Reviewed · ALL-INCLUSIVE & OPEN BAR CRUISES

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive

5.0 · 55 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $1,450 Operated by Papillon Yachts · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Cabo by yacht resets your whole day. This private Cabo San Lucas yacht rental takes you out for the big photo moment at El Arco, then builds the day around Medano Beach for swimming and sea life time, with an open bar and lunch included. I like the convenience of private roundtrip transportation from Cabo San Lucas, and I like that you eat and drink onboard without having to plan anything.

One thing to consider: you may get offered photo packages at the end, and that can get pricey. In one reported case, the photographer’s payment request felt unclear, so I suggest you ask the price upfront and keep an eye on what gets charged.

Key points before you go

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

  • Private group experience (up to 6) means you set the pace, not a rigid schedule.
  • El Arco and its sea lion colony are built into the trip for fast, iconic sightseeing time.
  • Medano Beach Bay time is flexible, you can tell your captain what you want most.
  • Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are included, so you do not have to shop or rent.
  • Open bar plus lunch keeps the afternoon easy, with snacks, fruit, and chicken and steak quesadillas.
  • Photos are optional but can add cost, so decide early what you want to buy.

Entering the day: how this 3-hour Cabo yacht rental actually feels

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Entering the day: how this 3-hour Cabo yacht rental actually feels
This is a true half-day style outing, about 3 hours total. It starts at Luxury Avenue Los Cabos in Marina area (Paseo de la Marina, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas, El Medano Ejidal), and it returns to that same meeting point after you’re done.

You also get real schedule options. Set sail in the morning or afternoon, and you’ll have a start time that fits your day in Cabo. That matters because Cabo can run on vibes and heat, and you want your boat time to line up with the rest of your plans.

The overall rhythm is simple: short sightseeing first, then more time where you can get in the water. You’ll feel the difference between quick photo stops and the longer anchored portion at Medano Bay.

Getting picked up from Cabo San Lucas, and why that’s a big deal

Private transportation is included, and that’s one of the most practical perks here. You avoid the scramble of figuring out taxis, parking, or where to meet a driver with a group.

This matters even more if you’re traveling with kids, multiple adults, or anyone who just wants the day to start smoothly. An air-conditioned vehicle is part of the package, which is not a small detail when you’re stepping out of the afternoon heat.

Also, the experience is set up for small groups only. It is private, meaning it’s not something where you’re sharing your boat time with a bunch of strangers.

In the real world, that usually means:

  • you spend less time herding people
  • the captain can work with your group’s pace
  • you can ask for where you want to spend time during the longer bay portion

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: the 30 minutes where cameras earn their keep

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: the 30 minutes where cameras earn their keep
Your first stop is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, with about 30 minutes set aside for photos and sea life viewing. This is the classic Cabo arch, and yes, it’s the kind of spot where everyone ends up with the same famous skyline shot.

But this stop has a specific bonus. You’ll also see the large sea lion colony in its natural habitat. That’s a good shift from just taking photos. You get a living, noisy, active moment right away.

Admission ticket for El Arco is included, which keeps you from digging for tickets once you’re already on the ground. The cruise time to the arch also acts like a warm-up, letting you settle into the boat without rushing straight into the busiest part of your day.

Pacific Coast views: the quick stop that helps you read the coastline

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Pacific Coast views: the quick stop that helps you read the coastline
After El Arco, you head to the Pacific side for about another 30 minutes. This part is about views, beaches, and coastal scenery.

One useful note: the Pacific Coast stop is listed as free admission. So you’re paying for the experience of being out there, not for another ticket checkpoint.

In practical terms, this stop is ideal for:

  • settling in if you’re new to boating
  • taking photos without feeling like you missed the main event
  • getting a feel for which side of Cabo you’ll prefer later in the day

You’re not stuck here for hours. It’s a “get your bearings” segment, and it keeps the day from turning into a long drive-by.

Medano Beach at the Bay of Cabo: your 2-hour water time

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Medano Beach at the Bay of Cabo: your 2-hour water time
This is where the cruise shifts gears. You’ll come back toward Bay of Cabo and anchor down for about 2 hours at Medano Beach.

