Reviewed · TOURS IN SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar

5.0 · 363 reviews 4 hours (approx.) Operated by Cabo Adventures · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The best part of this private Los Cabos sailing cruise is the freedom to enjoy the coast at your own pace, with only your group aboard. You cruise past El Arco, stop for swimming and snorkeling, then eat a Baja-style lunch while the crew keeps the open bar going.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you from sorting out a taxi and marina transfer. I also like the combination of snorkeling gear, paddleboards, fresh seafood, pasta, and plenty of deck time. The main consideration is price: at $2,299 per group, it makes the most sense for a larger party, and the snorkeling bay may have other boats nearby.

Key points to know before you book

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar - Key points to know before you book

  • Private boat for up to 15 people: You get the sailboat to yourselves, with room for a family, birthday group, or friends traveling together.
  • El Arco comes early: The cruise passes Cabo’s famous arch and Land’s End for photos before heading toward a swimming bay.
  • Lunch and drinks are included: Expect grilled shrimp and dip, fresh seafood ceviche, Italian pasta with sundried tomatoes, and unlimited drinks.
  • Water gear is supplied: Snorkels, masks, and stand-up paddleboards are available, though towels are not.
  • Pickup takes planning: Pickup in Cabo San Lucas is about 90 minutes before the tour start, and the exact time is confirmed after booking.
  • Crew service is a major strength: Roger, Pablo, Victor, and Miguel are among the crew members praised for being attentive, professional, and fun.

A private sail from San Jose del Cabo to Land’s End

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar - A private sail from San Jose del Cabo to Land’s End

This is a four-hour private cruise operated by Cabo Adventures, beginning with pickup at your Cabo San Lucas hotel. You ride to the Los Cabos marina, meet the crew, remove your shoes before boarding, and settle onto the sailboat.

The private format changes the feel of the day. You are not joining a large shared excursion with strangers, so your group can spread out on deck and enjoy the boat together. It also makes the outing a natural fit for birthdays, family reunions, wedding groups, or a group of friends who want one special day on the water.

The boat heads first toward El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the famous rock formation at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. The cruise past the arch takes about 15 minutes, giving you time to take photos of Land’s End and Lover’s Beach from the water.

You should have your camera ready early. This is the most recognizable sight on the route, and seeing it from a sailboat gives you a cleaner view than standing on a crowded beach or harbor promenade. The boat then continues away from the busy end of Cabo and into the Sea of Cortez.

A few more things to do in San José del Cabo worth a look

What the 90-minute pickup window means for your day

Pickup is included from Cabo San Lucas, but the day begins well before the boat leaves the marina. Pickup is scheduled about one hour and 30 minutes before the tour start time. The exact location and time are confirmed within 24 hours of booking, so check the tour operator message rather than assuming your hotel lobby time.

Look for a white van or bus at the confirmed pickup point. Round-trip transportation is included, which is useful if you do not have a rental car or prefer not to handle marina parking and directions.

This early pickup window is worth noting if you are planning a morning activity or have a dinner reservation later. The cruise itself lasts about four hours, but transportation adds time on both ends. If you like a relaxed start, have your phone ready, arrive at the pickup point early, and bring only what you need for the boat.

The footwear rule is simple: shoes come off before boarding. Wear something easy to remove. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or use the paddleboards.

El Arco, Lover’s Beach, and the first photo stop

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar - El Arco, Lover’s Beach, and the first photo stop

The cruise past El Arco is brief, but it gives the day a strong opening. Cabo’s rocky Land’s End is the visual centerpiece of the coastline, and the boat provides a good angle for group photos without requiring you to visit the beach itself.

You can photograph the arch, the rock formations, and Lover’s Beach as the boat passes. The crew guides the boat toward the open water after this stop, so this is a good time to take the pictures you want before you settle into the slower part of the cruise.

Do not expect a long landing here. The tour is built around viewing the area from the sailboat, not walking ashore. That is a plus if you want a water-based day, but it may feel short if El Arco is your main reason for booking.

