Cabo’s arch sets the pace fast. On this exclusive Phantom II outing, I love the private-boat feel and the Arch of Cabo cruise right up front, before the real fishing starts. It’s a straightforward mix of coast views and fast action.

The one thing to plan for is how the rules work: marlin and sailfish are catch-and-release unless you want to keep one as a trophy. Also, you’ll need to budget for a fishing license (one person) and crew gratuities.

Key things to know before you go

• Arch of Cabo departure: You cruise through the landmark first, then head out quickly.
• 20–30 minutes to the fishing grounds: The day moves fast, with less “travel time” and more “try to hook something.”
• Catch-and-release for marlin and sailfish: You can still request a trophy option if you want one.
• Built for sportfishing: Professional gear, outriggers, and lifejackets are included.
• Bilingual crew with real horsepower: The crew is set up for getting lines in and calling the action.
• Private group-only charter: Up to 8 people, so you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.

Phantom II in Cabo: a charter that starts with the view

This is the kind of Cabo fishing trip where you feel the order of operations right away. Instead of racing out to the open water first, you leave from the Cabo San Lucas marina and begin with the famous Arch of Cabo experience. Even if fishing is the main reason you booked, I like that the morning starts with a “win” you can see from the boat.

Then you get that practical benefit: you’re not just staring at water for hours before anything happens. The trip is designed so the cruise and the fishing are tightly connected. You’ll spend a short stretch enjoying the coastline and then move on to the grounds in about 20 to 30 minutes.

You’ll also appreciate the setup on board. The Phantom II includes professional fishing gear plus outriggers, and lifejackets are on hand. That matters, because on sportfishing boats, gear quality and the rigging you can deploy fast often decide whether the day feels smooth or stressful.

Cruising the Arch of Cabo before you fish

That Arch of Cabo moment is more than a postcard stop. It’s a clear “you’re really here” signal, and it gives you a short window to settle in before the deck work starts. In real terms, it also helps you get your bearings fast—sun angle, wind direction, and sea conditions tend to become obvious once you’re underway.

If you’re the group type that likes photos but also hates long delays, this works. The arch portion doesn’t eat your whole morning. It’s brief enough that you stay mentally ready for fishing, not stuck waiting for the next phase.

One more angle: the arch area is naturally part of the Los Cabos experience. After you wrap up the trip and return, you’ll get another look at the coastline from the water, so the visuals don’t stop once you turn serious about hooks and lines.

The 5-hour flow: how the day stays active

You’re looking at about 5 hours total, give or take based on conditions. That timing is a big part of the value. The structure is simple: depart, head to the fishing grounds quickly, fish while you chase a variety of species, then return to the marina on a similar timeline.

On a charter like this, the best days feel “busy” in a good way. From what people describe about action on the boat, the crew actively works to put everyone into the moments when bites can happen. That kind of focus is especially important on shorter charters, because you have fewer hours to recover if the bite slows down.

Also, don’t underestimate how fast a half-day can move. One account noted that an 8-hour run went by quickly. On a 5-hour itinerary, that feeling is even more likely, so plan for a full-on morning rather than a casual stroll.

What species you can target (and how rules affect your catch)

This trip is designed for variety. You’ll have the chance to catch different species while the crew handles marlin and sailfish under a catch-and-release policy. That means you can still aim for these big-ticket fish, but the standard approach prioritizes sustainability.

Here’s the key detail for decision-making: marlin and sailfish are catch-and-release unless you want to keep one as a trophy. If you’re the type who dreams of a brag-worthy specimen photo, the trophy option matters. If you’re the type who prefers a clean record and wants the day to feel like sport-first fishing, catch-and-release is already built into the plan.

For many people, the practical upside is that the crew can focus on the most productive strategy without needing to treat every fish the same way. Once you know the rules ahead of time, you can relax and fish for the experience instead of second-guessing what will or won’t be allowed once you hook up.

The crew on Phantom II: where the action comes from

The boat’s “engine” is the crew, and that shows in how the day feels. You’ll be sailing with a bilingual crew, and the gear is handled in a way that keeps things moving.

More than once, names came up in people’s feedback: Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier. That matters because it signals more than friendliness. It suggests a crew that coordinates well, chases the fish actively, and makes sure everyone gets a shot at the action.

If your group has different skill levels—someone who fishes often and someone who’s picking up a rod for the first time—you’ll likely like this crew style. On boats like this, good crew communication reduces wasted time. It helps you feel confident when something happens fast, like a bite that turns into a chase.

Included gear and what it means for you on the water

The trip includes professional fishing gear, outriggers, and lifejackets. For a visitor, that’s not a small detail. It removes two hassles:

First, you don’t need to hunt down rental equipment or worry whether the rods and tackle match the type of fishing you’re doing. Second, it reduces the chance that the day starts with awkward delays while someone figures out how to rig up.

