The Arch of Cabo makes you feel like you’re already winning. This private Phantom II outing pairs a scenic cruise from the marina with real fishing time, plus a crew that keeps the day moving. You’ll spend about 5 hours on the water, from an easy morning start to an end back at the same dock.

I especially like the way the trip balances scenery and action: you’re up to the fishing grounds in about 20 to 30 minutes, then you keep casting while the crew works to put you on fish. I also like the clarity around catch-and-release for marlin and sailfish, with the option to keep one as a trophy.

One thing to watch: start timing and pickup can be confusing. The experience can list a later start time, but you’ll get the best start if you arrive early, and it’s worth confirming transportation expectations in advance.

Key highlights before you go

• Private boat for up to 8 people, so the day feels custom rather than crowded.
• Fast run to the grounds (about 20 to 30 minutes), leaving more time to fish.
• Arch of Cabo cruise first, so you get the iconic photo moment before you work for dinner.
• Crew effort for marlin action, including Captain Jose and crew members Mario and Javier.
• Marlin and sailfish catch-and-release, with a trophy option if you want.
• All the core gear is included, so you’re not hunting for equipment day-of.

Cruise Under the Arch of Cabo Before You Fish

Cabo San Lucas has a talent for making mornings feel cinematic, and this trip wastes no time delivering that. You start at the marina’s dock and head out with the Arch of Cabo right on the route. It’s the kind of sight that quickly turns a “let’s go fishing” day into a “wow, we’re in Cabo” day.

Even if you care only about fishing, that early cruise has value. It’s time to get oriented on the boat, settle in with the crew, and make sure everyone’s comfortable before lines hit the water. It also helps you time the day. If you’re the type who likes knowing what’s coming, this schedule gives you a quick, satisfying first chapter before the fishing grind.

5 Hours That Focus on Time on the Water

This is an approximately 5-hour experience, and the way it’s paced matters. You’re not spending the whole day stuck at the dock or slowly cruising for hours before anything happens. After the arch moment, you’re on the way to the fishing grounds fast, typically in 20 to 30 minutes.

That “get there quickly” approach is what you want if:

• you’re booking a once-in-Cabo day
• you want a serious shot at multiple bites
• you’d rather maximize fishing time than stretch the outing

The return trip is built the same way—roughly the same time back to the marina—so you still get coastal views on the way in, not just a tired ride after the best action.

What Happens at the Fishing Grounds

Once you reach the grounds, the day turns into real sportfishing mode. You’ll be free to fish for a variety of species, while the crew handles the big-game rules and the tactics that can help you connect.

Here’s the key point for your expectations: your day isn’t just “cast and hope.” The crew is actively involved. On this boat, Captain Jose and crew members Mario and Javier are specifically highlighted for chasing marlin to increase the odds of action for the group. That matters, because in big-game fishing, location and timing often drive results as much as skill.

Also, you’re on a private boat, so the crew can focus on your group’s pace. If you want to keep lines in the water as long as possible, you’re not sharing attention with a dozen other passengers.

Marlin and Sailfish: Catch-and-Release Rules That Are Clear

The biggest question most anglers ask is what happens with the species people travel for. For marlin and sailfish, the standard is catch-and-release. If you’d like to keep one as a trophy, the option is there under the trip’s policy.

This is a good setup because it gives you two different kinds of satisfaction:

• the sport of a high-profile catch that’s released responsibly
• the chance to take home a trophy if you want that particular keepsake

One practical tip: if trophy-keeping is important to you, decide early in the day. Don’t wait until the last bite. Even if the crew explains the process during the trip, earlier clarity reduces stress when the action is happening fast.

Some catches from past days include edible fish like bonita, alongside marlin. That’s not a guarantee, but it shows the trip can produce a mix—enough for both the thrill and the idea of taking something home.

The Arch-to-Return Schedule and Why It’s Built That Way

I like schedules that don’t feel like filler. This one has a simple logic:

1) Get the iconic Cabo moment early (the arch).

2) Reach fishing grounds quickly so your best fishing hours are actually on the water.

3) Come back at a similar pace, so you still see the coast while wrapping up.

