Cabo’s Arch looks better from the water. This private outing gives you space for up to six and a Pelican Rock snorkeling stop in clear, fish-filled waters, plus chances to spot sea lions and other marine life. The main thing to consider is that the boat type can vary day to day, so don’t assume it’s always a true catamaran experience.

The route is built for variety without feeling rushed: quick icons first, then time on the bay, then a longer swim session. It also helps that the crew runs with a safety-first vibe and adjusts pace for your group, whether you’re there for photos, lounging, or getting in the water.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Private, small-group feel (up to 6 people) for a calmer ride than crowded party boats
• Arch of Cabo San Lucas for a fast selfie/photo moment before you head out into bigger water
• Medano Beach bay cruise with a full half-hour to slow down and watch the coastline
• Lovers Beach + a sea lion colony area stop for quick animal spotting from the water
• Pelican Rock snorkeling for about 90 minutes with snorkeling gear and flotation help provided
• Soft drinks and bottled water onboard to keep you comfortable in the sun

Private boat for up to six people: your Cabo pace

This is one of those Cabo experiences where the value comes from control. A private boat for up to six means you’re not negotiating with a crowd for shade, photos, or the timing of your swim. You can move at a pace that fits your group, and the crew can slow things down when someone is filming or snapping pictures around the famous sites.

That small-group setup also makes it easier for families. In the feedback I saw, people liked how accommodating the crew was when someone needed a gentler rhythm. Still, the tour does ask for a moderate physical fitness level, mainly because you’ll be on and off the boat and in the water during snorkeling time.

Also, the duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes. That’s long enough to see the big-name views and enjoy a real swim block, but short enough that it doesn’t eat your whole day.

Start at G Dock 2 and first stop at the Arch

You meet at G Dock 2 in Centro (23450 Cabo San Lucas) and you end right back at the same meeting point. Since it’s near public transportation, you’re not locked into a complicated transport plan just to get to the dock.

The first stop is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, with about 10 minutes allotted. It’s the perfect length: quick photo time, then off before the dock scene and boat lines can turn into a traffic jam. If the Arch is on your Cabo checklist, use this moment for your best shots—get your angle, grab a selfie, then let the boat reposition for better coastline viewing.

Practical tip: have your phone ready and your sunscreen on early. Cabo sun is not shy, and your first 10 minutes disappear fast.

Medano Beach bay cruise with a 30-minute window

Next comes the Medano Beach stop, about 30 minutes. Instead of a long, stop-and-go outing, you cruise around the bay—this works well if you want to take in Cabo’s coastline from the water while staying comfortable onboard.

Why I like this format: Medano is scenic, but it’s also where people tend to pack in on land. From the boat, you get the view with less hassle, and you still have enough time to relax between the faster photo stop and the longer snorkeling period.

If you’re the kind of group that hates being on a schedule, this section is a good mental breather. You’re not locked into climbing around or rushing through shops; you’re just cruising and enjoying the motion of the bay.

Lovers Beach, sea lions, and Land’s End in 15 minutes

Then you’ll head to Cabo San Lucas Beach for about 15 minutes. This stop is short, but it hits a cluster of priorities: Lovers Beach, a sea lion colony area, and Land’s End viewpoints.

Sea lions are the reason a lot of people book this style of tour. Being on the water keeps the experience calm and natural—you can often see animals without the same level of crowd pressure you’d get on land. For families and first-time visitors, it’s also a nice “look and learn” stop where kids can spot something instantly and adults get a scenic postcard moment.

The drawback of a shorter stop: if your group is hoping for a longer animal-viewing window, you won’t get hours here. The tour is designed more like a best-of route than a single-spot wildlife expedition.

Pelican Rock snorkeling: 90 minutes of fish-filled water

The heart of the experience is Pelican Rock. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes snorkeling near the rock formations, in clear water known for colorful fish.

The tour includes snorkeling gear, life jackets, and fun flotation devices, which matters because it keeps the experience more plug-and-play. Even if you’re not an expert swimmer, the provided flotation helps you focus on enjoying the water rather than worrying about equipment.

