Private Sailboat tour in Cabo San Lucas with Papillon Yachts

Discovering Cabo San Lucas on a Private Sailboat with Papillon Yachts

If you’re dreaming of a day spent floating along Cabo’s spectacular coastlines with the sun on your face and the ocean breeze in your hair, a private sailboat tour with Papillon Yachts might just be what you’re looking for. This experience promises a blend of scenic beauty, personalized service, and fun water activities—all in a compact 3-hour window. As someone who loves sharing honest travel tips, I’ve looked into what makes this tour stand out, and I’ll tell you what you can expect (and what to keep in mind).

Two things I really like about this tour are the intimate size of the boat—which means fewer crowds and more personal attention—and the variety of water toys and snacks included. It’s a well-rounded package that caters to both relaxation and adventure. One potential snag? The duration is relatively short at around three hours, so if you’re craving a full-day experience, this might feel a little quick. Still, for many, that window hits the sweet spot for a laid-back yet activity-packed escape.

Ultimately, this tour would suit travelers who appreciate a private, customizable experience with stunning views, good food, and some fun water play. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a relaxing day on the water, it tends to hit the right notes.

Key Points

• Private and intimate: Only your group on a small boat, with personalized attention.
• Beautiful scenery: Views of the Arch, Chileno Bay, and the Pacific Coast.
• Water activities: Snorkel gear, paddleboards, and the chance to spot whales during season.
• All-inclusive experience: Snacks, drinks, and water toys included.
• Flexible schedule: Three departure times to choose from.
• Good value: For about $1,100 per group (up to six people), it covers a lot of bases.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

Starting Point: Cabo San Lucas Marina
You’ll meet at Papillon Yachts’ rental location, right in the heart of Cabo’s marina area. From there, your private boat awaits, ready to whisk you into a world of scenic beauty and water fun. The fact that it’s a private tour means you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers, which is a huge plus if you prefer a relaxed, tailored experience.

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
Your first stop is the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a natural rock formation that’s hard to miss. This is why many visit Cabo—plus, it’s home to a colony of sea lions, which makes for fun viewing. Expect about 30 minutes here to take photos, watch the sea lions, and appreciate the geological wonder. One reviewer mentioned how the view of the Arch from the water is particularly impressive, something you’ll want to capture.

Stop 2: Chileno Bay
Next, you’ll head to Chileno Bay, a renowned snorkeling spot. Here, the crew provides snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards, so you can dive into the clear waters and explore the marine life. If you’re up for it, this spot offers a chance to see vibrant fish and maybe even some sea creatures. A reviewer raved about the plenty of fishes and the overall beauty of the site. The hour spent here allows for a leisurely swim or paddleboard session, with enough time to soak in the surroundings.

Stop 3: Pacific Coast
Depending on the season, this stop can be particularly exciting. During whale watching season, many guests have the chance to see whales swimming close to the boat, which is a breathtaking sight. Even outside of whale season, the rugged Pacific shoreline offers stunning vistas that you’ll love. Some reviews highlighted how seeing whales was a highlight of their trip, making this a memorable part of the experience.

Stop 4: Medano Beach
Your final stop is a relaxing 30-minute visit to Medano Beach, one of Cabo’s most popular stretches. You can unwind on the boat, enjoy unlimited drinks and snacks, and take in the lively beach scene from the water. It’s a laid-back way to cap off your tour, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos and chat with your crew. Many visitors appreciated this part as an easygoing conclusion to an already fantastic trip.

What’s Included and What’s Not

What’s great about this tour is how much it covers without extra costs sneaking in. Snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards are provided, so you can get right into the water without renting gear separately. The open bar includes unlimited alcoholic beverages—think margaritas, beers, and soft drinks—which are often enjoyed with the included snacks like guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese quesadillas, and fruit platters.

The tour also offers private transportation to and from your hotel or designated meeting point, which adds convenience and comfort. This is especially valuable if you’re unfamiliar with the area or want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport yourself.

However, you’ll need to bring your own towels if you plan to swim or paddleboard. Also, professional photos aren’t automatically included, but you can opt to purchase them separately, a common add-on for many boat tours.

How the Price Reflects Value

At $1,102 for up to 6 people, the cost breaks down to about $184 per person, which is pretty reasonable given the private nature of the tour, the included amenities, and the personalized experience. Reviewers consistently mentioned how much they enjoyed the great food and attentive crew, which adds to the perceived value. Plus, the fact that many have booked this tour 19 days in advance indicates it’s a popular choice—probably because it hits a good balance between exclusivity and affordability.

The Atmosphere and Crew

Reviews make it clear that the crew is a highlight: “Amazing crews,” “friendly and attentive”—these phrases come up repeatedly. Many reviewers mentioned how the crew made them feel comfortable and took care of every detail, from flexibility in pickup times to ensuring everyone had a great time. The staff’s professionalism and friendliness seem to elevate this tour beyond just a boat ride.

The boat itself is in excellent shape, according to reviews, and the water toys are well-maintained. The sense of safety and ease the crew provides is a big selling point, especially if you’re new to boating.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or even families who want a private, flexible way to enjoy Cabo’s sights. It’s especially suited for those who love a mix of sightseeing, water fun, and good food in a laid-back setting. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure with lots of activity, this might feel a bit brief, but for a well-paced 3-hour escape, it’s spot-on.

Final Thoughts

The private sailboat tour with Papillon Yachts offers a wonderful snapshot of Cabo, blending iconic landmarks, scenic views, and water-based fun in one smooth package. The small group size means you’ll enjoy a personalized ride, with plenty of chances to relax, take photos, and swim. The crew’s attention to detail and the all-day availability of drinks and snacks set this apart from more generic excursions.

While it’s not a full-day adventure, the balance of sightseeing, water activities, and relaxation makes it an ideal choice for travelers who want a taste of everything without overdoing it. If you’re after a memorable, intimate day on the water with excellent service, this tour deserves a spot on your Cabo list.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children are not specifically mentioned, the tour involves water activities and a boat ride, so it’s best suited for older kids comfortable around water and boating.

What should I bring?
Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or paddleboard. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended for sun protection.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, there are three options throughout the day, allowing you to pick the schedule that fits best with your plans.

Are drinks and snacks really unlimited?
Yes, the open bar offers unlimited alcoholic beverages, and snacks like guacamole, quesadillas, and fruit are included.

How many people are on the boat?
The boat accommodates up to 8 passengers, but the tour is usually booked for groups of up to 6, making it a very comfortable size.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to weather conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I want professional photos?
Photos are optional and can be purchased separately, but they are not included in the standard package.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 19 days ahead, so it’s wise to reserve early to secure your preferred schedule.

This private sailboat tour with Papillon Yachts offers a laid-back, personalized way to see Cabo, enjoy water fun, and indulge in delicious bites—all wrapped up in a package that feels both exclusive and accessible. Perfect for those wanting a memorable half-day adventure without the crowds.