enjoying the crew and the rest of the trip. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider that the boat goes beyond the marina and ask your health professional about sensible precautions before traveling.

Sailing time is flexible, not guaranteed

The experience includes a relaxed ride around Cabo San Lucas Bay, the Sea of Cortez, and the Pacific. With suitable wind, the crew can hoist the mainsail and give you the sailing experience the name promises. One family described good wind and a memorable sail; another group spent about an hour under sail.

But the sailboat does not guarantee three hours under sail. One outing did not raise the sails, and some groups have cruised around the bay instead. Wind, route, and the day’s conditions matter. If you specifically want to sail rather than motor along the coast, say so clearly when you meet the crew and ask what conditions are likely to allow.

The boat’s private nature helps you set priorities, but it cannot change the weather. A good plan is to treat the sail as one part of the outing, alongside the Arch, swimming, and snorkeling. That way, the trip can still be worthwhile if the wind is light.

Snacks, lunch, and the open bar

The included refreshments are a real convenience on a three-hour outing. You get bottled water, snacks, and an open bar, along with beverages. Food has included sandwiches, fruit, chips and salsa, guacamole, and other simple offerings. The precise menu can vary, so think of it as light onboard food rather than a formal meal.

The drinks have been a highlight for many groups, with beer, tequila, soft drinks, and cocktails among the options described. You can ask the crew what is available when you board. The open bar is included in the group price, which can make the cost feel more reasonable if your party plans to enjoy drinks as well as the boat and water activities.

A vegetarian option is available, but you should advise the operator when booking. If you have other dietary needs, ask in advance rather than assuming the crew can accommodate them. The boat is a small setting, and clear notice gives the team a better chance to plan.

How the crew shapes the trip

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Captains and mates named Gabriel, Alexis, Angel, David, Caesar, and others have been described as attentive, kind, and ready to adapt the outing. Names and crew assignments can change, of course, but the service pattern is clear: the crew asks what you want, offers suggestions, and helps keep the group safe.

That personal attention matters on a private charter. The crew can explain the rock formations and point out sea life, while also handling practical needs such as snorkeling gear and drinks. One crew went looking for a passenger’s lost Apple Watch after it slipped into the water and found it. That is exceptional service, not something to count on, but it gives a sense of how involved the crew can be.

Families with children must have an adult accompany them. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. If someone in your party is new to swimming or snorkeling, tell the crew before getting in the water so they can help you make a comfortable plan.

Is $750 good value for your group?

At $750 for the whole boat, the price is easiest to justify with four people. Split four ways, it is $187.50 each for three hours, including the crew, drinks, snacks, snorkel gear, and paddleboard. With two people, the per-person cost is much higher, but you get the same private boat and the freedom to choose the pace.

The value is not just the list of inclusions. You avoid sharing the boat with a larger group, and you can spend time on the parts that matter most to you. If your ideal outing is a mix of landmark views, a swim, snorkeling, drinks, and a chance to sail, this one combines them without requiring separate bookings.

It is less compelling if you want a guaranteed long sailing session, a full meal, or a hotel transfer. The outing is short, the food is light, the boat may motor rather than sail, and transport to the marina is yours to arrange. Decide what you most want from the day, then tell the captain early so the three hours are used well.

The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this Cabo sailing trip?

I would choose this for a couple, family, or group of friends who want a private half-day on the water and are happy to mix activities. It works especially well when your party has different ideas about snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing, because you can work out a shared plan with the crew.

It is also a strong pick if you value service and flexibility over a rigid schedule. The crew’s attentiveness, the included drinks and snacks, and the chance to see the Arch and Pelican Rock make the three hours feel full without forcing every minute into a fixed program.

I would think twice if you are booking mainly for sailing under canvas, since wind and route can limit that. If that is your top priority, ask about likely conditions before you commit. Otherwise, book when a private boat and an adaptable mix of Cabo sights, water time, and refreshments sound worth the group price.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts about three hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The $750 price is per boat for a group of up to four people.

What is included in the price?

Beverages, bottled water, snacks, an open bar, snorkel gear, and use of a paddleboard are included.

Where does the tour start and finish?

You meet at F Dock in the Cabo San Lucas marina. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a vegetarian food option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available. Advise the operator when booking if you need it.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.