REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive
Book on Viator →Operated by Papillon Yachts · Bookable on Viator
A private yacht day beats a crowded beach trip. This Cabo San Lucas all-inclusive rental is built around three classic stops, easy timing, and real downtime on the water, not check-the-box tourism. I like the private format with only your group, and I also like that the food and drinks keep you going without hunting down a menu.
You’ll cruise past El Arco for photos and a sea lion colony you can actually see in their natural habitat. Then you swing over toward the Pacific side for views, before anchoring in the Bay of Cabo near Medano Beach for the long swim-and-snorkel block.
One drawback to consider: there’s a photographer onboard and photos can cost extra, and that’s not the kind of surprise you want right before you wrap up. If photos matter to you, ask about pricing upfront and decide early.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- Private Boat Day From Cabo: What You’re Really Buying
- Getting There: Luxury Avenue Los Cabos and a Mobile Ticket
- Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and the Sea Lions in the Real World
- Pacific Coast Views: Pretty Scenery, No Ticket Pressure
- Medano Beach and the Bay of Cabo: Where the Day Becomes Yours
- Food and Drinks That Actually Match the Boat Day
- The Photographer Moment: Great Keepsake or Hidden Upside Cost?
- Crew and Captain Vibes: From Sergio to Miguel
- Timing and Start Options: Morning or Afternoon Matters
- Who This Yacht Rental Is Best For
- My Quick Tips to Make the Most of Your 3 Hours
- Should You Book This Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental All Inclusive?
- FAQ
- How much is the Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive?
- How long is the yacht rental?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- Does the price include roundtrip transportation?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- Are paddle boards included?
- What stops are included in the itinerary?
- Is this a private experience?
- Is tipping included?
Key points before you go

- Private charter for up to 6 keeps the day calm, flexible, and less hectic around swimmers and boats.
- Roundtrip transportation from the Cabo San Lucas area means you’re not doing the mental math on taxis and timing.
- Real included time on the water (about 2 hours at Medano Bay) is where swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding happen.
- Open bar plus lunch (chicken & steak quesadillas, fruit, chips, guacamole) helps the day feel like a package, not a add-on parade.
- Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are included, so you don’t have to sign up for extra rentals.
- Photos are optional but may be pricey, so it’s smart to plan your spend.
Private Boat Day From Cabo: What You’re Really Buying

At $1,450 per group (up to 6), you’re paying for a 3-hour private experience that bundles transportation, food, drinks, and water time. If you fill all six spots, that’s roughly $240 per person for a private boat outing with an open bar and included snorkeling gear.
What makes this one feel like good value is the way the inclusions match the rhythm of a real yacht day:
- You get lunch on the water.
- You get a long anchoring stop where you can actually swim and snorkel.
- You get admission tickets included at the two main stops that most people come for.
This is not a fast sightseeing sprint. It’s a “get out there and enjoy Cabo” kind of outing, with the logistics handled.
Getting There: Luxury Avenue Los Cabos and a Mobile Ticket

Your meeting point is at Luxury Avenue Los Cabos, Paseo de la Marina, near the marina area in El Medano Ejidal (address area: 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.). The big practical win here is that private roundtrip transportation is included, so you’re not figuring out where to park or how to get back when the fun has you a little toasted.
You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the tour runs in English. Confirmation comes within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes smooth starts, this setup does that job. You show up, get oriented, and you’re on the water. No long bus ride, no waiting behind a line of strangers.
Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and the Sea Lions in the Real World
The first stop is a short cruise to El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. Expect about 30 minutes here, with an admission ticket included. This is the part where you’ll want your camera ready because it’s the signature Cabo view people recognize instantly.
The other reason this stop matters is the sea lion colony. You’re not just driving by a landmark. You’re seeing sea lions in their natural habitat, which turns El Arco from a photo moment into something a little more alive.
A realistic expectation: this is still a quick stop. You’ll get time for photos and viewing, but you shouldn’t plan on lounging here for long.
Pacific Coast Views: Pretty Scenery, No Ticket Pressure

Next you head toward the Pacific side for about 30 minutes. Admission is free at this stop, and the point is the scenery: coastline views, beaches, and open-water perspectives.
This portion is best for travelers who like the in-between moments—the ones where you’re not stuck waiting for a specific attraction. It’s also a nice mental reset after El Arco, because you’re moving along the coast while the boat settles into a slower, cruising vibe.
If you’re hoping for a huge Pacific-side activity, manage expectations. This is mostly about taking in the view and getting to the good swim time that comes next.
Medano Beach and the Bay of Cabo: Where the Day Becomes Yours

The highlight block is the final stop. You’ll come back toward the Bay of Cabo, with the action centered around Medano Beach. Plan on about 2 hours here, and admission tickets are included.
This is where your tour shifts from sightseeing to choose-your-own adventure:
- Anchor in the Bay of Cabo and enjoy the included food and drinks.
- Swim and snorkel (snorkeling equipment is included).
- Paddle boarding is included.
- If you want to spend more time on specific interests—like whale watching—you can tell your captain.
The wildlife odds are part of the appeal. Depending on the season and conditions, you may see whales, turtles, dolphins, and other sea life. Even when you don’t get a full wildlife show, the bay is still a great place to cool off and relax.
One practical note from the real-world experience people shared: the bay can get busy. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who’s not a confident swimmer, it’s smart to check how the crew manages swimming areas and boat traffic once you anchor. A calm private setup helps, but you’ll still be in a popular water zone.
Food and Drinks That Actually Match the Boat Day

