Review · CABO SAN LUCAS
Private 3hr Yacht Cruise in Cabo San Lucas all included
Cabo’s best-known sights come together on this private three-hour yacht cruise: Pelican Rock for snorkeling, El Arco for photos, and two calm bays for swimming, paddleboarding, food, and drinks. You get your own boat for up to six people, so the day can feel relaxed rather than scheduled around strangers.
I like the clear focus on water time, especially the included snorkeling gear and paddle board. I also like that the crew can shape the route along the Corridor around weather and what you want to do. Past crew members Jared, Coco, Jose, and Isaac were singled out for friendly service, clean boats, and good local commentary.
The main drawback is the price: $899 per group is a serious spend for three hours, even when split six ways. Transportation to the marina is also not included, and the route depends on sea conditions.
Key points at a glance

- Private boat for up to six: You share the yacht only with your own group.
- Pelican Rock snorkeling: The first water stop lasts about 30 minutes and includes equipment.
- El Arco photo stop: You get about 15 minutes near Cabo’s famous Arch.
- Two beach bays: Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Beach each allow about 45 minutes for swimming and water activities.
- Food and drinks included: Lunch, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and cold drinks are part of the package.
- Flexible Corridor route: The crew plans the coastline stops around weather and your group’s wishes.
Why this Cabo cruise works best for small groups

The strongest feature is privacy. Instead of joining a large catamaran or a crowded sightseeing boat, you reserve the yacht for your own party of up to six. That matters if your group has different priorities. One person can snorkel, another can use the paddle board, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink without forcing everyone into the same activity.
Three hours is long enough to see several major points without turning the day into an all-day commitment. You can fit this cruise into a morning, afternoon, or early evening plan, though the exact feel depends on the departure time. El Arco is especially striking near sunset, but the booking details do not promise a sunset departure, so you should confirm the time if that is important to you.
The boat is described as clean and comfortable, and those details matter more than they may sound. Cabo’s sun can be hard on you after several hours, so a tidy vessel and a comfortable place to sit make the cruise easier. Still, this is a three-hour outing, not a full-day yacht charter. The value comes from privacy, included food and drinks, and several water stops packed into a short window.
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Starting at the Tesoro Hotel marina

The meeting point is Social Distance Charters at the Tesoro Hotel, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 20, in Cabo San Lucas Marina. You need to arrange your own transportation to the marina because hotel pickup is not included.
If you arrive early, take a short walk around the marina before boarding. The meeting area puts you close to Cabo’s waterfront activity, but you should leave enough time to find the exact charter location and arrive ready to board. Your ticket is mobile, and confirmation is issued at booking.
The tour returns to the same meeting point. That makes planning easier, especially if you have dinner, a hotel transfer, or another activity afterward. I would avoid scheduling anything too tight after the cruise, since the duration is listed as approximately three hours rather than an exact end time.
The activity runs Monday through Sunday, with operating hours listed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The boat route is not fixed in every detail. The crew adjusts the plan based on conditions and what your group wants to do.
Pelican Rock gives the cruise an active start

Pelican Rock is the first named stop, with about 30 minutes set aside for snorkeling. This is a useful opening because you get into the water early instead of spending most of the cruise simply looking at the coast.
The area is known for a range of marine life, and snorkeling equipment is included. You do not need to arrange a separate rental for the mask and other gear listed with the trip. Flotation equipment is also provided, which can make the water time more comfortable if you are not a confident swimmer.
The important limitation is that swimming depends on conditions. If the water is rough or visibility is poor, the crew may need to shorten or change the stop. That is normal for a water-based activity, but it is worth keeping expectations flexible. You should book this for the overall cruise, not on the assumption that every planned swim will happen exactly as described.
Thirty minutes is enough for a taste of the area, but it is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. If you want long periods in the water, this itinerary may feel brisk. If you want a mix of snorkeling, beaches, scenery, and food, the short stop fits the day well.
El Arco is the essential Cabo photo stop

The yacht then reaches El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Cabo’s famous natural Arch. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, so this part is mainly for viewing and photographs rather than a long swim.
You will likely want your camera ready before reaching the Arch. The rock formation is the visual centerpiece of Cabo, and seeing it from the water gives you a clear angle that is difficult to match from shore. The nearby meeting of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean adds to the drama of the setting.
The short timing is both a strength and a weakness. You get the classic Cabo sight without giving up too much time that could be used at the beaches. But if you want an unhurried photo session, 15 minutes may pass quickly, particularly if the boat is moving with the conditions.
The Arch is noted as especially beautiful around sunset. If that is your priority, ask about departure times before booking. The available schedule runs through the afternoon, but the information does not guarantee a sunset sailing.
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The Corridor keeps the route flexible

The coastline between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is known as the Corridor. Rather than following a rigid list of every possible stop, the crew can use this stretch for scenery and additional snorkeling opportunities.
This flexibility is one of the better reasons to choose a private charter. Your group can express a preference for more water time, more viewing, or a slower stop for food. The final plan remains subject to weather, sea conditions, and practical timing, so flexibility does not mean you control every part of the route.
For you, that means the cruise can feel more personal than a fixed sightseeing circuit. It also means the exact order and length of stops may change. I would treat the listed itinerary as a strong outline rather than a strict timetable.
Chileno Bay is the main activity stop

