REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas: Private Catamaran Cruise
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by LA ISLA TOUR · Bookable on GetYourGuide
The best Cabo day is on the water. This private catamaran cruise mixes bay highlights with Lovers Beach time and snorkeling at Pelican Rock, plus an anchored semi-private swim stop that feels wonderfully calm. The one catch: at $950 per person, you’ll want to judge if the privacy is worth it for your group size, and sea conditions can affect how smooth snorkeling feels.
I especially like that you’re not stuck with someone else’s plan. You can listen to music you choose, then relax on board like you’re in a floating living room—seating, room to move, and even a bathroom on board for long sail days. If you’re traveling with kids or multiple generations, the pacing works because the crew keeps activities optional and flexible.
One more thing to consider: this is a private-group setup (cost is per group up to 12 people), so you’ll get the best value when the headcount is strong. If you’re going solo or as a couple, you may feel the price more than you would on a shared tour.
In This Review
- Key takeaways before you book
- Cabo by private catamaran: what makes this cruise feel different
- Finding La Isla and getting on board without stress
- The 3.5-hour rhythm: bay views, Pacific Window, and Pelican Rock
- A practical note about snorkeling
- Lovers Beach and the Pacific Window: classic Cabo, better timing
- The semi-private beach anchor: the real mood-maker
- Paddle boards and lily-pad lounging (a surprisingly big deal)
- Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: gear, expectations, and sea-state reality
- Food, drinks, and what $950 per person buys you
- When the price feels reasonable
- Your crew and the little touches that make or break the day
- Who this Cabo catamaran suits best
- Should you book this Cabo private catamaran cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Cabo San Lucas private catamaran cruise?
- How much does it cost?
- Is this a private group tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are drinks included, or is there an open bar?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What should I bring?
- Is snorkeling part of the experience?
- Can I choose what music plays on the boat?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Key takeaways before you book

- Semi-private beach time where swimming is safe and you won’t be dealing with crowds or vendors
- Pelican Rock snorkeling plus views tied to classic Cabo photo stops like the Pacific Window
- Paddle boards and lily-pad lounging for that slow, weightless “vacation pace”
- Music on your terms while the captain handles navigation and timing
- Crew that actively helps, including friendly hosts like Jeremy (bartender and host) and on-board photography by Maria (in some departures)
Cabo by private catamaran: what makes this cruise feel different

Cabo’s bay is beautiful, but group boats can turn into a moving waiting room. This experience is built around privacy. You start from La Isla and spend your time on your own boat, with your own crew working as your personal “yes” team—less watching, more doing.
The big win is how the day is structured: you get a cruise loop for the best viewpoints, then you drop anchor where you can actually relax. That blend matters because Cabo can be hot and bright. You want both shade-and-sit time and a chance to get in the water.
For a lot of people, the highlight list is the usual Cabo hits. Here, those hits include Lovers Beach, a look toward the Pacific Window, and snorkeling at Pelican Rock. What makes it feel special is the calm, semi-private anchor time that lets the stops land in your day instead of just passing by.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
Finding La Isla and getting on board without stress

Your meeting point is simple, but you do need to find the right door. Walk toward icy marina door G, a few steps from Lorenzillos restaurant and/or Plaza Bonita on Blvd Marina.
I’d arrive a few minutes early. In marina areas, it’s easy to lose track of where you are if you’re parking, wrangling beach bags, and trying to keep kids from wandering off toward the snack bar you didn’t ask for.
Bring the basics that make time on the water actually pleasant: comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and a towel. If you plan to snorkel or paddle board, you’ll be glad you packed a towel instead of improvising with a shirt.
The 3.5-hour rhythm: bay views, Pacific Window, and Pelican Rock

The cruise runs about 3.5 hours, so there’s no long, drawn-out travel day. The flow is designed to keep you moving enough to see Cabo’s shoreline, but not so much that you never get to settle in.
Here’s the typical rhythm: first you cruise the bay to pick up the landmarks and classic viewpoints. Then you spend time around Lovers Beach and the Pacific Window area for photos and scenery. After that, the water-activity part of the day takes over, with snorkeling at Pelican Rock when conditions cooperate.
A practical note about snorkeling
Snorkeling is a must for many people here, but water conditions still matter. One past trip noted that waves were too rough to snorkel that day, even though snorkeling was offered as an option. So if you’re sensitive to choppy water, consider packing for a plan B: swimming, relaxing on the anchored semi-private beach, and using paddle boards if it’s calmer.
Even when snorkeling isn’t perfect, the day still works because you’re not relying on one activity. You’ve got multiple ways to enjoy the water: swim time, paddle time, and that slow anchored stretch.
Lovers Beach and the Pacific Window: classic Cabo, better timing

Lovers Beach is one of Cabo’s most iconic stretches of sand, and you’re not just spotting it from far away. The cruise includes time to see it from the water and then enjoy the area from the La Isla base, where you can take a walk in that direction.
The Pacific Window is another big-picture stop. It’s the kind of place where you want the right angle and the right light. Coming by boat helps because you get those views without hiking or playing “find the viewpoint” in a busy area.
What I like most here is that the day doesn’t feel rushed through these points. The cruise and stops are balanced with anchor time, so you’re not doing Cabo at sprint speed.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Cabo San Lucas
The semi-private beach anchor: the real mood-maker

