A 38ft yacht makes Cabo feel like yours. This all-private, all-inclusive 3-hour cruise on a Maxum focuses on classic sights plus real water time, with an open bar, fresh onboard bites, and gear for snorkeling and paddle boarding. I love that it is built around your group’s pace instead of a rigid tour flow, and I also like how the crew handles the details from safety to taking photos at the Arch.
The main thing to consider is the trade-off: the tour is private up to your party size, but the itinerary is time-boxed to fit within the 3 hours, so you’ll want to be ready to swim and snorkel efficiently when the boat reaches each stop.
In This Review
- Key things you’ll notice on this private yacht tour
- Private 38ft Maxum Yacht in Cabo: Why This Style Works
- Open Bar and Fresh Onboard Food: The Part You’ll Actually Remember
- The Crew Factor: Friendly, Professional, and Photo-Ready
- Stop 1: El Arco and Sea Lions Close-Up
- Stop 2: Pacific Coast Views and Wildlife Chances
- Stop 3: Bay of Cabo San Lucas Beach Time (Swim, Snorkel, Paddle)
- Food and Drink Timing: How the 3 Hours Fits Together
- Price and Value for a Private Group of Up to 8
- Meeting Point, Tickets, and Your Day Plan
- Weather and Water Conditions: The Only Real Variable
- Who This Tour Suits Best in Cabo
- Should You Book This Private Maxum Yacht Tour?
- FAQ
- How much does the private 3-hour Maxum yacht tour cost?
- How long is the tour?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What’s included in the open bar?
- Is lunch included?
- What snacks are included onboard?
- What water activities are included?
- What stops does the boat make during the tour?
- Can we play our own music?
- What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?
Key things you’ll notice on this private yacht tour
- All-private and all-inclusive feel: up to 8 per group, with an open bar and onboard snacks
- 38ft Maxum on the water: plenty of comfort for a short, action-friendly outing
- Snorkel + paddle-board setup included: you can switch between swimming and lounging fast
- Guided stops you can photograph: El Arco, Pacific coast viewpoints, then beach time
- You control the vibe: play your own music and customize within the private format
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Private 38ft Maxum Yacht in Cabo: Why This Style Works
Cabo’s coastline can feel crowded from shore. On this private 38ft Maxum charter, you’re closer to the action, and the trip feels less like ticking boxes and more like spending a half-day on the water with your own plan.
The big win is how the experience is structured. You’re not just cruising past the highlights; you’re given real time to swim, snorkel, and paddle board. The boat also supports an easy “eat, drink, float” rhythm with an air-conditioned comfort break when you need it, plus a floating mat for hanging out on the water.
Price matters here. At $1,100 per group (up to 8), it’s not a budget move. But for a private yacht with an open bar plus included snorkeling and paddle boards, the per-person cost can look reasonable if you’re traveling with a small group of friends or family. If you’re solo or a couple, it can still be worth it, but you’ll want to weigh it against cheaper shared boat options in Cabo.
Open Bar and Fresh Onboard Food: The Part You’ll Actually Remember
This tour includes a full open bar. That means tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, juices, sodas, and water, plus mixers. The practical value is that you don’t have to pause the day to order drinks. You’re also not stuck with one drink type. If someone wants beer and someone else wants tequila, it’s handled.
Food is handled the same way: it’s not just chips dropped on a tray. You’ll get fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, salsas, chips, fresh fruit, and cheese quesadillas prepared onboard. In other words, it hits the sweet spot for a 3-hour outing: enough to feel satisfied without turning the day into a long sit-down meal.
One detail I appreciate is that there is an optional upgrade for lunch. Lunch is not included as standard, but you can add upgraded food—mixed fajitas and ceviche—for $20 per person. If you’re the type who wants a fuller meal, that upgrade is your lever. If you’re fine with snacks plus swim time, you can keep it simple.
The Crew Factor: Friendly, Professional, and Photo-Ready
On a short private cruise, the crew can make or break the day. The tone on this charter tends to be warm and organized. People consistently highlighted that the captain and crew were friendly, attentive, and professional. Names that show up in the experience include Martin and Carlos, with other crew members like Luis and Omar mentioned as well. For a sunset timing version, David shows up in reports too.
What I’d take from that, if you’re deciding, is that this is not a “hand you a boat and good luck” setup. You get a safety rundown at the start, drink refills handled quickly, and support when you’re getting into the water.
Also, the crew helps with photos—especially at El Arco, where the lighting and angles are easy to miss if you’re trying to shoot one-handed. If you care about getting real Cabo shots, you’ll appreciate that someone is watching your moment.
Stop 1: El Arco and Sea Lions Close-Up
El Arco is the postcard moment in Cabo, and the timing is designed to let you enjoy it without feeling rushed. You get about 30 minutes at the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. The admission ticket is listed as free, which matters because it reduces friction at the moment you’re already excited and ready to take photos.
What makes El Arco special on the water is that you’re not just looking at a rock formation from a distance. You can see the arch itself and a big colony of sea lions swimming and sunbathing. That combination of landmark + animals is what turns a simple stop into something memorable.
Practical consideration: photos at El Arco are easiest when the boat is positioned well and you know where to stand. Since the crew is used to taking photos, you’ll get better results if you ask early where to pose for the arch angle and where to stand so the sea lions are in frame too.
A handful more around Los Cabos we would happily send a friend to
Stop 2: Pacific Coast Views and Wildlife Chances
After El Arco, the boat heads toward the Pacific side. This segment is around 30 minutes and is built around scenery plus potential wildlife sightings like whales, fish, dolphins, jellyfish, and more, with help from trained guides.
