Cabo looks different from the water. A private Ferretti 88ft charter gives you prime time near El Arco, a long Pacific Coast cruise, then an anchored break at Medano Beach for swimming and snorkeling. I especially like that you get an unlimited premium open bar plus a proper 3-course menu, not just snack plate vibes, and the crew attention is part of what makes it feel smooth. One thing to consider: this experience is weather-dependent, so wind or rough seas can affect what you can do that day.

What you’re really buying in 3 hours

You’re not just paying for a boat. You’re paying for time on the water with structured stops, water toys and snorkel gear ready to go, and food and drinks served while you’re at anchor. The route is built around the best photo moments first, then moving into the calmer swim and snorkel window at the end.

If you’re picky about comfort, it helps that you also get air-conditioned vehicle transport and a private setup for your group. Just keep in mind the charter is priced per group up to 15, so your value depends on how full you go.

Key points to know before you book

• Ferretti 88ft private charter for up to 15: you won’t share the boat with strangers.
• El Arco + sea lion viewing: you get a dedicated stop for photos and the colony.
• Long Pacific Coast cruise time: 1 hour 15 minutes for rocks, marine life, and coastline views.
• Medano Beach swim and snorkel: you anchor in the bay with snorkeling equipment and water toys.
• Unlimited premium open bar and 3-course dinner: food service is planned into the ride, not tacked on later.
• Mobile ticket + English service: confirmation comes by email after booking, and the experience runs in English.

Ferretti 88ft Yacht Time in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is famous for quick hits: photos at El Arco, a few beach stops, maybe a dinner reservation. This charter replaces the scattershot approach with a single, focused chunk of time at sea.

The star here is the Ferretti 88ft style of yacht experience—private, spacious, and designed for relaxing between sights. You spend the day on the water instead of commuting all over town. That alone makes the whole thing feel less exhausting, even though it’s only about 3 hours total.

And because it’s private, you can set your group’s pace. Some people want to stay on deck for sea views; others prefer to slide into shade and let the crew handle the flow.

Getting on Board: the 3-Hour Flow and What It Means for You

This charter runs about 3 hours from start to finish, and you’re picked up from a central spot: Hotel Tesoro, at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina Lote 9 y 10 in the Centro/Marina area of Cabo.

The timing matters because it shapes the emotional arc of the trip:

• Early: quick, high-impact viewing for El Arco
• Middle: a longer cruise window along the Pacific Coast
• Late: the best water time at Medano Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, and use provided toys

By the time you get to Medano Beach, you’re not rushing. You’re anchored, which usually makes the water portion feel calmer and easier to manage than constantly motoring around.

You’re also not just waiting for your turn. The crew serves snacks and drinks, then food during the anchored swim/snorkel period.

Stop 1 at El Arco: Sea Lions and a Proper Photo Window

El Arco is the postcard. But from the water, it’s more than a photo prop—it’s a living landmark. You’ll make a dedicated stop of about 30 minutes, which is long enough to take your photos without feeling like you’re being herded through a drive-thru.

This stop is also where you may see the large sea lion colony. Watching them from the water has a different feel than seeing them from shore. It’s active and natural, and it turns your first stop into the kind of moment you’ll actually remember later.

Tip for photos: aim to grab the best angle early in the 30 minutes. Once people start shifting for different shots and cameras, the light can move fast and the deck gets busier.

Pacific Coast Cruise: Rock Formations, Marine Life, and Beach Views

After El Arco, you settle into a longer stretch—about 1 hour 15 minutes—along the Pacific side of Cabo. This is where the scenery becomes layered: rocky formations, ocean views, and the kind of coastline angles that don’t show up the same way from land.

The point of this portion isn’t to check boxes. It’s to slow down and let the coast unfold in real time. Cabo’s shoreline has dramatic shapes, and being on the water lets you see how the rocks meet the sea.

You also have the chance to spot marine life while cruising. The details you catch depend on the day, but the general value is that you’re not just looking at a view—you’re looking for movement in the water too.

If your group likes variety, this middle segment is the sweet spot. You get a shift from El Arco’s landmark moment into a wider “show me the coastline” cruise.

Medano Beach Anchor Time: Swim, Snorkel, Water Toys, and Food

Then comes the payoff: about 1 hour 15 minutes anchored in the Bay at Medano Beach. This is the water time, and it’s built for actual participation.

You can:

• swim
• snorkel
• use the provided water toys

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to hunt for rentals or worry about bringing the right gear. The bay setup also tends to make this portion feel more relaxed than open-water water sports, since you’re not constantly relocating.

Food and drinks show up here too. The crew serves the meal during this anchor window, which is smart. You’re not scrambling to find lunch somewhere after you’ve been in the water. You eat while you’re still in vacation mode.

A practical note: if you’re planning to snorkel, do it earlier in the window. You’ll usually get a better chance to enjoy the gear and water toys without everyone crowding the same moments.