This is also the sea life zone. The plan calls out chances to see whales, turtles, dolphins, and other sea life. You should think of it as an opportunity, not a guarantee, since wildlife sightings can change with conditions. Still, this is clearly the area the itinerary is built around.

Here’s the big value of doing it as a private experience. Since it’s only your group onboard, you can tell your captain how you want to spend that 2-hour anchor time, like:

  • sightseeing from the boat
  • whale watching
  • snorkeling
  • paddle boarding

Your included gear helps a lot here. Snorkeling equipment is part of the package, and paddle boards are included too. So once you arrive, you can choose action quickly without the extra rental step.

One caution I’d flag based on what I’ve seen in real boating logistics: Medano Bay can get busy with other boats. If you plan to swim and you have kids, keep a close eye and stay near the safety guidance from the captain, especially around areas where other boats may move through. In a case like this, the main risk wasn’t the water itself, it was the traffic.

Food and drinks: the all-inclusive part that actually matters

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Food and drinks: the all-inclusive part that actually matters
The included lunch is chicken and steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de Gallo, chips, and a fresh fruit platter. This is not just snacks floating on a plate. It’s a real meal you can build a day around.

On top of that, the day includes snacks and fruit, plus the snack-and-sip rhythm that makes a boat trip feel like a vacation instead of a chore. When the food is simple and filling, you also avoid that mid-cruise drop in energy.

Now the open bar. You can choose from tequila, vodka, rum, cocktails, beer, and wine, with soda and juice options like cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice, plus mixers. In other words, there’s enough variety to keep different tastes happy in one group.

Drinks being included is a classic “hidden cost” saver. Even if you would normally buy drinks on a tour, here you’re not doing math mid-vacation.

A small reality check: in at least one positive experience, drinks were described as plentiful. So if you like keeping the day relaxed, you’ll likely enjoy this setup.

Also, if your group has zero interest in alcohol, you still get juice and soda options. So you are not stuck with only one beverage lane.

The crew experience: what you can reasonably expect

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - The crew experience: what you can reasonably expect
This is one of those tours where the crew changes how the day feels.

Across the experiences shared, the strongest praise centers on a few things:

  • a friendly, engaging team
  • professional handling onboard
  • a relaxed vibe that feels like you’re being looked after, not managed

Captain names that come up include Captain Sergio, and co-hosts like Ana. Crew members like Miguel and Armando (along with Cedric in one account) are mentioned too. There’s also a driver called Julio tied to pickup in one example.

And for photos, you might meet a photographer like Samantha. That matters because the photo moment can feel like a sales pitch or like a helpful service, depending on how it’s handled. You’ll want to keep your expectations grounded: the photographer is part of the experience, but buying photos is not required.

If your priority is whale watching, you’ll probably like the way the crew stays engaged and keeps things moving. In a positive account, the trip even ran an extra hour, which is the kind of detail that can turn a good day into a great one.

Timing options and how to plan your Cabo day

Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive - Timing options and how to plan your Cabo day
Because the trip is about 3 hours and anchored around daylight, it’s flexible. You can pick a morning or afternoon start, depending on what you want to do before and after.

Here’s how I’d plan it for less stress:

  • If you want snorkeling time to feel comfortable, pick the portion where you can still eat afterward without rushing.
  • If you plan a beach stop later, consider doing the yacht first, then wrap with a lighter evening plan.
  • If you’re on a bachelorette trip or you want a birthday vibe, the private setup keeps the group together and lets you control the tone.

The itinerary is structured but not rigid. The sightseeing stops are time-boxed, then you have a long 2-hour bay period where you can steer the day.

Price and value: what $1,450 for up to 6 really buys

Price is $1,450 per group for up to 6 people. That sounds like a lot until you break down what’s included.

You’re getting:

  • private roundtrip transportation from the Marina area
  • lunch, snacks, and fruit
  • open bar with hard liquor, beer, wine, plus cocktails
  • snorkeling equipment
  • paddle boards
  • all fees and taxes

So the value is not just “a boat.” It’s everything around the boat time that usually adds cost on other tours, like drinks and rentals.

The one cost to watch is tipping. Tips for the crew are not included. That’s normal in many service industries, but it is something you should budget for since you are dealing with professional onboard staff.

Also, consider photo add-ons. Photos can be priced high, and one experience described a confusing extra charge after the photos were taken. If you care about photos, ask what’s included, what the options cost, and how payment works before anything is finalized.

