REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo Private Yacht Cruise to El Arco with Snorkeling Adventure
Book on Viator →Operated by Boat Trips Club · Bookable on Viator
A short, private boat ride can feel like a vacation switch. This Cabo San Lucas private yacht cruise takes you along the coast for El Arco-area views, sea lion spots, and time to snorkel with a small group. It’s built for comfort and sightseeing, without the big-tour chaos.
I like two things right away: the yacht is exclusive for your group of up to 8, and the crew runs the day at a relaxed pace so you can take photos and enjoy the water. I also like that the plan includes real highlights—El Arco, Lover’s Beach, and sea lion colonies—plus snorkeling gear so you’re not just watching from the deck.
One consideration: there’s a $5 dock fee per person you’ll pay separately, and the snorkeling setup may feel a bit tight on towels or spare gear if your group is expecting extras. If you’re planning to snorkel hard, bring your own towel if you have room and be ready to share limited supplies.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why this private yacht cruise to El Arco feels different
- Marina Cabo San Lucas: the smooth start you want in Cabo
- Pelican Rock and the Cabo coastline: what the ride is really for
- Snorkeling around the Arch or Pelican Beach: your best planning tip
- El Arco sightseeing plus sea lions: the part that hits twice
- The crew experience: friendly, helpful, and not rushed
- Drinks, snacks, and the “hang on the water” factor
- Price and value: what $495 per group buys you
- Who this Cabo private yacht cruise is best for
- Should you book this Cabo Private Yacht Cruise to El Arco?
- FAQ
- How long is the private yacht cruise?
- How many people can be on the yacht?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- What sightseeing stops are included?
- Where do you meet for the tour?
- Is the dock fee included in the price?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go

- Private 32ft yacht (up to 8 guests): You keep the boat to yourselves.
- 2 hours on the water: Enough time for El Arco-area sightseeing and a snorkel stop.
- Snorkeling gear included: You’ll have equipment for snorkeling in the Arch/ Pelican Beach area.
- Sightseeing hits: El Arco views, Lover’s Beach, and sea lion colonies.
- Language support: Guide is offered in English and Spanish.
- Dock fee not included: $5 per person, paid at the dock.
Why this private yacht cruise to El Arco feels different

Cabo’s coastline looks great from shore, sure. But from a small, private yacht, the rock formations and coves come at you from a new angle—clean lines, changing light, and less noise. This tour is short on purpose (about 2 hours), which matters if you’re in Cabo for a limited window or you just want a quick escape from the busy streets.
The “private” part is the real value. When you’re up to 8 people, the crew can tailor pacing, photo breaks, and time in the best viewing spots. You’re not waiting for the slowest person, and you’re not stuck in a long line of groups squeezing past each other.
And the mix of sightseeing + snorkeling is a smart combo. You get the famous landmark experience (El Arco), plus the water-time experience (gear included) rather than choosing one or the other.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
Marina Cabo San Lucas: the smooth start you want in Cabo
You meet at the Gregory Tours location inside the Marina Cabo San Lucas area, at Medano 39 Interior-H1, Centro, Marina. The tour description also notes that you’ll receive mobile ticket confirmation at booking, which helps you get moving without extra back-and-forth.
Before you sail, you’ll do a quick safety briefing and get time to settle in. This isn’t the kind of trip where you’re rushed out the door. It’s more about getting everyone comfortable—where to stand, how the crew handles the boat, and what to expect when you’re in the water.
Then you head out from the marina for the coastal route. If you’re sensitive to sun and salt air, this early setup is helpful. You can already be seated and settled before you’re out where the wind picks up.
Pelican Rock and the Cabo coastline: what the ride is really for

Once you get out on the water, the tour focuses on the coast. You’ll pass Pelican Rock and cruise through the Cabo San Lucas area, then return toward the marina.
Here’s why this pacing works: in two hours, you don’t want a schedule that burns all its time getting from one far location to another. Instead, you want a compact route that keeps you near the best scenery the whole way. That’s what this plan is aiming for—a steady stream of views rather than one long stretch of “transport time.”
Pelican Rock is one of those Cabo landmarks that looks dramatic from the deck. Even when you’re not snorkeling yet, it gives you something to look at immediately—textures in the stone, water movement, and that classic Sea-and-Rock feel Cabo does so well.
Snorkeling around the Arch or Pelican Beach: your best planning tip

This is where the tour earns its keep. You get snorkeling gear included, so you can spend your time in the water rather than hunting for rentals. The tour description specifically points to snorkeling in the Arch or Pelican Beach area, so your snorkel spot is likely tied to conditions and where the crew thinks the water will be best at that moment.
What I’d plan for: snorkeling on a short cruise means you don’t have an all-day setup. You’ll want to treat this like a focused water break, not a long training session. If you tend to over-plan, slow down—this is a 2-hour outing. You’ll likely get one main snorkel window.
If you’re going with kids or someone who’s new to snorkeling, prioritize comfort over speed. The crew is there to help, and the smaller group size usually makes it easier to get a quick check or guidance when needed.
Also, one review point flags a practical issue: having more towels and more snorkels would be helpful. That doesn’t mean your trip won’t work as-is, but it’s a good reminder to bring a towel if you have one and to manage expectations if you’re hoping for extra gear beyond what’s included.
El Arco sightseeing plus sea lions: the part that hits twice

