REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo
Book on Viator →Operated by Papillon Yachts · Bookable on Viator
Cabo feels different from the waterline. This 42-foot private yacht cruise is built for easy fun: you get water toys in the bay and an open bar onboard, with a crew that keeps things moving so you’re not stuck waiting around. I also like the human touch that shows up in real service moments, like the way Patricio and Moy helped one family start smoothly and feel cared for. One drawback to plan around: the experience depends on good weather, and it’s a group price, so a couple might feel it more than a party that fills the boat.
In about 3 hours, you’ll cover three classic Cabo zones. Stop 1 is timed for the El Arco area with snorkeling gear and easy-to-use toys ready to go. Stop 2 lets you pick your vibe around Medano Beach while the captain offers recommendations. Stop 3 is for photo time on the Pacific side, and the crew’s energy really shows up in the reviews, whether it’s a bachelorette trip with Marco, Adan, and Adalid decking the boat or an engagement cruise where the staff stayed hands-on and attentive.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning around
- A 42-Foot Cabo Cruise Built for Fun, Not Waiting
- Price and What You Actually Get for $2,000
- Meeting Point and How the Start Feels
- The Yacht Setup: Toys, Shade, and an Open Bar
- Stop-by-Stop: El Arco, Medano Beach, Pacific Coast Photo Time
- Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (about 1 hour)
- Stop 2: Medano Beach (about 1 hour)
- Stop 3: Pacific Coast and an Arch Photo Moment (about 1 hour)
- Food on Board: Snacks, Lunch, and Optional Upgrades
- Crew Energy: Service You Can Actually Feel
- Who This Cruise Fits Best
- Good Weather Expectations and What to Plan For
- Should You Book the Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT in Cabo?
- FAQ
- How much does the Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT cost?
- How long is the cruise?
- What’s included with the all-inclusive service?
- Are alcoholic drinks included, and is there an age requirement?
- What water activities are available on board?
- What are the main stops during the 3-hour tour?
- Is there an option to upgrade the food or drinks?
- Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights worth planning around

- Water toys are part of the deal: paddle boards, kayaks, floating mat, plus snorkel gear kept ready for you.
- Open bar with mixed-drink basics: rum, tequila, vodka, beer, juices, and mixers for margaritas.
- A real meal, not just snacks: included lunch covers several items, plus fresh fruit and charcuterie.
- Flexible touring inside a set route: tell the captain what you want, or go with their Cabo recommendations.
- Three photo-and-swim zones: El Arco, Medano Beach, then Pacific Coast for an arch moment.
A 42-Foot Cabo Cruise Built for Fun, Not Waiting

This tour is the kind of Cabo activity that feels like a vacation within your vacation. The boat is 42 feet, so it’s big enough for comfort and lounging, but small enough that the crew can actually keep track of what your group needs. Reviews consistently point to that “attention without fuss” style, with names like Miguel, Alexis, Edgar, and Ruty showing up as the kind of people who stay responsive instead of disappearing after the first pour.
You’ll have a captain and crew running the timing, and you still get choices. That matters, because Cabo isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people want the iconic sights and photos. Others want more time in the water. The way this itinerary is set up lets you chase both.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas.
Price and What You Actually Get for $2,000

The headline price is $2,000 per group, up to 8 people. On paper, that can look pricey. But when you pencil it out like a real-world Cabo budget, it starts to make sense because so much is included:
- Private transportation for your group
- Private yacht time (not shared)
- Open bar with multiple alcohol options and mixers
- Snacks plus a full included lunch
- Snorkeling equipment and the water-toy lineup
- Parking fees
If you fill the group, you’re looking at about $250 per person. That’s a different conversation than a “seat in a shared boat” style tour, because here you’re paying for privacy plus drinks plus water time plus food. For couples, it might still sting. For families or friend groups, it often feels like one of the easiest ways to turn your time on the water into an all-in day.
There are also optional extras if you want to level up:
- Upgraded food (Chicken/Meat Fajitas and Ceviche) is +19.90 USD per person if you confirm in advance.
- Additional top-shelf bottles can be purchased on board or in advance.
Meeting Point and How the Start Feels
You meet at Lorenzillo’s, on Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N, in Centro, Cabo San Lucas. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
This isn’t one of those experiences where you’re stuck guessing what happens next. Reviews include examples of the staff meeting people right at the storefront, being friendly, and helping with the waiting period before boarding. One group was even guided to a beach-front restaurant and then picked up when they were ready for the sunset-style cruise. That sort of practical help matters because it smooths out the time you’re otherwise spending standing around in Cabo sunshine.
You’ll also receive a mobile ticket after booking confirmation (typically within 48 hours, depending on availability). That keeps you from dealing with printed tickets and last-minute paperwork.
The Yacht Setup: Toys, Shade, and an Open Bar

