Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo

REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo

  • 5.031 reviews
  • From $2,000.00
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Operated by Papillon Yachts · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (31)Price from$2,000.00Operated byPapillon YachtsBook viaViator

Cabo, but from a yacht deck. I like how this 42-foot Pura Vida setup mixes real time on the water (kayak, paddleboard, floating mat, snorkel gear) with an open bar and snacks that keep the vibe easy. You’re not stuck watching from the rail all afternoon—you get options.

One consideration: the cruise runs about 3 hours, and like most sea days, it depends on weather for smooth operation. Also, the open bar is only for 18+.

Key things to know before you book

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Key things to know before you book

  • Open bar plus lots of mixers: rum, tequila, vodka, beer, juices, and drink mixers for margaritas and more
  • Stop-by-stop water time: you get a full hour at El Arco with snorkel gear and paddle/kayak-style toys
  • Photo-friendly Cabo routes: the itinerary includes time built around the arch area and Cabo’s coastline
  • Snacks and a proper lunch on board: fruit, charcuterie board, quesadillas, sashimi, and ceviche are part of the included meal plan
  • Private group experience: it’s set up as a private tour for your group (priced per group up to 8)

A 42-Foot Cabo Yacht Cruise That Feels Like Your Own Schedule

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - A 42-Foot Cabo Yacht Cruise That Feels Like Your Own Schedule
This isn’t the kind of Cabo trip where you race from one crowded stop to the next. The appeal here is simple: you’re on a 42-foot yacht cruising the Cabo San Lucas area, with a crew that keeps things moving and gives you choices. If you want calm, you can chill. If you want action, you can use the water toys.

The “all inclusive” part is not just marketing fluff. Your time includes an open bar, snacks, and a lunch that’s listed clearly, not just a token bite. When a tour handles food and drinks on the water, it’s usually the difference between a fun day and a stressful one.

The other thing I like is flexibility. During the Medano Beach stop, the plan is open-ended enough that you’re not forced into one tight box. And you can tell the captain what you want to prioritize—if it’s a particular spot or a photo moment.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas

What’s Included: Open Bar, Snacking, and Lunch You’ll Actually Notice

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - What’s Included: Open Bar, Snacking, and Lunch You’ll Actually Notice
Let’s talk about the part that most people care about: the food and drinks. The included setup covers both alcohol and non-alcohol options, with an open bar that lists the basics plus mixers.

On the drink side, you’re looking at:

  • rum, tequila, vodka, beer
  • juices (orange, pineapple, cranberry)
  • mixers for cocktails like margaritas
  • soda/pop and bottled water are also included

On the snack side, expect a classic “we’re out on the water, so here’s the good stuff” mix:

  • cheese quesadillas
  • guacamole, pico de gallo, and chips

And then there’s lunch. This is where a lot of yacht tours either under-deliver or get vague. Here, the included lunch list is specific: fresh fruit, a charcuterie board, steak & chicken quesadillas, plus sashimi and ceviche. That’s a fairly complete lunch spread for a roughly half-day on the water.

There is a possible add-on: upgraded food options (chicken/meat fajitas and ceviche) are listed as $19.90 per person, and you’re asked to confirm in advance. There’s also mention of upgraded top-shelf bottles available for purchase on board or in advance. So if your group is into specific liquor brands, plan that into your budget.

The value angle here is clear: you’re not paying separately for basic drinks, food bites, and lunch while you’re already paying for the yacht experience. For groups that want a “one price, one party” vibe, this is the right structure.

The Route: El Arco, Medano Beach, and Pacific Coast Photo Time

The itinerary is built around three one-hour segments, and each one has a different feel.

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

This is the active water stop. You’ll have water toys staged in the bay of Cabo San Lucas—kayak, paddle board, and floating mat are described as being ready. Snorkel equipment is also part of this stop, with the note that clean gear is available.

Why this matters: El Arco is the headline sight in Cabo. Spending dedicated time there, with actual water activities, is how you avoid the common “we drove by it” problem. If your group wants both photos and time in the water, this first stop is where it happens.

A drawback to consider: since this is the water-toy hour, it can be a bit “go time” for people who want a super slow pace the whole trip. If you’re that kind of traveler, you can still hang back—but you’ll likely notice the energy shifts toward activity here.

Stop 2: Medano Beach (about 1 hour)

Medano Beach is a flexible stop, and that’s the point. The plan says travelers can choose their destinations, while the captain and crew offer recommendations.

This is a good fit if you want options. Medano is the kind of area where the best plan depends on what your group likes: a swim, a walk, or just settling into a beachy view while the yacht team runs the show.

One practical consideration: a one-hour beach window can feel short, especially if you want to do anything beyond staying close to the water. For mixed groups (couples plus friends), this stop often works best when everyone agrees ahead of time on the vibe: active or chill.

Stop 3: Pacific Coast (about 1 hour)

The final hour is focused on scenery and pictures, with the itinerary mentioning getting nice photos by the arch and specifically referencing a luxury yacht Papillon 6.

Even if you’re not obsessed with photo ops, the final segment is useful because it keeps the day from ending abruptly after the active El Arco stop. You get a last stretch to enjoy the coastline and wrap up the experience without it turning into a rushed departure.

Possible drawback: if your group’s favorite thing is being in the water, the Pacific Coast stop may feel more relaxed than El Arco. That’s not bad—it’s just a different rhythm.

Water Toys: Paddleboards, Kayaks, Floating Mats, and Snorkel Gear

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Water Toys: Paddleboards, Kayaks, Floating Mats, and Snorkel Gear
Here’s the real reason this cruise earns strong reviews: the water toys are not an afterthought.