The drawback to long rides is that your body and focus can fade by the time anything happens. This format tries to keep energy high. If you’re the kind of person who wants the day to feel like one continuous push—from sightseeing to casting to cruising back—this plan fits that.

Gear, Outriggers, and a Bilingual Crew

You don’t have to bring fishing gear. The trip includes:

• professional fishing gear
• outriggers
• lifejackets
• a bilingual crew

That list matters more than it sounds. Outriggers, for example, are part of how lines are spread and presented for offshore species. If you show up on an unfamiliar boat, the less you have to figure out yourself, the better. Included gear also reduces the risk of arriving unprepared, which is a real stress-saver when you’re on vacation.

Lifejackets being provided is also part of the baseline comfort. And since the crew is bilingual, you’re more likely to get instructions that you can actually use quickly—especially when a crew is trying to keep the action moving.

Price: What $1,015 Means for Up to 8 People

The price is $1,015 per group for up to 8 people. On paper, that can look steep until you do the math.

If you fill the boat, it’s about $127 per person. If you don’t fill it, the cost per person climbs. So value depends on your group size.

For me, the value case here is the combination of:

• a private setup (only your group)
• a focused 5-hour window
• included gear and a crew that’s actively working the hunt

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you might find it more expensive than a shared boat—because you’re paying for the privacy. If you’re traveling with a family or a group of friends who actually want the boat to themselves, it can be a strong deal for the experience level you’re getting.

Start Time Reality: Arrive Early for the Best Day

One of the most practical tips from past anglers: even if the listed start time says 7am, you’ll want to get there earlier—before 6am—to get the best start.

That’s not about being anxious. It’s about momentum. When you arrive early, you reduce waiting, you get your gear situation handled faster, and you give yourself buffer time for anything that pops up at a marina.

And because there was also some confusion in at least one case about whether transportation was included (and where pickup would happen), I strongly recommend you confirm expectations ahead of time. If you’re planning your day tightly, make the call early so you’re not scrambling later.

Who This Trip Suits Best

This is a great fit if you:

• care about big-game sportfishing and understand marlin/sailfish are typically released
• want a private boat for a group of up to 8
• prefer a schedule that pushes you out to the fishing grounds quickly
• like having a crew actively working the hunt (Captain Jose and crew members Mario and Javier are noted for chasing marlin action)

It’s also a good choice if you want a mix of nature and sport. The arch cruise and coastal views give you something beyond the rods, especially if part of your group is excited to see Cabo from the water.

If you’re traveling alone and you’re purely fishing-focused, you may want to compare other options based on your budget. Privacy is the selling point here, and you’ll only feel that advantage if you’re bringing enough people to share the group cost.

Should You Book Phantom II Exclusive Fishing in Cabo?

I’d book this if your goal is a private, action-oriented Cabo fishing day with a real focus on getting out to the grounds quickly. The combination of an Arch of Cabo departure, included offshore fishing setup, and clear marlin/sailfish handling makes it easier to plan and easier to enjoy.

I wouldn’t book it if:

• you’re counting on a smooth hotel-to-boat pickup without confirming details
• your group is very small and the per-person cost would feel uncomfortable
• you need a fully carefree day with no early arrival requirement

If you can handle a little planning—arrive early, confirm transportation expectations, and be ready for the catch-and-release rules—this is the kind of Cabo outing that can turn into a story you’ll keep telling.

FAQ

How long is the Phantom II exclusive fishing trip?

It runs for about 5 hours.

What’s the group size for this private tour?

It’s a private tour/activity, limited to your group, with up to 8 people per group.

Are marlin and sailfish released?

Marlin and sailfish are handled under a catch-and-release policy, unless you want to keep one as a trophy.

What’s included in the price?

The trip includes professional fishing gear, outriggers, lifejackets, and a bilingual crew.

What isn’t included?

Fishing licenses (for one person) and crew gratuities are not included.

Where do we meet?

You’ll meet at the East Dock E Dock at the Marina in Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

If you want, tell me your group size and whether you’ll need pickup from a hotel, and I’ll help you sanity-check the value and timing.

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