Exclusive Phantom II Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo’s famous Arch is only the opening scene on this private Phantom II fishing trip. After a short cruise past the rock formation, you reach the fishing grounds in about 20 to 30 minutes, with professional gear, outriggers, and a bilingual crew ready to work.

I like the private setup, which gives your group of up to eight the whole boat rather than placing you with strangers. I also like the chance to target several species, with marlin and sailfish normally released unless you want to keep one as a trophy. The main consideration is the early start and marina meeting point, since transportation to your hotel is not clearly included.

Key points to know before you book

• The Arch comes first: Your trip begins with a memorable cruise past Cabo San Lucas’s signature rock formation.
• Fishing starts quickly: The grounds are about 20 to 30 minutes from the marina, leaving most of the five-hour outing for fishing.
• You get a private boat: The Phantom II is reserved for your group, with room for up to eight people.
• The crew works hard for action: Captain Jose and crew members Mario and Javier have been praised for chasing marlin to keep the lines busy.
• The cost works best for a full group: At $1,015 per group, the per-person price drops sharply when eight people share it.
• Plan for an early marina arrival: One fishing party was advised to arrive before 6 a.m. for the best start, even though the listed start time was 7 a.m.

Setting out from Cabo San Lucas Marina

Your meeting point is the East Dock, marked as E Dock, at the Cabo San Lucas Marina. The tour ends at the same place, so you can leave your hotel transfer plans separate from the fishing arrangement.

The marina location is practical if you are already staying near central Cabo San Lucas. Public transportation is nearby, but the supplied details do not confirm hotel pickup or drop-off. One booking included confusion over wording about round transportation, so I would confirm this point directly before paying for a taxi or planning your morning around a hotel pickup.

The boat is private for your group, with a maximum of eight people. That matters on a fishing trip. You can divide your time between fishing and simply watching the water without sharing the schedule with a larger crowd. It also lets your group decide how much attention to give the fishing, the scenery, or the ride itself.

The listed outing lasts about five hours. That is long enough to make the trip worthwhile without taking over your entire day in Cabo. One party chose an eight-hour outing and found that the time passed quickly, but that longer duration should not be confused with the approximately five-hour trip described here.

Passing the Arch before the fishing begins

The first planned stop is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the dramatic rock formation at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. You will cruise through or by this landmark before heading toward the fishing grounds.

This opening ride adds something important to the outing. You are not simply stepping onto a boat and waiting for a line to tighten. You get a quick look at one of Cabo’s best-known coastal sights, then continue along the shore with views of the rock formations and open water.

The Arch is also a useful early photo opportunity, although the precise boat position and amount of time spent there can vary with sea conditions and the captain’s priorities. The main purpose of the trip is fishing, not a long sightseeing stop, so think of the Arch as a memorable part of the departure rather than a separate sightseeing cruise.

After the Arch, the boat runs for roughly 20 to 30 minutes to reach the fishing area. That relatively short ride leaves a good portion of the five-hour schedule for actual fishing. If you are bringing people who are interested in the boat ride but not committed anglers, this makes the plan more appealing.

Working the fishing grounds aboard Phantom II

Once you reach the fishing grounds, the crew sets up the professional fishing gear and outriggers. Outriggers spread lines away from the boat, giving the crew more room to work and increasing the chance of presenting bait or lures across different positions in the water.

The information provided does not promise a particular species or a guaranteed catch. That is normal for sportfishing, where conditions, season, and luck matter. You can expect the crew to work toward a variety of fish, but you should book this for the opportunity and the time on the water, not as a sure way to bring home a marlin.

The strongest account of the fishing action involved six bonita kept for eating and four marlin. Everyone who wanted to catch fish had a chance in that outing, while others enjoyed the boat ride and sea life. That is an especially useful detail for mixed groups. A fishing trip can work for people who want to handle a rod and for companions who are happy watching the action and the water.

Marlin and sailfish are handled under a catch-and-release policy unless you choose to keep one as a trophy. You should settle your expectations with the crew before fishing begins, especially if your group has different ideas about releasing fish, keeping smaller species, or pursuing a trophy catch.

The crew and the pace of the outing

Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier were specifically praised for chasing marlin and putting in extra effort to keep the action moving. Their role is more than handing you equipment. On a private charter, the crew can respond to what is happening around the boat and adjust the effort toward the fish your group wants to pursue.

That flexibility is one of the better reasons to choose a private trip. With no strangers aboard, the crew can focus on your party’s goals. If several people want to fish, you can rotate the action among them. If only a few people want to hold a rod, others can enjoy the ride and coastal views.

The pace may also be lively when fish are active. One outing was described as nearly nonstop action, with the eight-hour schedule passing quickly. You should not treat that as a promise for every departure, but it gives you a useful picture of what a productive day can feel like: repeated activity, crew members moving with purpose, and little idle time between chances.

