Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive Private Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise: A Detailed Look
Imagine gliding softly across the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez on a spacious, luxurious catamaran — it sounds pretty tempting, right? This private, all-inclusive cruise in Cabo promises a relaxed yet memorable day on the water, great for those who want to enjoy the scenery without the fuss of crowds or chaos. We’ve taken a close look at this experience to help you decide if it’s worth booking.
What really caught our eye is the combination of luxury and flexibility — the boat is big enough to accommodate your group in comfort, and the crew’s service is consistently praised. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and even a floating mat means you can choose how active or relaxed your day will be.
Overall great experience. Would book with them again. We had a party of 32 people which they accommodated no problem, drinks and lunch were awesome. Our party ranged from 4 years old to 60 years old.
Having the private charter was an amazing experience. The crew was super fun and made us feel so welcome. We definitely will be back on this excursion.
We are so happy that we found Papillon cruises on Viator. We were in Cabo celebrating a 40th birthday and were hoping to get out on the water and do some snorkeling. The catamaran we booked for our 4PM tour was having issues and we were upgraded to the 42’ foot yacht. Miguel and Miguelito were both…
Read more ›
On the flip side, some might find the price a bit steep, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, given it’s per group.
That said, for groups or families, the value of a private experience with all amenities included can definitely add up to a worthwhile splurge.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a luxurious, all-in-one day on the water — whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, traveling with friends, or want a hassle-free way to see the sights. If you love snorkeling, enjoying drinks in the sunshine, or just relaxing on a floating mat, this cruise ticks a lot of boxes.
Key Points
- All-Inclusive Luxury: Everything you need — food, drinks, gear — is covered, making it a stress-free day.
- Flexible Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing options cater to different moods.
- Prime Views & Wildlife: Opportunities to see whales during season and enjoy scenic vistas of Los Cabos.
- Private Experience: Only your group on the boat, with personalized service.
- Family Friendly: Compatible with a wide age range, from young kids to seniors.
- Great for Celebrations: Perfect setting for special occasions or just a memorable day out.
What to Expect from Your Day on the Water
From the moment you step aboard the luxurious catamaran, you’ll notice how well-organized and comfortable the experience feels. The crew, who are consistently described as friendly, professional, and attentive, are there to make your day special. They handle all the logistics — from serving food and drinks to guiding snorkeling trips — so you can just relax and enjoy.
All of the staff were nice and super fun! Made the trip so great. I highly recommend booking this trip! Transportation was easy! We seen whales and got to swim and go up to a little beach for pictures as well. They had a photographer for us, pictures were a little expensive but well worth it!
David was an excellent host and the captain was able to get us near a couple pods of humpback whales.
We had a wonderful time! The crew was fabulous. Our time on the water was amazing! Great memories made!
Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable but satisfying chunk of your day. It’s a private experience, meaning only your group will be on board. With space for up to 14 people, it’s great for small groups, families, or even a handful of friends looking for a cozy yet luxurious outing.
Transportation & Meeting Point
You’ll meet at Papillon Yachts Rental in Cabo’s Marina. The process is straightforward, and reviews mention that transportation arrangements are easy to handle. The boat departs from a central location, close to public transportation options, which simplifies planning.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
The Itinerary & Activities
Right from the start, the focus is on relaxation and fun. The crew will take care of the details while you soak up the surroundings. As you cruise along, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the coast, with plenty of opportunities for photography.
The highlight for many travelers is the chance to see whales during the season from December to March. Several reviews mention whale sightings, with one guest noting that the crew is skilled at getting you close to pods of humpback whales. If wildlife watching is your thing, this will definitely add a special touch to your day.
My husbands 60th birthday, 12 of us had the privilege to be onboard Papillion 3! From the moment we arrived until we were safely back in van to take us back to the hotel was amazing. Crew makes you feel at home. Very attentive!! Would book with them again! Carolanne and Bill
My cousin decided to celebrate her 50th in Cabo! We wanted a private yacht experience that would be welcoming and allow us to celebrate the way we wanted too without judgement. The Private Catamaran was that and so much more! The staff is super sweet, and accommodating. The friendliest people we’ve…
Read more ›
Spending the morning on Papillon 3 was one of the highlights of our trip to Cabo. Carlos and his whole crew were the perfect hosts. Our group included 3 generations of family and everyone had the best time. From whale watching to jumping off the catamaran for a swim, lots of memories were made.
Snorkeling & Water Play
Included are high-quality snorkel equipment, so you can explore the vibrant underwater world of the Sea of Cortez. Many reviewers loved the ease of access to the water, with some mentioning their favorite moments being swimming near the boat or floating on the large mat. There are also 4 paddle boards and 2 kayaks, so you can choose to be more active or stick to lounging.
Food & Drinks
The onboard lunch is designed to satisfy. It features a fresh fruit platter, pico de gallo, guacamole, and quesadillas. The open bar offers a wide selection of margaritas, vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, wine, and beer, along with juices, sodas, and mineral water. Several reviews praise the quality of the food and drinks, calling the experience value for money.
