Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive Private Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise

This kind of trip is interesting because it turns Cabo’s coastline into your private playground, not a shared cattle-boat. I like the mix of active water time and easy hanging out, especially with snorkeling gear plus paddle boards and kayaks. I also like the open bar and the fact that lunch is planned into the ride, so you are not scrambling for food. One drawback to consider is that the experience depends on weather, so you may need flexibility if sea conditions are rough.

The advertised stops also help you feel like you are seeing a real slice of Los Cabos, from El Arco to Playa de los Amantes and on to Medano Beach. For a group charter, it is a simple, high-comfort way to do it in a half-day.

Key Things You’ll Remember

• Private charter feel for your group only, with a crew focused on keeping things moving
• Water options built in: paddle boards, kayaks, a floating mat, and full snorkel equipment
• Open bar at sea with margaritas plus tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, wine, and beer
• El Arco, Playa de los Amantes, and Medano Beach in one 3-hour run
• Whales during December to March, if conditions and timing line up

A Private Cabo Catamaran Without the Usual Tour Herding

This is built as a private outing in Cabo San Lucas, which changes the vibe right away. Instead of doing the “line up, wait, and rush” dance, your group gets to use the gear on your own schedule while the crew handles the details.

The catamaran format also helps. You get that smooth, open-water feel, and you are not trapped in one narrow viewing spot. When you want to be active, you can. When you want to relax, you can do that too, from a floating mat or just watching the coastline slide by.

A key plus is that the day is designed around water time. Your time does not disappear into long explanations or long transfers. It is a short cruise, so the plan is to keep you on the water and make the stops count.

Price and Value for Groups Up to 14

The price is $2,200 per group (up to 14). If you max it out, that works out to about $157 per person before tips, drinks, or photo add-ons.

Now, here is why that can feel like good value. You are getting a private boat experience, a catered lunch, and a full open bar, plus snorkel and paddle gear. Many Cabo boat experiences nickel-and-dime you for equipment or drinks, which is where costs can quietly climb.

The other thing I like is clarity. Your group size is defined for the charter price, so you can plan your budgeting. Still, one important consideration: at least one large party report indicates they may be able to handle bigger groups than the listed max, so it is smart to ask directly if your group is larger or you want a tight headcount.

The 3-Hour Plan: What You Actually Do On Board

The cruise runs about 3 hours. That matters because it is long enough to do multiple types of water time, but short enough that you are not tied up all day.

On board, the day is set up like a menu of choices:

• Water activities with 4 paddle boards and 2 kayaks
• Full snorkel equipment for swimming and exploring the sea of Cortez
• A large floating mat for an easy, no-training-required hang

You also get a classic cruising setup: an air-conditioned vehicle is listed as included, plus the crew service. The exact pickup method is not spelled out beyond the meeting point, so if you care about transport timing, confirm how the vehicle part works for your group.

And yes, the open bar is a real part of the experience. Expect margaritas and a lineup of spirits including tequila, vodka, rum, and whiskey, plus wine and beer with mixers.

Your Active Time: Paddle Boarding, Kayaks, Snorkeling, and Floating

I like that the cruise gives you options, not a single forced activity. Some people in a group want to snorkel for the full stop. Others want to paddle around and take it slow. This format lets you meet in the middle.

Snorkeling is straightforward because the gear is included. You do not have to hunt down a mask or pay for rentals. You also get a floating mat, which is great for people who want “near-snorkel” time without committing to swimming the whole stop.

With paddle boards and kayaks available, you can also create a low-stress rhythm:

• One person snorkels while another paddles
• Everyone meets back at the floating mat when they want a breather
• You rotate based on comfort level and energy

Practical note: bring your own towel, since it is specifically listed as not included. Plan to dry off and reapply sunscreen between water activities.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas From the Water

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is the headline sight for many Cabo trips, and being on the water makes the difference. From the boat, the scale feels more real, and you get better angles than you do from land.

This stop works well even if your group is split. People who love photos get their framing. People who just want to be outside and see the coastline get the view anyway.

The main consideration is that this cruise is only about 3 hours total. So every stop is a quick hit. If you want lots of time in one place, consider that the plan is built for variety across multiple locations, not one long stay.

Stop 2: Playa de los Amantes, Beach Vibes and Easy Photos

Playa de los Amantes is a perfect second stop because it feels like a breather. You go from open-water exploring into a beach moment, which helps the day feel balanced instead of nonstop.

This stop is also where you can get that “I am really in Cabo” look. It is a classic shoreline scene, and it tends to be the kind of location people remember in their photos.

A drawback to keep in mind is what happens on a short private cruise. You might not get extended beach time compared with tours that run half a day or longer. If your group’s goal is a long beach hang, this is still fun, but you will want to treat it as a beach stop, not a full beach day.

Stop 3: Medano Beach, the Final Splash Point

Medano Beach is the kind of stop that fits most group moods. It is a familiar Cabo beach area, and it is a great place to wrap up the water time without feeling rushed.