A quick reality check that I think helps you set expectations: wildlife spotting in Cabo depends on conditions. Some days you’ll see more, some days less. What you can control is your comfort and your willingness to look. This is one of those legs where it helps to be present—tilt your attention outward, not down at your phone.
Also, because your total trip is only about 3 hours, the Pacific coast portion has to do two jobs: scenic cruising and wildlife watching. If you’re the kind of person who likes watching movement on the water—sprays, shadows, surface breaks—you’ll likely get a lot out of this section.
Stop 3: Bay of Cabo San Lucas Beach Time (Swim, Snorkel, Paddle)
This is the heart of the experience. You get around 2 hours in the Bay of Cabo San Lucas Beach area. Admission is included here, and this is where you turn the cruise into an actual water day.
You can relax, swim, snorkel, and paddleboard. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with paddle boards and a large floating mat onboard. That combination is practical: if someone in your group wants to snorkel and another person wants to float or paddle around, nobody needs to wait around.
Snorkeling note: you won’t have to scramble for gear because it is included. Still, the success of snorkeling depends on water conditions. If visibility is limited one moment, don’t panic—just try again after the boat adjusts position or when you move into a clearer zone.
Lovers Beach is also part of the plan. You’ll view, swim, or paddle board toward it, which is a big plus if you want something beyond the main bay and you like exploring without needing a hike.
Food and Drink Timing: How the 3 Hours Fits Together
This tour is short by design. That can be great if you’re on a tight schedule and want a high-impact experience without a full day commitment.
Here’s how the experience usually “lands” in practice:
- You start with the Arch stop and photos, where drinks and conversation keep things easy.
- Then you cruise the Pacific side, taking in wildlife chances while staying comfortable onboard.
- Finally, you switch into beach mode for the longer 2-hour window, using snorkel equipment and paddle boards.
Because everything is onboard-inclusive, you’re not dealing with long gaps where you wonder what’s next. The food and drinks help smooth the transitions, too.
If you want to “maximize fun per hour,” this is a great format for active groups: swim, snorkel, paddle, then return for snacks and an easy sip of something cold.
Price and Value for a Private Group of Up to 8
At $1,100 per group (up to 8), you’re paying for privacy and inclusion. You’re getting:
- a 38ft Maxum yacht experience
- an open bar (alcohol and non-alcohol)
- fresh onboard snacks
- snorkel gear, paddle boards, and a floating mat
- private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle as part of the process
So the value is not just the boat. It’s the combination of included activities and included drinks. In Cabo, that matters because add-ons can stack up quickly on some tours.
Who gets the best deal? People who travel as a tight group and actually use the included features. If your group plans to snorkel and paddle board, and you’ll enjoy the open bar, you’re squeezing more value out of the price.
Who might hesitate? If your group wants a long, laid-back beach day, a 3-hour charter can feel brief. And if you’re a couple, you’ll be paying the group price even though you’re using fewer seats.
Meeting Point, Tickets, and Your Day Plan
The meeting point is at A9AVEPlaza Embarcadero on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
You’ll use a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking. The tour description also notes that service animals are allowed and that it’s near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re not renting a car.
One more useful detail: the tour notes a maximum of 14 travelers, while the pricing says up to 8 per group. In practice, that usually means you should expect private behavior for your party, but you’ll still want to double-check the exact group size when you confirm.
Weather and Water Conditions: The Only Real Variable
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 matters in Cabo because wind and sea conditions can affect how comfortable snorkeling and open-water paddling feel. If you’re booking close to travel plans, I’d choose a time window where you can shift your schedule if the operator needs to adjust.
Who This Tour Suits Best in Cabo
This private yacht format is a strong fit for:
- small groups of friends who want shared fun without crowds
- families who want a guided experience with the crew handling the details
- couples who want a more private, romantic outing built around time in the water
- anyone who values included drinks and gear so the day stays simple
It’s also a nice choice if you want Cabo’s signature sights—El Arco and Lover’s Beach—without spending energy coordinating land transfers.
Should You Book This Private Maxum Yacht Tour?
If you’re excited by the idea of spending 3 hours on a private yacht with an open bar and included snorkel and paddle-board time, I think this is an easy yes. The itinerary is tight, but it’s built for maximum fun in limited time: landmark stop, wildlife viewing window, then the longer swim/snorkel beach stretch.
I’d book it especially if:
- you’re traveling with a group up to 8 and will split the cost
- you want real water time rather than just photo stops
- you care about service quality, and you like the idea of a crew that takes photos and keeps drinks flowing
If you’re budget-focused or you mainly want a long beach day, you might find that a cheaper shared boat or a land-based beach plan covers what you need with less cost. But if your goal is a private, all-inclusive “on the water” afternoon, this one is built for it.
FAQ
How much does the private 3-hour Maxum yacht tour cost?
It costs $1,100.00 per group, up to 8 people.
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is about 3 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at A9AVEPlaza Embarcadero, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included in the open bar?
The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, all mixers, sodas, water, and natural fruit juices.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included as standard. There is an optional lunch upgrade for $20 per person (mixed fajitas and ceviche).
What snacks are included onboard?
You get fresh cheese quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsas, tortilla chips, and fresh fruit.
What water activities are included?
Snorkeling equipment is included, along with paddle boards and a large floating mat for relaxing on the water.
What stops does the boat make during the tour?
You’ll stop at El Arco (about 30 minutes), cruise the Pacific coast (about 30 minutes), and spend about 2 hours in the Bay of Cabo San Lucas Beach area. You’ll also view and have time connected to Lovers beach.
Can we play our own music?
Yes. You can play your own music onboard.
What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For cancellations, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; canceling less than 24 hours before start time is not refundable.
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