Additional Perks
A floating mat adds a relaxed vibe, allowing you to just hang out in the water if you prefer to stay dry. The boat is air-conditioned, which might be appreciated during warmer days, and the crew’s attentiveness ensures all your needs are met.
What Do You Not Get? And What to Keep in Mind
While the experience is all-inclusive, there are a few things to consider. First, gratuity for the crew is not included, so a tip is customary if you’re happy with the service. Also, professional photos are optional and come at an additional cost — if capturing memories is important, you might want to budget for that.
Ana, Carlos, and Captain Eddie were so great. They were very welcoming and made sure all our needs were taken care of. It was nice to see the crew interact with everyone and share stories and experiences with us. We really enjoyed ourselves and would highly recommend booking with them!
Such a fun trip! We had options to swim, snorkel, paddle or just relax while floating on a raft. The crew were amazing and hilarious. Perfect amount of time
Was exactly what we wanted. It was private. We had a great time. We would definitely do this again!!
You’ll need to bring your own towel — a small detail, but worth noting. The boat’s capacity means it could have handled more guests, but since it’s a private tour, you won’t feel crowded.
How Do Reviews Reflect the Experience?
The glowing reviews speak volumes. Many guests love the friendly, fun staff who go above and beyond to ensure a great time. For example, one reviewer stated, “All of the staff were nice and super fun! Made the trip so great.” Others appreciated the flexibility of activities, especially families that enjoyed options for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing.
Several guests mentioned whale sightings as a major highlight, particularly during the appropriate season. The food and drinks consistently receive praise, with travelers feeling that they got good value for their money.
On the downside, some might find the price of photographs a bit high, and the duration of 3 hours might feel a little brief if you’re used to longer outings. However, for many, that keeps the trip light and fun without feeling overdone.
High school graduation celebration trip with Moms and Sons. We had a wonderful time on the catamaran and the staff were amazing. Thank you for a memorable time! Jenelle H.
The crew was knowledgeable, professional and personable. This cruise was a highlight of our trip: We saw numerous whales, enjoyed wonderful food and beverages, listened to good music, and have professional photos from the excursion, this is optional. The boat was very clean and perfect for our…
Read more ›
How Does the Pricing Stack Up?
At $2,436 per group (up to 14 people), the cost might seem high at first glance. But considering it’s a private, all-inclusive experience with food, drinks, gear, and personalized service, it offers good value, especially for groups. If you split the cost among friends or family, it’s quite reasonable for a day of luxury and adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Cabo San Lucas
- Key Points
- What to Expect from Your Day on the Water
- The Itinerary & Activities
- What Do You Not Get? And What to Keep in Mind
- How Do Reviews Reflect the Experience?
- How Does the Pricing Stack Up?
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
- More Private Tours in Cabo San Lucas
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Cabo San Lucas
- More Tour Reviews in Cabo San Lucas
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, customizable day on the water, with no worries about logistics. It suits groups celebrating special occasions, families with a range of ages, or anyone wanting to experience Cabo in style. If you’re someone who enjoys snorkeling, wildlife sightings, and relaxing with a drink in hand, this tour will check many boxes.
However, if you prefer longer trips or are traveling solo on a tight budget, this might not be the most economical choice. It’s a splurge, but one that many find worth it for the private, all-inclusive nature and the chance to see whales and vibrant marine life.
FAQ
How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts about 3 hours, making it a manageable outing that fits well into a day of exploring Cabo.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private tour, so only your group participates, ensuring a personalized and relaxed environment.
What activities are included?
You can snorkel with provided equipment, paddleboard, kayak, relax on the floating mat, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
What’s included in the food and drinks?
A lunch platter with fruit, pico de gallo, guacamole, and quesadillas is included. The open bar features margaritas, tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, wine, beer, and mixers. Juices and sodas are also available.
Can I see whales on this tour?
During whale season (December to March), the crew often takes guests to see whales, and reviews mention sightings of humpback whales.
What should I bring?
Bring your own towel. It’s also worth packing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially if you plan to spend time floating or sunbathing.
Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive Private Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise
“Overall great experience. Would book with them again. We had a party of 32 people which they accommodated no problem, drinks and lunch were awesome…”
Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious, all-in-one day on the water in Cabo, this private catamaran cruise delivers on many fronts. The experienced crew, inclusive amenities, and flexible water activities create a laid-back yet exciting environment. Plus, the chance to see whales during season makes it even more special.
This experience is most suitable for groups or families who want to enjoy Cabo from a different perspective, with plenty of space and comfort. It’s a bit of a splurge but offers the kind of personalized, all-encompassing adventure that many travelers cherish — especially when celebrating special moments or just wanting a stress-free day on the sea.
For those who love a good combination of scenic beauty, water fun, and excellent service, this cruise is well worth considering.
Interested in similar experiences? Check out options like yacht cruises with round-trip transportation, boat parties, or the unique transparent boat for more water adventures in Cabo.




























