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Things to do 4 ways to do it

Private Yacht & Boat Charters in Cabo

A private yacht or catamaran in Cabo means no strangers on deck, no fixed itinerary, and total control over your hours on the water. The boats run out of Cabo San Lucas marina or the San José playita, covering the Arch, snorkel coves like Santa Maria, and open-water sunset cruises. Prices range wildly — $150 for a bare-bones charter to $6,600 for a 108-foot Overmarine — so you're shopping by vessel size, crew service, and how much performance you need.

Updated September 2026

Pick your way

The ways to do it — honestly compared.

Way 1

Short private run to the Arch and sea lions

Forty-five minutes to three hours on a smaller yacht, hitting Cabo's postcard stops — the Arch, Pelican Rock sea lions, Lover's Beach — then back to the marina. Crew handles navigation and setup; you bring the group and the playlist. Best for first-timers or anyone who wants the highlights without burning a full day.

Why you'll love it

  • Short duration keeps cost down ($150–$295 per group)
  • Covers the iconic Cabo landmarks without filler
  • Easy to fold into a single afternoon

Worth knowing

  • No time for serious snorkeling or remote coves
  • Rushed if your group moves slowly
  • Weather delays eat into already-short window

Best for: Small groups (2–6) who want the Arch experience private but don't need a floating day party

Typical price: $150–$295 per group

Way 2

Half-day charter with open bar and snorkel stops

Three to four hours gives you time to anchor at Santa Maria or Chileno, snorkel properly, and still catch the Arch on the way back. Most include open bar, gourmet appetizers, and crew service — this is the sweet spot between a quick tour and a full-day commitment. The boat is yours, so you set the pace.

Why you'll love it

  • Enough time to actually relax instead of racing
  • All-inclusive bar and food mean no nickel-and-diming
  • Crew handles gear, galley, and route changes

Worth knowing

  • Midday sun can be heavy without good shade
  • Price jumps fast ($520–$850 per group)
  • Still too short for remote spots like Balandra

Best for: Groups of 6–12 who want a proper private cruise but don't need sunrise-to-sunset

Typical price: $520–$850 per group

Way 3

Full luxury yacht with crew, chef, and custom itinerary

These are the big boats — catamarans with DJs and onboard chefs, or 108-foot Overmarine yachts with multiple decks and serious horsepower. You're chartering for a full day or event, and the crew will build the route around you: whale-watching runs, sunset anchoring, or just open-water cruising. Pricing starts around $1,400 and climbs past $6,000 depending on the vessel.

Why you'll love it

  • Total flexibility on route, timing, and stops
  • Onboard chef and bar mean real meals, not just apps
  • Space for larger groups (12–20) without crowding

Worth knowing

  • Price scales fast with boat size and add-ons
  • Overkill if your group is small or casual
  • Booking windows tighten during peak season

Best for: Celebrations, corporate groups, or anyone who wants the full floating-villa experience

Typical price: $1,400–$6,612 per group

Way 4

La Paz departure for Balandra Beach and sea lions

Five-hour private charters run from La Paz — an hour and a half up the coast — to Balandra Beach and the Espíritu Santo sea lion colony. Balandra is one of Baja's clearest, most protected bays, and the sea lions are abundant and curious. This is a different Baja than the Cabo marina scene, quieter and less developed.

Why you'll love it

  • Balandra's shallow turquoise water is warmer and calmer than Cabo's open coast
  • Sea lion colony at Espíritu Santo is more reliable than Pelican Rock
  • Private boat means you control snorkel time and pace

Worth knowing

  • Requires drive to La Paz (90 minutes from Cabo corridor)
  • Five-hour commitment is longer than most half-day charters
  • Pricing varies ($199–$825 per group) depending on boat and inclusions

Best for: Anyone staying near La Paz or willing to drive for better snorkeling and fewer tourists

Typical price: $199–$825 per group

Before you go

  • Private charters price per boat, not per person — confirm total group cost upfront and split accordingly.
  • Morning departures (8–10 a.m.) give you calmer water and better light for photos; afternoons can get choppy.
  • Most boats include snorkel gear, but serious freedivers should bring their own fins and mask.
  • Cabo's peak season (December–April) fills boats fast; book at least a week ahead, two if you want a specific yacht.
  • Tipping the crew is standard — 15–20% of the charter price, cash preferred.
  • If you're chartering for a full day, confirm fuel and docking fees are included — some operators charge separately for longer routes.