10 Cool Private Boat Tours in Cabo San Lucas: Our Top Picks
Swap out the crowded big boats for a private charter just for you and your crew!
Maybe you’re celebrating a special occasion? Or perhaps you just want a fun splashy day with family, friends or your favorite person?
Private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas are the way to go.
Think sailing past the iconic rock Arch, spotting sea lions, whale watching, snorkeling in crystal-clear coves, beach hopping, maybe catching the sunset – or all of the above! Most tours let you customize your day, with options like SUP, lunch onboard and chilled vibes.
We’re travel journalists and longtime Cabo regulars. We’ve taken several private boat trips ourselves (some ultra-luxe, some surprisingly affordable) and scoped out other great choices we happily recommend.
Here are our top 10 picks – from sleek sailing yachts to fun-in-the-sun catamarans.
Fast favorites: 3 Top Cabo San Lucas private boat charters
No time to read the whole article? Just want the short list? Start with these tried-and-true favorites!
Pssst! Most of the tour links here are through Viator (a TripAdvisor company) – our go-to for booking activities. We love their easy 24-hour cancellation policy and use Viator all the time ourselves.
Prices are in USD.
Boats leave from the Cabo San Lucas Marina.
1) Intimate sailing trip to Land’s End with snorkeling
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 176+ reviews
- Up to 4 guests
There’s something magical about actually sailing…
And a private sailing tour in Cabo is easily one of the most memorable ways to soak up the sights around Land’s End – from the famous Arch and Lover’s Beach to the sunbathing sea lions on the rocks.
You’ll board a sleek 38-foot yacht, feel the wind in your hair, and hear the gentle flap of the sails as you cruise along the coast. After snapping photos of the dramatic rock formations, the boat anchors at Pelican Rock – a top snorkeling spot with clear waters about 20 to 25 feet deep.
We’ve done it twice – once at sunset with George’s brother and sister-in-law. It turned out to be one of our favorite sunset cruises in Cabo!
Offered by Cabo Sailing, this tour can take up to 4 guests.
My husband and I had an amazing time on our sail in Cabo. From the minute we got on the boat we were welcome[d], taken care of, and pampered.
Inga W.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling gear and SUP boards
- Fresh clean towels – so you don’t have to bring your own
- Wetsuits in the winter time (the water can be a tad chilly)
- Open bar
- Light lunch on morning and mid-day tours (chips, salsa and guacamole, fresh baguette sandwiches, fresh cut fruit and dessert) – and snacks and appies (on sunset tours)
- Flexible times – morning, mid-day or sunset sailing
⛵ Recommended by 99% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $750 per group up to 4 (for 3-hour charter)
2) Uber-luxurious 108-foot Neoprene yacht cruise
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 123+ reviews
- Up to 20 guests
Take to the Sea of Cortez in serious style aboard the sleek black 108-foot Neoprene yacht (from Cabo Yacht Charters) – air-conditioned, ultra-modern and oh-so-James Bond.
This isn’t just a boat ride. It’s a 5-star yachting experience, complete with a private chef, personal bartender, gourmet meals and top-shelf cocktails. Lounge on sun pads, dine alfresco or relax in one of four luxe staterooms, including a master suite.
Want to play? The onboard “beach club” features paddleboards, snorkel gear, kayaks – even a Seabob underwater scooter! – for tons of fun water activities.
Perfect for groups (up to 20, though pricing is for 10), this luxury yacht rental in Cabo San Lucas is ideal for everything from birthday blowouts to intimate sunset cruises.
The most stunning boat I’ve ever been on. Every detail was beautiful. Highly recommend for a show-stopping experience.
TripAdvisor reviewer
What’s included:
- Private chef and bartender
- Gourmet lunch
- Open bar with top-shelf liquor
- Water toys – including a Seabob!
- Stellar service
Book a 3-hour cruise – or go all in and charter it for the day!
⛵ Recommended by 100% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $6,612 per group up to 10 (for 3-hour charter)
3) Private 50-foot French sailboat (perfect for groups!)
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 255+ reviews
- Up to 15 guests
One of the best boat charters Cabo San Lucas offers for larger groups, this deluxe 50-foot French sailboat by Cabo Adventures is a standout. (They’re probably Cabo’s top tour company, certainly the largest – we’ve sailed with them several times and are always impressed by their pro service.)
Hosting up to 15 guests, their 4-hour private charter is perfect for birthday bashes, bachelorette parties or any sun-soaked celebration.
It includes everything – snorkeling, swimming, full lunch, drinks and even hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Set sail with a margarita in hand, watching for dolphins – and whales if it’s the season! After snorkeling and swimming in a protected bay, tuck into a full lunch, perhaps ceviche, shrimp and fresh Italian pasta.
