Half day
Four hours: El Arco and Land's End, a swim or snorkel stop and drinks on deck. The most popular choice.
Charter planning guide
How yacht charters work in Los Cabos
Everything first-time charterers ask, in one place: how long a charter lasts, what is included, how to pick a boat, when to go, what to bring and what to confirm before you pay.
The short version
How does a yacht charter in Cabo actually work?
Quick answer
You reserve a private yacht or catamaran with its captain and crew for a set time, usually four hours (half day) or eight hours (full day). You board in Cabo San Lucas, the captain plans the route around your wishes and the sea conditions, and you return to the marina at the agreed time. Food, drinks and extras depend on the vessel and what you add.
4 hhalf-day charter
8 hfull-day charter
2–120guests, depending on the vessel
100%private: the boat is yours for the charter
Step by step
From idea to anchor
Decide the basics
Date, number of guests, occasion and roughly how long you want to be out. Mornings, afternoons and sunset each have their own character.
Choose a vessel
Compare our yachts and catamarans, or let us suggest options that fit your group and budget.
Confirm in writing
Check the quote for times, boarding point, inclusions, extras, price, payment and the cancellation and weather terms.
Enjoy the day
Arrive a little early, meet the crew, and let the captain adapt the route to the wind and swell on the day.
Charter lengths
How long should your charter be?
Match the length to your plans. A sightseeing loop and a swim fit comfortably in half a day; lunch at anchor and several stops call for a full day.
Full day
Eight hours: more coastline, longer at anchor and an unhurried lunch. Ideal with a chef or catering.
Sunset
Timed around the sunset for your date, with golden light on the cliffs and the sun setting over the Pacific.
Multi-day and weekly
On yachts with staterooms or in La Paz, where weekly charters on the Sea of Cortez are available.
Extra hours are charged separately. Exact times are confirmed in your quote.
Inclusions
What is included, and what is extra?
Quick answer
The captain and crew are always part of a charter, and fuel is normally included on catamaran charters. Snorkel gear is common. Food, drinks, water toys, decorations and photography vary by vessel and are either included, available as extras or bring-your-own. Your written quote lists exactly what applies.
| Item | Typically | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Captain and crew | Included on every charter | Number of crew on larger yachts and events |
| Fuel | Normally included on catamaran charters; confirm for yachts | Any surcharge for longer routes |
| Snorkel gear | Provided on many charters | Sizes for children, number of sets |
| Drinks | Varies: open bar on some boats, bring-your-own on many | What is included and whether you may bring your own |
| Food | Varies: snacks, catering or a chef, depending on the boat | Menu, dietary needs, extra cost |
| Water toys | On boats that carry them | Kayaks, paddleboards, floating mats |
| Decorations, DJ, photo and video | Arranged as extras | Cost, setup time and any vessel rules |
| Crew gratuity | Customary and often not included | Whether a gratuity is already in your quote |
Choosing a vessel
Motor yacht, catamaran, or something in between?
Motor yachts are faster, often with enclosed salons, cabins and air conditioning, and range from sporty day boats to superyachts. They suit couples, private celebrations and anyone who wants to cover more coastline.
Catamarans rest on two hulls, so they are steadier at anchor and offer broad, shaded decks and trampoline nets. They suit snorkeling days, families and large groups, and the biggest event catamarans host weddings for up to 120 guests.
Sailing vessels, such as the sailing catamarans and the 74' Classic Sailing Vessel, add the quiet thrill of moving under sail when the wind allows.
Whichever you choose, pick a boat whose listed capacity is comfortably above your guest count. See the catamaran comparison for more detail, or browse charter experiences and yacht weddings if you are planning around an occasion.
Seasons and weather
When to charter in Los Cabos
Cabo enjoys sunshine for most of the year, but each season has its own character on the water. Our Los Cabos coastline guide covers the landmarks and wildlife you can expect.
Winter
Roughly December to March. Peak travel season and humpback whale season, with comfortable temperatures. Book early, as demand and rates are typically highest.