Here’s what’s included for the “keep it fun” part of the trip:
Lunch: chicken and steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and a fresh fruit platter.
That combo matters. It’s filling enough for a sun-and-salt afternoon, and it doesn’t feel like a sad snack plate.
Open bar: tequila, vodka, rum, beer, wine, plus mixers and soda/pop options like cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice. You’re not limited to one drink. You can go beer-and-sunscreen mode, or you can treat it like a cocktail afternoon.
Also included: snacks like fruit are part of the day, so you’re not stuck waiting for lunch if you get hungry between stops.
One more detail worth knowing: some groups have been lucky enough to get an extra hour added to the day. That’s not something you should bank on, but it’s a good reminder that the crew may adjust the timing when conditions allow.
The Photographer Moment: Great Keepsake or Hidden Upside Cost?

Most yacht days are about views and sea air. This one also comes with a photographer onboard, and that can be a fun extra if you want professional shots.
Here’s the caution: photos can be expensive, and one experience flagged surprise charges and pressure around payment. Even if that’s not your plan, it’s smart to treat it like a souvenir decision, not an automatic purchase.
What I recommend:
- If you like the photographer’s style, ask about the price structure before the shoot wraps.
- Decide ahead of time what you’re comfortable paying for images.
- If you don’t want photos, say so clearly so you’re not dealing with pushy moments at the end of a good day.
This isn’t meant to scare you off. It’s just practical budgeting. A private boat is already a splurge. Keep the photo spend intentional.
Crew and Captain Vibes: From Sergio to Miguel

The crew is the difference between a good boat ride and a memorable one. People have praised captains and hosts for being engaging, relaxed, and genuinely helpful.
You might run into standout personalities like:
- Captain Sergio, who has been highlighted for hosting and local know-how alongside a host named Ana.
- Crew members led by Miguel, described as professional and on top of details.
- Other team pairings such as Cedric and Armando, noted for outstanding service and making the day feel easy.
- Drivers like Julio, praised for being on time and adding small comforts like a coffee stop on the way back.
Even if your specific captain isn’t one of these names, the pattern is clear: when this charter works best, the crew keeps the mood upbeat, the service smooth, and the experience relaxed.
And yes, there’s a photographer (names like Samantha have come up). If you want photos, it helps that the crew can handle the logistics while you enjoy the bay.
Timing and Start Options: Morning or Afternoon Matters
You can choose to set sail in the morning or afternoon, with several start time options. That choice changes the feel of the day.
A morning start tends to feel fresher and calmer. You’ll likely enjoy the water before the sun intensity peaks. An afternoon start can feel like a late-day treat, especially if you like a slower ramp into fun.
If you’re traveling with kids or you’re sensitive to heat, I’d lean morning. If you’re a “vacation flexibility” type and want to sleep in, pick the later option.
Who This Yacht Rental Is Best For
This charter fits a range of groups, especially because it stays private and includes a lot on the boat.
It’s a great match if you’re:
- Booking a bachelorette or celebration and want a fun water setting without nightclub logistics.
- Traveling as a couple who wants Cabo views with a lower-stress plan.
- A small group that can fill up to 6 seats and wants the per-person cost to feel reasonable.
- Interested in whale watching and marine life with time to actually swim, snorkel, and paddle board during the anchoring stop.
Consider your group needs carefully if anyone in your party:
- Doesn’t handle crowded swim areas well (the bay can get busy).
- Dislikes the idea of onboard photo pressure (plan your approach before you board).
My Quick Tips to Make the Most of Your 3 Hours
This is a short trip, so small choices matter.
- Decide what you care about most: photos, snorkeling time, or wildlife spotting. The Medano Bay stop is where you’ll spend your energy.
- Go in with a photo plan: either you want the photos and you’re ready to pay, or you don’t want them and you’re ready to decline.
- Since the bar is open, keep your pace. A boat ride is fun, but the point is to enjoy the sea time, not just the cocktails.
- Bring your best sun protection. Boat time usually means more sun than you expect.
Finally, since this is private, you can communicate preferences to the captain. If you want more focus on swimming versus sightseeing, this charter is built to accommodate that kind of request.
Should You Book This Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental All Inclusive?
I’d book it if you want a private all-inclusive Cabo water day that feels like a complete package: transport, food, open bar, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and standout sightseeing moments at El Arco and the Bay of Cabo.
I’d think twice if you hate surprise expenses around photos. If that’s you, just set expectations early—ask about photo costs, then choose your path.
For most small groups, this hits the sweet spot: you pay for convenience and included fun, and you get enough time on the water to actually feel like you left land behind.
FAQ
How much is the Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive?
It costs $1,450 per group, up to 6 people.
How long is the yacht rental?
The experience lasts about 3 hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is Luxury Avenue Los Cabos, Paseo de la Marina, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas, El Medano Ejidal, Marina, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.
Does the price include roundtrip transportation?
Yes. Private roundtrip transportation from Cabo San Lucas is included.
What food and drinks are included?
Lunch includes chicken and steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and a fresh fruit platter. There is also an open bar with tequila, vodka, rum, beer, wine, and beer, plus mixers and juices.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
Are paddle boards included?
Yes. Paddle boards are included.
What stops are included in the itinerary?
You’ll visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the Pacific Coast, and the Bay of Cabo near Medano Beach. El Arco and the Medano Bay stop include admission tickets.
Is this a private experience?
Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.
Is tipping included?
No. Tip for the crew is not included.






