Cabo looks different from a yacht. This 3-hour private charter on a Ferretti (88 feet) is built around three classic Cabo moments: quick Arch viewing for photos, a Pacific coast cruise with sea life and rock formations, then an anchored swim-and-snorkel stop at Medano Bay.

I especially like the unlimited premium open bar paired with a real 3-course dinner, not just snacks. Another big win is the laid-back pace: you’re not rushing between places, and you get time for photos and for getting in the water. The main thing to consider is that this experience is weather-dependent, so if conditions are poor, plans can shift or the trip may be canceled.

Key Highlights I’d Plan Around

• Ferretti 88ft private yacht for up to 15 people, with your own crew and boat time
• El Arco photo stop with a chance to see the sea lion colony up close from the water
• Medano Bay anchor time for swimming, snorkeling, and using the included water toys
• Unlimited premium open bar plus snacks, fruit, and a charcuterie board
• 3-course dinner menu with three options you can choose from
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can go straight from the deck into the bay

Ferretti 88ft Private Charter: Why This Feels Like a Real Escape

A 3-hour private yacht charter sounds short, and it is. But Cabo’s best bits are close together, and this trip is designed to make every chunk count. The Ferretti 88 is the kind of boat that turns a “see Cabo” day into a “you’re already in Cabo” day—smooth, comfortable, and made for relaxing while the coast slides by.

What I like about this setup is how it blends sightseeing with water time. Many charters lean heavily on cruising and photos; this one builds in a real chance to swim and snorkel at Medano Beach with water toys available. That matters because it gives you more than just views—you get to feel the bay.

You also get a full hospitality package on board. There’s an open bar, snacks, and a 3-course full menu served during the water stop. For me, that’s where the value lives: you’re not paying yacht money just to stand around holding a phone.

Getting There at Hotel Tesoro Marina: Simple Start, No Chaos

Your meeting point is at Hotel Tesoro, on Blvrd. Paseo de la Marina Lote 9 y 10, Centro, in the Marina area of Cabo San Lucas. The trip ends back at the same meeting point, so you avoid the hassle of figuring out a separate pickup.

They also provide private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a practical win in Cabo heat. If you’re coming from town hotels, this kind of door-to-marina transfer can save real time and reduce stress. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is listed as near public transportation, which helps if you’re mixing options.

One more practical point: you get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. That keeps the day running smoothly if your group prefers straightforward communication.

The 3-Hour Flow: How the Timing Works

This charter runs about 3 hours total, broken into three main segments:

• Stop 1 (about 30 minutes): El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, photo time plus sea lion viewing
• Stop 2 (about 1 hour 15 minutes): Pacific Coast cruise for rock formations, marine life, and beaches
• Stop 3 (about 1 hour 15 minutes): Medano Beach anchoring for swimming, snorkeling, water toys, food, and more drinks

The smart part is that it doesn’t feel like a sprint. You get a quick hit of the famous Arch first—great for early photos—then you settle into longer viewing time on the Pacific side, and only then do you move into the bay for water activities.

If you’re planning for photos, I’d prioritize getting your camera ready early for El Arco, then keep your “swim mindset” for Medano. Trying to do full-photo sessions while also switching into snorkeling and water toys can be tiring in only three hours.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and the Sea Lion Colony

El Arco is Cabo’s postcard. Here, you don’t just see it in passing—you stop for about 30 minutes so you can take photos and view the sea lion colony in the area. The fact that this stop includes sea lion viewing is important. Many Arch sightings end up being just “the arch and the wind.” This one adds a living, moving element.

From a practical standpoint, the best photos tend to come from staying patient and letting the boat settle into position. The water around the Arch can look totally different depending on angle and wave movement, so you’ll get more usable shots if you watch how the boat sits and adjust rather than firing off everything instantly.

Is it short? Yes—30 minutes disappears fast. But the point of El Arco on this itinerary is to give you the classic moment and then move on quickly. If you only have a half day in Cabo, this is the kind of tight schedule that still feels satisfying.

Stop 2: Pacific Coast Cruise for Rock Formations, Marine Life, and Beaches

After the Arch, the itinerary shifts to cruising the Pacific Coast for about 1 hour 15 minutes. This is where you get a slower scenic stretch: you’re viewing rock formations, marine life, and the beaches that hug the Cabo shoreline.

This segment is valuable for two reasons. First, it’s long enough for you to actually relax instead of constantly “doing” something. Second, the Pacific side scenery tends to feel dramatic and textured—rock lines, coves, and the way the coastline curves. On a yacht, you’re not just looking from a distant viewpoint. You’re close enough that the coast feels physical.

Also, marine life viewing is part of the promise here. Nobody can guarantee animal sightings, but the itinerary is built around the idea that you’ll have chances to spot wildlife from the water. Even if you don’t see something major, you still get that coastal visual payoff—beaches and formations you can’t fully appreciate from land.

A small tip: if your group includes both snorkelers and non-snorkelers, this is a good time for everyone to take breath, hydrate, and decide how adventurous they want to be at the Medano stop.

Stop 3: Medano Beach Anchoring for Swim, Snorkel, and Water Toys

Medano Beach is where the charter turns into a water day. The boat anchors down in the Bay for about 1 hour 15 minutes, and you can swim and snorkel. There are also water toys provided if you want to use them, plus food and drinks served during this time.