Outriggers are also a sign the boat is set for sportfishing rather than casual cruising. They’re part of how lines are deployed effectively offshore, and that translates into more time with lines in the water.

Lifejackets being included means you can focus on the fishing and scenery rather than asking for safety items on the fly. It’s also part of the general “ready to go” feeling that makes these charters worth it.

Price and value: $1,015 for up to 8 people

The price is $1,015 per group for up to 8 people, for about 5 hours. In plain math terms, that can work out to about $127 per person if you max out the boat. If your group is smaller, the cost per person rises fast—because it’s priced by group, not by seat you can easily fill.

So here’s the real value question: what do you want your money to buy?

If you want exclusivity—your own private group on the Phantom II—this price is easier to justify. You’re also getting included gear, outriggers, and a bilingual crew, which reduces extras that sometimes pop up on fishing trips.

What’s not included matters too:

• Fishing licenses are not included (one person).
• Crew gratuities are not included.

You can plan a better overall budget if you assume you’ll cover the license and tips separately. Even without knowing exact amounts for licenses and gratuities, it’s clear this is a “pay for the charter, then handle the usual extras” situation.

Meeting point reality: arrive early, not at the minute

The meeting start is East Dock, East Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. That’s a dock-side start, which makes sense for a charter.

One practical tip from an earlier experience: start times can be optimistic on paper. The day begins earlier than you might expect, and people recommend getting there before 6 to get the best start, even if the posted time says 7am.

That advice is worth taking seriously. On boats, early arrival gives you time to park, check in, find the correct dock spot, and get onboard without rushing. If your group is coming from anywhere in the marina zone, give yourself a buffer so you’re not sprinting to the dock while the boat is ready.

Also, about transportation: there’s at least one case of confusion about whether pickup was included. You can avoid stress by confirming what happens for your group ahead of time, especially if you’re staying farther from the marina. If you’re relying on public transport, the activity is near public transportation, but it’s still smart to plan your route and timing.

The best fit: who should book this Phantom II charter

This charter suits people who want a private sportfishing experience with a clear morning schedule. If your group likes structure—meet, head out, fish, return—you’ll probably enjoy the flow.

It also fits you if you care about the combination of nature and sport. You’re not only fishing. You’re also taking in the Arch of Cabo, coastal views while you head out, and then the scenery again on the way back.

You might want to rethink if:

• You need a very long, slow sightseeing day. This is a half-day charter, and it stays focused on fishing time.
• You’re fixated on specific keep-catch outcomes. Marlin and sailfish are catch-and-release unless you want a trophy option, so your expectations should match the rules.

If you’re traveling with a mixed group—some eager anglers, some more “boat-and-views” people—this one can work well. Some of the appeal is that not everyone has to be hardcore fishing to enjoy the day.

Tips to get the best shot in a short window

Because the trip is about 5 hours, you’ll want to treat it like a “morning mission,” not a slow hang. A few practical moves help:

• Arrive early. The dock start runs best when you’re not cutting it close.
• Listen for crew cues. When the crew is actively chasing action, the difference between an average day and a great one is often timing and attention.
• Be flexible on the fish plan. You’ll have variety, and the best chance to feel the day is to be ready when the bite changes.
• Know the marlin/sailfish rules before you go. Catch-and-release is standard, with a trophy keep option if you choose it.

Also, pack smart for the water. Even though the tour includes lifejackets, you’ll still want to think about sun and comfort. The morning light can be intense, and you’ll be on deck during the action windows.

Is it worth booking? My honest take

I’d book this if you want a private, gear-supported sportfishing charter with real attention to the experience start. The Arch of Cabo cruise gives you a memorable Cabo moment early, and the schedule keeps the fishing focus tight.

The strongest reasons to choose it:

• The trip is built around speed from marina to grounds (about 20 to 30 minutes).
• The crew approach is about getting the group into the action, not just “going through the motions.”
• You’re not guessing at the basics: gear, outriggers, and lifejackets are included.

The main reason to pause:

• You should go in understanding that marlin and sailfish follow a catch-and-release policy unless you opt for a trophy keep. If your personal definition of success depends on keeping one of these fish, decide that in advance.

If you’re an early riser with a group of up to 8 and you want an organized, high-energy fishing morning in Cabo, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Phantom II fishing tour in Cabo San Lucas?

The trip lasts about 5 hours.

What group size is this private charter for?

It’s a private tour for your group, up to 8 people.

What’s included in the price?

Included are professional fishing gear, outriggers, lifejackets, and a bilingual crew.

Do I need a fishing license?

Fishing licenses are not included (for one person).

Are marlin and sailfish kept or released?

Marlin and sailfish are handled under a catch-and-release policy unless you want to keep one as a trophy.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.