Private Sailboat tour in Cabo San Lucas with Papillon Yachts

If you’re looking to explore Cabo San Lucas from the water, this private sailboat tour with Papillon Yachts promises a relaxed, personalized way to enjoy the area’s iconic sights. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest that this is a top-notch option for anyone wanting a blend of scenic beauty, fun water activities, and good company in a small-group setting.

What we love about this cruise is how it combines stunning natural sights like the Arch of Cabo San Lucas with interactive activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding. Plus, the inclusiveness of unlimited drinks and snacks offers a relaxing, all-encompassing experience. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this is a three-hour tour, so if you’re hoping for a longer day at sea, you might need to look elsewhere or book multiple trips.

This tour is ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or families seeking an intimate and flexible way to see Los Cabos’ coast. If you prefer large, bustling boat parties, this may not be your best fit. But for those wanting a more private, relaxed adventure with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sea and scenery, it’s a great choice.

Key Points

• Private experience: Only your group will be on the boat, ensuring personalized service and a quiet setting.
• Multiple departure times: You can choose from three different times of day, making it flexible for your schedule.
• All-inclusive: Water, snacks, and unlimited drinks, including alcohol, are included, adding value without hidden costs.
• Water activities: Snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards are provided, giving you options to cool off and explore.
• Iconic sights: The tour features the famous El Arco, Chileno Bay, and scenic Pacific coast views, perfect for photo ops.
• Seasonal wildlife: Depending on when you go, whale watching may be part of the experience, a bonus for nature lovers.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas – The Iconic Landmark

Your journey begins with a trip to El Arco, the unmistakable rock formation that juts out of the water at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. This is the quintessential Cabo photo, and on this tour, you’ll get a close-up view from the water, which is often more dramatic than from land. As one reviewer noted, “the view is beautiful,” and seeing the colony of sea lions lounging around adds a little extra wildlife charm. Expect about 30 minutes here, enough time to snap pictures, marvel at the natural arch, and appreciate the rugged coastline.

Stop 2: Chileno Bay – Snorkeling and Water Fun

Next, the boat sails to Chileno Bay, a protected cove with clear, calm waters perfect for snorkeling. The tour supplies snorkel gear and stand-up paddleboards, and many guests find this to be a highlight. “Had plenty of fish at our snorkeling site,” one reviewer shared, emphasizing the vibrant underwater life. Expect around an hour here to float among colorful fish, explore the coral, or simply relax on deck. For those who prefer to stay dry, the water toys offer a fun way to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.

Stop 3: Pacific Coast – Whales and Coastal Views

Depending on the season, this leg of the trip can include whale watching — a favorite among travelers visiting Cabo between December and April. Several reviews mention spotting whales swimming close to the boat, which is an awe-inspiring sight. If not whale season, the focus shifts to simply soaking in the beautiful Pacific coast, with its rugged cliffs and expansive views. This segment lasts about an hour, and the crew often keeps the atmosphere lively and attentive.

Stop 4: Medano Beach – Relaxation and Refreshments

The final stop is at Medano Beach, Cabo’s lively beach scene, where you can unwind in front of the colorful sands. Here, the open bar is stocked with drinks, and guests enjoy fresh snacks like guacamole, pico de gallo, quesadillas, and a fruit platter. “Chill in front of Medano Beach enjoying our open bar and fresh snacks,” one reviewer described, capturing the relaxed vibe. This short 30-minute stop is perfect for unwinding before heading back to the marina.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour packs a lot into its price of around $1,102 for up to 6 people. Included are snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, private transportation, bottled water, snacks, and an open bar of alcoholic beverages, which means you don’t need to worry about extra costs during the trip. It’s a good value considering the personalized attention and all the water toys.

However, professional photos are optional and not included, nor are towels, which might be handy if you plan to swim or snorkel. Also, gratuities for the crew are at your discretion but are not included, so a tip for excellent service is appreciated.

Transportation & Timing

The trip begins at the Papillon Yachts rental point in Cabo’s marina, with three departure times available, offering flexibility for your day. The three-hour duration strikes a balance—enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed, though some might wish for longer exploration. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Booking & Flexibility

Most travelers book about 19 days in advance, which suggests good availability for peak seasons. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, making it fairly flexible if plans shift.

Authenticity and Reviews: What Past Guests Say

The overwhelmingly positive reviews (rated 5.0/5 by 196 travelers) highlight several recurring themes. Guests praise the knowledgeable, attentive crew, describing them as “more like friends than staff,” and often mention the delicious food — especially the quesadillas, guacamole, and fresh fruit. Several reviewers also appreciated the smooth organization, with mention of reliable pickups and excellent communication, like one person noting, “immediately after booking, I got a call confirming everything.”

The experience’s highlights include spectacular scenery, close-up whale encounters (during the season), and fun water activities. Guests also appreciated the private setting, which adds a level of intimacy and flexibility that large group tours can’t match. One reviewer summed it up, saying, “this was the most amazing night in Cabo,” and many echoed that sentiment.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Book early, as most trips are reserved about 19 days in advance.
• Choose the departure time that best fits your schedule—morning, afternoon, or sunset.
• Consider whether you want to include photos, as you can opt to have professional shots taken.
• Remember to bring a towel if you plan to swim or snorkel, even though towels are not provided.
• Tip your crew if you’re pleased with your service — they deserve it!

This private sailboat cruise is best suited for those looking for a relaxed and scenic day on the water with personalized service. It’s perfect for families with kids, romantic couples, or small groups of friends wanting to celebrate or simply enjoy Cabo’s stunning coast in comfort. If you enjoy snorkeling, wildlife, and good food, this trip hits all those marks.

However, if you prefer a longer or more energetic experience, or want a larger party atmosphere, you might want to explore other options. Also, note the three-hour duration—it’s ideal for a short, high-quality outing but perhaps not for those wanting to spend the entire day at sea.

This private sailboat tour with Papillon Yachts offers an authentic and personalized way to experience Cabo San Lucas. It combines iconic scenery like El Arco with fun water activities, delicious snacks, and an open bar, all within a flexible, small-group setting. The reviews highlight how attentive, friendly crew members and beautiful vistas make this a memorable outing.

We see great value in the all-inclusive approach, especially considering the quality of water toys and personalized service. It’s a versatile choice for couples seeking romance, families wanting a safe adventure, or friends looking to celebrate with a splash of luxury.

While the trip duration might not satisfy those craving a full-day cruise, what it lacks in length, it compensates with quality and intimacy. For most travelers seeking a beautiful, hassle-free day at sea with plenty of options to swim, snorkel, and relax, this tour offers an excellent balance of fun and comfort.

How many people can fit on the boat?
The boat has space for up to 8 passengers, making it ideal for small groups wanting a more exclusive experience.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, private transportation, bottled water, snacks (guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese quesadillas, fruit), and an open bar with unlimited alcoholic beverages.

What are the departure times?
Guests can choose from three different times throughout the day, providing flexibility to fit your plans.

How long does the tour last?
The trip is approximately 3 hours, allowing enough time to see the highlights and enjoy water activities without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, making it a family-friendly option, especially with water toys and scenic stops.

Do I need to bring anything?
Towels are not provided, so bring one if you plan to swim or snorkel. Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a camera are also recommended.

This private Cabo sailboat experience with Papillon Yachts offers a well-rounded blend of scenery, activity, and comfort. If you’re after a memorable, intimate adventure at sea, it’s a choice that’s hard to beat.