You can choose from:

  • paddle boards
  • kayaks
  • floating mat
  • snorkel equipment

In the El Arco stop description, the gear is framed as being ready in the bay. The snorkel kit is also described as full and clean, which matters because nobody wants to deal with questionable gear when you just want to get in the water.

What I’d watch for: not everyone in a group wants to snorkel or paddle. This is where the “private group” format helps. You can split your time—some people go out, others watch from the boat deck, and everyone can still enjoy the cruise itself.

And if your group includes people who are less confident in the water, floating mats can be a nice middle ground. It’s not “training wheels,” but it’s a gentler option than a full-on active snorkel plan.

Service Style: How the Crew Keeps the Day Rolling

The strongest theme from the experiences shared is crew energy—friendly, attentive, and quick to respond. Names come up again and again, which is usually a good sign you’re dealing with a team that shows up consistently.

I’ve seen the same style of feedback linked to specific crew members, like:

  • Patricio and Moy
  • Marco, Adan, and Adalid (especially with bachelorette-style celebrations)
  • Allan and Moises (noted for keeping the party going in a family group setting)
  • Alexis and Edgar
  • Nicole, Denise, and Moses
  • Julio, Captain Miguel, Alex, and Alberto

The practical takeaway: good crews aren’t just smiling—they’re managing the flow. They make sure drinks stay filled, food shows up when people are ready, and the group isn’t left scrambling for what’s next.

For celebrations, there’s also a clear pattern of extra effort. One review-style account describes boat decoration for a bachelorette trip, plus special touches. So if you’re planning an engagement, birthday, or bachelorette day, this cruise can work well as a ready-made celebration platform.

Price and Value: Why $2,000 Per Group Can Make Sense

Pricing is listed at $2,000 per group (up to 8), with an average booking window of about 29 days in advance. That means you’re not paying per person in the usual Cabo math. You’re paying for a yacht charter experience for your group size.

So how do you judge value?

  • If you compare this to a typical Cabo day where you’d pay separately for boat time, drinks, and food, the “included open bar + lunch + water toys” package changes the equation fast.
  • The fact that the included meal list is specific (charcuterie board, quesadillas, sashimi, ceviche) makes it feel more like a planned onboard service than a basic snack stop.
  • The open bar listing includes multiple spirits plus juice options and mixers, which is exactly what groups want when they’re ordering drinks all afternoon.

The main budgeting watch-outs are the possible add-ons:

  • upgraded food options at $19.90 per person (confirm ahead)
  • top-shelf bottles available for purchase

If your group will drink and eat normally on vacation—and you want water toys without extra rental fees—this price format often lands in the “reasonable” zone for a private yacht day.

Where You Meet: Lorenzillo’s and Getting on the Water Smoothly

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Where You Meet: Lorenzillo’s and Getting on the Water Smoothly
You start and end back at the meeting point near Lorenzillo’s on Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas in Centro, Cabo San Lucas.

The tour also uses a mobile ticket, which is easy on travel days when you don’t want to track paper. It’s also described as having near public transportation access, plus private transportation is included.

One useful detail from accounts shared: some groups were supported with extra timing help—like being taken to a beachfront restaurant before being picked up when they were ready for the cruise. That kind of flexibility can reduce stress if your day in Cabo runs on a loose schedule.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Who Should Book This Cruise?
This works best when your group wants:

  • a private yacht setting
  • an easy “food and drinks are handled” day
  • access to snorkel gear and water toys without extra rentals

It also fits celebrations. Reviews mention bachelorette and engagement trips, and the crew support shows up in those accounts, including attention to special moments.

It’s also a good option for couples who want a scenic Cabo route but don’t want a bare-bones “sit and sip” tour. With water toys and a serious included lunch, you’re not stuck waiting for the next photo moment.

If your group is very set on a very specific itinerary (one exact beach or one exact snorkeling site), you’ll want to communicate priorities early. The cruise notes you can tell the captain destinations you want to tour, which helps make the day feel less generic.

Weather and Timing: The Calm Plan Behind the Fun

The experience is described as requiring good weather. That’s normal for sea days, and it’s worth respecting. If the cruise gets canceled due to poor weather, the plan is to offer a different date or a full refund.

Timing is roughly steady:

  • 3 hours total
  • three stops, about 1 hour each

So you should expect a well-paced half-day, not an all-day ocean crawl. If you’re using this as your main Cabo activity day, plan the rest of your schedule with enough slack for photos, beach time, and the general “vacation rhythm.”

Should You Book Pura Vida Yacht 42 ft?

If you want a Cabo cruise with open bar, real onboard food, and actual water toys, you should seriously consider booking. The strongest part of this experience is that it doesn’t force you into one style of fun. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, or just enjoy the ride while the crew keeps everything moving.

I’d hesitate only if your group is strictly looking for a long, slow, low-activity day. The structure includes an active El Arco stop, and the day’s three one-hour segments mean it’s more compact than a full-day charter.

If you’re booking soon, keep your group count and add-ons in mind. Confirm any upgraded food you want ahead of time, and if you care about specific liquor brands beyond the included bar options, ask about top-shelf availability in advance.

Bottom line: this is a strong choice for groups who want a private yacht day in Cabo that feels like a complete package—drinks, lunch, scenery, and water toys included.

FAQ

How long is the Pura Vida yacht cruise?

The cruise is listed as about 3 hours total.

What does it cost and how big is the group?

It’s priced at $2,000 per group, up to 8 people.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Lorenzillo’s, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N, Centro, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included with the open bar?

The open bar includes rum, tequila, vodka, beer, juices (orange, pineapple, cranberry), and mixers for drinks like margaritas. Soda/pop and bottled water are also included.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with other water toys such as kayaks, paddle boards, and floating mats.

Can under-18 travelers drink alcohol?

No. Alcoholic beverages are allowed for 18 years old and above only.

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