Private boat tours in Cabo

9 private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas for an epic ride

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There’s no better way to enjoy Cabo than from a private boat!

While regular boat tours in Cabo can be crowded and impersonal, a private ride offers a different experience. Private boat tours in Cabo are perfect if you want to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary or a birthday or just treat yourself to something special. 

These tours begin at sunset and include an epic sail along the Sea of Cortez, one of the most beautiful bodies of water home to an incredible array of biodiversity. Many of these tours also include a delicious dinner, with Mexican dishes, and fun activities like snorkeling and paddle boarding.

Whatever the occasion, private boat tours in Cabo are perfect for escaping crowds and enjoying an epic adventure on the water. You can also customize your itinerary however you like.

But wait, why should you trust me on this one? 🤔

I’m a Baja California traveler and a frequent visitor to Cabo. I’ve tried many popular Cabo tours – from cooking classes and food tours in Cabo to thrilling adventure activities like off-roading, zip-lining, hiking, and boating.

My thoughts? Private boats were my favorite because of the freedom that they offer. Instead of sharing space with dozens of people, you get to have your private boat and start your tour whenever you like!

To help you find the best tour for your needs and budget, I curated the list of the best private boat tours in Cabo, so you can enjoy the curated experience and the undivided attention of your crew. Let’s dive in! 

Top private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas: 

Best private boat tours in Cabo – complete rating

Best boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
A half-day private cruise with open bar is one of the most popular excursions in Cabo. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

1. Private sailing cruise with lunch and open bar – likely to sell out 🤑

Operated by Cabo Adventures, a popular tour company in Cabo, this luxury sailing tour offers one of the best-curated experiences in Cabo San Lucas. The adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel, and after you get transported to the Cabo Marine, the adventure begins!

Cruise along the Bay of Cabo San Lucas in a 50-feet French sailboat, perfect for birthdays bachelorette parties, or families celebrating a special occasion. The boat can fit up to 12 people, with enough space for everyone without feeling too crowded. 

➡️ How to get from Cabo Airport to your airport

The half-day private cruise includes an excursion along the Cabo Bay as you sail past Lover’s Beach and Cabo Arch while enjoying the personalized service from your boat crew who will serve a gourmet lunch and margaritas (or other drinks of your choice). 

Once you reach the calm waters, your boat will anchor for some time, so you can enjoy fun activities like snorkeling, swimming, or jumping on a paddle board and get some exercise. 

What’s included:

  • Unlimited drinks (open bar)
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Lunch
  • Stand-up paddle boards
  • Private transportation

What’s not included:

  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • A $2 dock fee per person is required at check-in

A fantastic experience! We received incredible and upbeat service. The tour guide made it something to remember. We were celebrating my son’s 18th birthday with a bunch of his friends and a few parents. We all had a great time. The cruise was beautiful and the captain did a great job of guiding us to all the sit

Bets private boat tours in Cabo
A private luxury tour is the best way to experience the sunny coastline of Cabo San Lucas. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

2. Private luxury yacht experience in Cabo – a badge of excellence ⭐️

The best way to see Cabo’s landmark sights is from the comfort of a luxury 42-foot sport cruiser. This popular tour with top reviews allows you to enjoy the snacks and cocktails from an open bar, and if the weather permits, jump in the water where you can swim and snorkel or dock at the beach and take a stroll.  

Another awesome thing about taking your luxury tour is that you can choose from multiple departure times per day, and customize your tour however you like.

Want to spend more time snorkeling or savor the stunning views from the beach? Just let your crew know and they will adjust the schedule to your needs. 

What’s included:

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

What’s not included:

  • Gratuities 
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

I booked this experience for my birthday! It was the most amazing and incredible ride! The views are out of this world! The ride was smooth! The boat operators were professional, fun, and accommodating! They took my pictures and videos, they played my playlist and theirs, and they served awesome margarita and tequila shot drinks and snacks! Yay! 