An absolutely fantastic experience! We received incredible and upbeat service. We were celebrating my son’s 18th birthday with a bunch of his friends and a few parents. The drinks were good, the food was delicious, and the experience was worth every penny.
Sally R.
This private yacht tour in Cabo includes:
- Fresh towels
- Snorkeling gear and SUP boards
- Unlimited drinks
- Food – appetizers and a delicious lunch
- Hotel transfers to and from the marina
⛵ Recommended by 98% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $2,299 per group up to 15 (for 4-hour charter)
4) Super-chill houseboat-like cruise (BYOB!)
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 313+ reviews
- Up to 15 guests
Want a boat cruise without the bounce? La Isla Tour’s houseboat-style catamarans are ultra-stable and oh-so-comfy – perfect if your stomach isn’t a fan of waves.
Thanks to their unique custom design, they’re also a great choice for anyone with mobility issues or who feels a bit unsteady on their feet.
You can take up to 15 guests for a 3- or 3½-hour charter. Think of it as your own floating lounge with couches, shade, a coffee table and a spacious and clean bathroom.
The vibe? Casual and easy. The boat slowly putters to Land’s End, then floats near Lover’s Beach while you chill, snorkel or chillax on giant floating mats.
Bonus: You can bring your own drinks onboard – which helps to keep costs down! And you get to drink your favorite libations.
Bring your own playlist too (hello, Bluetooth speakers!) and enjoy their excellent sound system.
Very personalized experience, also great for folks with mobility challenges… We had a wonderful time… The boat itself would be amazing for a group of friends, family… We chose it because my older parents would have had a miserable time trying to navigate a catamaran and sitting randomly on a crowded, slippery boat full of other people.
Lyn G.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Large floating mats
- Coolers filled with bottled water, soft drinks, mixers and ice
- Welcome margaritas
- Snacks – chips and salsa plus burritos
⛵ Recommended by 97% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $2,500 per group up to 15 (for 3½-hour charter)
5) Fun private yacht vibes at a great price
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 126+ reviews
- Up to 10 guests
Want the champagne lifestyle without the bubbly price?
This fun private 3-hour cruise is one of the best boat tours in Cabo San Lucas if you’re looking for excellent value.
Cabo Boat Adventures offers two clean and spiffy yachts – Babaloo and Sweetie Pie (how cute is that name?) – each perfect for a gang of up to 10.
You’ll anchor at either Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay to snorkel, splash around with the included water toys, or just chill on deck and soak up the Cabo sunshine.
We priced it out. And for a group of 10, the per-person price is one of the lowest we found — but you’ll still feel like a VIP.
We had the best time! We had 10 people and they took really good care of us. Great food, great drinks. The swimming with all the fish was awesome. 100% would do again!
Angela V.
What’s included:
- Unlimited drinks, including soda, bottled water and alcoholic beverages
- Snacks
- Snorkeling gear
- SUP boards and a floating mat
⛵ Recommended by 99% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $999 per group up to 10 (for 3-hour charter)
6) Private luxury yacht cruise to Chileno Bay
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 221+ reviews
- Up to 4 guests
Indulge in a spectacular morning or afternoon of boating bliss on a 42-foot motor cruiser with this private 5-star boat tour – perfect for two to four guests.
Whether it’s just the two of you (hello, romance!) or a chill outing with family or friends, this intimate cruise feels totally exclusive.
You’ll pass the iconic Arch, then anchor at Chileno Bay for snorkeling, paddleboarding and soaking up the sun from the comfy deck loungers – sunscreen highly recommended!
The yacht’s stocked with new snorkel gear and SUP boards – and if you’ve got a bigger crew, larger boats are available. You can also customize your itinerary.
Captain Alberto and Javier did everything they could to make our honeymoon cruise as special as possible. We had a wonderful time with incredible weather and special surprises from the crew that made it one of the most memorable experiences we had in Cabo.
Sevan S.
This private Cabo San Lucas charter includes:
- Unlimited premium bar – margaritas, wine, whiskey, vodka, etc.
- Delicious lunch (fresh cut fruit, fresh baguette sandwiches, quesadillas and dessert) and snacks (chips, salsa and guacamole)
- Snorkeling and SUP gear
- Sightseeing at Land’s End
- Chileno Bay – 1½ hours of fun in the sun and sea
⛵ Recommended by 100% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $1,230 per group up to 4 (for 3-hour charter)
7) Luxury power yacht cruise to Santa Maria or Chileno Bay
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 176+ reviews
- Up to 10 guests
We felt like VIPs stepping aboard Liberty, a sleek 40-foot power yacht run by Book Now Adventures – one of the top operators for private Cabo San Lucas boat tours.