At the same time, fishing is unpredictable. A quiet stretch is possible, and no trip description can guarantee a marlin, sailfish, or even a certain number of fish. The value here comes from having a private boat, a short run to the grounds, proper equipment, and a crew prepared to pursue opportunities when they appear.

What the $1,015 group price really means

The price is $1,015 per group of up to eight people. That is a sizeable single payment, but the arithmetic becomes more attractive as your party gets larger:

• Two people: about $507.50 each
• Four people: about $253.75 each
• Six people: about $169.17 each
• Eight people: about $126.88 each

These figures do not include the fishing license for one person or crew gratuities. The fishing license is a small but important extra to remember when comparing the total cost. Gratuities are also separate, so your final budget should leave room for both.

For a full group, the price can be fair for a private five-hour boat. You are paying not only for rods and time on the water, but also for exclusive use of the boat and a bilingual crew. For a couple or a small party, the cost is harder to justify unless privacy is a major priority or you place a high value on having the boat to yourselves.

This is not the right pick if your main goal is the lowest-cost way to try fishing in Cabo. It is better suited to a family group, a group of friends, or several serious anglers who can divide the cost. The more people who join, the stronger the value becomes.

Gear, safety, and practical comfort

Professional fishing gear is included, along with outriggers and lifejackets. That means you do not need to arrive with your own rods or safety equipment. The crew’s equipment also makes the trip more accessible to people who fish only occasionally.

A bilingual crew is included, with the activity offered in English. That should make basic instructions and communication easier for an English-speaking group, especially when the crew is explaining how to use the equipment or what to do during a fish strike.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied details. The information does not provide further specifics about mobility access, motion sickness, food, drinks, restrooms, or cleaning a catch. I would ask the provider about any need that matters to you before departure, since those details are not confirmed here.

The trip returns to the marina in roughly the same amount of time it takes to reach the fishing grounds. You can expect about 20 to 30 minutes back, along with more coastal views. That ride gives nonfishing companions another part of the day to enjoy, but it also means the return is part of the schedule even if your group has had enough fishing.

Timing your morning at the marina

The listed start time is 7 a.m., but one useful piece of advice is to arrive before 6 a.m. for the best start. I would take that seriously and confirm the exact check-in time with Phantom Fishing Cabo before the trip.

An early arrival gives you more margin for finding the East Dock, dealing with marina traffic, and handling the fishing license. It is especially useful if you are arranging your own ride. The tour confirmation arrives when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep the booking on your phone rather than printing it.

The activity is commonly booked about 15 days ahead. That is not a formal deadline, but it suggests you should not leave a private boat for eight people until the last minute if your Cabo dates are fixed.

The cancellation terms are simple but strict near departure. You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded.

Who will get the most from Phantom II

I would recommend this charter to a group that wants a focused fishing morning with a sightseeing bonus. It suits people who care about having their own boat, want the chance to pursue marlin, and appreciate a crew that can concentrate on one party.

It also works well for a mixed group. The Arch, coastal views, and sea life give nonanglers something to enjoy, while the fishing keeps the main activity centered on the water. A private boat is particularly useful when children, beginners, or companions with different levels of interest are joining.

I would be more cautious if you want guaranteed catches, a long sightseeing cruise, or a fully inclusive package with transportation and every extra already covered. The listed price excludes one fishing license and gratuities, and hotel transportation is not confirmed.

You should also think about the schedule. A five-hour trip plus marina time takes a meaningful part of the morning. If you want a slow start to your Cabo day, the early departure may feel demanding. If you want to fish when the day is getting started and leave the afternoon free, it is a sensible fit.

Should you book this private Cabo fishing trip?

Book the Phantom II if you can fill several seats, want privacy, and care more about a genuine chance at sportfishing than a guaranteed result. The short run to the grounds, included gear, bilingual crew, and strong reports of marlin action give the outing real appeal.

Before booking, confirm the dock, start time, transportation, fishing license arrangements, and exactly what your group may keep. Arrive early, budget for gratuities, and treat the catch as a bonus rather than a promise.

For a full group of up to eight, I think the value is solid. For two people, the same price becomes a luxury purchase. Cabo has many ways to get on the water, but this one makes the most sense when your group wants the boat, the rods, the Arch, and the freedom to make the morning your own.

FAQ

Where does the Phantom II fishing trip begin?

It begins at the East Dock, also identified as E Dock, at the Marina in Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Where does the activity end?

The trip ends back at the same meeting point at the Cabo San Lucas Marina.

How long is the fishing trip?

The listed duration is approximately five hours.

How many people can join the private activity?

Up to eight people can participate in the private group.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity, so only your group participates.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Professional fishing gear, outriggers, and lifejackets are included.

Is a fishing license included?

No. The fishing license for one person is not included.

Are crew gratuities included?

No. Gratuities for the crew are separate.

Is hotel transportation included?

The supplied details do not confirm hotel pickup or drop-off. The meeting point is the East Dock at the marina, so you should confirm transportation directly with Phantom Fishing Cabo.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded.