Reviewed · YACHT CHARTERS

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive

★ 5.0 · 55 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $1,450 / group Operated by Papillon Yachts · Bookable on Viator
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Cabo San Lucas on a private yacht is interesting because you get the views without the crowds. I like the way this is private for your group of up to 6, and I also like that the open bar and lunch are built in so you can just focus on the water. The main thing to consider is the cost of on-board photo packages, which can add a surprise expense if you buy them.

This is the kind of trip where the crew matters. Names like Captain Sergio and hosts like Ana show up in real day-to-day service, and you can feel it in how smoothly the time on the water flows. One more practical note: it runs about 3 hours, so plan your day so you are not rushing meals or transfers right after.

Key points before you sail

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Key points before you sail

  • Private time for your group of up to 6, not a shared cattle boat
  • Roundtrip transportation from Cabo San Lucas makes the day easier
  • El Arco photos plus a sea lion colony early on
  • 2 hours at Medano Bay, with room for swimming and snorkeling
  • Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards included
  • All-inclusive lunch and an open bar, from tequila to wine

Private transportation and a 3-hour schedule that actually fits Cabo

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Private transportation and a 3-hour schedule that actually fits Cabo
Let’s start with the part that makes or breaks yacht days: getting there. This rental includes air-conditioned vehicle roundtrip transport from Cabo San Lucas, so you are not burning vacation time figuring out taxis, parking, or marina directions. The meeting point is at Luxury Avenue Los Cabos, right at Paseo de la Marina, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas, in the Marina area.

The trip itself runs about 3 hours, with start times available in the morning or afternoon. That flexibility is useful if you are also doing beach time, dinner reservations, or a separate Cabo activity. It is short enough to feel like a true “day off the grid,” but long enough that you do not just snap photos and immediately head back.

Because it is private, you can also set the mood. If you care most about wildlife time, tell the captain early. If you want more water play, you can ask to spend more time anchored near Bay of Cabo during the Medano Beach section.

Where you’ll go, in plain language: El Arco to Medano Bay

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Where you’ll go, in plain language: El Arco to Medano Bay
This yacht outing is built around three main moments, each with a different job. You get a quick dramatic photo stop, a scenic reset on the Pacific side, and then a longer anchor time where you can actually get in the water.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas for photos and sea lions

You start with a short cruise to El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the signature arch that defines Cabo’s postcard look. There is about 30 minutes here, including admission. The big reason to care is that you also get to see a large sea lion colony in its natural habitat.

Photo tip: use this first stop to get the “we were here” shots before you settle into a swim routine. Once you hit the anchor time later, you will be changing into swim gear and focused on water activities.

Stop 2: The Pacific Coast for views and a quick change of scenery

Next comes the Pacific Coast. This is another about 30 minutes, and the admission is free. The payoff is the scenery shift. You get a break from the Cabo Bay vibe and a different coastline feel, which helps if you like variety in a single outing.

Practical note: keep snacks and drinks in mind for this stretch. Some people get antsy after the first big stop, so treat this as the “breath between photo and swim” part of the day.

Stop 3: Medano Beach and Bay of Cabo, your swim and wildlife window

Then you head back toward Medano Beach. This is where the time stretches out to about 2 hours, with admission included, and it is also where wildlife sightings are most likely. The description points to whales, turtles, dolphins, and other sea life around this bay area.

Here is the key benefit of booking private: you can tell your captain where you want to spend time, such as:

  • sightseeing
  • whale watching
  • snorkeling
  • just relaxing and swimming

This is the moment you should plan around. If you are the type who wants to snorkel, bring an extra layer for after you get out. Water and sun make a difference, even when the day stays relaxed.

Food and drinks: what all-inclusive really means on a yacht

On paper, “all-inclusive” can mean anything. In practice, for this trip it means you get a full meal and multiple drink options without constant payment questions.

Lunch you can actually eat on a boat

Lunch is chicken and steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and a fresh fruit platter. Boat food has a reputation for being small and disappointing. This sounds more like a real lunch, especially if you show up hungry. The fruit platter also helps you balance the snacks and drinks later.

I also like that you get a mix of flavors, not just one heavy thing. After snorkeling or paddle boarding, you do not want a sad plate. This one is built to keep you comfortable.

Open bar: tequila, vodka, rum, wine, beer, and mixers

The open bar includes a selection of hard liquors and mixed drinks, including tequila, vodka, rum, plus beer and wine. You also get cocktails, with soda/pop options like cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice, plus mixers.

This matters for value because you are not trying to guess drink prices while you are on a boat. You also avoid the awkward moment of figuring out what you can afford halfway through.

If you are traveling as a group of 6, this portion can swing the math fast. Even at a moderate drink pace, you can easily burn through money on drinks alone during shorter tours.

Snorkeling gear and paddle boards: best use of your time at anchor

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Snorkeling gear and paddle boards: best use of your time at anchor
If you want the water part of Cabo without hauling gear, this is a strong match. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there are paddle boards available too.

