Private Cabo 35ft cat experience Food and open bar included!

A Cabo boat day feels simple until you’re on your own private deck. This private sailing catamaran experience packs the iconic photo spots with real swim time, all with a laid-back crew vibe.

I especially like the mix of iconic views and active water time: you’ll see El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and then spend the best part of the trip near Pelican Rock. The other thing I like is the comfort level for a group day—your boat has onboard restrooms and an MP3/iPod setup so the mood stays good.

One thing to plan for: snorkeling can depend on water clarity and conditions. If visibility isn’t perfect that day, you’ll still have the SUP and the floating water mat to keep things fun.

Key Points Before You Go

• Private sailing on your schedule: your group stays together with no crowds on board.
• Iconic Cabo in quick hits: pass Lover’s Beach and get right up to El Arco for selfies.
• Pelican Rock is the main water stop: expect snorkeling plus great scenery and sea-life spotting.
• Fun water mat and SUP are included: less “sit and watch,” more “play in the water.”
• Open bar + snacks: ice coolers, mixers, and Mexican burritos help keep the day effortless.

Private Catamaran Vibes in Cabo San Lucas Bay

This is a true private boat outing with la Isla Tour, sized for a small group and built for cruising, anchoring, and hanging out. You’ll spend about 3.5 to 4 hours on the water (the tour info lists around 3 hours 30 minutes, and the experience is described as a 4-hour sailing cruise), cruising Cabo San Lucas Bay and stopping at the parts that matter for photos and swimming.

What makes the day work is the balance. You get the Cabo classics—Arch, Pelican Rock, and the Lover’s Beach area—without spending the whole time just staring from the deck. Then you get real “get your feet wet” time with included gear, a water mat, and a paddle board.

Group size: great for families, but double-check capacity

Here’s the one detail I’d verify before you lock it in: the tour description says seating for up to 12, but the additional info lists a maximum of 8 people on the boat. Pricing is per group up to 15, but your on-board comfort and actual capacity may be closer to that 8-person limit. When it’s your vacation, it’s worth confirming the exact number allowed for your departure.

Where You Meet at G Dock (No Hotel Pickup)

You’ll start at G Dock, Centro, Cabo San Lucas (23450) and the tour ends back at the same spot. There’s no hotel pickup, so build in time to get to the dock on your own.

Good news: the meeting point is near public transportation, and if you’re arriving by cruise ship, the dock is about a 10-minute walk from the port (or a short taxi ride). That means fewer moving parts and less time wasted on van shuttles.

A practical timing tip

If you can, show up a little early. Boarding on a catamaran is quick, but you’ll want a couple minutes to get sunscreen on, make sure you have towels, and get settled before you cast off.

The Iticonic Cabo Stops: Arch Views to Pelican Rock Snorkeling

The day is built around a simple idea: hit the biggest sights first, then make time for the water.

Playa de los Amantes (Pass By)

You’ll pass by Playa de los Amantes, one of the most visited beaches in America. Think of this as a scenic opener. You’ll get views and photos without turning the trip into a long beach stop.

What to expect: good photo angles, lots of classic Cabo “this is why we’re here” moments, and an easy transition into cruising.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (5 minutes, admission included)

Then you get the money shot: a stop to visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. The itinerary even calls out taking selfies here, and it makes sense. The Arch is the Cabo symbol, and seeing it from the right water angle is a big part of the appeal.

The catch: five minutes passes fast. If your group wants photos with different backgrounds (some people want the wide shot, others want close-ups), make a quick plan before you hop in.

Pelican Rock (about 1 hour 30 minutes, admission included)

This is the core water-and-wildlife stop. Pelican Rock is described as a dramatic rock formation with clear water and colorful sea life, and this is where snorkeling time happens. The experience also notes cruising around until you reach calmer areas and a spot where the water is more favorable for swimming.

A key detail for your expectations: snorkeling quality can vary. Some groups have found snorkeling to be limited when water clarity isn’t great. Still, even in those moments, you’ll have the SUP and the floating mat to keep the fun going without relying only on underwater visibility.

Sea Lions, Quiet Anchors, and the Water Mat Playground

Even when the group is just relaxing, the boat format helps. You’re not stuck on a crowded public tour deck. Your space feels more like a private hangout that also happens to be floating.

The experience highlights mention a sea lion colony, and that’s usually where you get that wow factor of Cabo wildlife up close—time to snap photos and watch them do their thing. If your goal is wildlife photos without booking a full-on wildlife boat, this stop hits that need.

The included floating mat is a big deal

One of the most consistently praised parts of this kind of cruise is the built-in play option: a floating water mat where you can lie back, float, and jump in. It’s great for mixed ages because it doesn’t require skill. You can be active or just hang out.

If you’ve got kids, or adults who want something more than just snorkeling, the mat makes the day feel like an actual vacation activity instead of a sightseeing checklist.

Stand-up paddle boarding (included)

You’ll also have stand-up paddleboarding included. SUP is a nice change of pace from snorkeling because you see the coastline and rock formations from a different angle while still staying in “today we’re in Cabo” mode.

