Reviewed · SAILING
Yacht Tour – 3Hr. Private Maxum Tour
The best part of this Cabo boat trip is the freedom: your group gets a private 38-foot Maxum yacht, an open bar, fresh food, and time to swim near the Arch and Lover’s Beach. Crew members such as Martin, Carlos, Luis, Omar, David, Abraham, and Richard have been praised for friendly service, though the exact crew depends on the day.
I like the easy mix of sightseeing and water time, especially the chance to see sea lions at El Arco before settling into the bay. I also like that quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, fruit, drinks, paddle boards, snorkel gear, and a floating mat are included. The main consideration is value: at $1,100 per group, this makes the most sense when eight people share the cost.
In This Review
- Key points at a glance
- A private Cabo cruise with room to make it your own
- What $1,100 buys your group
- El Arco and the sea lions
- The Pacific coast by boat
- Two hours in Cabo’s bay
- Food, drinks, and the feel onboard
- The crew and service
- Who will get the most from this tour
- Timing, weather, and booking advice
- Is the Maxum yacht tour worth booking?
- FAQ
- How long is the private Maxum yacht tour?
- How much does the tour cost?
- Where does the tour begin?
- Where does the tour end?
- Is the yacht private?
- What food is included?
- Is alcohol included?
- Can I upgrade the food?
- What water equipment is provided?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key points at a glance
- Private yacht for up to eight: You get an outing built around your own group, with your own music and room to adjust the pace.
- El Arco and sea lions: The boat pauses at Cabo’s famous rock arch and the nearby colony of sea lions for photos and sightseeing.
- Two hours in the bay: Most of the trip is set aside for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, food, and drinks.
- Open bar included: Tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, mixers, juices, soda, and water are available onboard.
- Fresh Mexican-style snacks: The crew prepares cheese quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, chips, and fruit.
- Best for a group sharing the price: Families and friend groups can get better value than a couple booking alone.
A private Cabo cruise with room to make it your own
This three-hour excursion is less a formal sightseeing cruise and more a floating afternoon with a few excellent views built in. You board at Plaza Embarcadero in the Cabo San Lucas marina, then head toward the rock formations at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.
The boat is a 38-foot Maxum yacht. That matters because you are not simply buying a seat on a large shared vessel. Your group can play its own music, spend more time swimming, or keep the focus on photographs and scenery. The boat is described as all-inclusive, though the included food is snack-style rather than a full restaurant lunch.
The private format is especially useful for families. The crew has been praised for being good with children, keeping drinks filled, helping with photos, and explaining safety rules before departure. Names associated with the crew include Martin, Carlos, Luis, Omar, David, Abraham, and Richard. You should not assume a particular person will be onboard, but the operation uses a friendly, attentive crew accustomed to family groups and celebrations.
There is one detail worth sorting out before you pay. The main price is $1,100 for a group of up to eight, while the additional information gives a maximum of 14 participants. Since the tour is presented as a private booking for eight, ask the operator how larger groups are handled if your party exceeds that number.
More sailing days out of Cabo San Lucas:
- Cabo San Lucas Sunset Sailing Shared Cruise
★ 5.0 · 779 reviews - Private Catamaran Escape for 2–6 Guests: Celebrate Your Way
★ 5.0 · 321 reviews - Cabo San Lucas Luxury Sailing Yacht and Dinner with a Chef
★ 4.5 · 290 reviews
What $1,100 buys your group
At first glance, $1,100 is a high price for three hours. Shared boat trips in Cabo can cost less per person. The calculation changes when you fill the yacht: eight people would pay $137.50 each before any extra food upgrade, and that includes the boat, crew, drinks, snacks, and water equipment.
The price also buys control over the outing. You are not tied to another group’s music, appetite, swimming ability, or preferred pace. If half your group wants to snorkel while the rest would rather eat chips and photograph the Arch, the crew can shape the stop around your party.
The included bar is generous by excursion standards. It covers tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, mixers, soda, water, and natural fruit juices. That saves you from bringing a cooler, although anyone drinking alcohol should remember that a moving boat, heat, and sun can catch up with you quickly.
The standard food is fresh cheese quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, tortilla chips, and fruit. This is plenty for a light lunch or substantial snack, but do not book it expecting a large plated meal. Mixed fajitas and ceviche are available as an upgrade for $20 per person, which is a useful option if your group wants something more filling.
El Arco and the sea lions
The first major stop is El Arco, Cabo San Lucas’s famous stone arch at Land’s End. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to take photographs and look at the rock formations from the water.