The heart of this experience is simple: you’re on a 42-foot yacht with real water toys onboard. You don’t have to rent gear, figure out instructions, or hunt for equipment at each stop. At the El Arco stop, the water toys are ready in the bay—kayaks, paddle boards, and a floating mat—and full snorkeling equipment is available and described as clean. That “ready to go” setup is what makes the water time actually fun instead of chaotic.
On top of that, you’ve got an open bar. The drink list is geared toward classic Cabo mixing:
- Rum
- Tequila
- Vodka
- Beer
- Juices (orange, pineapple, cranberry)
- Mixers for drinks like margaritas
Non-alcoholic options are part of the flow too, including the juices and soda/pop. Alcohol is for ages 18+ and up, so make sure your group knows that in advance if you’re traveling with younger teens.
In the reviews, people repeatedly call out that drinks stay cold and the crew keeps things moving. Names that come up a lot—like Nicole, Denise, Moses, and Manuel—suggest a consistent service style: friendly, hands-on, and focused on keeping the trip comfortable and safe.
Stop-by-Stop: El Arco, Medano Beach, Pacific Coast Photo Time
Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (about 1 hour)
This is the star stop. You’ll cruise through the Cabo San Lucas scenery, then spend time in the bay where the toys and snorkeling equipment are waiting.
What makes this stop work for different travel styles:
- If you want iconic Cabo views, El Arco is the obvious photo target.
- If you want active time, kayaking and paddle boarding happen in a ready-to-use setup.
- If you want calm water time, the floating mat option gives you an easy in-between moment.
- If you want to see what’s under the surface, snorkel gear is available on-site.
A practical note: this stop is where you’ll likely spend the most energy, because you’re doing multiple water activities within the same hour. Plan to come ready to swim—your time window is short.
Stop 2: Medano Beach (about 1 hour)
Medano Beach is where Cabo feels more open and beach-forward. The tour keeps it flexible: you’re free to choose what you want to do, and the captains and crew offer recommendations.
The value here is that you’re not locked into one rigid plan. If your group wants a beach break, this is the time. If you want more water play or to chase a calmer spot, the captain can help steer you. Reviews mention that the crew shares info about surroundings and stays passionate about what they’re showing, which is a big reason this stop feels more meaningful than just “passing by.”
One thing to keep in mind: because Medano Beach is a more active area than a remote cove, you might want to bring your patience if your group is aiming for the perfect photo spot.
Stop 3: Pacific Coast and an Arch Photo Moment (about 1 hour)
For the final stop, you’ll head toward the Pacific Coast side. This is where you get the chance for nicer photos by the arch, including a reference to the luxury yacht Papillon 6.
That detail matters because Cabo arch photography isn’t just point-and-shoot. The crew angle and timing can make a difference, and reviews back up that photo help is a strong part of the experience. People mention getting amazing photos and that the staff worked to make the moment easy.
If you care most about images and scenery, this is the stop where you’ll probably feel the payoff.
Food on Board: Snacks, Lunch, and Optional Upgrades
This is not a “chips and salsa” only kind of lunch. Snacks and meals are built in, and they’re part of why the cruise feels like a complete outing rather than just a drink-and-sit experience.
Included snacks can include items like:
- Cheese quesadillas
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Chips
Included lunch includes a spread that’s designed for sharing:
- Fresh fruit
- Charcuterie board
- Steak and chicken quesadillas
- Sashimi
- Ceviche
That mix is interesting because it caters to different tastes in the same group. If you’ve ever been on a tour where half your party is disappointed, this is the kind of menu that lowers that risk.
You can also upgrade the meal for +19.90 USD per person (Chicken/Meat Fajitas and Ceviche), if you confirm in advance. If you’re a “start simple, then upgrade if it’s worth it” person, this gives you that option without forcing everyone to pay extra from the beginning.
Crew Energy: Service You Can Actually Feel