Our 5-hour trip took us past Land’s End and out to Chileno Bay.
What makes this tour unique? You can fish along the way!
As we cruised, the crew cast lines overboard – and we reeled in a couple of dorado. The team offered to grill them up for fish tacos on the boat, but we opted to release them instead.
Once anchored, some of us snorkeled with tropical fish using top-notch gear, while others gave paddleboarding a go. We wrapped it all with margaritas, chicken enchiladas and epic Cabo views.
It was a perfect adventure on the water with our extended family!
Absolutely amazing! We had a private yacht and felt like royalty! Our captain and crew were phenomenal and met needs we didn’t even know we had.
Rachael C.
This private boat tour includes:
- Fishing
- High-quality snorkel gear
- Snacks and lunch
- Unlimited drinks
- Clean towels and sunscreen
- Hot water showers after snorkeling – a real treat!
8) Private sunset yacht cruise with dinner nibbles
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 73+ reviews
- Up to 10 guests
This is one of the best-value boat charters in Cabo San Lucas for a private sunset dinner cruise.
Cruise past Lover’s Beach and the famous Arch, then anchor in the Bay of Cabo San Lucas, where you can snorkel, paddleboard or float on a lily pad. (It’s usually still warm enough for a dip late in the afternoon in hotter months like October, November and June!)
As the sun sets, sip margaritas and dig into a light dinner of ceviche, guac, chips and steak or chicken fajitas.
It’s a great choice for families or groups, and the per-person cost becomes a real bargain once you have eight, nine or 10 people.
What a fabulous adventure!! Our 3 hours were filled with going to the Cabo Arch, seeing whales (oh my god!), swimming along the shoreline, steak and chicken fajitas on the boat, and beautiful sunset photos.
Melanie R.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment, SUP board and floating mat
- Drinks – margaritas, beer, shots of various tequila, water and soda
- Light dinner
⛵ Recommended by 100% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $999 for group up to 10 guests (for 3-hour charter)
9) Relaxed catamaran adventure (with all the toys!)
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 207+ reviews
- Up to 10 guests
Get ready for a blast on this easygoing private catamaran that’s perfect for all ages!
There’s no shortage of memory-making moments, from spotting whales (in season between December and March/April) and spying playful dolphins to taking a swim off the side of the boat.
You won’t run out of things to do on this 47-foot catamaran (for up to 10 guests) from Papillon Yachts. Kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling are all on offer.
[This] was one of the highlights of our trip to Cabo… Our group included 3 generations of family and everyone had the best time. From whale watching to jumping off the catamaran for a swim, lots of memories were made.
Kelly M.
This private catamaran cruise in Cabo San Lucas includes:
- Lots of water toys – SUP boards, kayaks, snorkel equipment and floating mats
- Open bar with unlimited drinks and soda
- Lunch – quesadillas (or turkey baguettes), chips and salsa, guacamole and fruit cocktail
- Hotel transfers upon request
⛵ Recommended by 100% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $2,000 per group up to 10 (for 3-hour charter)
10) Luxury 42-foot power yacht experience
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 147+ reviews
- Up to 8 guests
Like #9, this 3-hour tour on the Pura Vida is also from Papillon Yachts and offers a personalized experience for exploring the waters around Cabo. But instead of a catamaran, you’re on a 42-foot power yacht (it’s less expensive and accommodates 8 rather than 10 guests).
Take photos of the Arch, cruise over to the Pacific Ocean side (in winter) for whale watching and kick back with an open bar off Medano Beach.
The crew was great!! [They] shared stories of the history of Cabo, provided great snacks and drinks and stopped to let us swim and/or snorkel. A very relaxing cruise and worth every penny!!! I highly recommend this three-hour tour.
Jim F.
What’s included:
- Hotel transfers
- Snacks and lunch
- Unlimited drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Water toys – SUP boards, snorkel gear and a large floating mat
⛵ Recommended by 100% of travelers
⛵ Cost = $1,690 per group up to 8 (for 3-hour charter)
That wraps up our list of the best private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas!
Whether you’re dreaming of spotting whales, snorkeling with tropical fish or simply kicking back on deck with a margarita (or a crisp glass of Chardonnay), there’s a private charter with your name on it.
These 5-star-rated adventures blend luxury and laid-back fun – because cruising Cabo should always feel this good!
Our favorite resources for planning a trip to Cabo
Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.
Need more help?
- See our Start here page. It lists everything we’ve written on Cabo.
- Also check our Ultimate Cabo travel guide and our article on Planning your Cabo vacation: Essential tips.
Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
About the authors
