REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental all inclusive
Book on Viator →Operated by Papillon Yachts · Bookable on Viator
Sea lions, open bar, and Cabo views. This private yacht rental package gives you a full 3-hour day on the water with roundtrip transport and the kind of “order what you want” food-and-drink setup that makes the trip feel easy from start to finish.
I especially like the balance here: you get quick, iconic sightseeing at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, then you have real time to do your own thing at the Bay of Cabo area. My other favorite is the all-inclusive approach—lunch (quesadillas) plus an open bar, with snorkeling equipment and paddle boards included.
One thing to consider: the day can include a photo-upgrade moment, and at least a couple past experiences mention pushy charges or high prices, so I’d plan to ask up front and decide only if the value feels right.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you book
- Private yacht rental in Cabo: what you’re really buying
- Getting from Cabo San Lucas to the marina: transport that matters
- Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and the sea lion colony
- Pacific side cruising: beaches, views, and a break from the crowds
- Medano Beach, Bay of Cabo, and the 2-hour anchor time
- Food and open bar: the all-inclusive part that actually gets used
- Snorkeling gear and paddle boards: included fun, not add-ons
- The crew and captain: what good hosting looks like
- Photographer and photo charges: plan your boundaries
- Who this Cabo yacht day suits best
- A value check: is $1,450 a good deal?
- Should you book this Cabo San Lucas yacht rental all inclusive?
- FAQ
- How many people are in a Cabo yacht rental group?
- How long is the yacht rental experience?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- What’s included in the all-inclusive package?
- What stops are included during the trip?
- Is snorkeling and paddle boarding included?
- What drinks are available on the open bar?
- Are admission tickets included for the stops?
- Is tipping included, and can I cancel for a refund?
Key points to know before you book

- Private group charter (up to 6) means you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.
- El Arco + sea lions + Medano Bay time packs the main sights into a tight 3 hours.
- Snorkeling gear and paddle boards included so you’re not paying extra for basic water time.
- Open bar with multiple spirit options (tequila, vodka, rum) plus beer and wine.
- Lunch is included and it’s specifically listed as chicken & steak quesadillas with the fixings.
- Photo costs are separate and have been the main complaint in the feedback.
Private yacht rental in Cabo: what you’re really buying

This is a classic Cabo “do the highlights, then relax” setup. You’re paying for two big things: a boat day that stays private for your group, and an all-inclusive comfort layer (transport, food, drinks, and water gear) that removes a lot of small hassles.
At $1,450 per group for up to 6 people, the math gets sensible only if you fill the group. If you go with two or four people, the per-person cost rises fast—but the tradeoff is the boat still feels like your day, not a crowded experience.
The best version of this tour is the one where you treat it like a flexible “floating hangout” with scheduled sightseeing. You’ll see the famous places, but you’ll also get time anchored in the Bay of Cabo so you can swim, snorkel, and paddle board at your own pace.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
Getting from Cabo San Lucas to the marina: transport that matters

Your tour starts at Luxury Avenue Los Cabos, right by the marina area (Paseo de la Marina, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas). The listing notes it’s near public transportation, which is useful if you’re not renting a car.
What I like in the setup: you get private roundtrip transportation from Cabo San Lucas. For a lot of yacht days, getting to the marina is where the trip turns into a scramble—so this is one less thing for you to coordinate.
Also, the timing is built around your day. You can choose a morning or afternoon start time option, which helps if you’re pairing it with dinner plans or a beach morning.
Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and the sea lion colony
Right out of the gate you’ll cruise to El Arco de Cabo San Lucas for photos and a look at a large sea lion colony in its natural habitat. The stop is short—about 30 minutes—but it’s designed to hit the “you have to see this” moment without eating up the whole outing.
This is the stop that usually makes people book in the first place. El Arco is fast to photograph, but it has a way of turning into an event once you’re actually there. And the sea lions add texture: it’s not just a rock and a view, it’s wildlife you can watch without needing to guess where they might be.
Practical note: since the time block is brief, wear something comfortable for quick photo moments and be ready to move when the boat stops.
Pacific side cruising: beaches, views, and a break from the crowds

After El Arco, the boat heads toward the Pacific side for another 30 minutes. Admission there is listed as free, but the real point is the change in scenery and coastline views.
This portion works well because it breaks up the day: you’re not rushing nonstop from one fixed photo spot to the next. Instead, you get a moving “window” experience—looks and coastlines passing by while you settle into the trip.
If your group includes mixed interests—someone who wants icons, someone who just wants to relax—this is the part that usually keeps everyone happy.
Medano Beach, Bay of Cabo, and the 2-hour anchor time

This is where the tour shifts from sightseeing mode to your choice mode. You’ll come back toward the Bay of Cabo area via Medano Beach (the driving portion isn’t described in detail, but you’ll be on the water and then anchored).
You’re in a spot where you may see marine life like whales, turtles, and dolphins, and the tour explicitly frames it as a viewing opportunity. Even when you don’t spot big animals, the bay time still matters because it’s built around activities.
The key moment: you’ll anchor down in the Bay of Cabo for about 2 hours. That’s your window for whatever fits your day:
- swimming
- snorkeling (with the included equipment)
- paddle boarding (also included)
- relaxing, hanging out, and taking breaks between water time
Because it’s private, you can tell your captain what you want to prioritize—whether that’s whale watching, more time swimming, or shifting toward snorkeling.
One caution from real feedback: a past review mentioned that swimming in the area could feel busy and that kids were nearly run over by other boats while swimming. Even with a private charter, you may still be sharing the general water space with other activity. If you’re traveling with children, stick close to the crew-approved swim zone and be extra alert when boats pass nearby.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Cabo San Lucas
Food and open bar: the all-inclusive part that actually gets used

