Big fish and sea lions in one morning. This private yacht outing mixes the classic Cabo photo stop with real time to relax and snorkel in the Santa Maria and Chileno Bay area, with the added fun of fishing when conditions are right.

I especially like the family-friendly setup: you get snacks, towels, bottled water, soda, and snorkeling gear, plus alcoholic beverages on board. I also like that the captain aims for the best spots, not just a fixed script, so your day can feel balanced between hanging out and chasing a catch. The main drawback to plan for is motion sickness risk on the open water, since medication is recommended.

Key points if you want the highlights first

• Private-only group for your party, so you can set the pace without sharing the boat with strangers
• El Arco + sea lions photo time paired with the Santa Maria and Chileno Bay area
• Snorkeling gear and towels included, making it easier to travel light
• Open bar, snacks, soda, and water included, which matters on a full 6-hour day
• Captain chooses the best fishing and fun options, with extra flexibility once you’re on the water

What you’re really buying at $699 per person

At $699 per person for about 6 hours, this is not a budget “hop-on, hop-off” excursion. You’re paying for a private yacht day that tries to cover multiple family goals in one outing: sightseeing, snorkeling time, and the option to fish.

The practical value is what’s included. You don’t just get a boat ride. You get snacks, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and towels. That combination can turn a pricey excursion into something that feels closer to a day you’d actually plan for—food and basics handled, gear provided, and time already allocated for water fun.

You’ll also want to take advantage of the fact that it’s private. On a private adventure, you can spend as much time as you want at any location once you reach the good spots. That flexibility is often where “worth it” trips beat the standard, tightly timed tours.

Meeting at 7:00 am in Cabo, and what to expect on a private charter

The start time is 7:00 am, which is helpful for two reasons. First, it gives you daylight for both sightseeing and water activities. Second, early starts tend to improve your chances for calmer, more enjoyable boating.

You’ll meet at Book Now Adventures, Edificio Posada, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n-L-3B, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The location is near public transportation, so you’re not locked into only one taxi option.

Since it’s a private tour/activity, only your group participates. That can make a big difference if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who needs a little extra time to get settled on the boat, handle snorkeling gear, or simply take breaks.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and the Santa Maria/Chileno Bay plan

Your day includes a stop at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, with sea lions and time for photos. It’s the kind of Cabo landmark that’s easy to recognize from pictures, but the real payoff is seeing it up close and watching the sea lions in action.

After that, the route includes the Santa Maria and Chileno Bay area. This part of the experience is where the day usually shifts from “look at Cabo” to “do Cabo.” You’ll have time to enjoy the water, including swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll likely spend a chunk of the morning focused on that general area.

One note that helps you set expectations: the experience lists the El Arco stop with admission included and about four hours associated with that initial sightseeing-and-bay segment. Then, because it’s private, you can adjust how long you linger at later locations. In real terms, it means you should be ready for a day that has both structure and flexibility—early sightseeing, then time that can stretch based on what the captain sees out on the water.

Quick practical tips for this stretch

• Bring your camera phone and keep it protected if you’ll be on the water often.
• Plan on sun management here. You’ll be outside and moving between boat and water time.
• If your group needs a slow rhythm, this itinerary is still workable, since you can spend extra time once you’re at a good spot.

Fishing on a yacht: comfort first, but the captain hunts

The big hook here is that it’s family fishing in luxury. That phrase matters because it points to what the crew seems to prioritize: making fishing feel like a vacation, not a chore.

The captain takes you to the best options available for fun and for fishing while you cruise in comfort. That’s exactly what you want. Instead of sticking to a single spot because the schedule says so, you’re adapting to ocean conditions and where the action seems best that day.

The crew also brings strong energy. In one standout detail from the onboard experience, Omar and Jorge were praised for going above and beyond to make the trip amazing, including the open-bar vibe and the way they handled fishing with real excitement. If you do manage to catch something, one review specifically mentioned that they cooked up a mahi mahi onboard—so it’s worth asking the crew if they can prepare a catch if that’s part of your plan.