Once the boat leaves Land’s End, the focus shifts from sightseeing to time on the water. Find a comfortable place on deck, watch the coast recede, and let the crew handle the route.

Deck time, appetizers, and the pleasure of moving slowly

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar - Deck time, appetizers, and the pleasure of moving slowly

The sailing portion is where the private format earns its keep. You can sit in the sun, find shade, listen to music, and enjoy the wind without rushing from one scheduled stop to the next.

Freshly prepared appetizers are served as the boat heads toward the swimming area. The sample menu lists grilled shrimp with dip, while the food served during the outing may also include guacamole and chips with spicy cooked shrimp. The exact presentation can vary, but the general style is casual Baja food with seafood at the center.

This is not simply transportation to a snorkeling site. The movement between stops is part of the experience. The crew may pull up anchor, raise the sails, and set a course back toward Cabo after lunch, giving you another stretch of open-water sailing before returning to the marina.

Music is part of the atmosphere, and the open bar begins to matter here. Unlimited drinks are included, so you can enjoy beer, cocktails, or nonalcoholic choices without keeping track of each order. The minimum drinking age is 18.

You should still pace yourself. Sun, wind, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Drink water when it is available, use sun protection, and remember that the boat ride continues after lunch.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboards at the bay

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar - Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboards at the bay

The boat stops at a scenic bay chosen for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and stand-up paddleboards are available to borrow. For many people, this is the most active part of the day.

The water is described as clear, making it suitable for looking below the surface and spending time in the sea. You will need a moderate level of physical fitness, and expectant mothers cannot participate. You should be comfortable getting into and out of the water from a boat, even though the exact boarding setup is not specified.

One practical point: the bay may not feel fully secluded. Other boats can be present, especially during busy periods. If you picture a completely private cove with nobody else in sight, adjust that expectation. The sailboat and your group are private, but the waterway and popular swimming areas are shared.

The stop may also feel shorter than you expect because the cruise includes sailing time, lunch, and the return trip. If snorkeling is your top priority, ask the operator about the likely water stop when you confirm your pickup details. If you want a balance of swimming, food, photos, and sailing, the schedule should feel more natural.

Lunch with ceviche, pasta, and Baja flavors

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar - Lunch with ceviche, pasta, and Baja flavors

After the water activities, you return to the boat for lunch. The sample menu includes fresh seafood ceviche and Italian pasta with sundried tomatoes, with grilled shrimp and dip to start. Other menu details include Caesar salad with chicken, chips, fresh fruit, and pasta salad.

That mix works well for a private group with different tastes. Seafood fans get ceviche and shrimp, while pasta and salad provide familiar options for anyone who wants something less strongly flavored. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it when booking.

The food has drawn unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. The meal is more substantial than a bag of chips and a sandwich, and the presentation appears to be part of the experience. You can eat seated on board, continue with drinks, and take in the view rather than hurrying through lunch at a restaurant.

The open bar adds value, especially for a group that plans to enjoy cocktails or beer throughout the outing. Still, the price is not based on food and drinks alone. You are also paying for a private boat, crew, transportation, equipment, and the flexibility of having the entire outing organized around your group.

How the $2,299 price works for a group

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar - How the $2,299 price works for a group

The listed price is $2,299 for up to 15 people. At a full group of 15, that works out to roughly $153 per person before the $2-per-person dock fee. For ten people, it is about $230 each, and for smaller groups the per-person cost rises quickly.

That makes this a strong value for a large group that would otherwise book several smaller activities or share a crowded boat with strangers. It is harder to justify for two or three people unless the private setting itself is the main point.

The package includes round-trip private transportation, lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards. Towels and souvenir photos cost extra, and the dock fee is not included. A photographer may be present, and you can purchase photos if you want a polished record of a birthday or family event, but you do not need to buy them to enjoy the cruise.

The price also buys convenience. You do not need to arrange a restaurant, rent water equipment, find a marina transfer, or decide where to stop along the coast. If your group values a simple day with one booking and no separate bills on the boat, the cost becomes easier to defend.

