Cabo from the water changes your whole pace. This private yacht rental (for up to 6) is truly all-inclusive, with roundtrip transport from Cabo San Lucas, an open bar, lunch, and time to swim and snorkel around the Bay of Cabo. I also like how the morning or afternoon schedule gives you flexibility, then you still get classic highlights like El Arco and sea lions without turning it into a whole-day production.

My one caution is the optional photo situation. Some guests report pricey photo charges at the end, and one report mentioned surprise charges and confusion around payment—so if you want photos, ask how it works and what the total will be before you commit. If you do not care about photos, treat them as optional and keep the mood easy.

If you want a small-group day on the Sea of Cortez with minimal hassle, this is a strong fit. For planning, it’s typically booked about 55 days ahead, and you’ll get confirmation within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability).

Key things you’ll actually care about

• Private for up to 6 people: more control of where you spend your time on the water
• Open bar plus lunch: tequila, vodka, rum, beer, wine, and included food so you don’t ration your day
• El Arco and sea lions early: a short stop with photo time and a ticket included
• Two hours near Medano Bay: your anchor time includes swimming, snorkeling, paddle boards, and more
• Snorkeling gear and paddle boards included: you just show up ready to go
• Photos are optional but can be costly: if you care, confirm the price before buying

Private Cabo Yacht Rental: what all-inclusive really covers

This is one of those Cabo tours where the price feels high until you see what’s wrapped into it. You pay $1,450 per group (up to 6) for about 3 hours, and that group price matters because it’s not a seat on a crowded boat. You’ll have your own boat and crew flow, and you’ll also get roundtrip transportation from the Cabo San Lucas area to the marina.

In the all-inclusive bundle, you get:

• Lunch: chicken & steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and a fresh fruit platter
• Snacks, fruit, and quesadillas during the day
• Open bar: tequila, vodka, rum, beer, wine, plus mixers
• Soda/juice options like cranberry, orange, and pineapple juice
• Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards
• All fees and taxes
• Air-conditioned vehicle for the transport

The one thing not included is the crew tip. That’s standard for this style of charter, but you’ll want to keep it in mind so you’re not scrambling later.

Getting to the marina: roundtrip transport and a smooth start

The meeting point is at Luxury Avenue Los Cabos, Paseo de la Marina, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas, in the Marina area. The tour ends back at that same meeting point, so you avoid the classic Cabo problem of figuring out logistics after you’re already sun-warmed and thirsty.

Because the transport is included and the vehicle is air-conditioned, you’re less likely to lose time to traffic or waiting around in the heat. Also, you’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English, which keeps the day feeling straightforward.

Stop 1: El Arco and the sea lion colony (plus why this part moves fast)

Your first highlight is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. You’ll start with a short cruise for photos and to see the sea lions in their natural habitat. This stop is scheduled for about 30 minutes, and the admission ticket is included.

This is the part of the day that works like a great movie trailer: short, scenic, and very photo-friendly. If you like classic Cabo views, you’ll want to be ready—phones and cameras out, quick angles in mind—because the time window isn’t long.

One practical note: since you’re on a moving boat during photo time, keep any small items (sunglasses, hats) secured. You want your hands free for shooting, and you want to avoid a “where did that go?” moment once you’re out on the water.

Stop 2: The Pacific Coast side views (quick scenery, ticket-free)

From El Arco, you continue to the Pacific side for another 30-minute sightseeing break. Admission here is free, and the focus is the view: coastlines, beaches, and wide-open horizons from the water.

This segment is less about activities and more about reset time. You’ll typically be eating, sipping, and taking in the scenery—basically, letting the boat ride do some of the work for you.

Medano Bay anchor time: where swimming, snorkeling, and sea life are the point

This is the heart of the trip. You’ll head back toward the Bay of Cabo, where most people spend the bulk of their time. The plan is 2 hours here, and the admission ticket is included.

Why this stop is so valuable:

• The Bay of Cabo is where you get the best chance of spotting sea life such as whales, turtles, and dolphins (when conditions allow)
• You can choose your pace because it’s private—you can tell your captain whether you want more whale watching, snorkeling, or just time to swim and relax
• Included gear makes it easy to actually do something, not just look at it

What you can do during the anchor time

• Swimming
• Snorkeling (with included equipment)
• Paddle boarding (board time included)
• General hanging out on the water while drinks and food keep coming

One realistic consideration: in busy areas, boat traffic around swimmers can feel hectic. I’d keep an eye on where other boats are operating and be clear with your group about safety basics—especially if you’re traveling with kids. If you’re the planner type, ask your captain where the water is calmest for getting in and out.

