Cabo sailing feels like a cheat code. With a private 38 ft charter, you choose the order of the fun and keep the pace, from the Arch-photo moment to quiet time in clear water. I especially like how this is built for variety: you’ll get classic Cabo sights at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, then you move to a short-hop snorkeling spot at Pelican Rock.

Two things I really value here are the crew-led flexibility and the onboard perks. You get an open bar plus snacks and snorkeling gear (and even paddleboard time), which means you spend less of your trip checking boxes and more of it actually on the water. One thing to consider: like most boats in Cabo, motion can hit some people hard, so bring motion-sickness help if you’re sensitive.

Key Things That Make This Cabo Sailing + Snorkeling Different

• Private boat for up to four people: Your group controls how you spend the 3 hours.
• El Arco + Lovers Beach photo time: A short stop right at the Cabo rock landmark.
• Pelican Rock snorkeling in clear water: A focused swim stop close to the marina.
• Open bar, snacks, bottled water: Food and drinks are handled onboard, not as an add-on.
• Paddleboard option: Extra water time beyond just snorkeling.
• Crew attention to details: From safety to help during the water time, they run a tight ship.

Price and Value: How $750 Works for Up to Four

This is $750 per boat, for up to four people, for about 3 hours. If you fill all four spots, you’re effectively paying around $188 per person, but even with fewer people it can still feel like a good deal because the big items are already included.

The value kicker is what’s bundled: unlimited drinks via an open bar, snacks, bottled water, snorkel gear, and the use of a paddleboard. Many “add-on” boats start charging extra for drinks, snorkel equipment, or anything beyond a quick swim. Here, you’re buying a smooth half-day-ish water plan with the essentials already covered.

Where You Meet at F Dock (And Why That Matters)

Your day starts and ends at F Dock in the Cabo San Lucas Marina. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, so plan to get yourself to the marina on time. The good news is it’s right where the action starts, so you’re not burning hours in transit.

Because you’re meeting at the dock, you also get a clean rhythm. You show up, step on the boat, and you’re quickly in “water mode.” Expect a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking.

The 38 ft Private Sailboat: Comfort, Safety, and Pace

A 38 ft sailboat is a nice sweet spot. Big enough to feel like a real outing, but small enough that a private crew can move with your preferences. This kind of private charter is all about flexibility: you can prioritize swimming, snorkeling, or simply cruising and soaking up the views.

From what the crew is praised for, the vibe tends to be calm and well managed. Captains and mates are consistently described as attentive and safety-minded, and they actively guide you on what to do and when, instead of tossing you into a “good luck” situation.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and the Lovers Beach Area

The first stop is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, with about 15 minutes there. This is the famous rock formation that defines Cabo, plus quick access to the Lovers Beach area and views over both the Pacific Ocean.

Fifteen minutes is short, but it’s a smart use of time. You get the landmark moment without letting it eat the whole trip. If your group wants photos, this is the window to do it—angles change fast in daylight and on the water.

Practical tip: wear water shoes or secure sandals if you expect any walking near the shoreline views. Even if you’re not getting wet on this stop, the dock and rocks can be a little slippery.

Stop 2: Pelican Rock Snorkeling With Clear Water and Fish

After that, you head to Pelican Rock, about 15 minutes from the marina. The snorkeling time is roughly 45 minutes, and the site is described as clear with friendly tropical fish.

This is where the trip usually becomes the most “alive.” You’re not just staring at scenery from above the water. You’re in the water long enough to actually see patterns—small schools of fish moving near rock edges and calmer patches where beginners can manage it comfortably.

One more bonus: snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not scrambling at the last second to buy or rent equipment. The crew also sets the tone for how you’ll use your time—whether that’s a slow swim, a more active search, or a break-and-recover rhythm.

The Main Event on a Private Charter: Sailing in Cabo’s Bays

The rest of the 3 hours is built around sailing and cruising in Cabo San Lucas Bay, the Sea of Cortez, and the Pacific Ocean. In plain terms: you get the iconic “out on the water” feeling with less crowd stress.

Here’s the real advantage of sailing versus speedboat hopping: the pacing feels smoother. When the wind and conditions cooperate, it can turn into an easy, scenic glide where you’re not constantly bouncing between stops. Some groups even end up focusing on more sailing time, while other days include less wind and more cruising. Either way, your crew’s job is to keep it enjoyable and safe.