Crew service can shape the whole day

Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar - Crew service can shape the whole day

The crew has a direct effect on a private cruise. A good team keeps drinks moving, explains what you are seeing, helps with the water equipment, and gives the group space when you want quiet time.

Crew members named in connection with this experience include Roger, Pablo, Victor, and Miguel. Roger has been singled out as a warm host, while Victor and Miguel have been praised for professional, attentive, and fun service. Pablo and his crew have also been noted for combining a relaxed manner with good organization.

That personal service is one reason this cruise receives a 4.9 rating from 365 reviews, with 98 percent of customers recommending it. Those numbers do not guarantee that every outing will feel identical, but they do point to a consistent strength: the people running the boat are central to the experience.

A photographer may also be on board. The photographer is described as taking good pictures without being intrusive, which is useful if you want birthday or group shots but do not want a sales pitch to dominate the day.

Who should book this private Cabo cruise

I would choose this outing for a group of friends celebrating a birthday, a family marking a special occasion, or a larger party that wants a boat to itself. The private setting gives you room to talk, eat, swim, and enjoy the day without coordinating with strangers.

It also suits people who want several activities in one outing. You get coastal sightseeing, sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, lunch, drinks, and hotel transportation in roughly half a day.

It is less suitable if you want a serious snorkeling expedition, a long beach stop, or a very quiet wilderness setting. The bay can have other boats, and the four-hour schedule divides time among several activities. You should also think twice if you are uncomfortable on boats, cannot manage moderate physical activity, or need a towel provided.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and no refund is offered for late cancellation. Since the cruise depends on good weather, a weather cancellation results in a different date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this private Los Cabos sailing cruise if you can fill much of the boat and want a polished day that mixes scenery, food, drinks, and water activities. The strongest value comes with groups of ten to 15, where the cost spreads across more people.

For a small party, compare the per-person price with a shared sailing trip. You may give up privacy, but you could save money. For a celebration, the private boat, attentive crew, open bar, and flexible feel make the higher price easier to accept.

My main tip is to confirm the pickup time, request vegetarian food if needed, bring a towel, and keep your expectations realistic about the snorkeling stop. If those details fit your plans, this is a well-rounded way to spend four hours on the Cabo coast.

FAQ

How long does the private sailing cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours. Hotel pickup begins about one hour and 30 minutes before the tour start time, so the full outing takes longer once transportation is included.

What is included in the price?

The price includes unlimited drinks from an open bar, lunch, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and private transportation. The boat is private for your group, with up to 15 people included.

Does the cruise stop at El Arco?

Yes. The boat cruises past El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and Land’s End for photos before continuing toward a bay in the Sea of Cortez.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Round-trip pickup and drop-off are offered from Cabo San Lucas hotels. The exact pickup time and location are confirmed within 24 hours of booking.

Is a vegetarian lunch available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to advise the operator when you book.

What is not included?

Towels, souvenir photos, and a $2-per-person dock fee are not included. You should bring your own towel if you plan to swim or use the paddleboards.

More like this

Tours in San José del Cabo, compared.

The full Tours in San José del Cabo list →
Cabo Beach Camel Ride, Mexican Buffet and Tequila Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 8,815 reviews· from $99

Cabo Beach Camel Ride, Mexican Buffet and Tequila Tasting

Read our review →
4×4 ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting and Mexican Buffet Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 5,177 reviews· from $75

4×4 ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting and Mexican Buffet Lunch

Read our review →
Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 3,515 reviews· from $149

Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise

Read our review →
ATV Tour, Camel Ride, Tequila Tasting and Mexican Buffet Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 3,380 reviews· from $149

ATV Tour, Camel Ride, Tequila Tasting and Mexican Buffet Lunch

Read our review →
Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,267 reviews· from $109

Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar

Read our review →
Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,107 reviews· from $129

Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

Read our review →
Los Cabos Shuttle Airport Roundtrip Transfers
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 1,558 reviews· from $36

Los Cabos Shuttle Airport Roundtrip Transfers

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Mexico, coast by coast

Limestone, agave, two oceans and a capital.