Booking, tickets, and small practical tips

You’ll get a confirmation within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability. You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

It’s listed as near public transportation, so if you’re already moving around Cabo, getting to the meeting point is not supposed to be impossible.

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you have mobility concerns, I’d still plan with the reality that this is a boat environment, so you’ll want to consider how your group handles getting onboard and moving around.

Photos, payment, and the tip topic to handle up front

This is the one area where your experience can change, mostly because of money and communication.

Some people love having photos professionally taken. That’s understandable, especially on a trip built around El Arco and sea life time. But the pricing can sting, and one experience reported a surprise payment request after the photos were taken, along with confusion about card charges.

Here’s how to protect yourself without turning the day into a spreadsheet:

  • Ask the photographer what the packages cost before you commit
  • Confirm what is optional versus included
  • Decide if you want photos ahead of time, even if it’s a simple yes or no
  • Keep your expectations clear so you feel in control

Since the photos are optional, you can focus on the actual water time and sights without worrying that you’re being forced into anything.

Who this yacht rental fits best

This is ideal if you want a Cabo highlight day without dealing with logistics.

It fits well for:

  • couples or small families who want a private boat with gear included
  • groups up to 6 who want to keep the day together
  • bachelorette trips and celebrations, where the onboard vibe and service matter
  • people who want whale watching and sea life time without booking separate activities

If you dislike any alcohol, note that non-alcohol options like juice and soda are included. So you can still enjoy the day even if you skip the bar.

If you want a super hard adventure focus, like long snorkeling sessions or lots of technical training, this may feel more like a relaxed sightseeing and water time plan. It’s built around comfort and easy enjoyment, with time for swimming and snorkeling, not a full-on expedition.

Should you book this Cabo San Lucas all-inclusive yacht rental?

I’d book it if you want a private Cabo boat day with the important stuff handled: transport, lunch, snacks, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and an open bar. The structure is solid, the Medano Bay portion gives you real flexibility, and the crew experience seems to matter a lot in making the ride feel fun and easy.

I’d be cautious if you care deeply about avoiding any photo-related upsell pressure. The boat day is the core value, so if you want photos, go in prepared with your decision and ask about pricing clearly before you swipe a card.

If you’re the type who likes a smooth half-day in Cabo, with El Arco photos and then water time for sea life, this one is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas yacht rental?

The tour is about 3 hours.

How many people can go on this private yacht rental?

It’s priced per group for up to 6 people, and it’s a private experience for only your group.

What’s included with the all-inclusive package?

Lunch (chicken and steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de Gallo, chips, and fruit), an open bar with hard liquor, beer, and wine, soda and juice options, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, air-conditioned vehicle transport, and all fees and taxes.

Is tipping included for the crew?

No. Tip for the crew is not included.

What stops are part of the itinerary?

You’ll visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (30 minutes), the Pacific Coast (30 minutes), and then anchor down at the Bay of Cabo at Medano Beach for about 2 hours.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.

More like this

All-Inclusive & Open Bar Cruises, compared.

The full All-Inclusive & Open Bar Cruises list →
Mr. Sanchos Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 6,744 reviews· from $79

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass

Read our review →
Chichen Itza Early Access All Inclusive: Hotel Pick up & All Fees
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 4,123 reviews· from $165

Chichen Itza Early Access All Inclusive: Hotel Pick up & All Fees

Read our review →
Paradise Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,311 reviews· from $81

Paradise Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass

Read our review →
Isla Mujeres: Catamaran with Open Bar, Snorkeling and Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.1· 2,848 reviews· from $59

Isla Mujeres: Catamaran with Open Bar, Snorkeling and Lunch

Read our review →
Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,515 reviews· from $117

Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

Read our review →
Isla Mujeres Cruise with Beach Club, Snorkel, Lunch and Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 2,383 reviews· from $53

Isla Mujeres Cruise with Beach Club, Snorkel, Lunch and Open Bar

Read our review →
Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,267 reviews· from $109

Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar

Read our review →
All Inclusive Isla Mujeres Catamaran
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 2,232 reviews· from $83

All Inclusive Isla Mujeres Catamaran

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Every kind of day in Mexico

Pick the day out first, then the town it happens in.