15 Cabo Boat Tours for a fun getaway (2024)

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Are you looking for boat tours in Cabo San Lucas?  Look no further! I’ve taken boat tours in Cabo plenty of times, and in this article, I will share my top choices with you. 

Cabo San Lucas is a resort town in Baja California, where many travelers come to enjoy the outdoors, spend time in luxury hotels, and celebrate a special event.

A boat tour in Cabo is the best way to see the city’s iconic landmarks, including Land’s End, a stunning geological formation at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. 

Land’s End is famous for its dramatic rock formations, including the iconic natural arch known as El Arco, the most recognizable landmark in the region. Whether you want to enjoy snorkeling 🤿, sail into the sunset 🌅, surf 🏄🏽‍♀️ or kayak 🚣🏻‍♀️, you will love these tours 😍

Are you ready to book your adventure? Let’s get to it! 

Reviewed by thousands of Cabo travelers just like you, the tours in this article offer a fun and memorable experience, as you will spend time on the water and see marine animals including sea lions lounging on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters. 

Best Cabo Boat Tours By Category

• Best private boat tour in Cabo 😎
• Best glass bottom boat tour in Cabo 🐠
• Best snorkeling boat tour in Cabo 🤿
• Best sunset sailing tour in Cabo 🌅
• Best luxury boat tour in Cabo 🤩
• Best budget snorkeling tour in Cabo ⛵️
• Best overall boat tour in Cabo  ⚓️

Best private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas

⭐️ 5 stars – 200 reviews ⌚️ duration – 3 hours ✔️ free cancellation

1. Your Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Cabo

Enjoy the views of Cabo’s coastline from a private luxury boat while enjoying cocktails and snacks at the open bar.

Cabo visitors leave glowing reviews of this private luxury yacht experience, which includes stops for swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez. 

In addition to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, other notable landmarks at Land’s End include Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor), which is a secluded beach accessible only by boat, and Divorce Beach (Playa del Divorcio), which faces the rougher waters of the Pacific Ocean. 

The tour departs multiple times per day, and is perfect trip for couples and families, as you can customize it based on your interests. 

What’s included:

• National Park fees
• Snacks
• Lunch
• Unlimited premium bar
• Snorkeling equipment

Not included: 

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Gratuities 

What a wonderful trip and crew! Highly recommend this excursion. One of the best ours in Cabo if not THE BEST! Thank you for the experience! Will definitely do again if I can. Would give it 100 stars if I could

jessica

⭐️ 5 stars – 266 reviews ⌚️ duration – 3,5 hours ✔️ free cancellation

2. Private yacht cruise in Cabo San Lucas with open bar

Ideal for families and friends up to 6 people, this 3-hour snorkeling tour is all about fun.

Ask your captain to create an itinerary for you or follow the classic route to spots like Cabo Arch, Lovers Beach, and colonies of playful sea lions along the rocky shore of Cabo. 

The boat is stocked with snorkeling gear, floatation devices, and refreshing drinks, so you’ll have everything you need for your adventure. And don’t forget to bring your camera to snap some photos of the famous arch.

The tour departs twice a day, in the morning and the afternoon. 

What’s included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Snacks
• Snorkeling equipment

What’s not included:

• Transportation
• Gratuities 

Had an absolute blast on this private boat!! Crew members were nothing but a vibe. Beautiful sightseeing, bomb food, and vibes. I recommend everyone to book this tour!

thea

3. Small boat rental with a private captain

⭐️ 5 stars – 34 reviews ⌚️ duration – 2 hours ✔️ free cancellation

Snorkeling is one of the most adventurous things to do in Cabo San Lucas, and the best way to experience it is from the deck of your private boat.

Rent a fun 28-feet Yamaha speed boat with a private captain who can customize you itinerary based on your preferences!

The waters around Cabo are known for their crystal clarity and vibrant marine life, making it a prime destination for underwater exploration where you can spot colorful fish, manta rays, turtles, and adorable sea lions. 

The tour inclues stops for snorkeling and paddle boarding.