A colony of sea lions swims and rests near the Arch. Their barking and sudden movement add life to what could otherwise be a quick photo stop. The crew can help position the boat and take group pictures, a small service that matters when nobody in your party wants to be left out of the frame.
The Arch is one of Cabo’s busiest sights, so do not expect solitude. Its value is visual rather than quiet or remote. The private boat lets you enjoy the view with your own group instead of being packed into a large sightseeing crowd, but other boats will still be in the area.
You will see both the Pacific side and the Sea of Cortez side of the tip, though the water conditions can differ sharply. Follow the crew’s instructions around the boat, especially when moving about for photographs.
The Pacific coast by boat
From El Arco, the yacht cruises along the Pacific coastline for about 30 minutes. This section is about rock forms, beaches, and broad ocean views rather than getting into the water.
The crew may point out marine life, including whales, dolphins, fish, and jellyfish. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the information provided does not promise a dedicated whale-watching trip. Still, the cruise falls in a good area for chance encounters, particularly during the right season. Several outings have included whale sightings, which can turn a pleasant boat ride into the day’s highlight.
The Pacific side also gives you a different view of Cabo. From the water, you see beaches and rock walls without the usual road traffic or resort buildings directly in front of you. The city, restaurants, and waterfront views become part of the backdrop as the boat moves back toward the bay.
If your priority is marine wildlife, keep expectations sensible. This is a private yacht outing with sightseeing and water activities, not a specialist wildlife tour. You may see whales or dolphins, but the trip’s reliable attractions are El Arco, the coast, and the swimming stop.
More boat trips in Cabo San Lucas:
- Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Open Bar and Snacks
★ 5.0 · 1,610 reviews - Sunset Mexican Dinner Cruise and Live Music in Cabo San Lucas
★ 4.5 · 838 reviews - Lands End Luxury Sail and Snorkel Cruise in Cabo San Lucas
★ 5.0 · 816 reviews - Adults Only Hip Hop Sessions Boat Party Cabo San Lucas
★ 4.5 · 698 reviews
Two hours in Cabo’s bay
The longest portion of the trip takes place in the Bay of Cabo San Lucas. About two hours are set aside for the part many people will remember most: swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, eating, drinking, and relaxing on the floating mat.
This generous block of time keeps the experience from feeling rushed. You can try the water equipment, return to the boat for a quesadilla, then head back out without watching the clock every few minutes. The crew provides snorkel equipment and paddle boards, so you do not need to rent those items separately.
The bay is also the natural place to view or paddle toward Lover’s Beach. The exact amount of activity depends on conditions and on what your group wants to do. If you prefer a calm float and photographs, you can stay aboard. If you want more action, the boards, snorkel gear, and large floating mat give you several choices.
Snorkeling conditions can vary. Visibility, water movement, and marine life are not guaranteed, so think of snorkeling as an included option rather than the sole reason to book. The same applies to the floating mat. It is a pleasant way to lounge in the water, but it will not replace a proper beach visit for anyone wanting to walk on sand.
Lover’s Beach is best appreciated from the water or while swimming nearby. The stop combines Cabo’s signature rock scenery with a chance to get wet, which is why the private format works well here. You can spend more time on the activity your group actually enjoys.
Food, drinks, and the feel onboard
The food is simple, fresh, and suited to a boat. Guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, chips, fruit, and warm cheese quesadillas are easy to share and do not require a table setting. The crew prepares the food onboard, giving the meal a more personal feel than prepackaged snacks.
For a more substantial lunch, order the mixed fajita and ceviche upgrade at $20 per person. Since the regular offering is explicitly snack-based, this upgrade is worth considering for an afternoon departure or for anyone who expects a full meal.
The open bar is one of the stronger parts of the package. Tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, mixers, soda, juices, and bottled water cover most preferences. You can also play your own music, which helps the yacht feel like your group’s private space rather than a standard excursion.
I would still bring practical basics: sun protection, a swimsuit, and a dry change of clothes. The provided information does not list towels or personal sunscreen, so do not assume those are supplied. Keep phones and cameras secure around the swimming area, even when the crew is helping with pictures.
The crew and service
The crew’s role makes a big difference on a short private cruise. You need people who can manage the boat safely, explain the plan, prepare food, handle drinks, and help your group use the water equipment without making the experience feel stiff.
The crew has received particularly strong praise for friendliness, attention, professionalism, and help with photographs. Martin and Carlos have been singled out for service on a private yacht, while Luis and Omar have been praised for entertaining children. David, Luis, and Omar were also connected with a sunset trip that included whales and sea lions.
