Private yacht charter for cruising & snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas

El Arco is the star of this three-hour private yacht charter, but the best part is having the boat to yourselves as you cruise Cabo’s Land’s End and stop to snorkel at Pelican Rock. The route pairs famous coastal views with time in the water, without making you share the day with a larger tour group.

I like the private setting and the mix of snorkeling, a paddleboard, and a large floating mat. I also like that Mexican appetizers and an open bar for adults are included. One consideration: the price is for the group, so it is strongest value when you have several people to share it, and private transport to the marina is not included.

At a glance

• El Arco and Land’s End: Cruise by Cabo’s signature rock formations, Lover’s Beach, and Finisterra Rocky Point.
• Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: Snorkel in Cabo San Lucas Bay National Marine Park, with equipment provided for ages 7 and older.
• A private boat for your group: The $1,190 rate covers up to six people.
• Food and drinks aboard: Mexican appetizers are included, along with an open bar for people 21 and older.
• Room for water play: One paddleboard and a large floating water mat are included.
• Three hours on the water: Bring your own towels, and arrange your own ride to the marina.

Setting out from Cabo San Lucas Marina

The charter starts at Cabo Sails, at Calle Marina, interior L40, Plaza Gali, in Cabo San Lucas Marina. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Since private transportation is not included, plan to get yourself to the marina and allow time to find the specified meeting place.

Once aboard, the appeal is simple: your group has the yacht to itself. That gives you more room to settle in, talk with the crew, and enjoy the coast at your own pace than you would on a shared boat. The charter lasts about three hours, so think of it as a compact outing rather than a full day at sea.

A private boat can be especially useful for families or a small group of friends who want to combine sightseeing and swimming without negotiating plans with strangers. It also works for a couple willing to pay more per person for a private setting. The listed price is $1,190 per group of up to six, not per person.

The coast around El Arco and Land’s End

El Arco, also called the Cabo Arch, is the main landmark on the route. It sits at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, framed by the rocky edge of Land’s End. The cruise also takes in Finisterra Rocky Point and Lover’s Beach, making the ride itself part of the outing rather than just a transfer to the snorkel stop.

The listed itinerary names El Arco as its stop, while the broader cruise description includes these other coastal sights. You should expect to see the landmarks from the water, but the information provided does not promise a landing at Lover’s Beach or a particular amount of time at any one spot. If stepping ashore matters to you, ask Cabo Sails before booking.

The scenery is a good reason to bring a phone or camera, but keep a secure hold on it around the water. You can also ask the crew about the rock formations as you pass. Crew members named on past outings include Captain Heron with Luis or Charlie, Captain Tony, and captains and mates such as Lalo, Pepe, and Lupe. Those names are not a guarantee of who will be aboard on your date.

Whales have been seen during some trips, and one family described seeing them repeatedly and close to the boat. That makes the possibility exciting, but it is not a promised part of the charter. Wildlife sightings depend on what is in the area on the day you sail.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock

The planned snorkeling stop is Pelican Rock in Cabo San Lucas Bay National Marine Park. Snorkeling equipment is included for people aged 7 and older. Life vests are provided for children aged 3 and older, according to the tour information. Bring towels, since they are not listed among the inclusions.

Pelican Rock gives the cruise a welcome change of pace: first you see the coast from the yacht, then you get time in the water. Still, snorkeling depends on conditions and your comfort in the sea. If someone in your group is unsure about swimming, ask the operator what equipment and support are available for that person before departure.

The charter also includes one paddleboard and a large floating water mat. These add options for anyone who wants to stay near the boat but would rather not snorkel the whole time. There is only one paddleboard, so if several people want a turn, you may need to share.

Mexican snacks, drinks, and time aboard

Food is more substantial than a bag of chips. The included Mexican appetizers may include beef burritos, cheese quesadillas, chicken salad dip, guacamole, salsa, chips, and a platter of fresh fruit and vegetables. That gives you a casual meal during the cruise, though the information does not specify serving sizes or whether the menu can be changed for dietary needs.

The open bar is included for people aged 21 and older. The yacht also has an onboard bar and a Bluetooth speaker, so you can enjoy drinks and music while you cruise. If you have a specific food allergy or dietary restriction, contact the operator rather than assuming a suitable alternative will be available.

The crew can shape the feel of a private outing. On past trips, Captain Heron and mate Charlie have let people help sail the boat and shared stories about the area; other named crew combinations include Captain Heron and Luis, and Captain Tony with a first mate. That kind of friendly, attentive service is a real plus when it happens, but your crew and the exact style of the trip may differ.

What the $1,190 group rate buys you

At the full group size of six, the price works out to about $198 per person. For a couple, it is $595 each, so the private setting costs considerably more per person when fewer people share the fare. The fee covers the yacht for your group, the cruise, snorkeling equipment, Mexican appetizers, the adult open bar, a paddleboard, and a floating water mat.

Children aged 12 and under ride free, with a maximum of five children. The tour is also described as being for up to six people, so if your group includes several children, check directly with Cabo Sails how the free-child policy fits the capacity limit before you book. A small dog is welcome for an additional $50, and service animals are allowed.

Keep the excluded costs in mind. Private transportation to the marina is not included, and you should bring your own towels. The information does not specify other possible charges, so ask the operator if you need clarity about anything beyond the listed price and add-ons.

Who will get the most from this charter

This trip suits a group that wants a little of everything: Cabo’s coastal landmarks, a snorkel stop, food and drinks, and time together on a private boat. Families can appreciate the free fare for children 12 and under, while adults may value the included open bar. The paddleboard and water mat also give the group alternatives to snorkeling.

It is less compelling if you are traveling alone or as a couple and mainly want the lowest-cost way to see El Arco. Shared tours may cost less, though this charter’s private setting is the point. It may also be a poor fit if someone in your party needs a guaranteed beach landing or a specific snorkeling setup, since neither is promised in the details here.

A few useful details before you go

The activity is listed as mobile ticket and offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking, and most people can participate. The trip requires good weather; if poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable, and changes made inside that window are not accepted. The cutoff follows local time in Cabo.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you can fill most of the six-person capacity and want the freedom of a private boat, with snorkeling, coastal sights, food, and drinks built into one outing. The strongest reasons are the private setting and the range of included activities. If you are a small party watching your budget, or if a beach landing is essential, confirm the details or compare other options first.

FAQ

How long is the yacht charter?

The charter lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the private yacht cost?

The listed price is $1,190 per group of up to six people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Cabo Sails at Calle Marina, interior L40, Plaza Gali, in Cabo San Lucas Marina. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place at Pelican Rock in Cabo San Lucas Bay National Marine Park.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for people aged 7 and older. Life vests are provided for children aged 3 and older.

Are food and drinks included?

Mexican appetizers are included, as is an open bar for people aged 21 and older.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refundable.