A couple important reality checks:

• Snorkeling time depends on weather and water conditions, and the tour is weather-dependent.
• If your group is snorkeling-led, this is where you’ll spend most of your effort. If you want an all-day water session, you may end up wishing the swim block was longer.

From the feedback I gathered, people repeatedly liked the clarity of the water and the fun of seeing lots of fish while staying close to the reef area. That combination is why Pelican Rock keeps earning high marks: it’s not just “put on gear and hope.” You have a strong chance of seeing something right away.

Onboard comforts: drinks, flotation help, and small extras

Onboard inclusions are straightforward and useful: dock fees, soft drinks and bottled water, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and fun flotation devices. That’s a solid set of basics for a private boat day because it covers the stuff people usually end up spending extra on.

Some crews also make the ride feel more like a mini party. I saw mentions of Bluetooth music and a bathroom on board, plus snacks like chips and salsa getting brought along during the trip. Those perks aren’t listed as guaranteed inclusions, but they show up often enough that it’s worth asking the crew what’s available that day.

What you should bring (based on the tour guidance): bathing suits and sun protection. I’d also plan on a towel if you have one, because you’ll be getting wet and then moving around on the boat deck.

And one more practical note: lunch isn’t included. If you’re prone to getting hungry, plan for a light snack before you go or bring extra food within your comfort level.

Price value at $595 per group: what you’re paying for

This costs $595 per group for up to 6 people, lasting about 3 hours 30 minutes. Pricing like this is often where private tours either feel worth it or feel overpriced—so here’s how I’d judge it.

You’re paying for:

• a private boat day (you’re not sharing with a crowd)
• guided time around Cabo’s signature spots
• snorkeling gear and safety gear included
• key dock fees handled
• soft drinks and bottled water included

If you fill all six seats, the math looks pretty friendly compared to per-person tours. If you only have two or three people, the cost per person goes up, but the private factor can still make sense if you value flexibility and quieter time.

Two more value points from real-world experience: people loved being able to adjust how long they stayed at certain spots. That’s hard to replicate on bigger group boats where everyone follows the same timeline.

The only time I’d hesitate is if you’re expecting an all-day snorkeling or a full-on beach-and-lunch day. This is a focused “see icons + swim + relax” half-day style outing.

What this tour is best for (and who might want something else)

This works especially well for:

• Families who want a calmer water experience with clear wildlife moments (sea lions, fish, and marine life sightings when conditions line up)
• Couples and friend groups who want the Arch and coastline views without juggling crowds
• Photo lovers who care about getting the shot at the right moments
• Anyone who wants snorkeling time that’s long enough to actually enjoy it (about 90 minutes)

It may be less ideal if:

• you expect a rigid itinerary with lots of “structured land time” (the stops are timed and short)
• you want a guaranteed long snorkeling session regardless of conditions (weather can change how long you spend in the water)
• you’re very picky about boat type. The tour is billed like a catamaran escape, and I did see a note that the craft can be pontoon-style on some days. If boat style is a big part of your expectation, it’s smart to confirm what you’ll be on when you book.

Weather and the safety-first reality of Cabo water

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right kind of policy for a boat day, because in Cabo the difference between comfortable and rough water can be more than just a little.

For your own comfort and smooth sailing:

• use sun protection before you step on the boat
• plan to get wet (even between stops)
• keep an eye on crew instructions during snorkeling so you’re safe and relaxed

Should you book this private Cabo boat escape?

Yes, if you want a private small-group way to see Cabo’s most famous shapes and get a real swim at Pelican Rock. The biggest wins here are the control (up to six people), the mix of sights and water time, and the fact that the snorkeling basics are handled for you.

I’d think twice if you’re booking for a long, land-heavy day, or if you’re expecting a specific boat type every time. For everyone else, it’s a strong choice for a half-day that feels like a personal plan instead of a crowded checklist.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private boat?

This is priced for up to 6 people per group, and it’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates.

How long is the tour in Cabo San Lucas?

The duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included with the tour?

Included items are dock fees, soft drinks and bottled water, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and fun flotation devices.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling gear is included. You should still bring your bathing suit and sun protection.

Is transportation to and from the dock included?

No. Transportation to/from attractions is not included.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.