REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Private Luxury 42ft Sailing with Snorkeling in Los Cabos
Book on Viator →Operated by Cabo Sailing Ocean Adventures · Bookable on Viator
If you want Cabo without the crowds, this private sail is a great fit. You get snorkeling time at Pelican Rock for tropical fish, then a slow cruise past Cabo’s biggest icons, including El Arco and the area around Lover’s Beach. The whole point is simple: your crew runs the afternoon for your group, not a checklist for dozens of people.
Two things I especially like: the private setup (up to 4 passengers per boat), and the onboard extras—unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, plus lunch and snacks—so you’re not rationing refreshments between stops. A small consideration: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the marina meeting point.
In This Review
- What it feels like on the water (and the few tradeoffs)
- Key highlights worth planning around
- Private 42ft sailing in Cabo: why it’s different
- Meeting point and practical logistics (no hotel pickup)
- Pelican Rock snorkeling: the star stop
- El Arco and Playa de los Amantes: seeing Cabo’s icons from water
- Unlimited drinks, lunch, and snack power on a sail
- How the 3-hour plan really plays (and how to customize it)
- Price and value: $990 per boat for up to 4 people
- Who this private sail fits best (and who might pause)
- Should you book this private Cabo sail with snorkeling?
- FAQ
- Is this a private tour?
- How long is the sailing and snorkeling tour?
- What does the price include?
- Where do we meet the tour?
- Do I need hotel pickup?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- What is the cancellation policy?
What it feels like on the water (and the few tradeoffs)

This is the kind of trip where the crew’s calm matters. In the reviews, I saw examples of Ivan and Jesus helping with safe getting on and off the boat, including when a little one was seasick, and Captain Gary with First Mate Pedro keeping things smooth and easy. On a private boat, that sort of hands-on attention is exactly what you want.
The main drawback to keep in mind is time. At about 3 hours, you’ll get a great taste of Cabo—snorkel, sights, and food—but you won’t have an all-day sail to “take your time forever.” The good news: the operator says you can request a different plan, more snorkeling, or a longer cruise after booking.
Key highlights worth planning around

- Pelican Rock snorkeling with equipment included, timed into a short, well-paced cruise
- Icon views without rushing: El Arco and Playa de los Amantes (Lover’s Beach) from the water
- Unlimited drinks and a real lunch onboard, not just chips and salsa
- Private boat experience for up to 4 passengers, which makes boarding and family pacing easier
- Birthday-friendly touches have shown up on past sails, including cake for celebrations
- Crew support when conditions aren’t perfect, especially for kids or older adults getting in safely
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
Private 42ft sailing in Cabo: why it’s different
Los Cabos is famous for pretty water and big viewpoints. The challenge is that those same spots can get packed fast. A private 42ft sailing boat changes the vibe right away. You’re not waiting on other groups, lining up to snorkel, or feeling squeezed on a crowded catamaran.
This boat format also helps with the two moments that matter most: getting out to the best water and getting everyone back safely. In real-world trips, the crew emphasized thoughtful pacing—helping older guests step into the water, and working carefully around a toddler when motion made things tough. That’s a big deal on a small-to-medium vessel, even if the water is calm most of the time.
And yes, the sailing part is part of the charm. The crew hoists the sails and gets you moving smoothly toward the Pacific side before heading back. Even if you’re not a sailing nerd, there’s something different about speed that feels controlled instead of “engine and bounce.”
Meeting point and practical logistics (no hotel pickup)

Plan to head straight to F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same place. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll want to factor in a taxi or rideshare to get there on time.
A few practical tips I’d follow:
- Bring easy-to-wear swimwear and something you can move around in when you’re boarding back on the boat.
- Have a small bag for sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel (snorkeling gear is included, but your personal comfort items are yours).
- Expect to do some changing and re-boarding on a boat deck—simple footwear and a secure spot for your phone help.
You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. The operator also notes that the experience may be run by a multi-lingual guide, which is useful if you have mixed language needs in your group.
Pelican Rock snorkeling: the star stop

The best part of the afternoon for most people is the water time. You’ll head toward Pelican Rock, where snorkeling is set up so you can play in Cabo’s warm waters and see tropical fish close up.
Why this works well on a private sail:
- You’re not trapped in a rigid schedule alongside multiple boats.
- The crew can help you get in and out at a comfortable pace.
- With snorkeling gear included, you’re not spending time before the tour hunting for equipment.
A note on expectations: snorkeling here is about seeing fish and enjoying the sea, not checking a box for deep-water exploration. Pelican Rock is chosen because it’s a reliable, enjoyable spot for the time you have. If you’re the type who wants longer water time, the operator explicitly says you can request more snorkeling or a modified plan after booking—worth doing if your whole group is “ready to snorkel, not just try it.”
In the reviews, the snorkel experience gets praised for being genuinely fun and memorable, especially for families and for people who weren’t sure how they’d do getting in and out. The crew’s job isn’t just to point—it’s to help.
El Arco and Playa de los Amantes: seeing Cabo’s icons from water

