A jet ski day in Cabo feels like speed meets postcard views. This ride runs about 60 minutes on a Yamaha 2020–2022, starting right at El Medano Beach near El Arco, with coastal views and a good shot at seeing marine life (even humpback whales in winter months).

Two things I like a lot are the focus on the ride itself and the setting. You’re not tooling around far from the action, and the route is built around the famous arch area plus open water views from the bay.

One drawback to consider: the base price has extras, and rules are strict. You’ll likely want insurance (not included) and you should know cameras aren’t accepted, so photo time can cost extra if you care about getting shots.

Key highlights before you go

• El Arco start zone: You ride near the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, so the scenery starts early.
• Serious ride time: Plan for roughly 60 minutes on the water before you’re done.
• Marine-life possibility: You might spot wildlife, with humpbacks possible in winter months.
• Strict camera rule: No cameras allowed due to fall risk in the water.
• Price can climb: Insurance is separate, and photos usually cost extra.
• Small-ish group limit: Maximum 30 travelers, which helps keep things organized.

Entering the Medano Beach jet ski scene (near El Arco)

El Medano Beach is already a buzzy place, but this activity is aimed at the water traffic that matters to you: the bay views close to El Arco. That proximity is the whole point. Instead of spending your time far from Cabo’s headline landmark, you’re set up for the fun where the arch and shoreline scenery are part of the ride.

The start point is straightforward: you meet at El Medano Beach in Baja California Sur. The activity ends back at the same meeting spot, so you’re not left guessing about the return. It’s also listed as near public transportation, which matters if you’re mixing plans or coming from your hotel without a dedicated car.

The jet ski itself: Yamaha power, weight rules, and who can ride

This is a Yamaha 2020–2022 jet ski experience. That detail isn’t fluff. Newer equipment tends to mean fewer weird handling surprises, and it usually translates to more confidence when you’re weaving around other boats and focusing on the line for best views.

Here are the rules that affect your day:

• One or two riders can go on a single jet ski.
• Children over 10 can participate only if accompanied by an adult.
• Children over 16 can ride the double setup with an adult.
• Maximum weight is 300 lb for the jet ski.

If you’re planning the ride around friends or family, these age and weight limits are the big filters. They’re also the kind of items that can derail a day if you assume “everyone can try.” Check ages ahead of time, then plan your who-rides-when expectations.

The ride is offered in English, which is useful if you’re the type who wants quick clarity on safety and timing without guessing.

The 60-minute route: what each stop means for your photos and adrenaline

This tour keeps it simple: you’re on the water, you’re riding, and the stops are tied to the best visual moments.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

The first stop is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. This is where you get the payoff for choosing a jet ski here instead of a slower water activity. The arch is one of Cabo’s signature sights, and riding close to it is the difference between seeing it and feeling like you’re in the middle of it.

Practical reality check: if you’re hoping for perfect photos on your own camera, this is where the strict camera rule becomes important. Cameras aren’t accepted due to the risk of falling into the water, so if you want pictures of the arch, you’ll be leaning on the vendor’s photo options.

Stop 2: Medano Beach

The second stop is Medano Beach. That’s not just a “back where you started” waypoint. It’s part of how the ride feels: coastal views, bay conditions, and the familiar Medano shoreline rhythm that keeps you oriented while you’re moving fast on open water.

Also, Medano is known for active marine presence. The experience notes that you might encounter marine fauna on the way, and it even calls out humpback whales in winter months. You shouldn’t plan your day like a whale guarantee, but if wildlife is a priority, this timing and location make sense.

Water time value: what “about 1 hour” really means

“About 1 hour” is a fair marketing phrase, but it matters how you set expectations. Jet ski time is typically the period you’re actively riding; prep and fitting life jackets usually eat some time too, but you’re still budgeting a short excursion.

This is one reason the ride pairs well with a Cabo day that already has landmarks. You’re not committing a half-day. You’re grabbing a focused dose of speed and views, then you’re free to eat, wander, or hit another activity.

One more tip: because the ride is booked fairly ahead (around 25 days on average), you’ll usually want to pick your time window early if you have a specific schedule goal.

Safety and gear: life jackets, guide support, and camera limits

This experience includes life jackets and guide support. That combination is a big deal for a short, adrenaline-forward activity. You want someone guiding the flow and you want your basic safety gear to be provided so you’re not hunting for it on your own.

The camera rule is the most inconvenient part for people who love handheld souvenirs. Cameras are not accepted because of the risk of falling into the water. That means you can’t casually keep a phone in a case and hope for the best. You’ll need to either accept the no-camera reality or plan on vendor photos if offered.

There’s also a maximum group size of 30 travelers, which helps with how smoothly the session runs. It’s not a private ride by default, but smaller limits usually mean less chaos at the start.