Spring
April to June. Dry, sunny and warming, with the tail end of whale season in April. A good balance of weather and availability.
Summer
July to September. Hot days and warm water for swimming. Plan for shade, hydration and early or late departures to avoid the midday heat.
Autumn
October and November. Warm water and fewer crowds. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from mid-May to the end of November, with the highest risk typically from August to October.
Weather and port closures
Safety always comes first. When wind or sea conditions are unsafe, captains and the port authority can restrict departures, and the captain may change the route to find calmer water. What happens if your charter cannot go ahead, such as rescheduling, depends on the terms in your written confirmation, so please read them before you book.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear, a cover-up and a light layer for the ride home
- Towels, unless your quote says they are provided
- Any personal medication, including motion-sickness remedies
- Soft-soled shoes or sandals; many yachts ask guests to go barefoot on deck
- Cash for the crew gratuity, if it is not included
- Your phone or camera, and a waterproof case if you plan to swim
What to confirm before you pay
- Vessel name, date, start and finish times
- Boarding point and arrival time
- Number of guests the boat will carry
- Inclusions: crew, fuel, drinks, food, snorkel gear, water toys
- Extras and their cost: catering, decorations, DJ, photo or video, transport
- Deposit, payment steps, cancellation and weather terms
- Whether a crew gratuity is included
On the day
A few tips for a smooth charter
- Arrive early. Allow time for parking or drop-off and the walk to the dock, so the full charter time is spent on the water.
- Listen to the safety briefing. The crew will show you where life jackets are kept and explain the rules for swimming and moving around the boat.
- Swim sensibly. Use flotation aids if you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the boat and avoid swimming after drinking.
- Trust the captain's judgment. Stops and routes may change with the wind and swell; that flexibility is what keeps the day safe and comfortable.
- Respect wildlife. Keep your distance from sea lions and whales, and never feed marine animals.
Ready to plan? Send us your date and group size and we will suggest vessels that fit.
Questions & answers
Planning questions, answered
Practical answers for planning a private charter in Cabo San Lucas.
Ask us something elseAs early as possible for high season (roughly December to April), holidays and weekends, and for large event vessels. Outside those periods, shorter notice is often possible. Last-minute requests are welcome; we will tell you honestly what is still available.
A half-day charter is four hours and a full-day charter is eight hours. Extra hours are charged separately, and sunset or custom-length charters are quoted individually.
Usually not, although some quotes include it. A gratuity for the captain and crew is customary in Cabo when you are happy with the service. Check your quote, and bring cash if it is not already included.
Light, comfortable clothing over swimwear, a hat, sunglasses and a light layer for the ride back, especially on sunset cruises. Many yachts ask guests to go barefoot or wear soft-soled shoes on deck, so avoid heels and dark-soled shoes.
Snorkel gear is provided on many charters, and some boats supply towels. Your quote confirms what is on board; if in doubt, bring your own towels.
Yes, with the right preparation. Choose a stable vessel with shade, confirm child-size life jackets in advance and keep children supervised at all times, especially near the swim platform and in the water.
Take motion-sickness remedies before boarding if you are prone to it, sit in the fresh air near the middle of the boat and look at the horizon. Catamarans and larger yachts tend to move less, and captains favor sheltered water when conditions allow.
Mornings and early afternoons are popular for snorkeling and swimming, while late afternoon charters include the sunset. Conditions vary by season and day, so ask us what we recommend for your date.
The port authority can close the port to recreational boats in unsafe conditions, and captains may also cancel or shorten a trip for safety. The options available, such as rescheduling, follow the cancellation and weather terms in your confirmation.
Most yachts and all party catamarans have a sound system, and many allow you to connect your own playlist. Ask us to confirm the setup for your vessel, and whether a DJ can be arranged.
Adults may enjoy drinks on many charters, either from an included bar or bring-your-own where allowed. Please drink responsibly and avoid swimming after drinking alcohol.
Lover's Beach sits on the calm Sea of Cortez side of Land's End, and you will pass it on most routes. Whether a beach stop is possible depends on the vessel and the conditions on the day, so ask your captain.