Because you get about 2 hours anchored in the Bay of Cabo area, you actually have time to do more than one thing. A realistic plan is:

  • a short swim to cool down
  • snorkeling for visibility and sea life spotting
  • paddle board time if conditions are calm enough
  • then a final loop for photos and sunset vibes, if your schedule lines up

One consideration: conditions can change. The tour does not spell out water conditions or currents, so you might find snorkeling more or less comfortable depending on the day. Still, having equipment included means you can decide once you are out there.

The photo package question: plan for optional, not automatic

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - The photo package question: plan for optional, not automatic
Here’s the one area where you can get tripped up. Multiple experiences point to photo packages as a cost variable. The upside is that you have a photographer onboard who can capture the arch stop and your time at the bay.

The drawback is that photo pricing can feel steep, and at least one experience described an unexpected add-on charge after the photo session. Another issue described credit card charges during the process.

So my practical advice is simple:

  • Treat photos as optional.
  • If you buy, check the price first.
  • Decide before you hand over any payment details.

If you are the type who loves having a friend who covers the “everyone in the same frame” problem, it can be worth it. If you are trying to keep costs predictable, set a clear budget before you sail.

Price and value: $1,450 per group for up to 6 people

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Price and value: $1,450 per group for up to 6 people
The price is $1,450 per group, and the group size is up to 6. That means you are not buying per person, you are buying access to a private boat day with transport.

Here is how to think about value in real terms:

  • Transportation is included, which saves money and time compared to “arrive and find the rest” tours.
  • Lunch and open bar are included, which removes one of the biggest variable costs on day trips.
  • Snorkeling gear and paddle boards are included, so you do not have to rent equipment.
  • You also get admission included for the El Arco stop and the Bay of Cabo swim time.

To make the math feel fair, do this: split the price across your group. If you are filling 6 seats, your per-person cost drops a lot. If you only have 2 or 3 people, it becomes a splurge. This is one reason why this trip fits group travel best, like families, bachelorette or birthday parties, and friend groups.

Also consider duration. At about 3 hours, you get enough time to enjoy multiple activities without losing your whole day. Cabo has plenty of evening plans, so a half-day style yacht outing can be a better fit than an all-day production.

Who should book this Cabo yacht rental, and who should skip it

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Who should book this Cabo yacht rental, and who should skip it
This is a good fit if you want:

  • private time with a group up to 6
  • a mix of sights and water play
  • an all-inclusive setup so you do not manage snacks and drink orders mid-day
  • a day that is not too long but still feels complete

It is especially appealing for people traveling with kids or groups who want structure: lunch is handled, drinks are handled, and the schedule is tight enough to stay fun.

You might skip it if:

  • you are very cost-sensitive and do not want any photo-related upsell risk
  • you prefer tours where you hop between many short stops rather than one main anchoring experience

For English-speaking visitors, the tour is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket after confirmation (typically within 48 hours, subject to availability).

Should you book? My take on the decision

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Should you book? My take on the decision
I would book this if your top priorities are private cruising, real time at Medano Bay, and not micromanaging the day. The mix of El Arco photos, Pacific Coast views, and then a long anchor time with snorkeling and paddle boards is exactly how you get a satisfying yacht afternoon without it turning into a rushed checklist.

But go in with one mindset: plan for the optional photo cost before you get pressured by the moment. If you do that, the overall value can feel very strong for a group of friends or a family because so much is included.

If you want a practical rule, use this: book if you will fill most of the 6 spots and you actually want to swim. If you are coming solo or as a duo who just wants a quick photo boat, you might find better value in a more flexible shared option.

FAQ

How many people are included in the private yacht rental?

This is a private tour for your group, with pricing listed per group of up to 6 people.

What is included with the all-inclusive package?

You get lunch (chicken and steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and fresh fruit), an open bar with options like tequila, vodka, rum, beer, and wine, plus soda and juice mixers. Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are also included, along with air-conditioned vehicle transport and all fees and taxes.

Where does the yacht tour go during the 3 hours?

You’ll visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas for about 30 minutes, then head to the Pacific Coast for about 30 minutes, and finally spend about 2 hours at Medano Beach and Bay of Cabo for swimming and water activities.

What wildlife might you see during the Medano Bay portion?

The Bay of Cabo area is where you’ll likely see whales, turtles, dolphins, and other sea life.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included, and you can also use paddle boards.

Are drinks included, and what kinds are available?

Yes. The open bar includes tequila, vodka, rum, beer, wine, and cocktails, plus mixers and soda or juice options like cranberry, orange, and pineapple.

Is a tip included for the crew?

No. A tip for the crew is not included.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel free of charge and get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time.

If you tell me your group size and whether you prefer morning or afternoon, I can help you think through the best way to schedule Cabo around this trip.

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