Cabo’s coastline looks different from water.

This private 42-foot luxury yacht pairs easy cruising past the Arch and sea-lion area with a stop for snorkeling in top Los Cabos bays. The crew behind Cabo Sailing Ocean Adventures is often called out by name, including Captain Ali and first mates Arturo and Maricelo (and also Ellel and Ricardo in other trips), which tells you they focus on the details.

I really like that this is truly your boat. You’re up to four people, so you’re not squeezed in with strangers, and the crew can tailor the pace to your group. You’ll also get a premium bar plus a full simple lunch setup, not just snacks.

The main catch is weather. This experience requires good conditions, so if the sea state or sky isn’t cooperating, you may need to shift dates or get a full refund.

Key things that make this yacht tour worth it

• Private 42’ yacht for up to 4: You keep the space, not a crowd.
• Snorkel stop in Chileno Bay (often) or Santa Maria Bay: Clear options for a classic Cabo swim.
• Premium bar + lunch + dessert: Meals and drinks are built into the time on the water.
• Real gear support: Snorkeling equipment, wet suits, towels, and even a paddle board.
• Crew attention, often name-checked: Captain Ali, Arturo, Maricelo, Ellel, and Ricardo show up in feedback.

A private 42’ yacht in Cabo means you control the vibe

This tour is designed around one simple idea: less waiting, more time doing what you came for. You meet at F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, then you’ll get a quick get-to-know-you moment and a safety briefing before you head out.

Once you’re underway, you’re not doing a “listen to a talk and follow the leader” style. You’re cruising, stopping, and swimming when it makes sense. The crew navigates your route and keeps the trip smooth, while you enjoy the coastline from a comfortable, upscale boat.

Leaving the marina: Arch views and sea-lion area cruising

Your ride usually starts with a scenic loop: cruising along the land end, the sea-lion colony area, and then Cabo’s famous Arch. From the water, that area feels like the real postcard. You see the shape of the coastline, not just the cliff edges people line up for.

After that, you’ll head toward the Pacific side for a few minutes. That short shift matters because it helps break up the trip visually before you settle into the swim portion. If you’re coming specifically for views, this pacing gives you more than one “wow” moment.

The snorkeling stop: Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay options

This is where the tour earns its keep. The plan typically heads to Chileno Bay for snorkeling, with Santa Maria Bay listed as another great option depending on conditions. Either way, you’re aiming for anchorage bays in Los Cabos where the crew can set up for time in the water.

One smart thing here: you don’t have to fight for your own time in the water. The crew is there with snorkeling equipment and towels, and they can help you get oriented quickly so you’re not wasting the best part of daylight figuring it out.

What to consider: snorkeling quality depends on sea and visibility. The tour requires good weather overall, so when conditions are right you’ll likely have a better experience. If the day is choppy, the crew may adjust how the stop plays out.

Paddle boarding is included, and you can match your energy

You can also paddle board during the cruise, again using the anchorage bays setup in Los Cabos. The paddle board is included, which means you’re not stuck paying extra for the “second activity.”

This is a nice combo because snorkeling can be relaxing if you do it gently. Paddle boarding gives you a different feel: more movement, a bigger view underwater-adjacent to the surface, and an easy way to take breaks while staying outside.

Tip: if your group has mixed comfort levels, the paddle board tends to be the easiest way to keep everyone participating without pressure.

Premium bar, lunch, and dessert: the food plan that actually fits

The food setup is built for being on a yacht. You’ll be served chips with Mexican salsa and guacamole, sandwiches, fruits, and dessert. There’s also an option to change the menu after you book to Mexican burritos and quesadillas, and there’s an afternoon menu available as well.

I like this format because it’s not a full sit-down meal that slows the trip. It’s the kind of lunch that keeps you fed without feeling stuffed, so you’re ready for snorkeling and still enjoying the cruise.

Drinks are also part of the value. The tour includes alcoholic beverages from a premium bar, but it’s limited to people 18+. If your group includes minors or non-drinkers, soda/pop and bottled water are included too, so nobody feels stuck.

Safety briefing, wet suits, and equipment: small details, big payoff

This is one of those tours where the “help” matters. You get snorkeling equipment and wet suits, plus towels. That’s a real convenience in Cabo because it reduces the last-minute scrambling you’d otherwise do after arriving.

