Private sailing in Cabo is pure freedom. This 38-foot charter gives you the kind of control most Cabo tours can’t: you can choose the order, snorkel in clear-water coves, and keep the vibe relaxed while the crew handles the details. You’ll hit the iconic El Arco area and a standout snorkeling stop close to the marina, then spend time gliding along the bay and open ocean.

I especially like two things. First, the crew runs it like your personal boat, with real input on what you want to do during the ~3 hours. Second, the mix of sailing views plus an open bar (unlimited drinks), snacks, and snorkeling gear makes it feel like you’re paying for experiences, not just transportation.

One thing to consider: if you get seasick easily, plan ahead. A couple of reviews mentioned motion issues, and on this kind of ride the water and wind can make a difference, even when the crew is doing everything right.

Key things I’d note before you book

• Private boat, up to four people means you’re not squeezed into a crowd
• El Arco + Pelican Rock are built into the plan, with time to actually enjoy both
• Open bar and snacks keep the energy easy without interrupting the schedule
• Snorkeling gear is included and the sites are set up for both first-timers and experienced swimmers
• Use of a paddleboard adds a fun extra when you’re not in the water
• Flexible departure times let you match the trip to your day in Cabo

Entering the day: what “private” changes on a 3-hour Cabo sail

This tour works because it treats time like a resource you should spend on your vacation, not on waiting. You meet at F Dock at the Cabo San Lucas Marina, then you’re back there when you’re done. There’s no hotel pickup included, so you’ll want to factor that into your day, whether you’re driving, taking a taxi, or using public transport near the marina.

The core advantage is simple: it’s a private charter for your group (up to four). That means the crew can nudge the plan based on how you feel that day. If you want more time in the water at Pelican Rock, you usually can. If you want more time cruising for photos, you can. Several guides named in reviews—like Caesar, David, Angel, Gabriel, Alexis, Manuel, Ivan, Javier, and Israel—all sound like they’re used to adjusting on the fly. Even when the itinerary has anchors (El Arco, Pelican Rock, sailing time), the order and pacing matter, and you feel that difference fast.

Also, the tour is offered in English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket after booking. Confirmation comes at the time you reserve, so you’re not stuck guessing.

If you’re hoping for a perfectly set “script,” keep your expectations flexible. This trip’s value is in the crew’s ability to respond to wind, water conditions, and what your group wants in real time.

Price and value: paying per boat (not per person)

The price is $750 per boat, for up to four people. That pricing structure is a big part of why this is so popular for couples and small groups. If you’re two people, you’re paying more than a shared catamaran would cost per head—but you’re also buying privacy, a calmer pace, and more control.

For four people, the math gets more comfortable. You get the perks that matter on the water: unlimited drinks (open bar), snacks, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and even paddleboard time. Most public tours offer some combination of these, but they often limit them, ration food, or keep you moving quickly to satisfy the schedule of many boats.

On top of that, you’re paying for time on a 38-foot sailboat—not a rushed stop-and-go ride. You’re not just passing by Cabo’s biggest sights from behind other people. You’re using the water to see them up close.

One practical note: the tour runs in good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the provider will cancel and offer another date or a full refund. That’s not a deal-killer—it’s normal for ocean activities. Just keep an eye on the day’s weather if Cabo is your first day in town.

Stop 1 at El Arco: quick, famous, and made for photos

Your first major stop is at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. You get about 15 minutes here, with Lovers Beach and the rock formations in the mix, plus views out toward both the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

Here’s what works about the short timing. El Arco is the kind of sight that gets better the closer you are, but you don’t need a long “sit and stare” block to enjoy it. You need time to take photos, look around, and soak in the scale—then you move on.

The drawback of a short stop is obvious: if you want a long beach moment or a long snorkel session, this is not that stop. But if your goal is to tick off the iconic Cabo sight and then get to the water where the real fun starts, the schedule makes sense.

I also like this stop because it sets the tone. When you see El Arco from the water, you get a sense of why this area pulls people in—jagged rock, bright ocean, and that unmistakable “Cabo” silhouette.

Stop 2 at Pelican Rock: where the snorkeling is the star

Next is Pelican Rock, and it’s close to the marina—about 15 minutes away—so you’re not spending half your tour just getting there. You’ll get around 45 minutes at this snorkeling location, which is a big deal. Many tours cram snorkeling into a shorter window, especially on shared boats.

Pelican Rock is described as clear water, about 20–25 feet, with plenty of friendly tropical fish. That’s the kind of depth range that usually works well for a mix of swimmers: you can snorkel near the surface and still see lots of movement, and you don’t feel like you’re going to disappear into a dark underwater tunnel.

This is also the stop that tends to turn first-time snorkelers into repeat swimmers. If you’ve never snorkeled before, the crew’s gear support matters: snorkel gear is included, and you can usually get help fitting things correctly before you go.

A couple of reviews mention seeing wildlife like sea turtles, sea lions, and manta rays, and one review even mentioned swimming with a sea lion. Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the combination of clear water and the local ecosystem is a solid recipe for a memorable swim.

Potential consideration: visibility and comfort depend on the day. Water temperature and mild waves can affect how long you want to stay in. If you’re sensitive to cold or motion, you may want to keep your first entry short and adjust as you go.

Sailing time after snorkeling: bay, Sea of Cortez, Pacific

After Pelican Rock, you get the “slow down” portion: smooth sailing time around Cabo San Lucas Bay, the Sea of Cortez, and the Pacific Ocean. This is when the tour shifts from sightseeing tasks to pure ocean time.