Chileno Bay is the chosen beach stop, with about 45 minutes for snorkeling, paddleboarding, relaxing, food, and cold drinks. This is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to a proper beach break.
The bay is described as one of the prettiest around Cabo, and its longer stop gives you time to choose how active you want to be. The paddle board is included, as are snorkeling equipment and flotation gear. You can spend the whole time in the water, split it between activities, or simply enjoy the view from the boat while eating.
Lunch and snacks are included, along with alcoholic beverages. That makes Chileno Bay more than a quick swim stop. Food is served during the cruise, and the details that came through most strongly were the fresh-tasting meal and especially good guacamole. If you like a casual meal beside the water, this part adds real value to the booking.
Forty-five minutes still is not a huge amount of time. You may need to choose between snorkeling and paddleboarding rather than doing both at length. The advantage is that the day does not become repetitive. You get enough time to enjoy the bay, then move on to another beach.
Santa Maria Beach adds a second water break

Santa Maria Beach is the final named stop, with another 45 minutes for snorkeling. Having two beach stops gives the cruise a better rhythm than spending all of the water time in one location.
The second stop is useful if your group has mixed interests. Someone who did not want to get in at Pelican Rock may prefer to try here, while another person can simply enjoy the scenery. Since the paddle board and flotation equipment are part of the package, you have options beyond snorkeling.
The information provided does not specify a separate meal or special activity at Santa Maria Beach, so think of it mainly as another chance to swim and snorkel. Conditions can affect this stop too. Weather and sea state guide the final plan, and the crew may alter the route if needed.
Together, Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Beach account for about 90 minutes, half of the stated stop time. That tells you what this cruise is really about: not just passing Cabo’s sights, but spending a meaningful part of the trip on the water.
Food, drinks, and the value of $899

The listed price is $899 per group of up to six people. At full capacity, that works out to about $150 per person before tips. For six people who want a private boat, that can be a reasonable split. For two people, the same price becomes much harder to justify.
The package includes lunch, snacks, alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, and flotation equipment. You are paying for the boat, crew, private setting, and convenience as well as the food and activities. You do not have to add separate rental costs for the main water gear.
Past guests gave special attention to the food, with the guacamole receiving unusually specific praise. That does not turn the cruise into a food tour, but it suggests the meal is a meaningful part of the outing rather than an afterthought. The boat was also described as exceptionally clean and comfortable, which strengthens the value for a private group.
Tips are not included. Transportation is not included either, so add those costs when comparing this with other Cabo boat trips. The price makes the most sense for a family or group of friends who will use the private setting and take part in several activities.
The crew can shape the mood
The crew names connected with the strongest feedback are Jared, Coco, Jose, and Isaac. Jared and Coco were praised for taking good care of the group, while Jose and Isaac were described as entertaining and well informed about the area. The boat itself was also called clean and comfortable.
You should not assume a particular crew member will be assigned on your date, but these names give you a useful sense of the service style to expect: personal attention, conversation, and help with the activities. On a private trip, the crew has more room to respond to your group than on a large shared boat.
That personal format is especially useful if you are traveling with children, older family members, or people who do not all want the same pace. You can tell the crew what matters most to you, then let them build the route within the limits of time and weather.
Who should book this yacht cruise
I would choose this trip for a group of four to six people who want a private Cabo outing with a little of everything. It suits you if snorkeling, beach time, drinks, food, and famous views all sound better than spending several hours on one activity.
It is also a good match for families and small celebrations, provided everyone is comfortable with a water-based plan. The private format means your group does not need to adapt to strangers, and the included paddle board and flotation equipment give you alternatives if not everyone wants to snorkel.
I would hesitate if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. The per-person value drops quickly when fewer people share the $899 cost. I would also think twice if your main goal is serious snorkeling, since each water stop is limited and the final route can change with conditions.
You should plan to bring a flexible attitude. Cabo’s coast is the star, but the sea decides how much time you get at each stop. The best version of this trip is a relaxed mix of swimming, photos, food, and scenery rather than a tightly controlled checklist.
Booking, weather, and cancellation details
The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that same window are not accepted. The cut-off uses Cabo’s local time, so check the clock carefully if you are arranging plans from another time zone.
The activity is listed as suitable for most people and is near public transportation. It is a private activity, so only your group participates. Since transportation is not part of the booking, you need to make your own way to the Tesoro Hotel marina and back.
Should you book it?
Book this cruise if you can fill most of the six seats and want a private, flexible way to see Cabo from the water. The combination of Pelican Rock, El Arco, Chileno Bay, Santa Maria Beach, lunch, drinks, and included equipment gives you a full three-hour outing without many extra costs.
Skip it if you mainly want a long snorkeling session, need hotel transportation, or cannot justify the group price. Before paying, confirm the departure time if sunset at El Arco matters to you, and keep the route flexible because weather controls the water stops. For a small group ready to swim, eat, and enjoy Cabo without sharing the boat, this is a strong, well-rounded choice.
FAQ
How much does the private yacht cruise cost?
The price is $899 per group of up to six people.
How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately three hours.
Where does the cruise begin and end?
It begins and ends at Social Distance Charters at the Tesoro Hotel, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 20, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas.
Is transportation included?
No. Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.
What activities are included?
The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, and flotation equipment. Planned stops include Pelican Rock, El Arco, Chileno Bay, and Santa Maria Beach.
Are food and drinks included?
Yes. Lunch, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are included.
What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?
You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the cruise is canceled because of poor weather.
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