This is the stop that most people remember, because it changes your role from observer to participant. You’re not only admiring Cabo—you’re in Cabo’s water, with gear provided and time to actually enjoy it. Snorkeling equipment is included, which removes the common frustration of arriving without the right gear or paying extra on the spot.

A realistic consideration: Medano time can feel more active than you expect. You’ll be balancing swimming, snorkeling, and possibly toy use, all with meal service in the mix. If your priority is calm, pick one main water activity rather than trying to do everything.

And since drinks are served here too, it’s smart to pace yourself. The open bar is listed as unlimited, but the day is short. Enjoy it—just don’t let the fun slow you down for snorkeling.

Food on Board: Snacks, Charcuterie, and a Full 3-Course Menu

This charter doesn’t treat food like an afterthought. Included are snacks like fresh fruit, guacamole, salsas, pico de Gallo, plus a charcuterie board. Then during the Medano stop, you get a 3-course full menu with three options to choose from.

That combo matters. The snack spread works well before you’re in the water, so you don’t start hungry. The 3-course meal gives the day weight. Instead of “chips and vibes,” you’re getting a proper plated experience, timed to the anchored portion of the trip.

From my perspective, the biggest value move here is pairing food with time. Meals on boats can be either rushed or awkward. Anchoring at Medano solves part of that because you’re already settled. You can eat, regroup, and then head back in when you’re ready.

If your group has different preferences, the three menu options help. You won’t be forced into one-size-fits-all food. Just coordinate before you choose so nobody waits while the meal service is happening.

Unlimited Premium Open Bar: How to Enjoy It Without Losing Time

The open bar is listed as unlimited premium. That’s one of the most praised aspects of this style of outing, because it turns the charter into a carefree experience. You’re not doing mental math every time someone orders something, and you’re not stuck with only beer and basic mixers.

On a short itinerary, drinking smart is key. I recommend using the first stop as a “camera and curiosity” segment, then switching into full relaxation once the boat settles for the longer Pacific cruise and especially for Medano. If your group plans to snorkel, consider keeping alcohol lighter before water time. You’ll enjoy the snorkeling more and feel better afterward.

The drink service also ties into the day’s rhythm. The charter is built so that you’re surrounded by food and drinks while you’re watching, swimming, and hanging out. That’s what private yacht time is really about—less friction, more fun.

What’s Included (and What You Should Budget For)

Included on this experience:

• Snacks (fresh fruit, guacamole, salsas, pico de Gallo) and a charcuterie board
• Unlimited premium open bar
• Dinner: 3-course full menu (with 3 options to choose)
• Soda/pop
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation
• Mobile ticket; offered in English

Not included:

• Gratuity for the crew

That gratuity line is worth noting. If you’re used to tours where tips are sometimes included or automatically handled, treat this one as crew-tipping territory. Plan for it so you’re not scrambling at the end.

Price and Value: How $5,600 Can Make Sense for a Group

The price is $5,600 per group for up to 15 people, and the trip lasts about 3 hours. On a per-person basis, it can work out to roughly the low-to-mid $300s if you fill the group. If you only have a few people, the math shifts fast.

So here’s how I’d judge value: ask whether you’re splitting costs with others. If you’re traveling with friends or a multi-party family group that can hit near capacity, the yacht time becomes more reasonable. If it’s just two or four people, you might compare this with other Cabo yacht options where pricing per person is clearer.

Also consider what you’re getting beyond the boat ride. You’re paying for open bar, multiple food components, snorkeling gear, and the added convenience of air-conditioned transport. When those parts are bundled, you stop thinking about “extras” and just enjoy the day.

Who This Private Charter Fits Best

This charter is best for people who want a private experience with a classic Cabo itinerary and real water time. If your group likes mixing sightseeing and swimming, you’ll probably feel happiest on this schedule.

It suits:

• Groups up to 15 who want one boat, one crew, and shared food/drinks
• People who care about comfort and dislike crowded tours
• Snorkelers who don’t want to hunt for gear
• Couples or small families who don’t mind paying for privacy, as long as the group size is workable

If you’re the type who only wants shore excursions and doesn’t care about water activities, you might find the Medano portion is the main draw and should confirm you’re actually into swimming and snorkeling.

Quick Planning Tips for a Smoother Day

Because this experience requires good weather, keep your expectations flexible. Cabo can look calm and still throw surprises at sea, so the ability to swap dates (with full refund offered under certain conditions) matters for planning.

For a better day, do two things:

• Bring or plan for sun protection and water-friendly comfort for the Medano stop
• Keep your phone ready for El Arco photos, then focus on your water time without constantly stopping for shots

Also, the day is short. If you want to remember it, don’t rush through the experience. Give yourself time to look up at the coast and not just down at your camera.

Should You Book This Yacht Charter in Cabo?

Yes, if your group wants a three-stop Cabo experience that combines El Arco photos, a Pacific coast cruise, and a real Medano Bay swim/snorkel window—all with an open bar and a full menu. This is a good pick when you can fill enough of the group to make the $5,600 price feel fair.

I’d be more cautious if:

• Your dates are tight and weather risk would ruin your schedule
• Your group won’t actually use the water time or snorkeling
• You’re booking with only a very small group and the per-person cost would feel hard to justify

If you match the right group size and you’re excited about being on the water for real, this is the kind of Cabo day that feels like money well spent.