LaTonya J
Outpost is one of the best places to have a drink in Cabo
A private yacht is the best way to enjoy the best of Cabo’s coastline

3. Private yacht cruise in Cabo San Lucas with open bar 🍸

The best cruise to celebrate a special occasion – this private yacht allows you to explore Cabo’s sun-kissed coastline. Enjoy the delicious snacks from the open bar and jump in the water at Pelican Rock, one of the most popular spots for snorkeling in San Lucas.

Another option is to enjoy a trip to Chileno Bay, a gorgeous place with crystal-clear waters where you can use a paddleboard or relax on a flotation mat. It’s also less expensive than most private boat tours, so if you are looking for a smaller price tag – don’t miss this experience! 

What’s included: 

  • Snacks
  • Paddleboard
  • Flotation oasis
  • Alcoholic beverages (If you book the All Inclusive or Boat & Drinks options)
  • Snorkeling equipment

What’s not included:

  • Transportation
  • Gratuities

The cruise was truly amazing yayo and the captain were amazing. Very knowledgeable about Cabo and also the different rock formations along the trip. I truly enjoyed the cruise and would recommend it to anyone looking to book a charter in Cabo. 

Ronald S
Best snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas
A private snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas is the ultimate adventure. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

4. Private boat snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas 🤿

Snorkeling tours are aplenty in Cabo but the downside is that most of them take place on huge catamaran boats with dozens and sometimes hundreds of people.

This private snorkeling tour is a perfect escape from the crowds. This all-inclusive excursion offers a chance to see Cabo’s most famous landmarks including the Lover’s Beach, the Arch, and the Pelican Rock.

If you get lucky, you can also see a group of adorable sea lions, which often use Cabo’s rock formations to rest after a long time in the water.

The excursion also includes a stop at Santa Maria beach that boasts calm, crystal clear water – perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling – or simply taking in the majestic views from the huge deck! 

Once you are done with the views, grab a delicious lunch prepared by hand for you! 

What’s included:

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Paddleboard
  • Floating water mat
  • Unlimited open bar
  • Lunch

What’s not included:

  • Port tax fee of $1 USD or 20 Mexican Pesos per person
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation (provide hotel or villa for quote)

I got this for my friends on a girl’s trip. There were 12 of us and it was an awesome experience and crew! I would 100% recommend! So much fun!

Courtney P
Best sailing tours in Cabo San Lucas
Don’t miss a chance to sail in style aboard this modern luxury catamaran. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

5. Luxury catamaran in Cabo San Lucas 🛳️

Don’t miss an opportunity to sail in style aboard this modern luxury catamaran, which is comfortable and doesn’t rock side to side like a regular boat. 

The tour offers an opportunity enjoy the best of Cabo without going too far, as you can jump in the water at Lover’s Beach to swim snorkel, or chill on a floating mat under the Cabo Sun. 

The boat has great amenities and an MP3/iPod port, so you can bring your phone and listen to your favorite music or ask a captain to play some Mexican music if you want a more authentic flair. 

What’s included: 

  • Local taxes
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Lunch
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Paddleboard
  • Floating mat

What’s not included:

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Max, Javier, and Cecilia were outstanding hosts and very helpful in explaining how we can safely use all the fun options with the boat! We loved our family experience!

Marc z
Best private tours in Cabo
This popular tour offers the best luxury experience in Cabo on a budget. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

6. Los Cabos private yacht tour, water activities, lunch and drinks 😃

Did you know that you can enjoy a luxury experience in Cabo on a budget?

This tour is perfect for a group of friends or a big family and includes everything you need – snacks, drinks, and water activities. 

You can sail either to Chileno Bay or crescent-shaped Santa Maria Bay, known for its calm waters, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. 

Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay are part of the protected marine sanctuary within the Los Cabos area, where you can observe incredible marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. The beach has soft golden sand framed by rocky outcrops without big resorts, which makes for a perfect photo backdrop.

When you are done with water activities, nosh on complimentary snacks and drinks in the company of your incredible crew. 

