Private Fishing Trip “All Inclusive” in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo’s best fishing days can feel like a small family expedition: a private boat, a hard-working crew, and a chance at marlin, dorado, tuna, or wahoo. The strongest trips pair skilled deck work with spectacular sightings, including whales, dolphins, and the famous Arch.

I like two things right away: the boat is private to your group, and the price includes rods, bait, fishing licenses, food, and drinks. You can focus on the sea instead of renting gear or packing a cooler. The main caution is that the crew and boat can vary, and you should settle catch rules, fishing goals, trip length, and gratuity before leaving the dock.

Key points to know before you book

• Big-game fishing with a flexible catch plan: You can aim for marlin and other large fish, or ask to switch to smaller species if the bite is slow.
• Private boat for up to four people: The trip works best for a family or small group that wants the boat and crew to itself.
• Food and drinks are supplied: Lunch, snacks, bottled water, sodas, and beers are included.
• The crew handles the fishing setup: Rods, tackle, live bait, and Mexican fishing licenses are provided.
• A scenic Cabo route comes with the outing: You pass El Arco, Lover’s Beach, Chileno Bay, and Playa El Chileno, depending on the day’s plan.
• Clarify the fine print on the dock: Fish cleaning, hotel pickup, tips, trophy mounting, and ownership of the catch are not all included.

A full day between the Pacific and Sea of Cortez

This is not a quick harbor outing. You get about eight hours on the water, with a private crew working to find fish around Cabo San Lucas. That length matters because conditions change quickly. A slow first hour does not always mean a poor day, and a good bite can turn a quiet morning into a story you will repeat for years.

The fishing grounds sit where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Cabo is famous for striped marlin, dorado, wahoo, tuna, roosterfish, barracuda, bonito, and other sport fish. Your exact catch depends on season, water temperature, bait, weather, and plain luck. No captain can promise a marlin.

The crew’s job is more than steering. The captain controls the boat, while the first mate sets lines, changes bait, works the tackle, and helps you fight the fish. Strong outings have included striped marlin caught early in the morning, large mahi mahi, wahoo, roosterfish, yellowfin tuna, barracuda, and bonito.

You might also see humpback whales and dolphins. Several successful outings included whale sightings, sometimes close enough for good photographs. That makes this a useful choice if your group wants fishing with a side of wildlife watching rather than a pure sightseeing cruise.

What your $625 group price really buys

The listed price is $625 for up to four people, not $625 per angler. For four people, that works out to about $156 per person before any tip. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, but you still get a private boat rather than sharing with another party.

The package includes the captain and first mate, fishing equipment, live bait, fishing licenses, bottled water, sodas, beers, snacks, and lunch. That is a solid bundle for a long day. You do not need to bring rods, tackle, or a separate supply of drinks.

The value depends on how your group uses the boat. Four people who want a serious fishing day will get more value than two casual anglers who mainly want a short cruise. If you catch a marlin or a large dorado, the day can feel like money well spent. If the fish do not cooperate, the private setting, scenery, and crew effort become much more important.

There are extra costs to plan for. Hotel pickup is not included, fish cleaning is not included, and gratuity is not clearly part of the package. I would bring cash for a tip and ask exactly what is expected before the boat leaves. One poor experience involved confusion about tipping at the end, which is easy to avoid with a direct question at the start.

Trophy mounting is another separate matter. If you catch a marlin and want a mount or replica, ask for a written price before agreeing. One group was quoted a lower figure on the boat and then faced a much higher price from the taxidermy service at the marina. You do not have to keep a fish for mounting, and the cost should be clear before anyone makes arrangements.

Meeting the crew at IGY Marina

The meeting point is Cabo Sportfishing Crew at IGY Marina, E Dock, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 18, in central Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends at the same place.

Hotel pickup is not included, so you must make your own way to the marina. Confirmation is issued when you book, and the activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and the activity is listed as suitable for most people.

The company uses boats such as Blue Tail, Blue Tail II, El Pargo, Reel Tequila, and Robalo, with the actual boat subject to availability. That wording is important. Do not assume the photograph or name you saw is guaranteed. The same applies to the captain and first mate.