You don’t just get views. You also get the chance to “read” the coastline as you move—what’s where, how the light changes on the rock, and why El Arco is such a big deal visually.
The sightseeing plan includes:
- El Arco (the headline formation)
- Lover’s Beach
- Sea lion colonies
Why this matters: El Arco looks iconic from photos, but seeing it from the water makes it feel more real—its scale becomes obvious, and you notice angles you can’t get from the road. Meanwhile, Lover’s Beach and sea lion colonies add variety. Instead of one landmark for the full trip, you’re getting multiple scenes that change what you’re looking at.
Sea lions can be the best “surprise” element of a Cabo cruise. Even if you’re not a wildlife person, seeing them around the colonies tends to slow everyone down in a good way—people stop talking, point, and take a few extra photos because the moment is happening right there.
And because the yacht stays private, you’re not constantly dealing with other groups blocking views. That small-group freedom shows up in how relaxed the experience feels.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Cabo San Lucas
The crew experience: friendly, helpful, and not rushed

The crew is a standout part of this cruise. You’ll have captain & crew plus an in-person guide in English and Spanish. The goal is clear: make sure you feel taken care of and keep the experience flowing smoothly.
Two themes show up in the way people describe the trip: helpful guidance and a relaxed pace. This matters more than it sounds. When you’re paying for privacy, you want that privacy respected—time to take photos, time to look around, and time to enjoy the water without the constant sense that you’re being herded.
One family-style highlight: the tour is the kind of outing that can work for mixed ages, including teens plus a younger child. That’s not magic—it’s usually just because a private yacht cruise lets different people find their own rhythm. Some snorkel. Some sit and watch. Everyone still feels included because the scenery is constantly in front of them.
If you’re booking as a couple, the relaxed vibe is also a win. A 2-hour window can feel like a mini reset in a place known for long day plans.
Drinks, snacks, and the “hang on the water” factor

Even though the trip is structured, it’s not stiff. You’re given time to relax, take pictures, and enjoy the views without feeling like every minute is scheduled for you.
Some guests mention having time to enjoy drinks and some snacks, which lines up with the overall vibe: this is not a hard-schedule, activity-tunnel type of outing. It’s more about the water and the landmarks, with comfort built in so you can actually savor the moment.
If your group is the type that likes to snack steadily, consider planning ahead. The tour description doesn’t list specific food inclusions, so I’d treat snacks as “nice if provided” rather than guaranteed, and plan for your own comfort accordingly.
Price and value: what $495 per group buys you

At $495 per group (up to 8), you’re paying for privacy and the small-boat feel. It’s helpful to think about it as a cost-per-seat versus a cost-per-experience.
Compared to larger shared cruises, the value here is mostly about:
- No crowd pressure (less waiting and less jostling for views)
- More control over your time (you’re not in a big group queue)
- A compact itinerary that hits several key scenes quickly
A 2-hour timeframe can also be a value advantage. If you only have a short visit to Cabo, you’re not spending half a day on transport or long sightseeing loops. You get the headline moments—El Arco area, sea lions, Lover’s Beach—and snorkeling gear without the fatigue.
The only extra cost to plan for is the $5 dock fee per person, which you should factor into your math. In return, you’re getting a private yacht that’s sized for a group like yours, not a floating school bus.
Who this Cabo private yacht cruise is best for
This tour is a great fit if you want a short, high-impact Cabo experience with privacy. It’s especially good for:
- Couples who want quiet time and photo-worthy views without a rushed schedule
- Families with mixed ages who need an activity that doesn’t force everyone into one mode
- Snorkel-curious travelers who want gear included and a focused water stop
- Anyone who prefers smaller groups and a more personal crew interaction
It may be less ideal if you’re looking for a long, multi-stop day filled with tons of separate activities. This is 2 hours, so it’s designed to be a quick hit—not an all-day exploration.
Also, since the experience requires good weather, plan to keep some flexibility. If conditions aren’t right, the operator will handle adjustments (either a different date or a refund, based on the policy).
Should you book this Cabo Private Yacht Cruise to El Arco?
If you want the El Arco experience without turning it into a full-day production, I think this is a strong choice. The combination of private 32ft yacht, snorkeling gear, and the classic sightseeing trio (El Arco, Lover’s Beach, sea lions) is exactly what makes Cabo feel special—water views you can’t easily replicate from land.
I’d book it if your group includes at least one person who will snorkel or swim, and if you value relaxed pacing over an overstuffed itinerary. It also works well when you’re traveling with kids or teens, since the private setup lets everyone find their comfort zone.
Just go in with two practical expectations: budget in the $5 dock fee per person, and consider packing a towel if you’re picky about snorkeling comfort. If you do that, you’ll be set up for an experience that feels like a real vacation break, not another checkbox activity.
FAQ
How long is the private yacht cruise?
The experience lasts about 2 hours.
How many people can be on the yacht?
The yacht is private for your group, up to 8 guests.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling gear is included for exploring the waters around the Arch or Pelican Beach.
What sightseeing stops are included?
The sightseeing plan includes El Arco, Lover’s Beach, and sea lion colonies, along with a coastal cruise.
Where do you meet for the tour?
You start at Gregory ToursBlvd marina, plaza local, Medano 39 Interior-H1, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Is the dock fee included in the price?
No. A dock fee of $5.00 per person is not included.
What happens if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

































