Reviewed · BOAT TRIPS IN CABO SAN LUCAS

Small boat rental in cabo – Yamaha 28ft.

★ 5.0 · 89 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $350 / group Operated by Papillon Yachts · Bookable on Viator
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A small boat rental in Cabo on a 28-foot Yamaha is interesting because it turns the famous Land’s End sights into a personal experience, not a long wait behind a crowd. I like how private the ride feels, and how your captain can keep the pace moving so you get real time on the water.

I also like that you get snorkeling gear plus bottled water, soda, ice, and even beer. One possible drawback is simple math: you’re on the boat for about 2 hours, so this is best if you want a focused hit of highlights, not a half-day of beach hanging and long swims.

Key things I’d note before you book

Small boat rental in cabo - Yamaha 28ft. - Key things I’d note before you book

  • Private Yamaha speedboat for up to 6 means you do not share your route with strangers
  • El Arco and Medano Beach fit into an easy 2-hour loop
  • Snorkeling equipment is included, and there’s time to use it
  • Drinks and snacks are part of the vibe, including beer for adults
  • Captains adjust on the fly, and some trips include whale sightings when conditions allow
  • You can play your own music via Bluetooth, which makes the ride feel more like a day trip and less like a tour

A 28-foot Yamaha for up to 6: why this feels “right” in Cabo

Cabo can be loud and crowded fast. What makes this rental stand out is the size of the boat. A Yamaha 28-foot speedboat is big enough to feel comfortable, but small enough that you do not feel like you are stuck in a big group machine.

You’ll also feel the difference in flexibility. When your group is the only one on board, you can take a better look at what you actually came for, whether that’s El Arco, beach time, or wildlife. In reviews, captains like Goose, Eddy, Alberto, Adam, and Adan are mentioned for being attentive and for adjusting plans when the ocean gets rough.

English is supported, so you are not stuck guessing what you are seeing. And because it’s a mobile ticket activity, you’re not digging through paperwork to get on the water.

The 2-hour plan, and how your captain can shift for whales or a safer swim

Small boat rental in cabo - Yamaha 28ft. - The 2-hour plan, and how your captain can shift for whales or a safer swim
On paper, the schedule is straightforward. You spend about one hour at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, then about one hour around Medano Beach.

In real life, the ocean decides some things. If conditions are choppy, your captain can change where you go next. One review describes a trip where the water was rough, so the guide steered toward whales instead, then found a calmer swimming spot afterward so kids could enjoy the water without a sketchy ride.

That matters because a 2-hour tour leaves less room for delays. A good captain is the difference between, we tried, and you actually get the moments you booked for.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (about 1 hour)

El Arco is the rock formation at Cabo’s Land’s End area, and you see it from the water, not from a far-off viewpoint. The best part of this timing is that you’re up close while the scene is still fresh and exciting, before your crew moves on to beach time.

You should expect:

  • Close passing views of the formation from the boat
  • A chance to take photos without battling with the crowds on land
  • Plenty of time for sightseeing on the water before snorkeling or swimming

The itinerary lists admission tickets as free for this stop. That’s good because it avoids extra line time, and you can stay focused on the boat time.

Stop 2: Medano Beach area (about 1 hour)

Medano Beach is the big, popular shoreline in Cabo. Your boat run along the coast means you’re not just looking at one spot, you’re cruising the water in front of multiple beaches.

You’ll typically get a choice of activities here:

  • Snorkeling at a spot with good underwater viewing
  • Paddleboarding if you want to try it
  • Or just hanging out with the view while drinks and snacks keep the mood easy

One review mentioned they anchored and swam in clear water, and another described getting taken to a safe swimming area when kids wanted to get in. That’s exactly what you want from a private captain, a plan that keeps everyone comfortable.

Also keep in mind: this is not a full-day beach outing. If you want hours of sitting on sand, this tour may feel like a quick appetizer.

Something else to do with a Cabo San Lucas day:

Snorkeling gear and the small comfort details that matter

Small boat rental in cabo - Yamaha 28ft. - Snorkeling gear and the small comfort details that matter
This experience includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda in an ice cooler, ice, and beer for adults. Those details sound basic, but on a speedboat they actually change how you experience the ride.