The tour also lists that most travelers can participate. If you have physical disability needs, you’ll need a family member to assist you, so it’s worth planning ahead and being honest about what support you’ll require.

Also: service animals are allowed. And since the meeting point is near public transportation, it’s not a total hassle to get there if you’re staying in town.

Meeting point to return: the whole trip stays tight to the marina

The tour starts and ends at the same spot: F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas. That loop is useful because you don’t burn time with long transfers or complicated pick-ups. You’re on the water for about three hours total (approx.), with the return timed to keep the experience feeling complete rather than rushed.

If you’re building a Cabo day around this, plan it as a center block. It pairs well with other land activities before or after, since you won’t be stuck waiting for a pickup window that stretches.

Price and value: $1,230 per group can be a smart deal

The price is $1,230.00 per group (up to 4) for about three hours. On the surface, that number looks big. The value comes from two things:

1) It’s private. You’re not paying per person for a shared boat.

2) You get more than a “trip.” You get food, a premium bar, snorkeling gear, wet suits, towels, and a paddle board.

For a group of four, it can feel like a good splurge compared to piecing together separate activities in Cabo. For two people, it’s still a high-end choice, but you’ll want to judge it based on how much you care about having the boat to yourselves and having crew support on demand.

Also, the experience is often booked about 31 days in advance, so if you want a specific timing window, plan earlier rather than later.

Who this Cabo luxury yacht tour suits best

This fits best if you want a mix of classic Cabo sightseeing and a real water time block, without coordinating a bunch of separate vendors.

I’d point it toward:

• Couples who want privacy and a high-comfort snorkeling day
• Families that want an all-in-one experience for up to four people
• Friend groups who’d rather pay for the whole setup than split everything separately
• Anyone who values crew attention and gear support, especially if you’re not bringing your own snorkeling kit

It may not be the best fit if you’re looking for a long, laid-back half-day at a slower pace, because the cruise is about three hours and designed to pack in sightseeing plus water time.

Weather and conditions: the practical reality

This experience requires good weather. That’s not a small note—it’s the difference between a great day on the water and a day where plans can be changed.

The good part is that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The trip also includes wetsuits, which helps comfort during snorkeling even when the water feels cooler.

My advice: if your schedule is flexible, book it with another option the same week. If conditions look rough right before departure, trust the crew’s judgment and keep your expectations tied to what the sea allows that day.

The crew factor: Captain Ali, Arturo, Maricelo, Ellel, and Ricardo

One theme that really stands out is crew quality. Names like Captain Ali and first mates Arturo and Maricelo come up often in feedback, along with Ellel and Ricardo on other runs. That matters because the crew doesn’t just steer the yacht.

They manage the timing of cruising, help with snorkeling setup, serve the bar and food, and keep the experience flowing. When you’re paying for a private yacht, crew competence is part of what you’re actually buying.

Should you book this private Cabo yacht tour?

Book it if you want a private luxury water experience in Cabo that includes the stuff that usually costs extra: snorkeling gear, towels, wetsuits, paddle board time, and a full food-and-drink plan. It’s also a great choice if you care about seeing the Arch and sea-lion area from the water and having real time in the bays.

Skip it or rethink it if you’re traveling on a day when the forecast is questionable and you can’t be flexible. This tour depends on good conditions to run at its best, and the sea has the final say.

If you match those two points—private value and flexible weather—you’ll likely end up with the kind of Cabo day that feels made-to-order for your group.

FAQ

How long is the luxury yacht tour in Cabo?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

How many people can join this private yacht tour?

It’s a private tour/activity, and it’s priced for up to 4 people per group.

Where do we meet for the yacht tour?

The meeting point is F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Do we have to return to the same place?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What snorkeling location is used?

The tour usually heads to Chileno Bay for snorkeling, with Santa Maria Bay listed as another great option. Snorkeling and paddle boarding happen at anchorage bays in Los Cabos.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with towels and wet suits.

Is paddle boarding included too?

Yes. You get use of a paddle board.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. Lunch includes chips, Mexican salsa, guacamole, sandwiches, fruits, and dessert, with an option to change to burritos and quesadillas after booking. Alcoholic beverages are also included (premium bar), along with soda/pop and bottled water.

Is alcohol included for everyone?

Alcohol is only allowed for people 18 years old and above.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.