Cabo San Lucas Private 38 ft Sailing Tour with Snorkeling

Three hours, zero rush on open water. This private 38 ft sailing experience in Cabo San Lucas mixes famous sights with real swim time, and you can shape the order while staying on a clear 3-hour plan.

What I like most is the private charter flexibility, so you are not stuck pacing around strangers. You also get practical add-ons that make the day feel complete: snorkel gear, an open bar, and snacks right on board.

One thing to weigh: there is no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the F Dock at the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Once you’re there, though, the rest of the day is built to run smoothly.

Key things I’d bank on before you book

• Private boat for up to 4: you control the vibe and the pace.
• Two classic stops: quick photo time at El Arco, then serious snorkeling at Pelican Rock.
• Snorkel gear plus open water time: set up is handled, so you spend less energy getting ready.
• Open bar and snacks: drinks and food are part of the experience, not an afterthought.
• Paddleboard included: an extra way to enjoy the water beyond snorkeling.

Why this private 38 ft Cabo sail feels different than the big tours

Cabo has plenty of boat tours, but this one is built around the idea that your group gets the boat. You pay for a full private charter for up to four people, which means you are not sharing limited time with a dozen strangers or losing control of your schedule the moment you step aboard.

I also like how the day is designed with variety. You get a fast, iconic sightseeing stop at El Arco, then you shift into swimming-mode at Pelican Rock, and you finish with relaxed sailing around the bay and open water routes. Even if you are not a hardcore sailor, it still feels like you actually spent time on the sea, not just cruised past things from a distance.

There’s another practical win: you’re not left hunting for snorkeling supplies or worrying about basic comfort. The tour includes snorkel gear, bottled water, snacks, and an unlimited open bar setup. That turns a short trip into a day that feels cared for.

The 3-hour flow: El Arco, Pelican Rock, then relaxed sailing

This charter is about staying moving, but not feeling rushed. You’ll typically see three segments: a quick hit at Cabo’s most recognizable rock feature, a dedicated snorkeling stretch, and then open-water sailing time where the captain sets the rhythm.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (about 15 minutes)

El Arco is the photo magnet for a reason. Expect dramatic rock formations, the famous arch, and viewpoints that show Lovers Beach with both the Pacific side and the coastline context in view. The stop is short—about 15 minutes—so you’ll want to use it for photos and a quick look around rather than expecting a long wandering pause.

What you’ll enjoy here

• The best “Cabo postcard” moment early in the outing.
• A chance to orient yourself geographically, so later snorkeling and sailing feel more connected to what you’re seeing.

What to watch

• Because it’s brief, you’ll get more out of this stop if you go in with your photo plan ready: phone/camera charged, sunscreen on, and a quick check that you’re comfortable in the boat conditions.

Stop 2: Pelican Rock snorkeling (about 45 minutes)

Pelican Rock is where the tour turns from sightseeing to swimming. It’s only about 15 minutes from the marina area, and the water can be clear enough to make snorkeling feel rewarding for both newer swimmers and experienced snorkelers.

The standout detail here is the water clarity described for this site—clear water in the 20 to 25 ft range—plus the presence of friendly tropical fish. That matters because “good snorkeling” is not just about having water; it’s about actually seeing something once you’re in.

What snorkeling feels like at Pelican Rock

• A longer, dedicated window (around 45 minutes) to actually get comfortable in the water.
• You’re not forced to snorkel back-to-back with a bunch of other stops.

Possible drawback

• Like all ocean snorkeling, conditions can change. If visibility or water comfort isn’t great on your day, your captain may adjust how long you spend or where you float—so go with the flow.

The sailing portion: Cabo Bay, Sea of Cortez, Pacific

After the stops, the day shifts into relaxed sailing. Depending on wind and weather (and what the captain reads from the water), you might find yourself cruising through the Cabo San Lucas bay, then out toward routes that include the Sea of Cortez and views toward the Pacific Ocean.

Some charters lean more toward sailing movement, while others lean more toward cruising. Either way, this segment is the “exhale” part of the trip: less gear handling, more sitting back, drinks in hand, and looking at the coast from a perspective you can’t replicate from land.

What’s actually included onboard (and why it matters)

The included items here are not just checkboxes—they affect how enjoyable those 3 hours feel.

Open bar plus snacks: the day stays fun

You’ll have unlimited drinks (open bar), bottled water, and snacks while you’re on the boat. In practice, that means you can focus on the water instead of budgeting for refreshments mid-trip.

Food is lighter than a full sit-down meal, but it often hits the right notes for a short charter. One charter described fresh guacamole and sandwiches, and another mentioned a spread that included chips with salsa/guacamole plus fruit. This is the kind of simple food that works well when you’re switching between sailing, photos, and snorkeling.

Snorkel gear and paddleboard access

You get snorkel gear, so you’re not buying or renting equipment at the last minute. There’s also paddleboard use included, which is great if not everyone wants to snorkel the same way.