Those names should be treated as examples, not a promise of who will serve your departure. What you can reasonably expect is a crew that begins with safety guidelines and stays involved during the trip. That is valuable for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants assistance getting photos at El Arco.
The operation has a perfect recommendation record from the supplied feedback, with 15 ratings averaging five stars. That is a small sample, so I would not treat it as proof that every departure will be flawless. It does point to a consistent pattern: service, cleanliness, food, drinks, and the overall private-boat setup are the most praised parts.
Who will get the most from this tour
This trip suits a group that wants several Cabo experiences in one package. You see El Arco, cruise the Pacific coast, look for marine life, visit the bay, and have time for water activities, all without changing boats.
It is a strong choice for:
- Families who want a flexible outing and child-friendly crew service
- Friends splitting the $1,100 price
- Couples who want privacy and do not mind paying for it
- Groups celebrating a birthday, reunion, or special occasion
- People who want drinks and food included rather than arranging them separately
- Anyone who prefers a relaxed mix of sightseeing and swimming
It is less suitable if you want a long sailing day, a full gourmet lunch, or a specialist whale-watching trip. Three hours goes quickly once boarding, sightseeing, food, and water time are all included. A group that spends too long taking pictures at the Arch may have less time in the bay.
The tour is described as suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, with both departure and return at A9AVE Plaza Embarcadero on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina. The boat is not presented as a specialized accessible vessel, so contact the operator directly if you have mobility needs beyond the general participation information.
Timing, weather, and booking advice
The activity is booked an average of 22 days ahead, which suggests you should reserve early if your Cabo dates are fixed. A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives at booking.
Weather matters. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, cancellations and changes are not accepted and the payment is not refunded.
The marina meeting point is easy to state but can still be busy in practice. Give yourself time to find Plaza Embarcadero, and keep the booking confirmation on your phone. Since the activity returns to the same place, you do not need to arrange a separate ride from another marina.
Is the Maxum yacht tour worth booking?
I would book this tour if you have a group of six to eight people and want privacy, food, drinks, and water activities in one neat package. At full capacity, the per-person price becomes easier to justify, especially when you count the open bar, equipment, crew, and private use of the yacht.
For two people, the price is harder to defend unless privacy is your main goal. A shared cruise may offer similar views for less. I would also ask about the group-size limit, confirm which food is included, and decide in advance if the $20-per-person fajita and ceviche upgrade is worthwhile.
Book it for the relaxed mix of El Arco, sea lions, Pacific scenery, swimming, and onboard hospitality. Skip it if you want a full meal, a guaranteed whale encounter, or a long day on the water. For the right-size group, this is a polished and flexible way to see Cabo from its best angle, the water.
FAQ
How long is the private Maxum yacht tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours.
How much does the tour cost?
The listed price is $1,100 per group for up to eight people.
Where does the tour begin?
The meeting point is A9AVE Plaza Embarcadero, Boulevard Paseo de la Marina, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.
Where does the tour end?
The activity returns to the same meeting point.
Is the yacht private?
Yes. The experience is described as an all-private tour, with the price covering a group of up to eight people.
What food is included?
Included food consists of fresh cheese quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, tortilla chips, and fresh fruit.
Is alcohol included?
Yes. The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, mixers, juices, soda, and water.
Can I upgrade the food?
Yes. Mixed fajitas and ceviche are available for an additional $20 per person.
What water equipment is provided?
Snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and a large floating mat are included.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If bad weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.
Just added around Cabo San Lucas
- Los Cabos: Private Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour at the Arch★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Whale Watch Cabo: Group Whale Watching Tour – FREE photos★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Cabo Yacht Tour to Lovers or Pelícano Beach + Beach Time★ 3.5 · 3 reviews
- Cabo Escape Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Open Bar★ 4.5 · 3 reviews
- Cabo Private Yacht Tour: The Arch, Sea Lions & Scenic Beaches★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Parasailing in Cabo San Lucas★ 3.7 · 3 reviews
- Photo Session in Los Cabos★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour Arch Cabo★ 3.7 · 3 reviews
Sailing, compared.

Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise
Read our review →
Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas
Read our review →
Private Luxury Sailing Cruise in Los Cabos with Lunch and Open Bar
Read our review →
Private Catamaran Escape for 2–6 Guests: Celebrate Your Way
Read our review →
Cabo San Lucas Luxury Sailing Yacht and Dinner with a Chef
Read our review →
Your Own Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Cabo San Lucas
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in


