Cabo San Lucas Private 38 ft Sailing Tour with Snorkeling

The best part of this Cabo outing is control. You have a private 38-foot sailboat for up to four people, so the captain can shape the three hours around your group instead of following a rigid shared-boat schedule. You can visit El Arco, snorkel at Pelican Rock, swim near Lovers Beach, or spend more time under sail.

I like the easygoing crew service and the generous food and drink setup. Captains and mates such as Gabriel, Alexis, Angel, Caesar, and Manuel have been praised for being attentive, patient, and willing to adjust the plan. The main consideration is that actual sailing depends on wind and the captain’s plan, so a boat ride may sometimes include more cruising than sailing.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat is private for your group: The $750 price covers up to four people, which can be a strong value for a family or two couples.
• El Arco takes only about 15 minutes: You get time for photos of the Arch, Lovers Beach, and the meeting point of the Pacific and Sea of Cortez.
• Pelican Rock offers a gentle snorkeling stop: The clear water is about 20 to 25 feet deep, with tropical fish and gear provided.
• The crew lets you set the rhythm: You can focus on sailing, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, or a mix of all four.
• Food and drinks are part of the outing: Expect bottled water, snacks, sandwiches, fruit, chips, salsa, guacamole, and an open bar.
• Seasickness deserves some thought: One group had two sick passengers, so anyone prone to motion sickness should plan carefully.

A private start from Cabo Marina

Your trip begins at F Dock in the Cabo San Lucas marina and ends at the same place. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the marina unless you book transportation separately.

The location is practical. Cabo’s marina is close to public transportation, and you receive confirmation when you book. Since the boat is private, you won’t be waiting for a large group to arrive or spending the afternoon following strangers from stop to stop.

You can choose from several departure times during the day. That matters in Cabo, where the feel of the water changes with the hour. A morning departure may suit you if you want cooler conditions and an early start. An afternoon sailing can work better if you want a slower beginning to your day, while a later trip may offer sunset light if conditions and timing allow.

The tour lasts about three hours. That is enough time for the main sights and one water stop, but not enough for an unhurried visit to every beach and a long sail in every direction. I would arrive ready with a simple priority: decide if your group cares most about snorkeling, sailing, swimming, or photos. The crew can then use your limited time wisely.

Seeing El Arco and Lovers Beach in a short first stop

The boat’s first listed stop is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the famous stone arch at the tip of the peninsula. You’ll see dramatic rock formations, Lovers Beach, and open water where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

The scheduled stop is about 15 minutes. That is enough for photos and a close look, but it is not a beach day. If you want to swim to Lovers Beach, you need to make that clear to the crew early because swimming adds time and effort to the plan.

The Arch is Cabo’s signature view, and seeing it from a private sailboat gives you room to take it in without being tied to a large sightseeing group. The crew can also explain the rock formations and point out sea life along the way. Past trips have included sightings of turtles, sea lions, and manta rays, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

Bring a camera that handles water well. One couple once lost an Apple Watch while swimming, and the crew spent time looking for it until they found it. That is a fine example of attentive service, but it is still smarter to secure watches, phones, and cameras before leaving the boat.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock

Pelican Rock sits about 15 minutes from the Cabo San Lucas marina. The water here is described as clear and roughly 20 to 25 feet deep, with friendly tropical fish. The boat provides masks, snorkels, and other needed gear, so you don’t need to pack your own equipment.

For a first-time snorkeler, this stop has several advantages. The site is close to the marina, the water is shallow enough for many swimmers to feel comfortable, and the crew can help you get set up. One guide patiently helped a person who had never swum before, which is useful if your group has mixed water skills.

You can also use the paddleboard during the outing. That gives you another way to enjoy the water if you want a break from snorkeling. Warm rinse water and towels have also been provided on past trips, a small comfort that matters after saltwater swimming.

The main limitation is timing. The snorkeling stop is listed at about 45 minutes, and you may want to spend part of that time swimming, using the paddleboard, or watching fish from the boat. If snorkeling is your top goal, tell the crew at the start rather than assuming the schedule will automatically favor it.

Water temperature can also affect your choices. One spring group found the water too cold for a long snorkel and used the private boat for whale watching instead, then snorkeled briefly on the return. Your crew can adjust the order of activities, but conditions still set the limits.

Sailing across the bay, the Pacific, and the Sea of Cortez

This is sold as a sailing trip, but it helps to understand what that means in practice. When the wind cooperates, the crew can hoist the main sail and give you a smooth ride around Cabo Bay and beyond. Several groups considered the sailing portion the best part of the afternoon.

You might sail for about an hour, as one couple did, or spend much of the three hours under sail if that is your priority. Another group chose to sail almost the entire time. The private format makes those choices possible.

Still, sailing is not guaranteed. One outing focused on whale watching and did not actually open the sails, perhaps because of the route and conditions. Another group simply cruised around the bay. If you are booking this mainly for the mechanics of sailing, keep that uncertainty in mind.