What’s included:

• Bottled water and soda
• Alcoholic drinks
• Snorkeling gear
• Private transportation

What’s not included:

• Lunch
• Gratuities

We had a wonderful time on the boat. We saw a couple of whales and were also able to do some snorkeling. Loved our captain. Very capable. One thing they don’t tell you is the $1 per person charge to enter the dock. So be prepared to pay that in cash. Good time.

Laurie

4. Private boat snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas

⭐️ 5 stars – 172 reviews ⌚️ duration – 3,5 hours ✔️ free cancellation

If you are craving a break from Cabo’s party scene, book this private 3-hour snorkeling tour to enjoy the relaxing scenery as you cruise along the Sea of Cortez on a private boat. 

The tour also includes experienced guides who know the best spots for snorkeling and can provide information about the marine life you’ll encounter. 

Sail along the rugged coast while enjoying the view of landmarks like Pelican Rock, Lover’s Beach, and Cabo Arch. You also stop at Santa Maria Beach, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or chill on a floating water mat.

What’s included:

• Snorkel
• Paddleboard
• Kayak
• Floating water mat
• Unlimited open bar
• Lunch VIP service 

What’s not included: 

• Port tax fee of 20 Pesos per person
• Gratuities
• Transportation

This boat trip was everything they said it would be. Great captain and staff. Very nice and fun. They took us to a great tea for snorkeling. And the food and beverages were fantastic. We will be back.

STEVEN

5. Private Boat Snorkeling Tour with SUP and water mat

⭐️ 5 stars – 300 reviews ⌚️ duration -3 hours, 30 minutes ✔️ free cancellation

There’s no better way to start your morning than by a private 4-hour sailing cruise in Cabo San Lucas. The tour is limited to 12 people and allows you to enjoy the view of the most famous landmarks in Cabo: the Arch, Lover´s Beach, and Pelican Rock. 

Dock near a semi-private beach for fantastic snorkeling near Pelican Rock, spot the colony of adorable sea lions, and try stand-up paddle-boarding.

The modern, well-equipped boat is perfect for friends and family. You can even bring your playlist, and listen to it while enjoying the trip, as the boat has the top-notch stereo system.

Also included in the tour are light refreshments, bottled water, and gear for snorkeling and swimming.

What’s included:

• Bottled water
• Light refreshments
• Snorkeling gear
• Paddleboard
• Floating mat

What’s not included:

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities

The staff was great and it was a pleasant time! Thanks for the good time and a good tour of the bay. The size of the boat was perfect and it was clean and comfortable

FLORENCE

Cabo Glass Bottom Boat Tours

⭐️ 4,5 stars – 158 reviews ⌚️ duration – 45 minutes to 1 hour ✔️ free cancellation

6. Cabo’s original clear boat tour

Take a classic glass boat tour of Cabo San Lucas if you want to see the diverse marine wildlife of the Sea of Cortez.

Nicknamed “The World Aquarium” by Jaques Cousteau, this sea is home to stunning coral reefs, dolphins, manta rays, and many migrating nails like orcas, whales, and whale sharks that you can spot during certain times of the year.

When you cruise around in the glass boat, you can spot many marine animals just below you – a unique experience that you don’t get when you take a regular boat tour. 

This popular tour includes stops at the Arch, Land’s End, and Pelican Rock, as well as the golden-sand beaches of the Bay of Sea of Cortez, where you can bask in the sun and enjoy swimming. 

Professional photos are available for an additional charge. 

What’s included:

• Certified guide
• Safety equipment

What’s not included:

• Gratuities 
• Transportation ($20 per person)

This was a fun and cool tour. Luis was the guide and Miguel was the captain. Luis did an awesome job giving the tour in both English and Spanish. He also took some wonderful pictures of everyone.

WENDY

⭐️ 4,5 stars – 200 reviews ⌚️ duration – 1 hour ✔️ free cancellation

7. Tour the Arch of the Cabo Bay in the only clear boat

This clear boat tour of Cabo’s Bay is a perfect opportunity to see the most famous sites in Cabo for travelers on a budget.  