Drinks and food: not a snack boat, a real meal day

This charter doesn’t treat food as an afterthought. You get lunch—chicken & steak quesadillas—plus guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and fresh fruit. On top of that, the day includes snacks, fruit, and quesadillas, so you’re not waiting hours for a single meal moment.

For drinks, the open bar includes tequila, vodka, rum, beer, and wine, along with cranberry/orange/pineapple juice and mixers. In practice, this means you can pace yourself and still feel like you’re on vacation instead of counting drinks.

If you want the day to feel good (not just loud), bring your own strategy:

• Start with water alongside cocktails or beer
• Use sunscreen before you’re fully settled in
• Eat earlier rather than later so you’re not snorkeling on an empty stomach

Crew, captain, and the photo question: fun energy with one big caution

The crew is a big part of why this works. In one positive experience, Captain Sergio and Ana came across as friendly and informed hosts, and the food and vibe were repeatedly called out as a win. Other outings praised teams like Miguel and his team, plus the overall professionalism of the staff.

You might also run into a driver named Julio who handles the pickup on time and even makes a quick coffee stop for the ride. That little “we know people are human” touch matters when you’re starting in the morning and trying to sync with your group.

The wildcard is the photographer and the photo package. Several experiences say the photographer adds value and gets great shots. But one mixed review raised a red flag: a photographer charged about $200 after photos, then attempted to charge more for a credit card without clear communication. Another concern mentioned that photos felt expensive.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

• Treat the photo package as optional, not assumed
• If your photographer talks prices, confirm the full amount and payment method before any charge
• Decide in the moment only if you feel confident about the cost

If you’re not trying to buy professional photos, you can keep the day focused on the actual reason you came: views, swimming, and that private boat feeling.

How to choose your start time in Cabo

You can set sail either in the morning or afternoon, with several start time options. Since the total trip is about 3 hours, your start time will shape how your day feels more than anything else.

My practical approach:

• Pick morning if you like a cooler start and want time later to eat onshore
• Pick afternoon if your day is already planned around late activities and you want a slower wake-up
• Choose based on your group: people who get cranky in heat usually do better with an earlier departure

Either way, the itinerary is tight, so don’t schedule anything overly fragile right after you return.

Value check: does $1,450 per group make sense?

For Cabo, pricing gets wild fast once you add up everything that’s usually extra: boat time, transport, food, and snorkel gear. Here, the math is more forgiving because the essentials are bundled:

• Private boat time for up to 6
• Roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Lunch and snacks
• Open bar
• Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards
• Included admissions where applicable

The cost that can catch you off guard is not the base price—it’s tips and optional extras like photos. If you like the idea of being fed and watered while you’re out on the water, you’ll probably feel like this is good value.

Who this yacht rental suits best

This is a great match if you:

• Want a small-group, private outing rather than a crowded tour
• Like to swim and snorkel (gear is included)
• Enjoy a relaxed pace with drinks and food instead of constantly listening and moving
• Want classic Cabo sights like El Arco and sea lion views without rushing through them

It also works for special occasions. One bachelorette trip review praised the staff as highly helpful and fun, and another experience highlighted a whale-watching style day with drinks kept topped up.

If you’re traveling with kids, keep safety top of mind during swimming times since water space can get crowded. And if you really dislike photo upsells, plan your boundaries early with your group.

Should you book this Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive?

I think you should book if your priority is an easy, private boat day with open bar, real food, and included snorkeling gear—plus the chance to see wildlife around the Bay of Cabo. The private setup lets you steer the day a bit toward what your group wants, whether that’s more swimming or more time looking for whales, turtles, and dolphins.

I’d skip or at least go in cautious if you hate unpredictable end-of-tour charges or you strongly dislike photo add-ons. Based on one report, the photo situation can feel unfair if communication is unclear. If you’re okay confirming prices upfront and treating photos as optional, you’ll likely enjoy the rest of the experience a lot.

If your plans are flexible, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance gives you some room to adjust without losing your whole deposit.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas yacht rental experience?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What is the group size and price?

The price is $1,450 per group, up to 6 people.

What does all-inclusive include?

It includes lunch (chicken and steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and fresh fruit), snacks/fruit, an open bar with alcoholic drinks, soda/juices, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and all fees and taxes.

Are snorkeling and paddle boards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Luxury Avenue Los Cabos at the Marina area in Cabo San Lucas.

What stops are included during the trip?

You’ll visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (about 30 minutes), the Pacific Coast (about 30 minutes), and the Bay of Cabo near Medano Beach (about 2 hours).

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes tequila, vodka, rum, beer, and wine, plus mixers. Cranberry, orange, and pineapple juice are also included.

Is tipping included?

No. Tip for the crew is not included.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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