Price breakdown: $140 per group plus the real add-ons

The base price is $140.00 per group (up to 2) for approximately 1 hour. That’s a clear structure: you’re paying for the jet ski session per group, not per rider in a complicated way.

But here’s the part that can change the “value” math fast: insurance is not included and is listed at $40.00 per person. If you’re riding with a second adult, you may pay that insurance cost for both, depending on how it’s applied to your party. So your total can land noticeably higher than the headline price.

Then there’s photo cost. Reviews mention photos cost $25 for one photo or $50 for them all. The experience itself doesn’t list photo prices in the core summary, but the reviews do make it clear that photo add-ons can be a deciding factor for cost.

My practical advice: decide what you’re buying this for.

• If you mainly want the ride and the views, the base session can feel like decent value.
• If you’re a souvenir-photo person, budget extra before you arrive so you don’t get surprised at the end.

Service quality: what the reviews suggest, including the uncomfortable story

The overall rating is 3.9 from 7 reviews, which usually means you’ll get both great and messy experiences.

The most praised themes are consistent:

• Great communication and strong customer service from arrival to departure
• Starting on time and keeping the day moving
• The views from the ride and the arch photo opportunities
• A sense that the ocean water felt less crowded than you’d fear, with fewer other jet skis out while riding

One review also highlights a big practical win: they mention the company helped take a son and a family friend out to the arch and captured good photos. That suggests the team may be organized about getting people positioned for the best shots within the limits of not carrying your own camera.

Now the caution part. One review is extremely negative and claims equipment breakdown, poor handling during rescheduling, and questionable card handling by the operator. I can’t verify claims like that, but it’s a serious data point. If you book, I’d use simple guardrails:

• Ask how payments are handled and keep your own card control when possible.
• If there’s any delay or equipment issue, ask for the plan in clear terms immediately.
• Don’t assume you’ll be automatically rescheduled without hassles.

In other words: the ride can be excellent, but you should treat it like any adventure activity and keep your expectations flexible.

Who should book this jet ski ride (and who should skip)

This excursion is best for people who want speed and want the ride to be part of the sightseeing. The El Arco proximity is the main draw, and the 60-minute format fits people who don’t want a long, slow tour.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You’re comfortable riding a jet ski (or ready for a short guided session)
• You care about views around Cabo’s arch rather than just “being on the water”
• You’re okay with vendor photos instead of carrying your own camera
• Your group fits the age and weight rules (especially for anyone under 16 or near the 300 lb limit)

You might skip or reconsider if:

• You’re camera-dependent and hate the idea of no personal photos
• You’re sensitive to additional costs once you arrive (insurance, optional photo packages)
• You need very predictable scheduling with zero risk of delays (adventure equipment can fail anywhere)

Timing tips in Cabo: weather, wildlife, and planning your day

The experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because jet ski days are weather-dependent, and you don’t want a rigid itinerary that can’t flex.

If wildlife is a bucket-list goal, note the winter hint. The description mentions humpback whales in winter months. You shouldn’t count on it, but it’s at least a reason to choose timing carefully rather than assuming any month is equally likely.

Finally, with a small cap of 30 travelers, you’ll have a smoother experience if you show up ready. Don’t plan a tight connection right before your start time.

Should you book CalypsoTrip’s El Medano jet ski?

I’d book if you want a fast, scenic Cabo experience anchored around El Arco, and you’re okay with vendor-provided life jackets and a no-personal-camera rule. The ride time is strong for a short outing, and the best reviews point to real scenery payoff plus good organization.

I wouldn’t book if you’re trying to keep costs minimal or you dislike the idea of extra charges like insurance and photo add-ons. And if you’re booking for a group with kids, double-check the age rules early so nobody gets stuck on the wrong side of a requirement.

If you like speed, want Cabo’s arch right in your ride, and can handle a few adventure-activity realities, this is a fun way to spend an hour at Medano Beach.

FAQ

Where does the jet ski activity start and end?

It starts at El Medano Beach, Baja California Sur, Mexico, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the jet ski ride?

The experience runs for about 1 hour.

How much does it cost?

The price is $140.00 per group (up to 2).

Is transportation included?

No. Air-conditioned vehicle transportation is not included in the tour price.

Is insurance included in the price?

No. Insurance costs $40.00 per person and is not included.

Can children ride?

Children over 10 can participate only if accompanied by an adult. For the double jet ski setup, children must be over 16 to ride with an adult.

Are cameras allowed during the ride?

No. Cameras are not accepted due to the risk of falling into the water.

What’s the ride weight limit?

The maximum weight for the jet ski is 300 lb.

What 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.

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