Food and Drinks: Unlimited Premium Open Bar Plus a 3-Course Dinner

This is one of the most compelling parts of the experience: it’s not a bare-bones yacht snack situation.

You get:

• snacks like fresh fruit, guacamole, salsas, pico de Gallo
• a charcuterie board
• alcoholic beverages unlimited with a premium open bar
• soda/pop
• a dinner 3-course full menu with 3 options to choose

That menu structure changes the feel of the charter. Instead of grabbing food whenever, you sit into a real meal sequence. It makes the trip feel like a full outing, not a short cruise with a few chips.

The open bar being unlimited is also a big value driver. On most tours, drinks cost extra, and the tab can sneak up fast. Here, the drinks are part of the package, so your group can relax without math.

One more detail I like: the food includes classic, crowd-pleasing Mexican flavors in the snack mix. Guacamole, salsas, and pico de Gallo pair naturally with the beachy setting. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s doing the fun version right.

And yes, there’s still one caution: gratuity for the crew is not included, so keep a little cash or card balance set aside for the end.

Private Transportation and Comfort That You Can Actually Feel

Your charter isn’t just about the boat. You also get private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters more than people expect in Cabo.

The ride in AC helps you start fresher, and it makes the experience feel more “planned” than “show up and hope.” It also means you’re not weaving through town with luggage, beach bags, and timing pressures.

This is also a good fit if you want everything to be handled. You get a start point and you’re brought back to the same meeting point at the end.

Price and Value: What $5,600 per Group Adds Up To

The price is $5,600.00 per group, up to 15 people. That means your per-person cost depends on how many spots you fill.

• If you book close to 15, the cost works out to roughly $370 per person for a private 3-hour charter with an unlimited premium open bar and a 3-course dinner.
• If you’re only a small group, it’s still a luxury outing, but the value per person drops because the price is shared across the group size.

So here’s how I’d think about value: you’re paying for privacy, time on a high-quality yacht, and a meal/drinks package that would cost more if you priced it separately.

This is the kind of experience that often becomes “worth it” when:

• you’re celebrating something and want the whole group to feel included
• you have enough people to fill the boat
• you want a meal and drinks included instead of doing separate reservations

Who Should Book This Yacht Charter (and Who Might Not)

This charter is ideal if you want a smooth, high-comfort Cabo experience with real structure.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• your group wants a private tour and doesn’t want to share a boat
• you care about scenery and want a dedicated El Arco moment plus a longer coast cruise
• you want to actually get in the water at Medano Beach with gear provided
• you like the idea of an open bar + 3-course menu built into the timeline

It might not be the best match if:

• your group only wants a quick, casual cruise with no interest in food and drinks
• you don’t handle boat motion well and can’t be flexible if weather changes plans

Also, this is offered in English, so it’s a good choice if that’s your group’s comfort zone.

Practical Tips for a Better Time on the Water

A few simple choices can make the day feel smoother.

• Bring swim-ready clothes and plan on using the included snorkel gear and water toys.
• Use sun protection even if you think you’ll be in shade. Deck time plus water reflections can add up.
• If your group is camera-heavy, agree on a couple of shot plans early so you don’t spend the best moments spinning in circles.
• Plan your food timing: eat early enough to enjoy the snacks, then let the 3-course dinner be your big meal during the anchored period.

If you’re the type who likes to control details, you’ll appreciate that the charter is private and the key activities are scheduled into the ride.

One more thing: service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation. That’s useful context if you’re coordinating how everyone gets there.

Quick Reality Check: Weather and What Changes

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s the one variable you can’t fully control in Cabo. The good part is that the provider builds weather-dependence into the planning, so you’re not signing up for a fragile, “we’ll try our luck” situation.

Should You Book the Papillon Yachts Ferretti 88ft in Cabo?

If you want one Cabo highlight that feels like a real event, this charter is a strong pick.

I’d book it if your group includes enough people to make the per-group price feel fair and you care about three things: a standout view at El Arco, meaningful time along the Pacific Coast, and a genuine swim/snorkel window at Medano Beach. The combination of an unlimited premium open bar and a 3-course dinner is also the kind of value that turns a short trip into a memorable night.

I’d think twice if weather is a big concern for your dates or if your group would rather spend the day on land and keep the budget lean.

FAQ

How long is the yacht charter?

It’s about 3 hours total.

What is the group size limit?

The charter is priced per group and can accommodate up to 15 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Hotel Tesoro, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina Lote 9 y 10, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included during the ride?

You’ll stop at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, then cruise the Pacific Coast, and finish with anchored time at Medano Beach for swimming and snorkeling.

What’s included for food, drinks, and snorkeling?

Snacks are included, along with an unlimited premium open bar. You also get a 3-course dinner with 3 options to choose from, soda/pop, and snorkeling equipment.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What’s the cancellation and weather rule?

Free cancellation is available, with full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

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