Crews named in strong outings include Andres and Luis, Jorge and Gustavo, Alex and Juan, Joel, Jose and Freddie, and Tito and Ivan. These names show the range of people working the boats, but they are not a promise that you will receive a particular team. If a specific captain matters to you, ask before booking and confirm again at the dock.

How the eight-hour fishing day unfolds

The day generally begins early enough to give you more time in the fishing grounds, though the supplied information does not establish one fixed departure time. Arrive at the marina with your booking confirmation and enough time to find E Dock.

Once aboard, the crew provides the fishing equipment and bait. The first mate should help you handle the rod, explain the basic technique, and manage the lines. First-timers can participate, while experienced anglers can let the crew know what species and methods they prefer.

The route is not a fixed sightseeing schedule with a guaranteed number of minutes at every stop. Fishing conditions come first. The boat may pass or circle scenic places while moving between the marina and fishing areas.

Marina Cabo San Lucas

The marina is your starting and ending point. It is convenient for meeting the crew, boarding, and returning with your catch. Since the boat returns here, it is also where questions about fish cleaning, processing, or trophy services may arise.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

El Arco is Cabo’s famous stone formation at Land’s End. It marks the meeting of the Pacific and Sea of Cortez and is one of the best photo subjects in town.

A fishing charter can give you a different view than a short sightseeing boat. The captain may position the boat for photographs, but fishing remains the main purpose, so do not expect a long dedicated Arch tour.

Chileno Bay and Playa El Chileno

Chileno Bay is known for its open-water setting and clear coastal views. Playa El Chileno adds a beach perspective to the route. These areas may be part of the scenic passage or used in connection with fishing plans, depending on conditions.

If your group mainly wants time at a beach, this is not the right replacement for a beach day. You will see the coastline from the boat, not receive a scheduled beach stay.

Playa de los Amantes

Playa de los Amantes, or Lover’s Beach, is another Cabo landmark near the Arch. It is a memorable stretch of coast to see from the water, especially when your captain pauses for a photograph.

Again, the stop should be treated as part of the day’s route rather than a guaranteed shore visit. You are booking a fishing boat, not a beach-transfer service.

Return to Cabo San Lucas

At the end of the outing, you return to the marina with whatever you caught and any photographs you made along the way. Fish cleaning is not included, so ask the crew what happens to your catch before you leave the dock.

This is also the right time to settle gratuity and confirm that the trip ran for the full period you paid for. Most people will not want to spend their final minutes sorting out basic expectations.

Choosing between marlin and smaller fish

The most important conversation you can have is about your fishing goal. Some outings focus heavily on marlin. That can be thrilling if your group wants a trophy fish, but frustrating if you would rather keep lines busy with smaller species.

Several strong days produced marlin, including fish reported at roughly seven to nine feet. Other outings brought in wahoo, roosterfish, tuna, barracuda, bonito, sea bass, and mahi mahi. One family caught roosterfish and sea bass after being warned that cool water could make big-game fishing difficult.

That example offers a useful lesson: listen to the captain’s conditions report, but also state your preference clearly. Say if you want to spend a set amount of time trying for marlin and then switch to smaller fish. Ask if the crew will change bait and tackle if the bite is slow.

Hard work from the mate can make a real difference. Good outings included frequent bait changes, careful line work, and patient help with children. One seven-year-old was encouraged to help reel in fish, while first-time anglers received hands-on instruction.

But service is not identical on every boat. A few poor outings involved little conversation, limited bait changes, and long stretches of waiting. If the crew only wants to chase marlin and your family wants steady action, you need to know that before you commit to eight hours.

Lunch, drinks, and comfort on the water

Food and drinks are part of the package. You receive lunch, snacks, bottled water, sodas, and beers. That is useful on an eight-hour trip, especially since you are not arranging a separate cooler or meal stop.

Do not be shy about asking the crew what food and drinks are available and where they are stored. One family did not realize the food was for them and barely ate. A simple question at boarding can prevent an avoidable misunderstanding.

The boats are described as having the comforts needed for the trip, and some outings used clean, well-maintained boats. Still, the exact boat varies, so comfort may not be identical from one booking to the next.

