Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive Private Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise

A private catamaran in Cabo moves at the right pace. You get snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and even kayaks, plus an open bar while you enjoy the sea of Cortez. It’s a fun mix of active and relaxed, without the stress of sharing the boat with strangers.

I especially like that the plan gives you options. You can swim and snorkel, paddle around, or just float on the big mat, and the crew keeps things moving so your group actually gets time in the water. One thing to consider: this trip depends on good weather, so if conditions are rough, your day may change.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Private charter up to 14 people for one set price, so the math can work well with a group
• Open bar + lunch included, with margaritas, tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, and mixers
• Real gear provided: full snorkel setup, paddleboards, 2 kayaks, and a large floating mat
• Whales in season (Dec–Mar), with a route that aims for sightings
• Two-beach stops (Los Cabos favorites) plus time near Cabo’s rock landmark

Private Cabo Catamaran That Lets You Split Your Day Into Fun Modes

This is the kind of Cabo cruise you book when you want the coastline and wildlife without a rigid, one-size schedule. The catamaran setting also matters: you’re out on open water with enough room for people to float, swim, and take breaks between activities. And since it’s private, your group sets the vibe, from music-and-margaritas energy to quieter snorkeling sessions.

What makes it especially appealing is how many ways you can participate. You can paddle, kayak, snorkel, or simply relax. The crew is there to handle the details, so you’re not spending the day figuring out where to go and what to do next.

Price and Value: $2,200 Per Group (Up to 14) for 3 Hours

The price is $2,200 per group for about 3 hours, for up to 14 people. On the surface, that sounds steep. But the value comes from three things that are bundled in: the private boat, the included gear, and the food-and-drinks setup.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• If you’re 6–10 people, you’re usually turning the cost into something closer to what you’d pay for multiple separate tickets—then adding the luxury of privacy.
• If you’re a larger group near the 14-person limit, it’s easier to justify because the charter cost spreads across more people.
• If you’re only a couple people, the price won’t suddenly become “cheap,” but it can still be worth it if you care most about privacy, time on the water, and not coordinating with other groups.

Also, it’s not a long cruise. That’s a plus if you want a highlight day without losing your whole afternoon.

What’s Included on Board: Gear, Open Bar, and a Lunch That Actually Feels Like Lunch

The included package is built around comfort and active time. You’ll have:

• Full snorkeling equipment
• 4 paddleboards
• 2 kayaks
• A large floating mat for relaxing
• Open bar with margaritas, vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, wine, beer, and mixers
• Lunch items plus fresh fruit platter, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chips, and quesadillas
• Soda options like orange, pineapple, and cranberry juices, plus mineral water and bottle water

The sample menu lists Papillon Lunch with a turkey baguette, guacamole, Mexican sauce with tomato, onion, cilantro, and a fruit cocktail. In other words, it’s not just snacks. It’s enough to keep you satisfied while you’re alternating between swimming and floating.

A small but important detail: you should plan to bring your own towel. That’s one less thing you have to pack, which is exactly how travel days should be.

Water Toys Explained: How Paddleboards, Kayaks, and Snorkeling Work Together

What I like about this setup is that it’s not “all-or-nothing.” You can be active for 20 minutes and then switch to floating and drinks, then go back to snorkeling when you feel like it.

The flow usually works like this:

• Paddleboards and kayaks give you a way to explore around the boat at a slower pace.
• Snorkeling gear is there so you can spend time in the water right when you find a good spot.
• The floating mat is the reset button. It’s perfect for kids, non-swimmers who still want ocean time, or adults who just want to keep it easy.

Since the cruise is private, you’re not stuck waiting for your turn with limited equipment. The boat has a set number of water toys, and your group can actually use them.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas From the Waterline

Stop 1 is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. This is the famous rock landmark that frames Cabo’s dramatic coastline, and cruising near it is one of the easiest ways to understand why the area is so iconic. You’ll get views from the sea, which feel different than from land because you’re looking at the coastline at water level.

Practical tip: bring your phone or camera ready. Even if your group plans to spend time in the water later, you’ll want at least a few quick photos during the pass by the landmark.

Potential drawback: if you have people in your group who want to start swimming immediately, a landmark-focused first stop can feel like a brief “transit” moment before the fun starts. The upside is you’ll have that first payoff while you’re still fresh.

Stop 2: Playa de los Amantes for Scenic Breaks and Beachside Energy

Next up is Playa de los Amantes. This stop gives you a change of scenery—still in the Cabo groove, but with a different look than the rocky landmark. It’s a chance to reset, stretch your legs, and take in the coast.

What I find useful about having a beach stop here is pacing. The cruise includes active tools (snorkeling and paddleboards), and beach time helps you avoid turning the whole day into a nonstop workout. It also works well for mixed groups—think families, multi-generation trips, and friend groups with different comfort levels.

The one consideration is timing: the cruise is about 3 hours, so beach stops won’t be long. If you want a long beach day, you’d pair this with a separate on-shore stop later. If you want a taste of beaches plus water activities, this is a strong fit.

