Private catamaran makes Cabo feel like your own party. This 3-hour Los Cabos cruise takes you to the famous Cabo coastline spots, with snorkeling and paddling gear onboard and an open bar running during the ride. If you travel in whale season (December to March), the crew also looks for whales in the area.

I especially love the open bar setup. It’s not a token pour, it’s full onboard service with margaritas, tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, wine, beer, and mixers. I also love the water-time options: paddle boarding (4 boards), kayaking (2 kayaks), a floating mat, and full snorkel equipment.

My only real consideration is the big-ticket price, since this is a private group charter and you’re also relying on good weather for the best experience.

Key things that make this cruise a smart pick

• Private charter for up to 14 people so you’re not squeezed into someone else’s schedule
• Open bar plus a full lunch served as part of the experience
• Real gear included: paddle boards, kayaks, floating mat, and snorkel equipment
• Iconic Cabo stops with a route that hits El Arco, Playa de los Amantes, and Medano Beach
• Whale season option: December to March cruises may go out specifically to look for whales
• Attentive crew energy called out by name in multiple high ratings

A private catamaran in Cabo: why it changes the whole vibe

Cabo San Lucas looks great from the shore, but Los Cabos hits different when you’re out on the water on your own boat. This is a private experience, meaning only your group is on board. That matters if you’re traveling with family, a mixed-age crew, or a group that wants to set the tone: chill, active, or both.

I like that the tour is built around a short, focused time window (about three hours). You still get multiple activities and multiple coastal stops without feeling like you spent your whole day commuting and waiting. And because the crew is on duty the entire time, you’re not trying to coordinate gear, find the best swimming spot, or manage the logistics.

One more thing: the “luxury catamaran” angle isn’t just marketing fluff. The practical part is that everything you need for time in the water is on board, along with lunch and drinks, so you’re not constantly bouncing back to shore to restock.

What’s included onboard: open bar, lunch, and the water gear you actually use

Let’s talk about the value inside the $2,200-per-group price tag. Food, drinks, and equipment are included, plus fees and taxes. That’s a big deal on a boat, because those are exactly the categories that add up fast when you do them piecemeal.

The open bar

You get an open bar with margaritas, tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, wine, and beer, plus all mixers. There are also soda and juice options (orange, pineapple, cranberry), mineral water, and bottled water. For many groups, this is the difference between a “snorkeling excursion” and a full-on celebration at sea.

The lunch setup

Lunch is provided, with a fresh fruit platter, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chips, and quesadillas. The sample main is Papillon Lunch: turkey baguette with guacamole and a Mexican sauce made with tomato, onion, and cilantro, plus fruit cocktail.

In real terms, this is the kind of menu that supports active time outside. You can snorkel and paddle without feeling like lunch is something you’ll only eat if you have energy left.

Paddle boards, kayaks, floating mat, and snorkel gear

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience because it gives you choice. You’ll have 4 paddle boards and 2 kayaks to explore the surroundings. You also get full snorkel equipment and a large floating mat, so even if you’re not trying to swim far, you can still hang out in the water comfortably.

If you’ve ever booked a snorkeling trip where you spend more time waiting than swimming, you’ll probably appreciate how this one is set up for movement. You can rotate between snorkel time, paddling time, and relaxed floating without wasting the best light.

The 3-hour route: El Arco, Playa de los Amantes, and Medano Beach

This cruise runs an easy route with three named stops. Even though the total time is about three hours, the flow is designed so you get multiple highlights rather than one long scattershot stop.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

El Arco is one of the most recognizable rock formations near Cabo San Lucas. Being out on the water gives you an angle you simply don’t get from most viewpoints. This is a great moment to grab photos and just take in the shape of the coastline from sea level.

The trade-off with any iconic spot is crowds on land, but out on a private charter you feel removed from that. The boat gives you a calmer, more spacious feeling for photos and viewing.

Stop 2: Playa de los Amantes

Playa de los Amantes is another classic Cabo shoreline stop. This stretch is known for its dramatic coastline and makes for a strong “Cabo postcard” moment from the water. It’s also an obvious place for a swim break or relaxing time, since you have snorkeling and water gear onboard.

One consideration: time on each stop is limited by the overall 3-hour plan. If you’re the type who wants one stop to be the main event, you’ll need to stay flexible and ready to switch between activities as the crew moves through the route.

Stop 3: Medano Beach

Medano Beach is the area most people associate with being in Cabo’s water playground. As the last stop, it’s often the moment where groups tend to slow down, swim, and squeeze in the last activity before the cruise ends back at the meeting point.

Because this is also where the coast can feel more active, it’s smart to focus on your own plan: snorkeling if that’s your priority, or floating on the mat if you want “relaxed water” rather than “long swim.”

Snorkeling and paddling without the usual scramble

You’ll be set up to do several water activities, not just one. The practical win is that you can match your effort level to your day.

Here’s how it tends to feel:

• Paddle boards give you a slower, scenic way to explore while staying relatively close to the boat.
• Kayaks let you get a different perspective and move with more control.
• The floating mat is your easy button when you just want to cool off, chat, and take in the view.
• Snorkel gear lets you spend time in the water without committing to a full swim session.