If conditions aren’t perfect for paddling, don’t panic. You can usually fall back to lounging on the mat and enjoying the slower sailing moments.

Food and Open Bar: What’s Included and How It Helps the Day

This tour aims for a no-stress day at sea. You get ice coolers with ice, soft drinks, bottled water and mixers, plus chips and salsas. Alcoholic beverages are included too, and there are Mexican burritos as snacks.

On a private boat, this matters more than you’d think. When you’re not constantly buying drinks or figuring out food, you stay in the mood. You also avoid the common vacation problem where someone runs out of water or food halfway through the fun.

Comfort details that make a difference

The boat is described as well-appointed, with:

• a restroom on board
• an MP3/iPod port for music

A restroom is a small detail that becomes huge on a multi-stop cruise. Music helps too because it turns the trip into your group’s vibe, not just “we’re listening to wind and chatter.”

Price and Value: $2,235 for a Private Day on the Water

At $2,235 per group (up to 15), the price is definitely not “cheap,” but it’s also not a crazy splurge if you’re comparing it to the cost of paying for multiple separate activities.

Here’s the honest way to think about value: you’re paying for privacy, a small-group boat format, and included fun. The essentials—snorkeling gear, paddle board, the floating mat, drinks, and burritos—are baked in.

The math changes based on how many people are actually on board. If you’re closer to the 8-person max, the cost is roughly $280 per person. If you somehow get the group closer to the higher seating number, the per-person rate drops. Since the info lists both an up-to-12 seating detail and an 8-person max, I’d base your budget on the lower number and confirm what applies to your date.

Why private is worth it in Cabo

Cabo’s popular water spots get busy. Private time gives you:

• more control over how long you hang in the water
• easier photo breaks without a crowd pushing the flow
• a calmer experience for families and mixed-age groups

If you’re traveling with people who don’t want the “line up, rush, repeat” feel, private wins.

What the Crew Really Makes Easier

The experience runs smoothly because the crew focuses on safe, practical fun. You’ll get help setting up snorkeling and SUP time, and the pacing is designed so you’re not stuck waiting while the boat handles logistics.

You may also notice the crew working hard to make the day feel special beyond the stops—some groups have shared that the crew helped them see sea life like whales when conditions aligned. You can’t bank on specific wildlife every day, but the attitude is consistent: they keep an eye on what’s out there and adjust the experience toward the best opportunities.

Also, several past groups have talked about a professional photographer taking photos onboard. Even if photography isn’t the main reason you book, it can be a nice bonus when everyone gets a turn in the right light on the water.

Practical Tips: How to Prepare for a Great Water Day

Here are the small things that keep the day comfortable.

• Bring sunscreen and a hat. Sun hits fast on open water.
• Pack towels and a bathing suit you can switch into quickly.
• Bring sunglasses with a secure strap if you plan to use the SUP.
• If you’re going later in the day, bring a light jacket. A group shared that it can feel chilly toward the end, especially when the sun drops.

If anyone in your party is sensitive to motion, tell the crew early. There are examples of the team adjusting plans to keep everyone comfortable, and it’s the kind of proactive communication that keeps your day from turning into a stressful one.

Should You Book This Private Cabo Catamaran?

I’d book it if you want a small-group, private Cabo water day with real included play time. It’s especially good for:

• families with kids who want the mat and SUP more than a long snorkeling-only plan
• groups of friends who care about comfort and not sharing space with strangers
• people who want iconic Cabo scenery with less hassle

I might think twice if your whole plan depends on top-tier snorkeling visibility every time. Water clarity can be hit-or-miss depending on conditions, and while snorkeling is included, you’ll have the mat and SUP as your backup plan.

If you do book, my advice is simple: confirm the actual on-board capacity for your group size (since the details list both up to 12 seating and a max of 8), show up ready to play, and plan your Arch photos quickly so you don’t miss the best water time.

FAQ

How long is the private Cabo catamaran cruise?

The experience is listed at about 3 hours 30 minutes. It’s also described as a private 4-hour sailing cruise, so expect roughly that time on the water.

What’s the maximum number of people on the boat?

The additional info notes a maximum of 8 people on the boat. The overview also mentions seating up to 12, so it’s worth confirming the exact capacity for your specific booking.

What’s included in the open bar and snacks?

You’ll have alcoholic beverages, plus ice coolers with ice, soft drinks, bottled water, and mixers. Snacks included are Mexican burritos, and you’ll also have chips and salsas.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with a paddle board, a floating mat, and ice coolers for drinks.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes. The boat has a private restroom onboard.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks. The tour already includes water and other items, but bringing extras is allowed.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Yes, you may bring your own alcohol as well. The tour also provides alcoholic beverages.

What type of boat is used?

The tour uses a comfortable 32-foot custom-made catamaran.

Where do we meet, and is it near the cruise port?

You meet at G Dock, Centro, Cabo San Lucas. If you’re on a cruise, the dock is about a 10-minute walk from the cruise port, or you can take a taxi.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, towels, bathing suits, and sunglasses. If you want additional food or drinks beyond what’s provided, you can bring those too.