Stop 3: Medano Beach and the Main-Cabo Vibe

The final stop is Medano Beach. This is where Cabo tends to feel the most lively, with a wide-open beach feel and that “we’re in the heart of it” atmosphere.

From a cruise perspective, Medano Beach acts like the bookend: you’ve already done the landmark and the quieter scenic moment, and now you’re near Cabo’s most recognizable beach area. It’s a good place to soak up views, snap photos, and keep everyone happy—especially if some people are less interested in snorkeling and more interested in lounging.

Because the overall trip is short, your best strategy is to plan your energy: if you really want a longer water session, go harder earlier with paddleboards and snorkeling, then use Medano as the relaxed finale.

Whale Season Dec–Mar: How This Cruise Tries to Deliver a Real Sight

During whale season (December–March), the itinerary includes a chance to see whales in the area. That’s the big seasonal reason to book this cruise at the right time of year.

A key point: whale sightings aren’t guaranteed just because you booked. But the cruise is designed to aim for them in season, so your chances are better than on a generic harbor tour. If whales are high on your Cabo wish list, this is the type of cruise I’d choose over a plain sightseeing ride.

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets excited by wildlife, this seasonal add-on is also a natural story-builder for the day—snorkeling and beaches are fun, but whales give the trip a “main event” feel.

The Crew Makes or Breaks the Day: Attentive, Fun, and Built for Real Groups

The reviews for this charter type consistently point to the same outcome: the crew feels welcoming and organized, and they keep the experience smooth. Names like Ana and Carlos show up as part of the on-board team in past experiences, and captains like Captain Eddie and Captain David have led trips with a friendly, confident style.

That matters because a private cruise can go two ways: it can feel either relaxed and well-managed, or chaotic with too much downtime. Here, the crew tone is what you want. It’s the difference between “we’re on a boat” and “we’re actually having a great afternoon.”

Also, the cruise has proven it works for mixed-age groups. Some groups have included very young kids alongside adults spanning decades, and the staffing style seems geared toward keeping everyone involved without forcing anyone to do everything.

Lunch, Drinks, and the On-Board Feel (Papillon Lunch Details Included)

Food and drinks are included, and the menu doesn’t feel like an afterthought. You’ll have fruit, guacamole, salsas, chips, and quesadillas, plus lunch options like the Papillon Lunch sample—turkey baguette with guacamole and Mexican sauce, along with fruit cocktail.

The open bar is a huge part of the experience. You’re not limited to one drink style or a small selection. It includes margaritas and multiple spirits, plus beer and wine. That lets your group set the mood without having to manage separate tabs or bring a drink package.

One more practical note: bring your own towel, but also consider bringing sun protection. Even if the ride feels pleasant, you’ll still be out on open water under the sun.

How to Time Your Day: 3 Hours, So Plan Your Priorities

This cruise is short enough that you can fit it without disrupting your whole itinerary. But it’s also long enough to do real water time if you focus.

My suggested priority order:

1. Snorkeling when the crew finds a good spot
2. Paddleboard or kayak if you want a slower exploration feel
3. Floating mat time for breaks, photos, and cooling off
4. Beach stops as your view-and-reset moments

If you go in knowing that the best part isn’t one single activity, you’ll end the day feeling satisfied rather than rushed.

Tips That Will Make This Private Cruise Feel Effortless

A few smart prep moves will pay off fast:

• Bring a towel (it’s not provided)
• Wear swimwear you’re comfortable reusing and plan for wet gear afterward
• If your group includes non-swimmers, plan for the floating mat as the main comfort zone
• If you’re chasing whale season, know that the cruise is structured to try for sightings during Dec–Mar, but nature still sets the final rules

Also, this is offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket. That’s handy when you want a low-friction check-in experience.

Should You Book This Cabo San Lucas Private Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise?

Yes—if you want a Cabo highlight that mixes water time, beaches, and included food-and-drinks, all on a private boat for up to 14 people. This is a particularly good choice for groups with mixed comfort levels, because the day has multiple ways to participate: snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just relaxing on the mat.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re traveling during a time when weather might disrupt plans, since the experience needs good conditions
• You only want a long beach day or a full-day adventure (this is about 3 hours)
• You’re a very small group and won’t get much value from the per-group private pricing

If you’re booking for the right reasons—privacy, included gear, and a relaxed “active-but-not-stressed” afternoon—this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas private catamaran snorkeling cruise?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What’s the group size limit and pricing?

It’s priced at $2,200 per group, up to 14 people.

What activities and equipment are included?

You get use of snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, 2 kayaks, and a large floating mat.

Is there an open bar on board?

Yes. The tour includes an open bar with margaritas and a range of spirits, plus beer and wine, along with mixers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included with fresh fruit platter, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chips, and quesadillas (Papillon Lunch is listed as the sample).

When do you look for whales?

During whale season, December through March.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Papillon Yachts Rental on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to bring anything?

You should bring your own towel.

Is gratuity included in the price?

No. Gratuity for the crew is not included.