This is where the experience earns its reputation for relaxation.
The crew anchors on a semi-private beach where swimming is safe and the day stays quiet. You’re meant to enjoy the water without the usual Cabo interruptions—no crowd surge, no constant vendor calls, and less “excuse me” time.
It also explains the feel of the boat. People describe it as cozy and roomy, like a living room on the water. That makes sense when the day’s plan includes long anchored pauses. You can sit back with a drink, get sun, and still have room to move when you want to go in.
You may be able to relax with a cocktail while anchored. An open bar is mentioned as optional, so treat that as the upgrade path rather than the default.
Paddle boards and lily-pad lounging (a surprisingly big deal)

If your family likes “play water” more than strict itinerary stuff, this portion matters a lot. You can paddle board on smooth, calm waters, and there’s also a lily pad setup that people rave about as a standout.
The beauty of this setup is that it’s low-stress. You don’t need to be an athlete. Kids can splash close to the boat. Adults can float, sit, and watch the shoreline. Older relatives often find it easier than scrambling on a rocky beach.
Past trips also mention plenty of support from the crew, including helping with getting in and out and keeping activities organized. That’s a big deal when you’re juggling different ages—like a group that included a 3-year-old and an 8-year-old, plus older adults.
Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: gear, expectations, and sea-state reality

Snorkeling is a core part of the cruise plan because Pelican Rock is the target spot. The crew can guide you through what to do and when to go in, and the overall day gives you multiple ways to enjoy the water even if the snorkeling window changes.
What you should do to set yourself up well:
- Pack your towel so you’re comfortable when you climb back on
- Use a sun hat because the deck sun can be intense
- Wear comfortable shoes for getting around on the boat and in and out of areas near the water
If conditions are rough, remember: the activity plan can shift. One past cruise noted they couldn’t snorkel due to rough water, but the day still stayed packed with swimming and other options.
So don’t treat snorkeling like the only reason to book. Treat it like the bonus.
Food, drinks, and what $950 per person buys you

Let’s talk value, because $950 per person is real money.
What’s included is straightforward: water, sodas, chips, and salsas. In practice, some trips also mention homemade guacamole and salsa, but the confirmed included items are the non-alcohol essentials—think snacks plus cold drinks to keep you comfortable.
If you want a bigger drink setup, the open bar is described as optional. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks on board, which is helpful for picky eaters, dietary needs, or if you want a specific treat.
When the price feels reasonable
This is where group size matters. The cost is per group up to 12 people. That means if you’re filling the boat with family and friends, the per-person math can start to feel closer to a shared charter than you’d expect. One group noted the price was similar to a group tour but came with the private setup advantage.
So I’d do this simple check:
- If your group is small, you’re paying mostly for privacy and convenience.
- If your group is large, the price can feel more like a special way to buy back everyone’s time, comfort, and space.
Your crew and the little touches that make or break the day

The crew is part of the point, not just background service. The guide is live and available in Spanish and English, and the staff is described as friendly, patient, and helpful with activities.
Names you may hear come up in past experiences include Jeremy as a bartender and host, plus a photographer named Maria who takes photos during the cruise and makes them available for purchase at the end. Captains named in past trips include Alan, Paul, Juan Pablo, and others. If your captain is great at reading the water and timing the best moments, the whole day feels smoother—like the boat is always in the right place at the right time.
Past trips also mention attentive communication by text before the cruise. That reduces the usual uncertainty of a marina meeting day.
Who this Cabo catamaran suits best
This cruise fits people who want a Cabo “greatest hits” day without the chaos.
It’s especially good for:
- Families with kids (it’s described as suitable for all ages and conditions, and staff helps with activities)
- Multi-generation groups where not everyone wants to do the same thing at the same pace
- Bachelorettes and parties that want fun and photos without squeezing into a crowded deck
- Anyone who values comfort, bathroom access on board, and real down time at anchor
If you’re the type who enjoys a plan but hates rigid schedules, you’ll appreciate the optional nature of the activities: snorkel, paddle board, stroll toward Lovers Beach, or just float and watch.
Should you book this Cabo private catamaran cruise?
I’d book it if your group can fill enough seats to make the price feel fair, and if you care about privacy and a calm water day as much as the sightseeing.
Skip it if:
- You’re only going as a couple or solo and the $950 per person feels hard to justify.
- Your group is only interested in snorkeling and you’re nervous about choppy conditions changing plans.
If you do book, do a favor for your future self: bring the towel and sun hat, keep plans flexible, and treat the anchor time as the centerpiece. That’s where the cruise turns from a tour into a real vacation afternoon.
FAQ
How long is the Cabo San Lucas private catamaran cruise?
The duration is listed as 3.5 hours.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is listed as $950 per person.
Is this a private group tour?
Yes. It’s described as a private group, and the cost is per group of up to 12 people.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are water, sodas, chips, and salsas.
Are drinks included, or is there an open bar?
An open bar is optional. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks on board.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at icy marina door G, near Lorenzillos restaurant and/or Plaza Bonita on Blvd Marina.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and a towel.
Is snorkeling part of the experience?
Snorkeling is included as an activity, with Pelican Rock listed as the snorkeling area. Sea conditions may affect how comfortable it is.
Can I choose what music plays on the boat?
Yes. You can listen to music of your choosing on board.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It is listed as wheelchair accessible.

































