Cabo’s best views come with an open bar. On a 42-foot private yacht in Cabo San Lucas, you get a 3-hour all-inclusive ride built around the best scenery (and the best “just relax” vibe): El Arco, Medano Beach, and photo time along the Pacific side.

What I like most is that it feels ready-made. You get included lunch plus an open bar, and the crew keeps things moving without making it feel rushed. I also like that you’re not just sitting—there are water toys and snorkeling gear right on board, so you can switch from cruising to floating in minutes.

One consideration: the experience needs good weather, and alcohol is only for age 18+. If your group is planning for a rough-weather day or you’re bringing a mix of ages, you’ll want to think about that upfront.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Private yacht (up to 8 people) for a quieter, more flexible cruise than shared boats
• Open bar + full lunch (not just snacks) with classic drink options and mixers for margaritas
• El Arco water time with kayaks, paddle boards, floating mat, and clean snorkel equipment
• Captain-led choices at Medano Beach if you want them, or you can choose your own spots
• Photo-focused stop along the Pacific side near an arch area tied to Papillon 6
• Crew energy: multiple groups praised how attentive staff members were, plus how the food stayed fresh and the drinks stayed cold

Entering Cabo by Yacht: What a 42-Foot Private Cruise Feels Like

This is a private experience on a 42-foot yacht, priced at $2,000 per group (up to 8). That matters because you’re not negotiating bathroom lines, swimming space, or loud strangers. Your group sets the pace, and the crew can focus on your comfort.

You’ll spend about 3 hours on the water, with a mobile ticket. The meeting point is at Lorenzillo’s Blvd, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N, Centro, Cabo San Lucas—and the tour returns you there at the end.

Also worth noting: the package includes private transportation and parking fees. That’s one less “where do we park?” headache when you’re trying to enjoy your day instead of solving logistics.

The real value: Open Bar plus a full, included lunch

I usually judge yacht trips by one question: do you end up hungry and thirsty anyway? Here, you don’t. The all-inclusive setup includes both snacks and a proper lunch, plus a full open bar.

Drinks you can order without thinking

The open bar includes:

• Rum, tequila, vodka, beer
• Juice options: orange, pineapple, cranberry
• Mixers for making mixed drinks like margaritas
• Soda/pop and bottled water

The practical win: you don’t have to figure out what’s available on board. You can just tell the crew what you like and keep the cruise vibe going.

Food isn’t an afterthought

You get snacks such as cheese quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and chips. And lunch is a full spread, including fresh fruit, a charcuterie board, steak and chicken quesadillas, plus sashimi and ceviche.

Upgrades are possible, but they’re explicitly add-ons. The tour notes an upgraded food option (Chicken/Meat Fajitas and Ceviche) for $19.90 USD per person if you confirm in advance. It also mentions premium bottle upgrades are available to purchase on board or in advance.

Why this pricing can make sense

At $2,000 per group up to 8, the cost per person drops fast if you fill the boat. And because the package already includes drinks, snacks, and lunch, you’re not stuck spending extra after you board. It’s the kind of trip that feels most fair when your group is ready to commit to enjoying the day rather than nickel-and-diming every item.

Stop 1: El Arco time with kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel gear

Your first stop is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, and you’re given about 1 hour here. This is the “Cabo postcard” area, and the tour is built for active fun right in the bay.

On board, you’ll have:

• Kayaks
• Paddle boards
• A floating mat
• Full snorkel equipment

The snorkel setup is described as ready and clean, which is a big deal because nothing kills the mood like scrambling for gear that wasn’t maintained. If your group likes water time, this is where you’ll use it.

How to make the most of your hour

Since your water toys are available during the bay stop, plan for a quick rhythm:

• Start with one activity first (kayak or paddle board), then switch to snorkeling if you still have energy.
• Ask the crew for the best side/spot depending on where they’re positioning the yacht.
• Bring a rash-guard or water shirt if your group gets sunburn easily. (The sun in Cabo is no joke.)

A small drawback to plan around

This stop is scheduled as one hour. If your group wants a slow, long session, you may feel time-compressed. That said, it’s also what keeps the whole 3-hour cruise from dragging.

Stop 2: Medano Beach and captain-led flexibility

Next up is Medano Beach for another 1 hour. This stop is more flexible than El Arco. You can choose what you want to do, but the captain and crew also provide recommendations.

