Review · YACHT CRUISES WITH SNORKELING
Cabo Private Yacht Cruise to El Arco with Snorkeling Adventure
Two hours can feel like a real escape. This private Cabo yacht trip takes your group from the marina to El Arco, Lover’s Beach, sea lion colonies, and a snorkeling spot without filling the boat with strangers. I especially like the exclusive 32-foot yacht and the friendly crew, which make this a relaxed choice for families, couples, or a small group of friends.
I also like the simple price structure: $495 covers up to eight people, so the per-person cost improves quickly with a full group. The main consideration is time. Two hours passes fast, and the tour does not include towels or the $5-per-person dock fee.
Key Points At A Glance

- A private 32-foot yacht carries only your group: You can share the boat with as many as eight people without joining a large tour.
- El Arco and Lover’s Beach anchor the route: You get Cabo’s signature rock scenery, plus sea lions and coastal views.
- Snorkeling is built into the outing: Gear is provided for time near El Arco or Pelican Beach.
- The crew helps with more than navigation: English and Spanish guiding, sightseeing details, and family photos are part of the appeal.
- The $495 price works best for groups: Eight people bring the cost to about $62 per person before the dock fee.
- Bring a towel and check your booking date early: The trip averages booking about 25 days ahead, and cancellations for a full refund require at least 24 hours notice.
Setting Out From Marina Cabo San Lucas

You begin at the Gregory Tours location at Blvd Marina, Plaza Local, Medano 39 Interior-H1, in the Marina area of Cabo San Lucas. The tour ends at this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.
At the marina, the crew welcomes you aboard and gives a short safety briefing. That matters on a compact two-hour trip. You are not spending a long time on formal instructions, but you still get the basic information before the yacht leaves the dock.
The boat is a private 32-foot yacht for one to eight people. That private setup is the biggest reason to consider this outing. If your group includes children, grandparents, or people who prefer a quieter pace, you can enjoy the ride together instead of adjusting to a boatload of strangers.
The crew provides service in English and Spanish. The guide is in person, which helps turn the ride into more than a simple boat transfer. You can ask about the sights as they appear and get help with photos along the way.
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Cruising Toward El Arco And Lover’s Beach

The coastal cruise is the heart of the trip. Cabo’s famous rock formations come into view as you ride toward El Arco, the stone arch at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. The route also includes Lover’s Beach and nearby sea lion colonies.
El Arco is the kind of sight that works best from the water. From a boat, you can see the full shape of the rock and take photos without trying to frame it from a crowded shore. The yacht gives you a moving view first, then a chance to pause near the main sights.
The sea lions add life and sound to the ride. You may see them resting on the rocks or gathered near the water. They are one of the small details that make this more than a scenic transfer from the marina.
The coastal cruise also gives you time to simply sit back. Not every moment needs an activity. One couple used the short private trip as quiet time away from their children, enjoying drinks, snacks, photos, and the views. That is a useful way to think about this experience: it can be active, but it does not force you to be busy every minute.
Pelican Rock And The Snorkeling Stop

The itinerary includes Pelican Rock, with snorkeling near the Arch or Pelican Beach. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and related gear.
The exact water conditions can shape how much time you want to spend in the water. This is a two-hour cruise, and the same outing also includes sightseeing, the coastal ride, and the return to the marina. If snorkeling is your top priority, you should understand that it is one part of a compact sightseeing trip, not a full-day water excursion.
I like that the route combines the water activity with Cabo’s major sights. A person who wants only snorkeling may prefer a longer dedicated snorkeling trip. A family or mixed group, however, gets more variety here. One person can enjoy the scenery while another takes a turn in the water.
The equipment supply is useful, but bring your own towel. A suggestion from the available feedback was to carry more towels and snorkeling gear, so it is sensible not to count on a spare towel for every person. The safest plan is to pack a towel for each swimmer and confirm the equipment needs of your group before departure.
Why The Private Boat Matters

The private format changes the feel of the outing. You can take photos when you want, sit with your own group, and enjoy the ride without matching another group’s mood or schedule. The captain and crew remain available, but the experience is not built around a large crowd.
This setup worked especially well for a family with two teenagers and a six-year-old. Finding one activity that suits those ages can be difficult. The crew pointed out sights along the route, helped with family photos, and made the boat enjoyable for both children and adults.
That does not mean every child will want to snorkel or sit on a boat for the full two hours. The private format helps because your group can keep the outing comfortable, but it does not remove the basic fact that everyone is on the water. If someone in your party dislikes boats, seasickness, or wet activities, consider that before paying the full group price.
The crew’s role also adds practical value. Good photos are not always easy when you are managing children, gear, and a moving boat. Help from the crew can make the difference between a rushed snapshot and a family photo worth keeping.
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The Value Of $495 For Up To Eight People