The shared tour starts at Cabo Marina and takes you around the iconic sites of Cabo including the Arch, Playa del Amor, and Playa del Divorcio (Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach). 

The tour lasts about 50 minutes and includes the most popular spots of Cabo Bay. A professional photographer will take your photos during the tour, and you can purchase them by the end of your adventure.

What’s included:

• Lifejacket 
• Certified guide
• All fees and taxes

What’s not included:

• Gratuities
• Professional photos
• Round-trip transportation can be added for $10 per person. 

We booked last minute on Sunday night. Got picked up and dropped off at hotel, our driver was awesome. Luis and Adolfo were great tours/captain. Loved our pictures and good deals on the package

anamaria

⭐️ 4,5 stars – 510 reviews ⌚️ duration – 40 to 50 minutes ✔️ free cancellation

8. Tours in Cabo, Paseo al Arco, and Land’s End in the clear boat

Join one of the most popular clear boat tours in Cabo San Lucas to cruise along the Sea of Cortez where you can spot incredible marine life, including tropical fish, coral reefs, sea lions, and manta rays. 

I’ve taken this tour and had a great time. Unlike some Cabo tours which can take up a a few hours, this tour gives you a great overview of Cabo’s treasures in under one hour, so you will still have plenty of time left by the time you are done.

Visit the iconic arch of Cabo, Lands’ End, and get a fun lesson about Cabo’s marine life. 

A professional photographer will take photos on this tour, which will be available for purchase at an additional price. 

What’s included: 

• Safety equipment
• English speaking guide

What’s not included:

• Drinks
• Transportation
• Photograph

The tour doesn’t stop on the beach, you can change your boat for an extra cost.

The trip was a good amount of time (45 minutes), with great views and fun to see the fish. It was a very comfortable ride with a great tour guide. We loved it!

BRIAN

Best Los Cabos Snorkeling Boat Tours

⭐️ 5 stars – over 1900 reviews ⌚️ duration – 4 hours ✔️ free cancellation

9. Los Cabos Luxury sailing, snorkel and lunch cruise

A luxury sailing tour in Cabo is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself to a fun getaway. Sail across the sun-drenched Cabo coast, you will have a chance to sip on hand-craft cocktails and sparkling wine from the open bar and enjoy the stunning views. 

Snorkel in the ocean alongside colorful fish and other marine creatures, or jump on a paddle board.

The adventure on the water is followed by a gourmet lunch which includes Mexican and international food.

The tour is limited to 16 people. 

What’s included:

• Lunch
• Unlimited drinks (open bar)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle boards

What’s not included:

• Gratuities
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• $10 per person round-trip transportation fee

The cruise was fun, Thomas and crew treated everyone like a VIP. We had wind and sailed, that was a blast, could do that for hours. Food was great too, better than expected.

curtis

⭐️ 5 stars – 687 reviews ⌚️ duration – 3 hours ✔️ free cancellation

10. Land’s End luxury sail and snorkel cruise

Sail to Cabo’s most recognizable landmark on a luxury yacht while enjoying cocktails in the sun. This popular day cruise offers a perfect chance to get a break from the crowds and enjoy a tranquil setting as you have the entire yacht to yourself.

The cruise includes a fun snorkeling session where you can swim near the iconic El Arco, then feast on a delicious lunch and grab a drink from an open bar while admiring views of Lovers Beach. 

Your private guide will provide interesting facts about the area. It’s a perfect tour for couples and families who want to enjoy a personable approach from their guide and learn more about the area. 

What’s included: 

• National Park fees
• Lunch and snacks
• Unlimited drinks (open bar)

What’s not included:

• Gratuities
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

We had an absolutely tremendous time! Roberto and Mario were amazing hosts and I would book again in a heartbeat! Thank you for a wonderful experience!

jennifer

⭐️ 5 stars – 110 reviews ⌚️ duration – 3 hours ✔️ free cancellation

11. Private luxury 42-feet sailing with snorkeling in Los Cabos

Spend a day sailing around Los Cabos on the 42-foot private yacht, as you take in the views of the Sea of Cortez, one of the most biodiverse bodies of water on the planet.

