Private Fishing Trip “All Inclusive” in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo’s best fishing days can bring a striped marlin to the line, whales breaching nearby and the famous Arch in view. This private trip gives your group a full day on the water, with a captain and first mate, fishing gear, live bait and licenses supplied.

I like two things in particular: the private boat means you can ask the crew to tailor the day, and you don’t have to rent rods or sort out fishing licenses yourself. Food, snacks, water, soda and beer are included, too.

The main caution is that a good catch is never guaranteed, and the experience can vary with the crew and conditions. There have also been disputes about trip length and what happens to a catch, so settle those details before leaving the marina.

• A full day, just for your group: The advertised trip lasts about eight hours and accommodates up to four people.
• Fishing basics are covered: Rods, tackle, live bait and fishing licenses are included.
• Food and drinks come aboard: Expect food or snacks, bottled water, sodas and beer. The exact meal is not specified.
• The route mixes fishing with scenery: The listed points include El Arco, Chileno Bay and Lover’s Beach.
• Fish handling needs a conversation: Fish cleaning is not included, and trophy mounting or processing costs are not specified.
• The boat and captain can vary: Several boats are used, so confirm your assignment and departure details before the trip.

Cabo’s big game fish are the headline

Cabo San Lucas sits where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, a setting known for sport fishing and varied marine life. The day is built around fishing for species such as marlin and dorado, with the captain and first mate helping you handle the rods and learn the techniques used in the area.

The catch can be the story you tell for years. Some outings have brought in striped marlin, blue marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, barracuda or smaller fish. Others have produced little. One family reported catching so much that the group ran through its bait before the eight-hour trip ended; another group had a quiet day despite seeing boats around them catch fish. Treat any fish as a welcome bonus, not a promise.

The crew may change bait and tackle as the day goes on. That matters because the fishing plan is not simply a matter of dropping a line and waiting. If you have a preference, say so early. Some groups have wanted to try for big game first, then shift to smaller fish if the action was slow. Ask whether the crew can accommodate that plan before you head out.

Leaving the IGY Marina for the water

The meeting point is Cabo Sportfishing Crew at IGY Marina, E Dock, Boulevard Paseo de la Marina 18, in central Cabo San Lucas. The trip ends back at the same point. There is no pickup service, so plan your own way to the marina and allow time to find the correct dock.

You’ll meet the captain and first mate there, then board whichever boat is assigned. The available boats include names such as Blue Tail, Blue Tail II, El Pargo, Reel Tequila and Robalo, but the specific boat depends on availability. Don’t assume the boat or captain named in a past account will be yours. People have reported changes to both, so confirm the current plan with the operator.

Once underway, the crew handles the fishing equipment and live bait. If you’re new to fishing, ask for help with the rod and technique rather than waiting for instructions. The trip is described as suitable for most participants, and the crew is meant to assist both experienced anglers and first-timers. That support can make a real difference when a strong fish takes the line.

El Arco, Lover’s Beach and the coastal route

The listed itinerary starts at the marina, then includes El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Chileno Bay, Playa el Chileno, Playa de los Amantes and Cabo San Lucas. These are points along the route, not a guarantee of a long stop at each beach. The purpose of the outing is fishing, so the time spent sightseeing will depend on the day’s plan and conditions.

El Arco is Cabo’s well-known rock formation at the tip of the peninsula. Boats passing this landmark offer a memorable view, and the arch gives you a sense of how the Pacific and Sea of Cortez meet here. The itinerary also includes Lover’s Beach, a striking coastal stop named on many Cabo boat routes. Ask the crew how much time the fishing plan allows for photos or sightseeing.

Chileno Bay and Playa el Chileno add another stretch of coastline to the route. The area is also associated with clear water and beach visits, but this is not a beach-hopping tour: the boat’s main job is to find fish. If fishing slows, you can ask whether the captain is willing to adjust the plan, but don’t count on a swim or a set amount of time ashore. No beach visit or swimming stop is specified as part of the experience.

There can be wildlife along the way as well as fish on the line. Whales and dolphins have been seen during trips, and winter outings have included humpback whales breaching nearby. These sightings are a bonus, not part of a guaranteed wildlife tour. Still, keep your phone or camera handy. The crew may be able to pause for a look or help you take a photo, depending on the fishing and the conditions.

What the day feels like from the boat

At eight hours, this is a substantial outing, not a quick taste of Cabo fishing. You’ll have time to travel out, work different bait or tackle, fish for more than one species and take in the coast. That length is appealing if your group wants a full day on the water, but it can feel long if someone gets seasick or has little interest in fishing.

Conditions can be choppy. One outing described swells of three to four feet, while another dealt with larger waves. The experience details do not specify seasickness medication or safety equipment, so bring any personal items you normally need for a boat day and ask the operator about conditions before departure. If a member of your group is uneasy on open water, discuss that before booking.

Food is described as included, along with snacks, bottled water, sodas and beer. The exact lunch menu and serving schedule are not given. Ask what food will be available and when, especially if anyone in your group has dietary needs. Don’t assume that the word all inclusive covers tips, fish cleaning, transportation or trophy mounting. Pickup and fish cleaning are explicitly excluded, and tips are not listed among the inclusions.