The listed price is $495 per group, with a maximum of eight people. For two people, that works out to $247.50 each before the dock fee, which is a substantial price for a two-hour activity. For eight people, the cost drops to about $61.88 per person, making the private yacht much easier to justify.
There is also a $5 dock fee per person. It is not included in the advertised group price, so an eight-person group should allow another $40 for that charge. A full group would pay about $535 in total before any other personal spending.
This is not the cheapest way to see Cabo from the water. You are paying for privacy, a smaller boat, a flexible atmosphere, crew service, sightseeing, and snorkeling gear. The value is strongest when you can fill most of the eight seats or when privacy matters more than finding the lowest possible fare.
For a couple, the price is harder to defend unless the private setting is the main point. The quiet time, personal space, and chance to take the outing at your own pace may be worth it for a special occasion. For a family or friend group, the math is much better.
What Two Hours Really Gives You

The duration is approximately two hours, including the departure from the marina, the cruise to the sights, the snorkeling stop, and the return. This makes the excursion easy to fit between other Cabo plans.
A short trip is useful if you want to keep the rest of the day open. You can schedule it as a morning activity, a midday break, or a brief afternoon on the water. The same short length is also the main limitation. You should not expect a slow, all-day cruise with long stops at several beaches.
The available feedback points to the timing working well for a quick break. One couple described two hours as enough for a peaceful escape, photos, views, sea lions, drinks, and snacks without feeling rushed. That is a good match for the tour’s design.
If your group wants a long snorkeling session, more beach time, or a full meal aboard, this is probably not the right format. If you want the main Cabo sights and a little time in the water, two hours gives you a tidy introduction.
Who Will Like This Cabo Yacht Trip

I would put this tour high on the list for:
- Families who want a private boat and a mix of sightseeing and snorkeling
- Couples looking for a quiet outing away from the resort
- Small groups who can divide the group price
- Visitors who want El Arco photos without committing to a long cruise
- People who value crew help with photos and sightseeing details
- English or Spanish speakers who prefer an in-person guide
The trip is less suited to someone who wants the lowest-cost boat ride or a full-day ocean adventure. It may also disappoint you if you expect towels to be supplied for everyone. Bring your own, and ask about the amount of snorkeling equipment available for your group.
Most people can participate, according to the tour information. Still, the trip takes place on a yacht and includes a snorkeling option, so you should think about your group’s comfort with boarding, sitting on a moving boat, and getting in the water.
Booking, Weather, And The Practical Details

The tour is offered in English, with an in-person guide in English and Spanish. You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is private for your group only.
It averages about 25 days of advance booking, so I would not leave it until the last minute if you have a fixed vacation schedule. The private format has limited capacity, with only one group of up to eight people per departure.
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.
Good weather is required. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is worth remembering when you plan a tightly packed Cabo itinerary.
At the marina, allow enough time to find the Gregory Tours meeting point at Blvd Marina, Plaza Local, Medano 39 Interior-H1. The tour returns there, which keeps the logistics simple.
What To Pack For The Boat
Keep your packing light, but bring the items the tour does not promise to provide.
- A towel for each person who may snorkel
- Sun protection suited to your plans
- Drinking water and snacks if you want them during the ride
- A phone or camera for El Arco and family photos
- Swimwear if you plan to use the snorkeling equipment
- Extra care with personal items around the water
The crew can help with photos, which is especially useful for families. You should still protect phones and cameras from spray and keep loose belongings organized.
Should You Book This Private Cabo Cruise?
Book it if you want a short, private introduction to Cabo by water, especially with a group of four to eight people. The combination of El Arco, Lover’s Beach, sea lions, coastal views, and snorkeling gives you several highlights in one compact outing.
Think twice if you are traveling as only two people and price matters most. At $495 before the dock fee, the private yacht is a premium choice for a two-hour trip. Also think twice if snorkeling is your main goal, since the schedule divides time between sightseeing, cruising, and the water.
For families, couples wanting quiet time, and small groups who can share the cost, I find the experience easy to recommend. Pack towels, allow for the dock fee, book early, and treat it as a polished two-hour escape rather than a full day at sea.
FAQ
How long is the Cabo private yacht cruise?
The experience lasts approximately two hours, including the cruise from Marina Cabo San Lucas, sightseeing, snorkeling time, and the return to the marina.
How many people can join the private yacht?
The private 32-foot yacht is available for groups of one to eight people. Only your group participates in the activity.
What sights are included?
The cruise includes El Arco, Lover’s Beach, sea lion colonies, Cabo San Lucas coastal views, and Pelican Rock.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. Snorkeling gear is included for use near the Arch or Pelican Beach.
Is the dock fee included in the price?
No. The dock fee is $5 per person and is paid separately from the $495 group price.
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins and ends at Gregory Tours, Blvd Marina, Plaza Local, Medano 39 Interior-H1, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.
What languages are available?
The experience is offered in English, and the in-person guide can provide service in English or Spanish.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
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