A good way to enjoy fishing on this kind of trip

Fishing days can feel slow when you’re hoping for a big moment every five minutes. The way to make it work is to treat fishing as one pillar, not the only pillar:

• If the fishing is active, great—enjoy it.
• If it’s quiet, use the time for lounging, swimming, and snorkeling, since that’s built into the overall experience.

Snorkeling time that isn’t an afterthought

This is the other half of the “family day” idea. Snorkeling gear and towels are included, so you’re not hunting down rentals or trying to manage a last-minute gear scramble.

The itinerary explicitly calls out a great location for swimming and snorkeling, and with the Santa Maria and Chileno Bay area on the plan, you can expect that this part of the day gets genuine attention rather than being tacked on for 20 minutes.

What you’ll likely love about the snorkeling setup

• You show up with the basics covered: gear and towels.
• You can split your time: some people fish, some people snorkel, some people just want to float and cool off.
• The private format makes it easier to match the pace to the group, especially if kids need more time to get comfortable.

Don’t forget sunblock

Sunblock isn’t included, and it’s the one item that can turn a good water day into a painful one. Bring your own and reapply based on how much time you’re in and out of the water.

If you’re prone to sunburn, pack more than you think you need. Boat days add extra exposure because you’re moving around, not just staying on the beach.

Comfort onboard: open bar, snacks, and family-friendly pacing

This is not a bare-bones fishing boat. You’ll be cruising in comfort while getting:

• Snacks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water
• Towels

That matters for families and mixed-age groups. When everyone gets a snack and a cold drink without having to leave the boat, the day feels easier. It also helps keep the energy up during the time it can take to reach the best spots.

The overall structure also helps. With about 6 hours total, you’re not committing to a full-day marathon. You can do sightseeing, water time, and fishing without feeling like it’s going to swallow the entire day.

One more practical point: the experience recommends motion sickness medication. Even if you usually handle boats fine, it’s smart to take that seriously. A calmer ride can still turn bumpy during transitions, and having medication on hand keeps the whole day more relaxed.

Price, value, and who this is best for

The best way to judge $699 per person is to ask what you’re replacing it with. If you’d normally pay for separate activities—boat time, snorkeling rentals, food/snacks, and drinks—this combo starts to look more logical.

You’re also getting privacy, which is a form of value that doesn’t show up on a simple per-hour calculator. Being able to adjust time on your schedule is exactly what families and groups with different energy levels need.

This tour fits well if you want

• A private yacht day where your group stays together
• A mix of fishing + swimming/snorkeling
• Included gear and basics so you don’t overpack
• A crew that’s focused on service and fun, not just transportation

Consider passing if

• Your group is very sensitive to boat motion and you don’t want to deal with that possibility (meds are recommended)
• You only want one activity type and would rather keep costs lower

Weather and motion sickness: the two real decision-makers

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 important because it protects you from paying for a day that can’t happen safely.

For motion sickness, the guidance is clear: medication is recommended. If you’re the kind of person who gets queasy on boats, plan ahead. Don’t assume you’ll be fine just because it’s “just” a few hours.

What to pack (based on what’s not included)

• Sunblock (not included)
• Motion sickness medication if you need it
• Anything you use for comfort and sun protection personally (like hats, sunglasses)

Should you book this private yacht fishing and snorkeling adventure?

I’d book it if you want a Cabo day that feels like a real break: private time on the water, the chance to hunt for fish, and built-in snorkeling with gear and towels provided. The pricing makes sense when you look at what’s included, and the private format gives you the flexibility that standard tours often don’t.

I’d think twice if motion sickness is a strong issue for you or your group. If that’s you, don’t just “hope for calm seas.” Take the medication recommendation seriously and plan your day accordingly.

If you’re trying to give the whole family one unforgettable Cabo memory—sea lions at El Arco, bay time around Santa Maria and Chileno, and that thrill of fishing—this is a very strong option.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht fishing and snorkeling adventure?

It runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 am.

What’s included in the price?

Included are snacks, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and towels.

What should I bring since it’s not included?

Sunblock is not included, so you’ll want to bring your own.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.