In some versions of this experience, you’ll likely sail more actively—reviews mention hoisting sails and a proper wind-driven cruise. In at least one account, sailing happened less than expected because conditions didn’t support it. The practical takeaway: you’re booking the boat experience and the water time, not a promise that the sail will be up for every minute.

That said, even when the wind is temperamental, this part still matters. The sailing zone is where you feel the spacing from shore and the change in light across the coastline. It’s also when the open-bar vibe tends to click, because you’re not constantly suiting up for snorkeling.

If you want to make the most of this sailing block, I’d do two things:

1) Ask the crew when the best viewing is for your photo priorities (arch angles, beach lookouts, sunset timing if your departure overlaps).

2) If you’re feeling energized, alternate between deck time and water time. The included gear and paddleboard make it easy.

Food, open bar, snacks, and the “comfort layer”

What surprised me here is how “easy” the trip feels because of what they feed you and how they keep drinks flowing.

You’ll have:

• Unlimited drinks (open bar)
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Snorkeling gear
• Use of a paddleboard

Some reviews get specific about the vibe: cocktails were a hit, and snacks included things like sandwiches and guacamole. One review described simple but delicious lunch, while another mentioned fresh guacamole and sandwiches. You should think of food here as vacation snacks, not a full restaurant meal. The upside is it doesn’t drag the schedule down.

This comfort layer matters because it changes what “private” feels like. On a shared tour, everyone has to wait, line up, or ration water and time. Here, with fewer people and attentive crew members (for example Angel, Alexis, and Gabriel in one review; Oswaldo and Alexis in another), the snack-and-drink rhythm supports the whole experience.

One small but important detail: plan to rinse off somehow. Reviews mention rinse/warm water and towels, which you’ll appreciate after snorkeling. Even if you’re not swimming hard, saltwater + sunscreen can feel gross on a warm day, and having that comfort makes the end of the tour feel smoother.

Paddleboard and “try it if you want” water time

You also get paddleboard use. That’s a nice bonus because it gives you options without forcing you back into the snorkeling routine. If you’ve never paddleboarded, you might find it easiest to use when the boat is settled near the calm water areas the crew chooses.

If you’re traveling with mixed experience levels—one person who loves snorkeling, one who prefers staying on deck—paddleboarding helps. It gives everyone a “yes, I’m participating” moment without needing the same skills.

The crew factor: why people rave about these captains and mates

A private sail is only as good as the people running it. This tour is consistently praised for crew attentiveness and knowledge, and the names that come up repeatedly help you understand why.

You’ll see mentions of:

• Captain Caesar and mate Caesar (a same-team setup in one review)
• Captain David and Angel
• Captain Gabriel and Alexis
• Angel, Alexis, and Gabriel for families
• Manuel and Ivan for repeat-worthy experiences
• Javier and Israel
• Gabriel and Jorge for celebrations
• Oswaldo and Alexis for helpful guidance

Here’s what that usually means in real life: the crew not only points out sights, they manage comfort and safety. In one story, they helped recover an Apple Watch that accidentally sank during the Lovers Beach portion of the day (after crew supplied snorkel gear to search). That’s above-and-beyond behavior, and it shows the crew’s mindset: if something happens, they work the problem.

Also, one review emphasized that the captain asked what the family wanted to do and helped manage the 3-hour window around kids, including a child on the autism spectrum. That’s not just “nice hospitality”—it’s practical planning. When you have small kids or anyone who needs a slower pace, having a crew that listens matters.

If you’re the type who likes clear instructions, you’ll likely appreciate that some crew members teach technique. One review specifically mentioned a patient teaching moment for a non-swimmer in the group.

Who should book this Cabo private 38-ft sail and snorkeling?

This is a great fit for:

• Couples who want El Arco and real water time without sharing their boat with strangers
• Friends who can divide the boat cost across up to four people
• Families with kids who benefit from a flexible pace and a crew that can adapt
• Snorkelers of mixed ability (gear included; Pelican Rock is set up for first-timers and experienced swimmers)
• Anyone who wants open bar comfort and a simple schedule they can trust

It’s not the best match for you if you:

• Need a long, structured itinerary with no adjustment (this one bends)
• Get very seasick and haven’t handled it before (bring your usual motion-prep and sit where you feel best, like mid-boat)
• Want hotel pickup included (it’s not included here)

Final call: should you book this tour?

If your ideal Cabo day looks like: private boat calm, iconic sights from the water, and at least one serious snorkeling window, I’d book this. The value is strongest when you fill the group space (up to four), because you get the open bar, snacks, gear, and paddleboard without the crowd factor.

I’d book especially if you want to control the vibe. The crew seems comfortable letting you steer the order, and that’s what turns a standard sightseeing loop into a “we’ll remember this” afternoon.

Just do one thing before you go: plan for ocean comfort. If seasickness is a known issue for you or your group, treat that as a real variable, not an afterthought. Then you’ll be free to enjoy the views, the snorkeling, and the kind of service that keeps the day easy.

FAQ

How many people are included in the private tour?

The tour price is for a group of up to four people, and it’s a private tour for only your group.

Is the $750 price per person?

No. The price displayed is per boat (up to four people).

How long does the sailing and snorkeling tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included with the tour?

The tour includes beverages, bottled water, snacks, unlimited drinks (open bar), snorkeling gear, and use of a paddleboard.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do you offer vegetarian options?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

Are children allowed?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What’s the cancellation policy if plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.