The boat’s route can include the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, with Cabo’s rocky tip and beaches as the backdrop. The Pacific side can feel more exposed, while the bay provides a more relaxed setting for swimming and snorkeling. Your captain will decide what is safe and practical on the day.

I like this flexible approach better than a fixed checklist. You can ask for a quiet sail, more swimming, a snorkeling stop, or a trip toward whale activity when it is in season. The tradeoff is that you should not expect every possible activity to receive equal time.

Food, an open bar, and the small comforts

The price includes beverages, bottled water, snacks, an open bar, snorkel gear, and paddleboard use. Food described on past trips includes sandwiches, fruit, chips with salsa and guacamole, fresh vegetables with dip, and even sushi on one outing.

This is not a full restaurant meal, so plan your expectations accordingly. It is more like a pleasant light lunch during a half-day-on-the-water experience. For three hours, that is usually enough to keep you comfortable, especially with drinks available throughout the trip.

The open bar may include beer, tequila, soft drinks, and mixed drinks such as rum punch. You can ask for nonalcoholic drinks, and bottled water is included. If you want a vegetarian option, request it when you book.

The crew’s service is a major part of the appeal. Past crews have prepared food during the trip, kept drinks filled, offered warm rinse water, and helped with lost belongings. Captains and mates have also been praised for explaining the rock formations and identifying sea life.

That level of care is especially useful for families. A family with children aged seven and nine, including a child on the autism spectrum, found the crew respectful and helpful. The crew let the family choose the order of activities, which made the short trip easier to manage.

Is $750 a good value for four people?

The listed price is $750 per boat, not per person, for up to four people. At full capacity, that works out to $187.50 per person before any separate transportation costs. For a private boat with a captain and mate, drinks, snacks, equipment, and three hours on the water, that is a fair price for a small group seeking privacy.

For two people, the calculation changes. You would effectively pay $375 per person, so the experience makes more financial sense for four people or for a couple that places a high value on privacy and control.

I would compare this with the cost of a shared sailing trip, but price is not the only issue. On a shared boat, you may spend more time following the group’s schedule. Here, you can ask to linger at a swimming spot, shorten the snorkeling stop, or sail longer if conditions allow.

The tour is booked an average of 21 days ahead, which suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed. This matters most for families, birthday trips, and days when you want a specific departure time.

Hotel transfers are not part of the $750. One family arranged round-trip transport separately and had an employee meet them at the hotel and escort them to the sailboat. Treat that as an optional add-on, not a standard inclusion.

Who will enjoy this Cabo boat trip most?

I would recommend it most strongly to four people who want a private day on the water and can agree on how to spend it. Two couples, a small family, or a group celebrating a birthday can make good use of the boat.

It also suits mixed-interest groups. One person can snorkel, another can use the paddleboard, and others can stay aboard with a drink while the crew manages the schedule. Families with children may appreciate the ability to slow down or change the order of activities.

First-time snorkelers are welcome, but you need to be comfortable enough for a water stop or willing to remain on the boat. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, but the operator does not promise that every mobility need can be met.

This is less suitable if you want a long, serious sailing lesson, a full meal, or a guaranteed whale sighting. Whale watching can be excellent in season, but sightings depend on nature. The same goes for turtles, sea lions, manta rays, and other wildlife.

If you get seasick, think carefully about the weather and your usual tolerance. One group had two sick passengers even though the crew and food were excellent. A private boat gives you more space, but it does not remove the motion of the sea.

Booking details worth knowing

The activity is offered in English, though a multilingual guide may operate the trip. Confirmation arrives at booking, and children need adult supervision.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

The experience starts and ends at F Dock in the Cabo San Lucas marina. Since there is no standard hotel pickup or drop-off, allow time to reach the marina on your own.

Should you book the private 38-foot sailing tour?

Book it if you want Cabo’s famous sights plus the freedom to shape your own three hours. The combination of El Arco, Pelican Rock, open-water cruising, an open bar, and a flexible crew works especially well for four people.

I would book early, make your top priority clear, and ask for more sailing if that is what matters most. Bring secure storage for your phone and watch, and consider motion-sickness precautions if needed.

Skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed whale encounter, a full sailing course, or the lowest possible per-person price. For a small group that values privacy, friendly service, and a relaxed pace, this is one of Cabo’s more sensible ways to get on the water.

FAQ

How much does the Cabo private sailing tour cost?

The price is $750 per boat for a group of up to four people. The price is not charged separately for each person.

How long does the sailing tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at F Dock in the Cabo San Lucas marina and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included, and the scheduled snorkeling stop is at Pelican Rock.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes beverages, bottled water, snacks, and an open bar. Food provided on past outings has included sandwiches, fruit, chips, salsa, guacamole, vegetables with dip, and other light snacks.

Can I use a paddleboard during the tour?

Yes. Use of a paddleboard is included.

Can children participate?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity information says most people can participate.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.