Exclusive Phantom II Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

The Phantom II combines two Cabo experiences in one outing: a cruise past the famous Arch, then a run to the fishing grounds for several hours on the water. The trip is private for your group of up to eight, so you share the boat only with your own party and the crew.

I like the quick change of scenery from marina to open water, and the chance to fish with professional gear rather than arrange equipment yourself. I also like that marlin and sailfish are handled on a catch-and-release basis unless you choose to keep one as a trophy.

One thing to plan carefully: fishing licenses and crew gratuities are extra, and the tour description notes a license for one person is not included. Confirm what licenses your group needs, and do not assume hotel transport is part of the price.

At a glance

• The Arch comes first: The boat passes Cabo’s iconic rock formation on the way out of the marina.
• Fishing grounds are close: Expect about 20 to 30 minutes of travel each way before fishing.
• Your group gets the boat: This is a private activity for up to eight people.
• Fishing gear is supplied: Professional rods and gear, outriggers, and life jackets are included.
• Marlin may be part of the day: One reported trip caught four marlin and six Bonita, but catches are never guaranteed.
• Budget for extras: The $1,015 group price excludes fishing licenses and crew gratuities.

From the East Dock to the Arch

Your outing begins at the East Dock in Cabo San Lucas Marina. The Phantom II heads out from the harbor and passes the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the dramatic rock formation at the peninsula’s tip. It is a memorable start, and a nice change from heading straight offshore with no pause to take in the coast.

The Arch is the tour’s stated stop, but the outing is chiefly a fishing trip, not a sightseeing cruise. Think of the pass as a scenic opening to the day. The available details do not specify how long the boat pauses there, so I would not book this expecting a long stop or a shore visit.

After the Arch, the ride to the fishing grounds takes about 20 to 30 minutes. That short transit matters if you are traveling with someone who is unsure about spending a long time at sea. It also means most of the approximate five-hour outing can be devoted to fishing rather than getting to distant waters.

Five Hours on the Water

The advertised duration is about five hours, including the marina departure, the Arch pass, the ride to the fishing grounds, fishing time, and the return. The boat comes back to the same meeting point, with the return ride taking roughly the same amount of time as the outward trip.

A five-hour charter gives you a proper block of time to fish without committing to a full day at sea. That can work well for families or groups with mixed interests: keen anglers can focus on the lines, while others can enjoy the boat ride and look out for sea life. The exact amount of fishing time depends on the day’s route and conditions, details that are not specified.

One party’s outing lasted eight hours, and the fishing action was described as nonstop. That is a useful example of how a trip can feel when the crew is on fish, but it is not the standard duration listed here. If you have a strict return schedule, plan around the approximate five hours and confirm the expected end time with Phantom Fishing Cabo before booking.

A useful timing tip from one outing: the listed start was 7 a.m., and the group was advised to arrive before 6 a.m. for the best start. Since the precise departure time may vary, check your confirmation rather than assuming every trip leaves at 7. Arriving early is sensible if your departure is at dawn, but verify the meeting time directly.

What Fishing Can Look Like

The tour is designed for sportfishing, with professional fishing gear and outriggers supplied. Outriggers extend lines away from the boat, helping spread the fishing setup across the water. You do not have to bring your own rods or standard gear, which makes the experience easier to arrange for visitors who are not traveling with fishing equipment.

The fish you catch will depend on conditions and luck. One outing brought in six Bonita for eating and four marlin, with everyone who wanted to fish getting a chance to catch something. That is an exciting example, not a promise. You should go for the time on the water and the opportunity to fish, not a guaranteed species or catch count.

Marlin and sailfish are handled on a catch-and-release basis unless you want to keep one as a trophy. The tour information also says a fishing license for one person is not included. Because license requirements can depend on who is fishing and what you intend to keep, ask the operator exactly what your group needs and whether the stated license refers to one person or something else.

The crew can make a big difference when fish are moving. Captain Jose, along with Mario and Javier, was praised for chasing marlin and helping the group get more action. Those names are a useful sign of the hands-on service possible, but you should not assume the same crew will be assigned to every departure.

A Private Boat for Your Group

The $1,015 price covers a private group of up to eight people. At full capacity, that works out to about $127 per person before licenses and gratuities. For a smaller party, the per-person cost rises, but you still have the benefit of sharing the boat only with your own group rather than joining strangers.

That privacy is especially valuable when your group has different levels of fishing experience. You can organize your time around your party, and people who are less interested in fishing can still enjoy the coastal ride and marine life. The bilingual crew can communicate in English and Spanish, which may help mixed-language groups feel more at ease.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you are a group of several people and serious about fishing, the price buys a dedicated boat, gear, and crew for a half-day outing. If you are one or two people who only want a quick look at the Arch, a fishing charter is probably more than you need.

What Is Included, and What Is Not

Professional fishing gear, outriggers, life jackets, and a bilingual crew are included. Those basics reduce the amount you need to prepare, and life jackets are available for the group. The experience is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket.

Fishing licenses and crew gratuities are not included. Set aside money for both, and confirm license requirements before departure rather than sorting them out at the dock. The information specifies a license for one person, but does not explain how licensing works for the rest of the group.

There was also confusion around whether round transportation was included. The meeting point is East Dock, E Dock, at the Cabo San Lucas Marina, and the activity ends back there. Do not count on hotel pickup or drop-off unless the operator confirms it directly. The marina is near public transportation, but the tour details do not name a specific route or provide a transfer service.

Who Will Enjoy the Phantom II

This outing suits people who want fishing to be the main event, with a scenic coastal feature built in. It is also a good fit for groups where some members fish and others would be content with the ride, the Arch, and watching for sea life. A private boat makes that mix easier than a shared charter.

It may be less suitable if your priority is a long sightseeing cruise, a guaranteed catch, or a short trip with no fishing commitment. The five-hour estimate is still a substantial outing, and the experience is centered on reaching the fishing grounds and working the lines. If anyone in your group has concerns about time on a boat, ask the operator what to expect before committing.

The high praise for the crew and the action on one marlin trip points to the tour’s strongest potential: a day when the crew is actively tracking fish and helping everyone take part. But fishing is unpredictable. Treat the catch as a bonus, and the Arch, sea views, and time out on the water as part of the value.

Booking, Timing, and Cancellation

The experience is booked about 15 days ahead on average. That gives you a rough planning guide, not a guarantee of availability. If your Cabo dates are fixed or you want a particular departure time, check availability early and confirm the start time and expected return.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes made in that period are not accepted. The cut-off follows local time in Cabo San Lucas.

Should You Book This Fishing Trip?

Book the Phantom II if your group wants a private, gear-equipped fishing charter with a scenic pass by the Arch and a relatively short ride to the fishing grounds. The price makes the most sense when shared among several people, and the supplied equipment means you can join without bringing your own fishing kit.

Before paying, confirm the departure time, the license requirements for your group, and whether you need to arrange your own ride to the marina. Go in hoping for a lively day, but not counting on a marlin. If your group values the fishing itself and can enjoy the outing even when the catch is modest, this is a compelling way to spend a half-day in Cabo.

FAQ

How long is the Phantom II fishing trip?

The outing lasts approximately five hours. The ride to the fishing grounds takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with a return to the same marina meeting point.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at the East Dock, E Dock, at the Cabo San Lucas Marina. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is a private activity for your group, with a maximum of eight people.

What is included in the price?

Professional fishing gear, outriggers, life jackets, and a bilingual crew are included.

Are fishing licenses and gratuities included?

No. Fishing licenses, specified as a license for one person, and crew gratuities are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

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