The lunch is clearly stated: chicken & steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and a fresh fruit platter. This is the kind of included meal that reduces decision fatigue. You’re not hunting for food between stops, and you don’t need to keep track of what’s “extra.”
You also get snacks like fruit plus additional grab-and-go items, which helps keep energy up during the activity-heavy bay time.
On drinks, the open bar is listed with multiple options: tequila, vodka, rum, beer, and wine. There are also mixers and juice options (cranberry, orange, pineapple) plus soda/pop. Translation: you can build a drink your way without needing to negotiate with a server every time.
A couple reviews also highlight that the crew kept drinks coming and that the overall mood stayed relaxed. That matches the vibe this tour is designed for: less “pay-per-thing” and more “you’re on a boat day, stay comfortable.”
Snorkeling gear and paddle boards: included fun, not add-ons

One of the smartest value points here is that the basics for water activities are included:
- snorkeling equipment
- paddle boards
That matters because it prevents the common problem with “all-inclusive” tours where snorkeling gear is technically offered but you pay for the good version or the timing doesn’t work. Here, the equipment and boards are specifically listed as included.
So when you arrive at the bay anchor time, you’re not stuck deciding whether the extra rental is worth it. You can just use what’s there and spend your mental energy on where you want to float, swim, or paddle.
The crew and captain: what good hosting looks like

The feedback pattern is strong on one theme: friendly, engaged crews. Names from reviews you might recognize include Captain Sergio and Ana (praised as knowledgeable hosts), and crews led by people like Miguel and his team.
You’ll also see references to specific staff members:
- Julio for on-time, efficient transport coordination
- photographers and crew who make the day feel organized (even when you’re doing things at sea)
Even without knowing who you’ll get, the tour clearly emphasizes an active host presence—someone guiding the boat, managing the schedule, and keeping the day moving without turning it into a rigid lecture.
Photographer and photo charges: plan your boundaries
This is the one part that needs extra attention. Multiple reviews reference a photographer and note that photo pricing can be high, with one report describing a surprise charge after photos and confusion around additional credit card charges.
At the same time, other feedback says photos are pricy but optional and that the day stays enjoyable even if you don’t buy. So the best approach is not to panic—it’s to set expectations.
What I’d do before you commit:
- ask what the photo package costs before any payment
- confirm how charges will appear on your credit card (if you use one)
- decide in the moment only if the price matches what you expected
If you care more about the experience than the picture package, you can still treat the photos as a bonus rather than the centerpiece.
Who this Cabo yacht day suits best
This tour fits best when your group wants a private boat day without spending the trip budgeting every item. I especially think it works for:
- couples who want a relaxed but scenic outing
- small groups (up to 6) who will actually share costs
- bachelorette groups and celebrations (reviews mention that kind of vibe)
- families who want a safe “activity window” but have an extra need for supervision during swimming time
If your group wants a long, slow expedition far offshore, this may feel short at only 3 hours total. But if you want the core Cabo highlights plus a real bay-time chunk, it’s a strong fit.
Also, because there are several start-time options, you can choose a schedule that fits your trip rhythm.
A value check: is $1,450 a good deal?
Let’s make this practical. The price is $1,450 per group (up to 6), about $242.50 per person when full.
What you get at that price isn’t just a boat:
- private roundtrip transportation
- lunch with quesadillas and sides
- open bar with multiple spirits, beer, and wine
- snorkeling equipment and paddle boards
- admission tickets included for key viewing points (El Arco and the Medano/Bay of Cabo segment)
So the value depends on how you travel. If you fill six seats and you’ll use snorkeling/paddle time and drinks, it starts to look like a “bundle” deal. If you go with fewer people and you plan to skip the bar, the cost per person can feel steep.
Should you book this Cabo San Lucas yacht rental all inclusive?
I’d book it if you want a private 3-hour Cabo boat day that mixes iconic sights (El Arco and sea lions) with a real Bay of Cabo activity window plus included food, drinks, and basic water gear. The crew energy described in the feedback is a big part of the appeal, and the open bar + lunch package means you don’t spend your trip doing logistics math.
I’d think twice if you strongly dislike surprise add-ons or you want crystal-clear boundaries around photography. Go in prepared to ask about photo pricing upfront, and keep an especially close eye during swim time if you have kids.
If you can round up a full group and you’re excited to snorkel or paddle board, this is the kind of Cabo outing that can feel like the “one day we planned right” on the whole trip.
FAQ
How many people are in a Cabo yacht rental group?
The experience is priced per group and is listed for up to 6 people.
How long is the yacht rental experience?
The duration is approximately 3 hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet at Luxury Avenue Los Cabos, Paseo de la Marina, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas, El Medano Ejidal, Marina, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
What’s included in the all-inclusive package?
You get lunch (chicken & steak quesadillas with guacamole, pico de Gallo, chips, and fruit), an open bar (tequila, vodka, rum, beer, wine), soda/juice mixers, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and all fees and taxes. Air-conditioned vehicle transportation is included as well.
What stops are included during the trip?
The route includes El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, a Pacific Coast viewing segment, and Medano Beach / Bay of Cabo time for swimming and snorkeling.
Is snorkeling and paddle boarding included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are included.
What drinks are available on the open bar?
The open bar lists tequila, vodka, rum, beer, and wine. Juice mixers and soda/pop are also included.
Are admission tickets included for the stops?
Yes. Admission tickets are included for El Arco (listed as included) and for the Medano Beach / Bay of Cabo segment (listed as included). The Pacific Coast segment is listed as free.
Is tipping included, and can I cancel for a refund?
Tips for the crew are not included. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
