After the snorkeling portion, the cruise shifts into sightseeing mode. You’ll head toward Cabo’s famous structures and viewpoints, including:
- Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco)
- Playa de los Amantes, also known as Lover’s Beach
- The area where you can spot the sea lion colony (if you’re in the right moment)
Seeing these sites from a boat changes the feel. From shore, El Arco is a photo. From the water, it becomes part of your motion—sun, wind, and a horizon that keeps moving. Lover’s Beach is similar: it’s scenic and romantic, but from the water you understand the shape of the coastline and the scale of the cliffs.
What I like about the way this tour is structured is that it doesn’t treat sightseeing like a race. It’s meant to flow: snorkeling, light meal, then the iconic sights while you’re already on the water and relaxed.
Possible drawback: the sea lion sightings and how close you feel to wildlife can vary with conditions and timing. The tour aims to show you the must-see areas, but Mother Nature has the final vote.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Cabo San Lucas
Unlimited drinks, lunch, and snack power on a sail

This is one of the main value drivers here. You get lunch, snacks, plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks onboard. That matters because a sailing afternoon can get longer than you expect if the group is having fun (and if you’re eating something good mid-cruise, you’ll actually enjoy the whole rhythm).
In reviews, the food and drinks show up in a positive way—people mention margaritas and beer, and they call the meals and bites “perfect.” Those details are small, but they point to a real advantage: you’re not stuck hungry between the best photo moments.
For families, the onboard setup also helps. When kids are on board, you want distraction that’s safe and easy—snacks, shade as needed, and the crew paying attention to boarding and motion. One review even highlighted the thoughtful way the crew handled a seasick toddler while still making the adults’ experience enjoyable.
How the 3-hour plan really plays (and how to customize it)

This tour runs about 3 hours. In that time, you’ll do a three-part rhythm:
- Cruising out toward Pelican Rock for the snorkeling stop
- Enjoying lunch and then continuing toward the main sightseeing areas
- Sailing back toward the marina once the sightseeing and water time are done
It’s a tight plan in a good way. You get the highlights without feeling like you’ve spent half your day on a boat that’s mostly “waiting.” And because the operator describes the plan as a recommendation—not a locked script—you’re allowed to ask for changes.
If you’re deciding what to request, think about what your group cares about most:
- If you’re underwater people, ask for more snorkeling time.
- If you’re view people, ask for a longer sailing portion focused on cruise-by time near El Arco and the Lover’s Beach area.
- If the group has mixed comfort levels (kids, older adults), ask the crew to pace boarding and water entry so everyone can actually enjoy it.
One more practical point: because it’s private, you can make the decisions as a group. That beats hoping everyone on a shared boat agrees on what matters most.
Price and value: $990 per boat for up to 4 people

The price is $990.00 per group (up to 4) for about 3 hours. Read it as a boat price, not a per-person deal. The listing detail says one adult equals one boat and you select 1 adult up to 4 passengers at checkout, so you’ll want to match the booking to your group size.
Is it a lot? Yes, compared with shared tours. But here’s what you’re buying:
- Your own boat and crew, which matters for families and anyone who wants easier boarding.
- Snorkeling gear included.
- A full onboard package: lunch + snacks + unlimited drinks.
- Time spent actually sailing and snorkeling, instead of waiting for other groups to show up.
If you’re traveling with 3 other people, this can start feeling like “worth it” because the cost is spread. If you’re only two people, it’s still a premium experience, but it’s mainly for couples or small families who want privacy and don’t want to spend vacation time managing a group schedule.
For me, the best way to judge value is to ask: do you want flexibility and comfort, or do you mainly want the photos and the standard stops? If you want a calmer, more personal afternoon, this fits that goal.
Who this private sail fits best (and who might pause)
This tour makes the most sense for:
- Families who want a private setup and crew help with getting in and out
- Couples or friend groups who value comfort and want a quieter day on the water
- People who want snorkeling but don’t want the chaos of shared boats
- Anyone who plans a birthday or celebration—the reviews mention birthday cake surprises, which is a nice touch when you’re trying to make a day feel special
Who might pause:
- If you’re someone who wants a long, all-day itinerary with lots of separate snorkeling spots, you may find 3 hours a bit short.
- If you don’t want to get yourself to the marina, you’ll need to plan transport since there’s no hotel pickup.
The upside is clear: the operator says you can request alternate plans and longer time after booking, so you’re not locked into one version of the trip.
Should you book this private Cabo sail with snorkeling?
I’d book it if you want Cabo’s big sights plus real water time, without the squeeze. The combination of Pelican Rock snorkeling, cruise-by stops at El Arco and Playa de los Amantes, and the onboard package of lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks makes this feel like a complete afternoon.
I’d think twice if you’re looking for something much longer than 3 hours or if you’d rather not handle your own marina logistics.
If you do book, I’d send a simple message after reserving: tell them what matters most—more snorkeling, longer sail time, or extra help for kids or older guests. The crew’s track record for caring about smooth boarding and family comfort shows that those requests can make a difference.
FAQ
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a private cruise, so only your group participates.
How long is the sailing and snorkeling tour?
It runs for about 3 hours.
What does the price include?
The tour includes lunch, snacks, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and all taxes and fees. It also includes a private tour.
Where do we meet the tour?
You meet at F Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Do I need hotel pickup?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

