This is often a good moment for last swims and one more round of gear use. If your group has varying comfort levels in the water, you can have the calmer hangout option on the floating mat while others do snorkeling.

Because the total cruise time is short, I suggest you decide early how you want to spend your energy. If you want a full snorkeling session, do it on the stop that gives you the best water clarity that day. If you only want a quick check, save your energy for paddle boarding or the mat.

Whale Season December to March: What to Expect and How to Think About It

The whale option is included during whale season, December to March. If you book in that window, you have a chance to see whales in the area.

Think of it this way. Whale sightings are never guaranteed on a cruise, even when whales are in season. But this itinerary is specifically designed to take you out in that time frame, so you are not paying for a random gamble at sea. You are paying for a captain-led outing that is timed for the best odds.

If you are lucky, you may see humpback whales, including pods reported as being close enough for a real sighting. If you are not, you still have a strong day because you are doing snorkeling, paddling, and relaxing, with stops along the coast.

Open Bar and Lunch: Why They Matter More Than You Think

Food and drinks on the water can turn a good trip into a great one, mainly because it removes decision fatigue. When lunch is already planned, you stay in vacation mode.

The lunch setup includes a fresh fruit platter, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chips, and quesadillas. You may also see a menu described as Papillon Lunch, including a turkey baguette with guacamole and Mexican sauce, plus fruit cocktail. Either way, the point is simple: you are not eating dry snacks at sea.

For drinks, the open bar is broad: margaritas, tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, wine, beer, and all mixers. That is a lot of choice for a private charter, and it makes it easier for mixed groups to all find something they like.

One consideration is timing. A full open bar means alcohol is part of the experience, so keep an eye on pacing, especially if you plan to snorkel or paddle board. Safety comes first, and you do not want the “fun” part to start affecting water decisions.

Crew Service Style: Names You Might Hear and the Role They Play

The crew is part of the value. A good crew on a private catamaran does three things: they manage transitions between stops, they make gear use easy, and they keep the mood light.

In the information you have, you can see names tied to the experience, like Ana and Carlos as crew members, plus captains such as Eddie and David. Another set of hosts named Miguel and Miguelito also shows up in past experiences, including one mention of drinks being kept flowing and stories shared during the ride.

You should still treat the day like a cooperative sport. If you want to snorkel at a certain time, tell the crew early. If you want a slower paddle board route, communicate that up front. The crew’s “flexible” reputation works best when you are clear with what you want from the water.

Practical Tips So Your Day Runs Smooth

Here are the small things that help on a sea-and-gear cruise.

First, bring a towel. It is not included, and you will want one for drying off between snorkeling or after you come back from the water.

Second, plan your gear habits. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you still want to protect your skin and eyes. Bring sunscreen and reapply after swimming. If you are sensitive to sun, a hat helps more than you might expect.

Third, think about timing and group energy. With multiple activities and three stops, it is easy for a group to feel scattered. Pick a default plan, like everyone starts with the floating mat, then a few go paddle boarding, then you snorkel.

Finally, bring a little patience with weather. The cruise requires good weather, and if it is canceled for that reason you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is the reality of sea days in Cabo.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This private catamaran fits best when your group wants variety without a long day. It is a great option for:

• Families who want different activities for different ages, including non-swimmers who can relax on the mat
• Friend groups celebrating something and wanting a party that still feels comfortable
• Couples who want a memorable “Cabo at sea” day without joining a huge public tour

It also works well for people who care about service. The strong theme in the experience is that the crew is welcoming and attentive, and that your time is kept organized.

If you are traveling solo or in a tiny group, the per-person cost might feel steep compared to shared tours. But if you have a group near the max size, the value gets much stronger because you are spreading the private charter cost across more people.

Should You Book This Private Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise?

If you want a short, high-comfort Cabo water day with snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, lunch, and an open bar all built in, this is easy to recommend. The itinerary hits three classic Cabo zones, and whale season adds a bonus goal during December to March.

Book it if:

• You have a group of friends or family and want a private vibe
• You plan to use the water activities, not just watch from the boat
• You like the idea of eating and drinking without planning breaks

Pass or consider alternatives if:

• Your group is hoping for a long beach hang or hours of one activity
• You will not handle weather changes well
• You are traveling with only one or two people and want to reduce per-person cost

If your travel window overlaps with whale season and you want the chance for a real whale sighting, this is also one of those “best timing, best setting” choices, because the cruise is explicitly tied to that season.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas private catamaran snorkeling cruise?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It is priced per group for up to 14 people, and it is listed as a private tour where only your group participates.

What activities are included?

You can use paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment, plus there is a large floating mat for relaxing in the water.

Is lunch and alcohol included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and there is an open bar with margaritas, tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, wine, beer, and mixers.

When can you see whales?

Whales are an option during whale season, December to March.

Where do you meet and where does the tour end?

You meet at Papillon Yachts Rental on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring your own towel, and plan for good weather since the experience requires it.