Possible consideration: if conditions shift, you might not get the exact sailing intensity you hoped for on that particular day. Plan for flexibility. Cabo weather can be the boss.

Open Bar and Snacks: What You’ll Actually Be Eating and Drinking

You’ll have bottled water, snacks, and unlimited drinks on an open bar. This is one of those “small” inclusions that changes the whole experience. It keeps the mood easy and removes the need to think about spending every time someone gets thirsty.

Snacks are described as simple but good—things like fresh guacamole and sandwiches, plus fruit and chips/salsa. On at least one trip, there were also sushi and veggie-style bites. The point is not fancy dining. The point is that you’re fueled for snorkeling without needing a restaurant stop.

If your group likes mixing drinks, you’ll likely enjoy that the crew keeps drinks coming. Several mentions include rum punch and tequila options, but the key fact is that drinks are included and kept topped up.

Paddleboard Time: A Bonus If You Want More Than One Water Activity

In addition to snorkeling gear, you can use a paddleboard. Not every water trip includes something like this. It’s great for people who want a different way to enjoy the water besides snorkeling.

This also helps if your group has different comfort levels. Someone can snorkel while someone else stays on the board, and you still feel like you’re doing the same outing.

What the Crew Does That Makes It Feel Like Your Boat

The most praised part of this experience is the crew’s attention. Captains and mates—names you’ll see in feedback include Caesar, David, Angel, Gabriel, Alexis, Manuel, Ivan, Jorge, Israel, Javier, Oswaldo, and Alexis again—are repeatedly described as attentive and hands-on.

This is the difference between a tour that runs by a script and one that reads your group. A private setup lets the crew ask what you want to do and adjust the order and timing. That flexibility is why so many people leave feeling like the trip fit them, not the other way around.

Even small moments get handled fast. One standout story: an Apple Watch slipped into the water during the Lovers Beach area swim, and the crew actively helped look for it and eventually recovered it. That kind of response is exactly what you want to see.

Motion Sensitivity and Realistic Expectations on a Boat

One review note is worth taking seriously: two people got seasick. That doesn’t mean the trip is unsafe—it means the ocean motion can still find your weak spot.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before you board. Also, sit where you feel the most stable (often toward the middle) and avoid staring at close screens. Bring sunglasses, because sun glare makes it harder to stay steady.

Also remember: this is a 3-hour plan. The stops are short by design. You’re getting a focused mix, not a full-day cruise.

Who Should Book This Private Sailing + Snorkeling

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a private up-to-4 experience instead of a crowded boat
• real snorkeling time at a known site (Pelican Rock) with gear included
• sailing and sightseeing in one session without hotel pickup hassle

It also works well for couples and small families because the crew can handle different comfort levels. If you’ve got kids, they must be with an adult, and you’ll likely appreciate the hands-on help from the crew in keeping the experience organized.

If you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a “treat day,” the private format makes it easy to feel special without doing anything complicated.

Quick Things to Bring (So Your Day Stays Easy)

You’ll be on the water, so plan for sun and splashes. Bring:

• sunscreen and a hat
• a dry layer or light cover-up for after snorkeling
• water shoes or grippy sandals
• motion-sickness help if you need it
• a small waterproof pouch for phones and valuables

Snorkel gear is provided, so you don’t need to pack fins or masks. That said, if you’ve got your own mask you love, you might prefer to bring it for comfort—though the tour already supplies gear.

Should You Book It? My Straight Answer

Book it if you want a private Cabo water day with snorkeling plus sailing and you care about flexibility. The value is strongest when your group size is close to four, and the included snacks, open bar, and gear make it feel like you’re not nickel-and-diming your way through the experience.

Skip it or rethink if you’re very motion-sensitive and your group can’t handle boat movement. Also keep expectations realistic: conditions can affect how much sailing you feel, because Cabo wind decides a lot.

If you want the Cabo highlights (El Arco, Lovers Beach area) paired with a genuinely swim-friendly spot (Pelican Rock), this is the kind of outing that fits well and doesn’t drag.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas private sailing and snorkeling tour?

It’s about 3 hours.

What is the price for this private tour?

It’s $750.00 per boat (up to 4 people).

Where do we meet the tour?

You meet at F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

What is included on board?

Beverages, bottled water, snacks, unlimited drinks (open bar), snorkeling gear, and use of a paddleboard are included.

Do you provide snorkel gear?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

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

Can kids join?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What languages is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

Is there a cancellation policy if weather is bad?

Yes. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.