Medano Beach is one of the most well-known areas in Cabo, and it’s a logical spot for breaks, photos, and swimming time. If your group wants variety—some people staying in the water while others enjoy the shore vibes—this is a good match.

Why this stop matters for real-world groups

Not everyone in a group wants the same thing. Some want to stay active. Others want to relax and watch. The Medano Beach stop works because you can split your attention without the day turning into a constant “what now?” moment.

Stop 3: Pacific Coast photo time near the arch (Papillon 6 reference)

Your third stop is the Pacific Coast portion, also around 1 hour. The tour notes it as a chance to get nice pictures by the arch area, with a reference point to the luxury yacht Papillon 6.

Translation: this is built around viewpoints. If you care about getting good photos without fighting for a viewpoint on shore, this part of the cruise is where that payoff tends to happen.

Photo tips that actually help

• Choose one side of the yacht and then rotate. Moving your position often gives you a better angle than changing your camera settings.
• Use sunglasses even on the camera side—squinting kills shots.
• If you’re wearing a hat, keep it secured. Wind off the water can be sneaky.

The crew: where the experience turns from nice to memorable

The yacht experience lives or dies on the crew. Here, the overall pattern is consistent: groups repeatedly praised how attentive, friendly, and safety-focused the staff was, along with how quickly they responded to needs.

Names that come up often include crew members like Marco, Adan, Adalid, Patricio, Moy, Nicole, Denise, Moses, Miguel, Carlos, Anaya, Alberto, Alvaro, Ruty, Edgar, Jose, Dennise, Julio, Alexis, and Allan. Different groups credited different staff members, but the theme stayed the same: they keep the mood up and make it easy to have a good time.

And yes—this is the kind of boat where celebrations can get special. Some groups mentioned bachelorette and engagement moments where the crew handled extras and made the atmosphere feel personal.

If you’re celebrating, consider telling the crew early. Since this is private, they can better match your vibe from the start.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should pass)

This is a strong fit if:

• You want a private Cabo experience without managing a complicated schedule
• Your group likes drinks included and a real lunch onboard
• You want active time with snorkeling + water toys, not just “sit and stare”
• You’re traveling with a group up to 8 people and want space

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re trying to keep costs very low for a small group (this is priced per group, not per person)
• You’re not comfortable getting in the water or using snorkel gear
• Your trip dates are during a weather-uncertain stretch (the tour requires good weather)

Practical tips for a smoother time onboard

A few small moves can make the 3 hours feel effortless:

• Tell the crew what you want. The tour invites you to share specific destinations or ask for recommendations. If you want more time in one area, say so early.
• Plan for sun and water. Bring sunscreen and a hat if you’re photo-heavy. Even with breaks, you’re out on open water.
• Use the gear, don’t watch others do it. The point of the day is that toys and snorkel equipment are ready. If you only paddle around once, you’ll leave some fun on the table.
• Alcohol planning: drink orders are part of the experience, but alcohol is limited to age 18+. If you have under-18 passengers, it’s still a full tour, just plan around who can sip what.

Should you book Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT in Cabo?

I’d book it if your group wants Cabo to feel easy: private boat, real all-inclusive food and drinks, and water time that doesn’t require extra reservations. The biggest strengths are the combo of open bar + included lunch and the fact that you’re given meaningful water activities at a star location like El Arco.

I’d think twice if your group prefers a slower, shore-based plan or you’re traveling on dates when weather risk is high. Since the tour requires good weather, you’ll want flexibility in your schedule so you’re not stuck disappointed.

If you’re aiming for the kind of afternoon where everyone gets to do something—snorkel, paddle, take photos, and still eat well—this is a very solid choice for Cabo.

FAQ

How long is the Pura Vida Yacht cruise?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What is the group size limit, and is it private?

It’s a private tour, and your group size can be up to 8 people.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Lorenzillo’s Blvd, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N, Centro, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What water activities are included?

You’ll have access to kayak, paddle board, floating mat, and snorkeling equipment during the cruise.

Is food included?

Yes. You get snacks and lunch, including items like fruit and ceviche, plus other lunch options listed in the package.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes rum, tequila, vodka, beer, juices (orange, pineapple, cranberry), mixers for drinks like margaritas, soda/pop, and bottled water.

Is there an extra cost for upgraded food or premium bottles?

Yes. Upgraded food is listed at $19.90 USD per person if confirmed in advance, and upgraded top shelf bottles are available for purchase on board or in advance.

Is there an age requirement for alcoholic beverages?

Alcohol is allowed for age 18 and above only.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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