If you have a mixed group—someone who snorkels and someone who prefers to stay dry—paddleboard time gives you options without splitting the group.

Towels and rinse water: look for this comfort touch

Not listed in the core inclusions, but it shows up in how some captains run the day: warm water to rinse off and towels. When this is offered, it’s a big quality-of-life detail, especially when you’re leaving the marina and want to feel human again after salt water.

Crew matters: the difference between a boat trip and a cared-for charter

On private sailing, the crew isn’t background noise—they shape your day. The best part of this experience is how many captains and mates run the charter like it’s their job to keep you comfortable and safe while still letting you enjoy the freedom of a private boat.

You may meet captains and first mates such as Caesar, David, Gabriel, Angel, Alexis, Jorge, Manuel, and Ivan, with helpful mates like Oswaldo also showing up in crew descriptions. The names aren’t the point. The point is the pattern: captains take a hands-on approach, explain what you’re seeing, and adapt the order so you get what matters most to your group.

There’s also a trust factor. One charter story included a moment where an Apple Watch went to the bottom during the swim, and the crew worked on finding it even after snorkeling continued. That kind of follow-through is the difference between a tour where things happen to you, versus a tour where the crew actually looks after you.

Photo and swim timing: how to get the best shots at El Arco and Lovers Beach

El Arco and the Lovers Beach area are visual heavy hitters. The key is planning for quick windows and boat movement.

At El Arco (about 15 minutes), use the time like a quick stop, not a long hang. Snap your wide shots first, then rotate for angles that catch the arch shape and the coastline lines. If you want a clean photo, keep your boat body stable by waiting for a brief lull in motion before firing off your best shots.

Then think about your swim sequence. Lovers Beach is often discussed in the same breath as El Arco viewpoints, but your swim time is mostly focused on Pelican Rock. So if your main goal is underwater views, mentally file El Arco as the photos and orientation stop, and Pelican Rock as the swim reward stop.

Price and value: is $750 worth it for a private group of four?

This is where math helps.

The price is $750 per boat, for up to four people. If you split it among four adults, you’re paying a lot less per person than most private charters where groups of two get the same boat cost. If you’re two people, it’s still a splurge, but you’re buying time, flexibility, and a calmer atmosphere.

Here’s the value logic I’d use:

• You’re paying for privacy, meaning the captain can adjust the order and pace.
• You’re also paying for included essentials: open bar, snacks, snorkel gear, and paddleboard access.
• The itinerary covers both iconic sightseeing and actual snorkeling time, not just a quick dip.

So, the best deal is when you actually fill all four spots. If you’re a couple and can treat this as the main event of the day, it can still feel worth it because everything is on the boat and the time is compact.

Getting there: F Dock at the marina (and what to plan for)

You meet at F Dock, Cabo San Lucas Marina. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, so you’ll want to plan your arrival buffer and how you’ll get back after the tour.

Good news: the meeting point is described as being near public transportation, which can make it easier if you’re not staying within walking distance. Still, don’t assume last-minute taxi availability will be instant in peak times. Build in a cushion so the start doesn’t feel stressful.

Bring basics that matter for being on the water: sunscreen, a hat, and a plan for keeping your phone or camera secure during the swim portion.

Who this tour fits best (and who should pick something else)

This is a strong match if you want:

• Privacy with flexible choices during your 3 hours
• A mix of El Arco sightseeing and snorkeling with real visibility
• A group-friendly boat day with open bar and snacks

It’s also a good option for families with older kids, since children must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is described as suitable for most travelers, which usually means the pace and setup are not overly technical.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves every second to be strictly sailing-focused, you might want to ask the captain what the day’s wind and conditions look like once you’re aboard. Some charters lean more toward sailing movement, and some lean more toward cruising.

Should you book the Cabo San Lucas Private 38 ft Sailing Tour with Snorkeling?

If you want a Cabo boat day that feels tailored to your group, I’d say yes. The combination of private charter, a short iconic stop at El Arco, a longer snorkeling window at Pelican Rock, and included snorkel gear plus open bar makes it one of the more sensible ways to spend a half-day (really 3 hours) without adding a bunch of extras.

I’d only hesitate if you really depend on hotel pickup, or if you’re hoping for a long, slow sailing day regardless of wind. For most people, though, the balance here is the point: you get sights, you get water time, and you get enough comfort onboard to make it feel like a treat.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private boat?

The tour is private for your group and the price is per boat for up to 4 people.

How long is the sailing tour?

The duration is about 3 hours.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkel gear is included, so you don’t need to bring your own.

Is there an open bar on board?

Yes. The tour includes an open bar with unlimited drinks, plus bottled water and snacks.

Is there a fee for the sightseeing stops like El Arco and Pelican Rock?

Admission tickets for El Arco and Pelican Rock are listed as free.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You start at F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.