Here’s why:

  • Snorkeling gear included reduces your pre-trip stress. You’re not racing around Cabo hunting for masks at the last minute.
  • Soda and bottled water keep you from feeling like you need to buy something every time you’re thirsty.
  • Beer is included, so if your group wants a more celebratory vibe, you’re not awkwardly managing who’s paying for drinks.

A couple of reviews also mention the boat having Bluetooth speakers, so you can play your own music. That’s a surprisingly big quality-of-life upgrade. It turns the ride into a day that feels like yours.

If you don’t want to snorkel

You can still have a great time even if snorkeling isn’t your thing. One review describes a case where they couldn’t swim, so the captain brought them to areas with lots of fish, and the group could enjoy the water from the boat and other floats.

So think of snorkeling as an option, not a requirement.

What you’re really paying for: private speedboat value at $350 per group

The price is $350 per group, up to 6 people. That pricing model is the secret sauce. In other words, you are not paying per person like many big tours do. If you’ve got a small family or a few friends, the per-person cost drops fast.

What makes it feel like good value:

  • You get a private boat instead of a shared schedule
  • You’re paying for time on the water with a captain who can aim for what you want
  • Drinks, bottled water, soda, ice, and beer are part of the package
  • Snorkeling equipment is included

Is it “cheap”? Not really. But in Cabo, private access to the water is almost always more expensive than the group version. The question is whether you want the convenience and privacy enough to pay for it.

Two-hour tours also tend to be easier on planning. If your Cabo trip is only a day or two long, this can be a practical use of time.

A few possible extra costs to remember

Some things may cost extra depending on what you choose:

  • Top-shelf upgrades are available for purchase
  • Lunch is not included
  • One review mentions a small dock entry charge, so bring a little cash just in case

That’s not a dealbreaker. It just helps to plan like a local with a few dollars on hand.

Getting to Papillon Yachts and meeting your captain without stress

Small boat rental in cabo - Yamaha 28ft. - Getting to Papillon Yachts and meeting your captain without stress
You start and end back at the meeting point at Papillon Yachts Rental, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

The experience includes an air-conditioned vehicle, which is great on a hot day. And it’s described as near public transportation, so you’re not trapped if you’re already in the area.

A practical tip from the vibe of the reviews: show up ready to move. The whole point of a 2-hour outing is that it uses time well. When your pickup and timing are smooth, you start snorkeling and sightseeing faster, and you don’t feel rushed at the end.

Who this is best for, and who should skip it

This is a strong fit if you:

  • Want a private speedboat for a small group (up to 6)
  • Have limited time and want El Arco and Medano Beach in one go
  • Care about flexibility, especially if you want a chance at wildlife viewing
  • Like a laid-back ride with snacks, drinks, and your own music

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Want a long beach day with hours of sand time
  • Expect a snorkel-focused tour with unlimited swimming and maximum underwater time
  • Are very sensitive to ocean conditions, since speedboats can feel rough when the sea is active

That said, reviews include examples where captains reacted to rough water by changing plans. So it’s not a lost cause if conditions shift.

Should you book this private Yamaha speedboat in Cabo?

If your goal is a short, memorable, private outing that hits El Arco and Medano Beach, I’d say you should book. The value is strongest for groups near the 6-person limit, and the included snorkeling gear plus drinks make it feel like a real day trip, not just a scenic cruise.

I’d book extra confidently if:

  • You like the idea of a captain who adjusts plans for what’s happening in the ocean
  • You want a calmer, private alternative to big group boats
  • Your schedule is tight and 2 hours actually fits your Cabo day

One final checklist item: watch the weather. This activity requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want a simple yes, here it is. For most first-timers and short-on-time Cabo visitors, this private speedboat is a smart spend.

FAQ

How much does the small boat rental in Cabo cost?

It costs $350.00 per group, up to 6 people.

How long is the experience?

The ride is about 2 hours.

Is this a private tour or shared activity?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What drinks and snacks are included?

You get bottled water, soda, and ice. Alcoholic beverages are included, including beer, and complimentary snacks and drinks are part of the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What stops do you visit?

You visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and Medano Beach.

Where is the meeting point?

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

When will I get confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What is the cancellation approach if I need to change plans or if weather is bad?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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