The crew’s style also shapes the day. Captains and first mates named on past outings include Andres, Luis, Jorge, Gustavo, Jose, Freddie, Ruben, Alex, Joel, Tito and Ivan. Those names indicate the range of crews associated with the operation, not a promise about who will take you out. Many groups have described helpful, friendly crew service; others have complained about limited communication. Ask questions, make your preferences clear and confirm who is taking you out.

The $625 price and what it actually covers

The listed price is $625 for a private group of up to four. At full capacity, that works out to $156.25 per person before any extra costs. For a private boat, captain, first mate, equipment, live bait, fishing licenses, food and drinks, that can be a reasonable price for a full day, particularly if everyone in your group plans to fish.

The value drops if you’re booking for one or two people, since the price is per group rather than per seat. It also depends on whether you care about privacy and having the crew’s attention for your own group. You aren’t sharing the boat with strangers, and you can talk through your fishing goals directly with the captain.

The listed inclusions do not cover pickup or fish cleaning. The description promises lunch, while the inclusions specify food and snacks without detailing the menu. Confirm what meal is provided. Tips are also not included in the stated price. A past dispute over tipping suggests it is wise to ask the operator what is expected before the trip, rather than guessing at the dock.

There is a more important question to settle before fishing: what happens to your catch? Fish cleaning is excluded, and neither the price nor the arrangements for processing or mounting a fish are provided. Past trips have involved disagreements about how much of a marlin the group could keep, and about the cost of having a fish mounted. Before you leave, ask who owns the catch, what you can keep, where the rest goes and what any processing or trophy service costs. Get clear answers before anyone offers you a paid service or asks you to choose a portion.

Make the fishing plan clear before lines go in

A short conversation at the dock can prevent a long day of crossed expectations. Tell the captain whether you’re aiming for a trophy fish, hoping to catch smaller fish more steadily, or open to either approach. Ask how long the boat is scheduled to stay out, what happens if the group catches a fish early and whether you can change fishing tactics if the action is slow.

That last point matters. One serious complaint described a trip ending well before the purchased eight hours after a marlin was caught. Other outings have gone well beyond expectations, but the advertised duration is approximately eight hours, so confirm the planned departure and return times before boarding. If the captain proposes returning early, ask directly whether the group can continue fishing or use the remaining time another way.

Ask about the catch, too. Some fish may be released, some may be retained, and local rules or practical handling may affect the decision. The tour information does not explain the rules for keeping each species, so don’t rely on assumptions. Make sure you understand what is being offered and what, if anything, will cost extra.

Finally, confirm the captain, boat and meeting point. The experience is operated by Cabo Sportfishing Crew, but several boats are used and crew assignments can vary. Confirmation is provided at booking, yet a quick check before departure can help avoid confusion at the marina.

Who will get the most from this trip

This trip is a good fit for a family or a small group of friends who want a private day outdoors and are happy to spend much of it fishing. It can suit beginners because the crew is expected to help with rods and techniques, while experienced anglers get a chance to target local game fish with live bait and changing tackle.

It is less suitable if catching a particular fish is essential to your idea of a successful day. Fishing is unpredictable, and even a skilled crew can’t make marlin appear on command. If your main goal is sightseeing, a dedicated boat tour may give you more time at the Arch and beaches than a fishing charter.

The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed at your request. If poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That makes it especially important to check your schedule and group’s comfort with a long boat outing before paying.

Should you book this Cabo fishing trip?

Book it if your group values a private boat, a full day at sea and the chance to target Cabo’s sport fish without bringing your own tackle or arranging licenses. The included crew, live bait, food and drinks make the outing fairly easy to organize, and the route adds coastal scenery to the fishing.

Before paying, get clear answers about the boat and captain, the exact departure and return times, meal details, tips and catch handling. If the operator answers those questions plainly and your group can enjoy the day even without a trophy fish, the trip offers a compelling way to spend a day on Cabo’s waters. If you need a guaranteed catch, a fixed captain or a simple, no-surprises agreement about keeping fish, don’t book until those points are settled.

FAQ

How long is the fishing trip?

The trip lasts approximately eight hours. Confirm the departure and return times with the operator before boarding.

How many people can join?

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

Where does the trip start and end?

You meet the crew at Cabo Sportfishing Crew, IGY Marina E Dock, Boulevard Paseo de la Marina 18, Centro, Cabo San Lucas. The trip ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup service is not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the marina.

What is included in the price?

The listed inclusions are a captain and first mate, fishing boat, live bait, fishing licenses, food and snacks, bottled water, sodas and beer. Fishing equipment is provided. The exact lunch menu is not specified.

Do I need to bring fishing equipment?

No. Fishing equipment is provided, and live bait and fishing licenses are included.

Is fish cleaning included?

No. Fish cleaning is listed as not included. Ask the operator about catch handling and any processing costs before the trip.

Is a particular catch guaranteed?

No specific catch is guaranteed. The trip targets species such as marlin and dorado, but fishing results vary.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Otherwise, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed at your request.