Most people can participate, which matters because a private group often includes a range of comfort levels. In the experience ratings, I’ve seen the cruise described as fun for mixed ages, including kids and older adults, and that fits with the variety of onboard gear.

If you’re traveling with non-swimmers, the floating mat option is the big equalizer. It keeps everyone involved without forcing anyone into a long swim.

Whale season December to March: what to expect from the whale search

The big seasonal upgrade here is simple: during whale season (December to March), the crew takes travelers to see whales in the area. That doesn’t guarantee sightings on any ocean trip, but it does mean the itinerary is shaped around the possibility.

If whales are on your must-do list, this timing is the one to choose. You’ll want to keep expectations flexible and be ready for a slower, watchful ride—part of whale watching is patience, not control.

Also, this is one of those experiences where the “search” can still be special. Even without a guaranteed sighting, you’re out in prime waters with professional local handling and a route designed to maximize the chance.

Crew-led fun: the names people remember

Part of what makes this cruise consistently rate so high is the way the crew handles the “host” role. People don’t just remember the boat. They remember the people.

In high ratings, several crew members were praised by name. You’ll see mentions of Ana and Carlos, plus Captain Eddie for welcoming energy and care. Other groups highlighted Miguel and Miguelito as part of the sailing team, including a captain’s ability to get the boat near whale pods and a drinks-and-snacks flow that kept the mood rolling.

And there are also mentions of Captain David, including getting the boat near humpback whales during whale season. The common thread: the crew tends to keep things moving, keep drinks flowing, and make sure different groups (kids, adults, multi-age families) all feel included.

For you, that means fewer “who’s doing what” moments. You can focus on enjoying the ride and the water time.

Price and value: $2,200 per group, and who it really benefits

At $2,200 per group (up to 14 people), this is not a budget excursion. It’s a premium choice. The way to judge value is by how you plan to fill the group and how much you’d otherwise spend on private boat time, food, alcohol, and gear.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• If you fill the boat closer to 14 people, the per-person cost drops a lot.
• If you book for a small group, you’ll feel the price more, but you still get private control, included gear, and included lunch and bar service.

The best value usually comes from groups who want a true “own the boat for a few hours” feeling. Multi-family birthdays, multi-generation trips, and friend groups where everyone wants different water activities tend to love this setup.

One more value factor: fees and taxes are included in the price. That reduces the surprise add-ons that can show up later with some tours.

Practical tips that help you have a smoother cruise

A few small details can make your time onboard way easier.

Bring a towel

You’ll want to bring your own towel. Since you’ll likely get wet from snorkeling and floating, it’s one of those “small thing, big difference” items.

Plan for extras

Gratuity for the crew is not included. Optional professional photos are also extra, and groups who want them should plan a budget in advance. If you’re the type who never buys photos, you can still enjoy the experience without any pressure.

English and a private group feel

The tour is offered in English, and it’s private, meaning only your group participates. That helps if you want a less scripted experience and more control over how active your group feels.

Weather matters

This cruise requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the experience can be rescheduled or refunded, so build in some flexibility if you can.

Use the meeting point efficiently

The meeting point is Papillon Yachts Rental at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, in the Marina area of Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so treat it like a neat loop rather than a point-to-point adventure.

Who should book this private snorkeling catamaran

This cruise is a strong fit if you want Cabo time that’s active but not stressful. You’ll like it if:

• You want private time on the water rather than sharing with strangers
• Your group includes different ages or different comfort levels in the water
• You care about included basics like lunch and an onboard bar
• You’re traveling during December to March and want a whale-season option

It’s also a great pick for celebrations. The experience is the kind of setting where music, drinks, and shared moments feel natural, not awkward.

If your goal is purely budget snorkeling and you’re perfectly happy with a standard shared boat, you might feel the premium more than you expect. But if you’re optimizing for comfort, choice, and private fun, the setup makes a lot of sense.

Should you book the Cabo San Lucas all-inclusive private catamaran cruise?

I’d book this if you’re traveling with a group that will actually use what’s included: snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, the floating mat, and the included lunch and open bar. The private charter part is the “payoff,” especially when you want everyone to enjoy the day on your terms.

I wouldn’t book it if whales are your only reason for going and you need a guaranteed sighting, because ocean wildlife isn’t something anyone can promise. Also skip it if you’re not going to fill the group enough to make the per-person math feel fair.

In most cases, though, this is the kind of Cabo experience that turns a few hours into a highlight. Private boat, real water time, and a crew that keeps things fun is exactly what you’re paying for.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas private catamaran snorkeling cruise?

It’s approximately 3 hours.

How many people can I book for?

It’s a private tour for up to 14 people per group.

What is the price for the tour?

The price is $2,200.00 per group.

What activities are included during the cruise?

You can explore with paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, with equipment provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Full snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are provided onboard?

Lunch is included, plus an open bar with margaritas, vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, wine, beer, and all mixers. Soda and juices (orange, pineapple, cranberry), mineral water, and bottle water are also included.

Is whale watching included?

During whale season (December to March), the crew takes travelers to see whales in the area.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Papillon Yachts Rental on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring your own towel.

What is not included in the price?

Gratuity for the crew and optional professional photos are not included.