Enjoy a light lunch of fresh foods and cocktails from an open bar as you cruise along the coastline, then swim and snorkel in spots like Pelican Rock and secluded Chileno Bay, one of the most popular spots for snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas known for tropical fish. 

Your captain can also customize your itinerary, and stop at places that you would like to see. If you are looking for a memorable experience in Cabo San Lucas, you can’t miss this tour! 

What’s included:

• All taxes and fees 
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment

What’s not included:

• Gratuities
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Captain Gary and first mate Pedro were wonderful! The sail boat, synergy, was awesome. Our trip was fun, exciting and beautiful! Booking the trip was easy and all directions were clear and precise. We would definitely recommend this trip and would love to take it again one day.

ROBERT

12. Cabo San Lucas and Santa Maria Bay snorkeling sightseeing cruise

⭐️ 5 stars – 110 reviews ⌚️ duration – 3 hours ✔️ free cancellation

This shared snorkeling cruise offers a perfect opportunity to soak up Cabo San Lucas’s stunning coastal scenery for budget-conscious travelers who want to check some of the most spectacular Cabo’s landmarks off their bucket list. 

The half-day tour includes photo stops at Cabo’s Arch and Santa Maria Beach, where you can enjoy water activities. Choose from snorkeling gear or paddle boards and have a fun day on the water. 

When you get hot, grab a refreshing drink from an open bar and a homemade lunch, and snap as many photos as you like – which is why bringing your phone is so important. 

What’s included:

• Open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
• Lunch
• Snorkeling equipment 
• Stand-up paddle boards
• Floating water mat 

What’s not included:

• Port tax fee of 20 pesos per person (cash only) 
• Gratuities

Los Cabos sunset boat tours

Sunset boat tours in Cabo are perfect for a romantic getaway or special event. Sunset boat tours depart daily from Cabo and take you on a scenic tour of Cabo’s most famous landmarks. 

13. Sunset dinner cruise in Cabo

⭐️ 4,5 stars – 391 reviews ⌚️ duration – 2,5 hours ✔️ free cancellation

There’s no better way to see Cabo’s colorful sunset than from the spacious deck of a boat. Watch the sun go down as you enjoy drinks and appetizers – a fun and memorable outing that gets hundreds of happy reviews from travelers.

As the sun begins to grow down, the boat will head to Land’s End, where you’ll see the sky light up in bright colors. 

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet plus unlimited drinks from the open bar. 

What’s included: 

• Mexican buffet dinner
• Open bar (domestic drinks)

What’s not included:

• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• International bar ($7 per drink) 
• Gratuities

The views were great! The arch was cool but when we got around the corner to the pacific side it was just amazing.

michael

14. Los Cabos luxury sunset sail with light appetizers and open bar

⭐️ 4,5 stars – over 1,200 reviews ⌚️ duration – 2,5 hours ✔️ free cancellation

Sail past iconic Cabo’s landmarks on this romantic cruise from Los Cabos Marina. Enjoy signature Mexican drinks at the bar and nibble on light bites from a gourmet menu as you enjoy the view of Los Cabos Arch and Lover’s Beach during the golden hour. 

The 50-foot boat offers luxurious facilities, and watch the sun go down, as you sip on sparkling wine, beer, or cocktails from an open bar. 

Grab a seafood burrito, savor a baguette with goat cheese, and other tasty appetizers.

What’s included:

• Unlimited drinks (open bar)
• Light appetizers

What’s not included:

• Gratuities
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• $10 per person round-trip transportation fee
• A $2 dock fee per person

The sunset was amazing!!!! The crew very friendly with the captain Raul. Good drinks and snacks. Recommended 100%

janet

15. Cabo San Lucas luxury sailing yacht and dinner with a chef

⭐️ 4,5 stars – 171 reviews ⌚️ duration – 3 hours ✔️ free cancellation

The best way to admire Cabo sunsets is from the sea, as you cruise along the coast at dusk.