The ocean can be rough. Reports include three to four foot swells and, on another day, seven to eight foot swells. Some people may feel seasick even when the fishing is good. If anyone in your group is sensitive to motion, ask the operator about the expected conditions and plan accordingly. The supplied information does not specify seasickness medication or onboard medical supplies, so do not assume those are provided.

What can go right, and what can go wrong

The strongest pattern is excellent fishing when conditions line up. Groups have caught several marlin, multiple wahoo, large mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, and barracuda. The crew often receives praise for setting lines, changing bait, helping children, and keeping the boat pointed toward productive water.

The private format helps here. You do not have to match another group’s pace or species preference. Your family can share the excitement of one fish, and nobody outside your party is competing for the best corner of the boat.

The weak points are serious enough to discuss plainly. A small number of outings involved the wrong boat or captain, confusion over start times, missing booking information, no clear fishing licenses, an early return, or long periods with little crew interaction. One group paid for eight hours but returned after about four hours following a marlin catch.

Rules about keeping fish can also be confusing. Before departure, ask:

• How much of the catch can the group keep?
• Are there species or size limits?
• Who handles the fish after returning to the marina?
• Is fish cleaning available, and what does it cost?
• What is the exact price for a replica or mount?
• Is gratuity separate?

You are not being difficult by asking. You are making sure everyone has the same understanding before a valuable fish comes aboard.

The overall score is strong at 4.7 from 418 ratings, with 93 percent recommending the experience. That supports the idea that many outings go very well, but it does not erase the need to confirm the details that have caused trouble on a few trips.

Who will get the most from this Cabo charter

I would choose this trip for a family or group of friends who can fill a private boat with up to four people and want fishing to be the main event. It suits beginners because the crew supplies the gear and helps with technique. It also works for regular anglers who want local bait, tackle, and a captain handling the boat.

Children can enjoy it when the crew is engaged and the sea is manageable. The outings involving a seven-year-old and twin teenagers show that young anglers can take part, but the ocean is not a controlled amusement ride. A long day and rough swells may test anyone who is not comfortable on boats.

Couples can book it, but the price per person is less attractive with only two people aboard. If you mainly want to see El Arco, whales, and the beaches, a dedicated sightseeing cruise may offer a better fit. Here, scenic views are a welcome extra around the fishing.

Practical details before you pay

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason after booking. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Because the standard policy is strict, check your schedule before paying.

Bring your booking confirmation, sun protection, clothes that can get wet, and cash for gratuity. The operator provides equipment, bait, licenses, food, and drinks, so you do not need your own fishing gear.

Ask about the expected departure time, the assigned boat, the captain, the fishing plan, catch ownership, cleaning, and tips. The listing says confirmation arrives at booking, but a quick reconfirmation with the operator can help prevent confusion at the marina.

Should you book this private fishing trip?

Book it if you want a full day on a private boat and understand that fishing always includes uncertainty. The price is fair for four people because it covers the crew, tackle, bait, licenses, lunch, snacks, and drinks. The chance to catch a striped marlin while whales breach nearby is the kind of Cabo day you cannot schedule on demand.

I would be more cautious if your group needs guaranteed service standards, a specific boat, a particular captain, or a fixed focus on smaller fish. In that case, get those points confirmed in writing before booking.

My best advice is simple: arrive with a clear plan. Tell the crew what you want to catch, agree on when to change tactics, confirm how long you will fish, and settle the fish and gratuity questions before leaving the marina. If those details are clear, this can be a memorable and good-value day on the water.

FAQ

How much does the private fishing trip cost?

The listed price is $625 per group for up to four people.

How long does the trip last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a captain, first mate, fishing equipment, live bait, fishing licenses, lunch, snacks, bottled water, sodas, and beers.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup service is not included. You meet the crew at IGY Marina E Dock in Cabo San Lucas.

Where does the trip start and finish?

It starts at Cabo Sportfishing Crew at IGY Marina E Dock, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 18, Centro, Cabo San Lucas. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include marlin, dorado, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, barracuda, bonito, and other local sport fish. The actual catch depends on conditions and luck.

Is fish cleaning included?

No. Fish cleaning is not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The normal cancellation policy does not allow refunds or changes for personal cancellations.