Reviewed · SNORKELING

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos

5.0 · 125 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $990 / group Operated by Cabo Sailing Ocean Adventures · Bookable on Viator
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A private sailing day in Los Cabos is interesting because you get the famous shoreline sights, plus actual time in the water, without the feel of a crowded tour. I especially like that this is set up as a true boat outing, not a quick in-and-out stop. And the snorkeling at Pelican Rock is the kind of straightforward, hands-on highlight you can plan around.

Two things I really like about this experience are the mix of views and swim time, and the fact that you’re not paying extra once you’re on board. You get lunch, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and the crew keeps the day moving at a comfortable pace. One consideration: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to make sure you can get to F Dock at the Marina (on your own) before you sail.

This tour is also flexible in a good way. You’re given a recommended route, but you can request more snorkeling or longer sailing time after booking, which is great if you want a slower, more photo-friendly afternoon or extra time in the water.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - Key highlights you’ll feel right away

  • Pelican Rock snorkeling with snorkeling equipment included and a strong chance of seeing tropical fish
  • Private boat for up to 4 passengers, so your group sets the pace
  • Iconic cruising loop for El Arco and Playa de los Amantes (plus the sea lion area)
  • Lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks on board to keep the day easy
  • Sails up on calm cruising time, not just motor-and-zoom transit
  • Crew support that matters, especially if you have kids, seniors, or anyone getting on and off carefully

Why this 42ft private sail feels like a real vacation

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - Why this 42ft private sail feels like a real vacation
The big win here is that your day is built around being on a proper sailing yacht, not just “watching boats.” On a 42ft vessel, you tend to get room to spread out, find shade when you want it, and take breaks between the sights and the water time.

It also helps that the tour is designed for a small group. Pricing is per boat (one adult equals one boat, up to 4 passengers). That means you’re not squeezing in with strangers who want a different pace than you do. You can ask questions, hang out on deck, and generally treat the outing like your own afternoon.

And if you’re the kind of traveler who hates rushing, this helps. The day includes cruising along toward Pelican Rock for snorkeling, then moving through Los Cabos’ must-see shoreline spots, before heading back to the marina under sail when conditions allow.

From F Dock at the Marina to your first water time

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - From F Dock at the Marina to your first water time
You start and end at F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, and the activity returns you back to the same meeting point. Since there’s no hotel pickup, I’d plan to arrive early enough to settle in and find the right spot at the marina without stress.

From there, the plan is simple and practical: you cruise out toward Pelican Rock, where snorkeling is the focus, then the boat continues along the coast for the landmark sights and a sea-life viewing area. The crew will also hoist the sails and get you sailing smoothly toward the Pacific ocean before it’s time to head back.

That order makes sense. You get your water activity while you’re still fresh and excited, and you can switch back to relaxed viewing after.

Pelican Rock snorkeling: warm water, tropical fish, real gear

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - Pelican Rock snorkeling: warm water, tropical fish, real gear
Snorkeling at Pelican Rock is the centerpiece for many people, and for good reason. The water around Cabo San Lucas can be warm enough that a snorkeling stop feels more like playing than “enduring” it.

You’ll use snorkeling equipment provided by the tour, so you can travel lighter. If you already own gear, you can bring it, but you won’t need to. I like this approach because it cuts down on packing decisions, and it makes the day feel effortless.

What you can expect is close-up, fish-filled snorkeling in a spot chosen for that kind of viewing. Based on what people emphasize, the highlight is not just swimming around, it’s seeing tropical fish while you’re in the water.

Practical tip: if you’re new to snorkeling or you’re snorkeling with kids, ask the crew to set you up comfortably before you enter. The best snorkel experiences are the ones where you can breathe easy and move calmly, not the ones where everyone is scrambling.

A note on seasickness and getting in and out

One of the most useful things I learned from past experiences is that the crew truly thinks about people, not just the schedule. There are examples of crew members helping a young child who was dealing with seasickness, and also making sure older passengers could get off and on the boat safely for water time.

That tells you something important: you’re not on your own out there. If anyone in your group gets motion-sensitive, let the crew know early. If someone needs extra care getting in and out, it’s worth telling them as well.

Cruising El Arco and Playa de los Amantes like a pro photo day

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - Cruising El Arco and Playa de los Amantes like a pro photo day
After Pelican Rock time, the cruise shifts into sightseeing mode. This is where Los Cabos earns its reputation.

You’ll cruise by El Arco, the famous rock formation that shows up in almost every Cabo photo. Seeing it from the water is different than seeing it from shore. From the deck, you’re looking at scale and angles, and the rock looks dramatic against the coastline.

Next is Playa de los Amantes (often called Lovers Beach) and the nearby sea lion colony area. This stop is valuable because it’s not just a landmark, it’s wildlife viewing territory. If you want a “Cabo moment” that feels natural, not staged, this is the part that delivers.

Here’s the best way to use your time: keep one eye on the coastline for the best framing shots, but leave space to just watch. Sea life and water activity can change quickly, and being relaxed gives you the chance to notice what’s happening around the boat.

What you might not realize until you’re on the water

The coastline views feel extra good because the boat is moving at a sailing pace, not just a speed run. When the sails are up, you tend to get smoother cruising and better deck time for looking.

Also, you’re not stuck in one angle. As you pass each landmark, the perspective shifts. That makes it easier to get variety in photos without running back and forth.

Onboard food and drinks: the value is built in

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - Onboard food and drinks: the value is built in
This is one of those tours where the included extras matter because they shape the whole mood of the afternoon. You’ll have lunch, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks onboard.

I love this setup for a few reasons:

  • You can eat without hunting for a restaurant first.
  • You can stay hydrated while you’re out in the sun and salt air.
  • Drinks are handled, so the crew can focus on sailing and snorkeling rather than stop-and-start logistics.

It also shows up in the kind of celebrations people bring with them. There are examples of birthdays handled with cake onboard, and that’s a big deal if you’re planning something special. If you’re celebrating, ask ahead about what’s possible for birthday touches, since cakes have been part of this experience for others.

One caution: if your group includes people who don’t drink alcohol, remember you still have unlimited soft drinks. But do keep an eye on the mix of sun plus any alcohol, especially with kids or anyone who gets lightheaded easily. The day is fun, and staying comfortable is part of the goal.

How the crew keeps the day smooth and personal

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - How the crew keeps the day smooth and personal
Because this is a private tour, the crew’s personality and attention stand out more. In past outings, guests have named crew members like Ivan and Jesus, and also mentioned Captain Gary with First Mate Pedro, plus Captain Edwin and a crew member named Jaisther.

What that points to is consistent, human care, not just a checklist. People highlight help with safe boarding and getting in and out for snorkeling, and also support for a young child who was not feeling great on the water.

For you, that means:

  • You should feel comfortable asking questions about snorkeling and sailing.
  • If you have mobility needs, don’t hide them. The more direct you are, the easier it is for the crew to help.
  • If you’re celebrating something, tell them. They’ve helped make birthdays feel genuinely special.

Price and value: $990 per boat for up to 4

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - Price and value: $990 per boat for up to 4
Let’s talk money in a way that’s actually useful.

The price is $990 per group (up to 4), and it’s per boat. Since one adult equals one boat (up to four passengers), the most straightforward math is that splitting across friends or family can bring your per-person cost down a lot compared with paying per person on a larger shared group.

What you’re buying for that price is not just the boat ride. You’re also getting:

  • Private tour for your group
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges included

So the value depends on your group size and your priorities. If you’re a couple, it’s still a premium day out, but you’re paying for privacy and onboard inclusions. If you can bring two or four adults, it becomes a smarter deal for a short, high-impact adventure.

Also, note what’s not included: hotel pickup and drop-off. That doesn’t make it bad value, but it does mean you should plan transportation early so the day stays relaxed.

Who should book this sailing and snorkeling tour

Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos - Who should book this sailing and snorkeling tour
This tour is a great fit if you want:

  • A private Los Cabos experience without the hassle of organizing a boat yourself
  • A day that mixes snorkeling and sightseeing in one smooth loop
  • A celebration-friendly atmosphere (birthdays show up in real ways, including cake)
  • Comfort, because you have food and drinks handled onboard

It’s especially good for groups who like to keep the day flexible. The tour notes that you can ask for a different plan, like more snorkeling or longer sailing time. That matters because snorkeling quality can depend on conditions, and you might want extra water time if it’s perfect.

It may not be ideal if:

  • You need pickup from your hotel and don’t want to handle the marina meeting point yourself
  • Your group hates alcohol being part of the onboard setup (though unlimited soft drinks are included)
  • Everyone is very motion-sensitive and you’re not willing to plan for that possibility

Should you book it?

If you’re going to Cabo San Lucas and you want one “big afternoon” that covers snorkeling, iconic sights, and real comfort all in one go, I think this is an easy yes to consider. The private format, the onboard food and drink, and the Pelican Rock snorkeling stop are a strong combination for a three-hour day.

I’d book it if you can gather up to four adults and you’re willing to meet at the marina on your own. You’ll get a more personal experience, fewer hassles, and a day that works for everything from casual family outings to birthdays.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing tour?

The tour is approximately 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour or shared with other people?

This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

It includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, lunch, snacks, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a private tour.

Do we get snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many passengers can be on one boat?

The price is per boat, up to 4 passengers. One adult equals one boat, so select 1 adult at checkout for a boat of up to 4 passengers.

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