The best part of this tour, judging by the consistent review themes, is the crew’s energy and responsiveness. People talk about attention to needs, professionalism, and safety. They also mention the crew being fun, not stiff.
Specific names show up again and again:
- Patricio and Moy (helpful and smooth start)
- Marco, Adan, and Adalid (bachelorette upgrades like decorating the boat and keeping drinks flowing)
- Miguel, Jose, Dennise, and others (hands-on, accommodating, and party-friendly)
- Allan and Moises (for groups that wanted the celebration vibe kept rolling)
- Manuel and Manuelito (crew called out for making the experience great and the food excellent)
- Nicole, Denise, and Moses (hospitality and safety)
Even if you don’t know these names today, you can use the pattern: the crew isn’t just there to drive the boat. They’re part of your experience. That’s why people cite the staff as instrumental to how fun the day feels.
Who This Cruise Fits Best

This tour fits best when you want a private, all-in style water day in Cabo.
You’ll probably love it if:
- You’re planning a celebration like an engagement or bachelorette.
- You want an easy mix of swimming, photos, and relaxing.
- Your group includes different activity levels, because the itinerary supports both water play and scenery.
- You care about included drinks and food, not just the boat ride.
It might feel less perfect if:
- Your group is small (since it’s priced per group up to 8).
- You prefer long stays in a single place rather than three shorter zones.
- You’re traveling on a day where weather is uncertain and you don’t like the idea of the experience depending on conditions.
Good Weather Expectations and What to Plan For
This experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the big thing to keep in mind when you’re building your Cabo schedule.
Also, because you’re doing water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, plan for a day where you can actually use the gear. If your day has heavy wind or rough water, your “best case” for El Arco water time might change.
One more bonus detail from reviews: some people have mentioned seeing whales. You shouldn’t expect that every time, but it’s a reminder that Cabo water days sometimes come with unexpected wildlife moments.
Should You Book the Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT in Cabo?
If you want a private Cabo cruise where the food, drinks, and water toys are built into the plan, this is a strong choice. The value comes from how much is included for one fixed group price—especially if you can fill the group up to 8. The crew’s service style also seems consistent: friendly, attentive, and good at keeping celebrations and photo moments on track.
Book it if your priority is an all-in day on the water with El Arco and Medano Beach on the same schedule, plus snorkeling and paddle-board/kayak time. Consider booking a different option if you’re traveling as a small party that would feel the group price too sharply, or if your travel dates are tight enough that weather flexibility could cause stress.
If you decide to go for it, do yourself a favor: tell the captain what your group wants—more photos, more water time, or specific destinations—and use that 3-hour window well.
FAQ
How much does the Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT cost?
It’s $2,000 per group (up to 8 people).
How long is the cruise?
It’s about 3 hours.
What’s included with the all-inclusive service?
Snacks, an open bar (rum, tequila, vodka, beer, juices, and mixers), soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, kayak/paddle board/floating mat use, lunch, private transportation, and parking fees.
Are alcoholic drinks included, and is there an age requirement?
Yes. The open bar includes alcoholic beverages, but alcohol is allowed only for guests 18 years old and above.
What water activities are available on board?
You can use paddle boards, kayaks, a floating mat, and snorkeling equipment.
What are the main stops during the 3-hour tour?
You’ll stop at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach, and the Pacific Coast for an arch photo moment.
Is there an option to upgrade the food or drinks?
Yes. Upgraded food (Chicken/Meat Fajitas and Ceviche) is +19.90 USD per person if confirmed in advance. Additional top-shelf bottles are available for purchase.
Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?
You meet at Lorenzillo’s Blvd., Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N, Centro, Cabo San Lucas, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






