Enjoy a delicious handcrafted cocktail antipasto platter and mouthwatering desserts, prepared by a talented chef as you take in the magnificent views of the Baja coast. 

Toast to your adventure with drinks prepared by an onboard mixologist as the sun sinks below the horizon. Marvel at the colorful Los Cabos sunset from the deck of a luxury yacht and sail past the Arch of Cabo San Lucas and the Playa del Amor.

How to take a day trip from Cabo to La Paz

What’s included:

• Dinner
• Alcoholic beverages
• Coffee and/or tea
• Cruise

What’s not included:

• Gratuities
• Pick-up and drop-off
• $5 dock and protected areas fees per person payable in cash upon check-in

The weather was perfect and the crew was vey nice. The captain handled the boat expertly and the food was terrific! We had a great time!

michael

Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas 

There are many great hotels in Cabo San Lucas, ranging from all-inclusive resorts to more modest options away from the beach.

• Tesoro Los Cabos – This is a perfect hotel for budget travelers that offers wonderful amenities at reasonable prices. Tesoro Los Cabos overlooks the marina and offers outstanding breakfast, a rooftop pool, and walking distance of most things to do in Cabo San Lucas. 
• The Cape – a Thompson Hotel – A gorgeous property with stunning designs and great food overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the Cape provides direct access to the beach and top-notch service with friendly and welcoming staff. 
• Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – Located along a private beach, Nobu Hotel boasts two on-site restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center. It’s a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself to a fun stay. 

✅ Read: Best hikes in Cabo San Lucas

How to get around Cabo 

To get around Cabo, you will need a car rental or Uber. Although downtown Cabo is walkable, you will need a car if you want to visit to zipline, surf or visit swimmable beaches that are not accessible by public transport.

Renting a car in Cabo San Lucas 

Renting a car in Cabo San Lucas is an excellent idea if you want to explore the area further after enjoying one of Cabo’s boat tours. You can rent a car at San Jose Del Cabo International Airport (SJD), which has many car rental companies, including Alamo, Hertz, Budget, and Avis.

Where to find car rentals in Cabo San Lucas?

The best place to find car rentals in Cabo is DiscoverCars, an online platform, where you can find listings from many major car rental companies. DiscoverCars boasts budget-friendly rates and a good selection of cars or different makes and models. 

Once you select your car, fill out the paperwork, and make a deposit. When you arrive in Cabo, a representative of a car rental company will pick you up at the airport. I’ve rented a car with DiscoverCars at Cabo Airport several times and always had a great experience with them.

Do I need car insurance when driving in Cabo?

Yes, you need car insurance for driving anywhere in Mexico, including Cabo. The best way to get your Mexican car insurance is through your car rental agency. Although this might sound confusing, the good news is that you can find car rental insurance through DiscoverCars, and pay for it when you book your car.

What documents do I need for renting a car in Cabo?

To rent a car in Cabo, you will need a valid driver’s license in the Roman alphabet, a credit card, a passport, and Mexican insurance. 

➡️ Read: Do I need a passport for Cabo?

Cabo boat tours: final word

Whether you want to go snorkeling, sail into the sunset or enjoy a luxurious boat ride, I hope you were able to choose from the many Cabo boat tours in this article. Cabo is one of my favorite places in Mexico because of its spectacular desert landscapes and fun outdoor scene. I hope you enjoy Cabo just as much as I did, and have a great time on your boat tour.

Check my resources for planning a trip to Cabo

Do I need a visa for Baja California?

If you are traveling to Cabo from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisa website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.

Do I need a car in Baja California?

You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I use DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico, and love their budget-friendly prices and flexible cancellation policy.

Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular detsinations in Baja. 

Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?

Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.

Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?

A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.

Where can I find the best Baja tours?

the best websites for finding tours in Cabo is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.

Where can I book flights to Baja?

Click here to find cheap airline tickets to Baja

Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?

Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use HostelWorld to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja. 

Can I drink water in Baja California?

While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.