What’s included: 

  • Bottled water and soda
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Snacks
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Paddle boards
  • Lily pad – floating mat

What’s not included:

  • Gratuities
  • Transportation

Pablo and Freddy were an incredible team. They provided a beautiful boat ride with information about Cabo along the way. Pablo’s friendliness and attention to detail should not go unmentioned. The snorkeling was way better than anticipated!

lacey f
Enjoy snacks and driks during popular dinner cruises in Cabo San Lucas
This private sunset dinner cruise includes an authentic Mexican dinner, drinks and fun water activities, snorkeling and paddle boarding

7. Cabo Arch sunset private yacht tour plus dinner and drinks 🌅

If you want to enjoy the personalized attention of your crew and luxury services, don’t miss this fun experience.

This private sunset dinner cruise offers a serene environment, perfect to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself to something nice. The tour takes place at sunset and offers VIP service, an authentic Mexican dinner that consists of ceviche, fajitas, and chips and salsa. You can use snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and a floating mattress after you anchor for water activities. 

Customize your activities however you like and choose from flexible departure times in the morning, afternoon, or evening. 

What’s included:

  • Dinner
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Paddle board
  • Lily Pad or floating mat
  • Snacks and soda
  • Bottled water
  • Alcoholic beverages

What’s not included:

  • Gratuities
  • Transportation

We had the best evening aboard the sweetie pie!! The food and drinks were delicious. We were celebrating a birthday and they surprised us with a cake. We recommend skipping the crowded boats and chartering your own!!

michelle m
You can enjoy a boat tour in Cabo without spending a ton of money
This half-day private experience includes a stop at the Cabo Arch and complimentary drinks and snacks. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

8. Private cruise to Chileno or Santa Maria Bay – best budget tour 💰

If you’re traveling with a group or want to enjoy an exclusive experience without spending big bucks, don’t miss this great budget option that will make you feel like royalty! 

This half-day private experience offers everything you need starting from a quick trip to the Cabo Arch while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks before dropping the anchor in a calm bay so you can enjoy water activities.

If you are traveling in winter, there’s a chance you could also spot humpback whales 🐋 off the coast of Cabo. 

Since this tour is considerably cheaper than other private boat tours in Cabo, it can sell out quickly. If you are going to Cabo during the busy winter season, it’s a good idea to book it before your trip

What’s included:

  • Snacks
  • Chips, guacamole, salsa, peanuts
  • Alcoholic beverages/soda
  • Bottled water
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Towels

What’s not included:

  • Sunblock
  • Motion sickness medication
  • Gratuities 

Great time, awesome crew, boat trip was exactly what we had hoped for. We look forward to booking again when back in Cabo.

bradley n
Private boat tour with open bar is one of the most popular excursions in Cabo
3-hour curated tour aboard a spacious 42-foot boat includes a snorkeling stop at Chileno Bay. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

9. Private luxury sailing with snorkeling in Los Cabos 💎

This 3-hour curated tour aboard a spacious 42-foot boat is the best way to spend your morning or afternoon (whatever you choose).

A professional crew will take you to Pelican’s Rock where you can snorkel along colorful fish and when you are done, enjoy a homemade lunch from fresh ingredients and cocktails from the open bar.

Next, sail to the picturesque Chileno Bay, along the tourist corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The bay is protected as part of a marine sanctuary where you can see colorful fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic animals.

It’s a perfect outing for families and couples with a professional crew that will cater to your needs and wants. 

What’s included:

  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges
  • 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 sailboat, Synergy, was awesome. Our trip was fun, exciting, and beautiful! Booking the trip was easy and all directions were clear and precise. We would recommend this trip and would love to take it again one day.

robert H

Best private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas: final word

The moment you set foot in Cabo marina, you will be offered all kinds of boat tours, but although many of them are quick and inexpensive, nothing compares to sailing around Cabo in your luxury private boat.

Regular tours often feel crowded and impersonal, with many people competing for the attention of your crew, while private boat tours cater to your needs and want. 

If you want to treat yourself to something special, celebrate a special event, or have the freedom to plan your boat adventure, don’t miss these tours! 

Planning your trip to Cabo: table

Cabo Airport transfers

Do I need a visa for Cabo?

If you are traveling to Cabo from the United States and Canada or most European countries, 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 car to see the best places in Baja California, like LoretoMulege beachesand Bahia de Los Angeles, because they are not 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 all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San LucasSan José del CaboLa 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.