Reviewed · SUNSET CRUISES

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks

4.5 · 582 reviews From $60 Operated by La Princesa Sailing Catamarans · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Sunset, sea, and a full bar make an easy evening. This two-hour La Princesa catamaran cruise leaves Cabo San Lucas Marina at about 5:00 pm, circles the bay, pauses at El Arco, and heads toward the Pacific for sunset. I especially like the open bar and the lively crew, plus the chance to see Lovers Beach, sea lions, and possibly whales in season. The main caution is that music can be loud, drinks are basic rather than premium, and seating or sunset views may vary depending on the boat setup.

At $60 per person, I see this as a good-value social cruise rather than a quiet sailing trip. Your ticket covers bottled water, snacks, fuel fees, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which takes the guesswork out of the evening bill. You should not expect a full dinner, though: the food is light, mainly chips and guacamole or nachos.

Key Points Before You Book

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks - Key Points Before You Book

  • El Arco photo stop: The catamaran pauses near Cabo’s famous stone arch for pictures before heading toward the Pacific.
  • Unlimited drinks: Beer, cocktails, tequila, and non-alcoholic drinks are included, but alcohol service is limited to passengers age 18 and older.
  • Lively rather than quiet: Music, drink service, and a friendly crew create a party-friendly mood.
  • Two-hour route: The cruise covers Cabo Bay, Lovers Beach, El Arco, and the Pacific-facing side of the peninsula.
  • Possible marine life: You might spot sea lions, stingrays, other marine life, and distant whales from December through March 31.
  • Bring a layer: Wind can make the ride chilly, even in warm Cabo weather.

What Your $60 Covers on the La Princesa Catamaran

The $60 price is easy to understand because the main extras are already included. You get the boat ride, fuel surcharge, bottled water, snacks, and an open bar with unlimited drinks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and souvenir photos cost extra.

I think the value works best if you plan to have several drinks and enjoy a social atmosphere. Buying cocktails individually at a marina bar can quickly eat through $60, while this cruise gives you two hours of scenery and service for one fixed price.

The food is the weak point. You should treat the snacks as something to nibble with your drink, not as dinner. The available food has been described as chips, guacamole, and nachos, with the homemade guacamole earning particular praise. One practical tip is simple: eat before boarding if you need a proper meal.

The liquor also appears to be standard well alcohol. Some drinks, especially palomas and margaritas, have been well received, but the tequila and vodka may not suit anyone looking for premium brands. Pacifico beer is an easy fallback if cocktails are not your thing.

More Boat Tours in Los Cabos

Boarding at Cabo San Lucas Marina

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks - Boarding at Cabo San Lucas Marina

The tour begins at the Cabo San Lucas Marina at a designated time, listed as 5:00 pm. You meet the boat there and return to the same general meeting point at the end. Hotel transportation is not included, so plan your route to the marina in advance.

If you arrive from a cruise ship, allow extra time. The dock can be a 15 to 20 minute walk from the area where cruise ship passengers are dropped off. That walk is manageable for many people, but it is not something you want to discover at the last minute while watching the clock.

Once aboard, the crew introduces the captain and explains basic safety points. Drink service begins early, and the crew keeps collecting empty cups and replacing them. This steady service is one of the strongest parts of the experience, especially for groups that want to settle in without lining up at a bar.

The boat accommodates a maximum of 40 people. That is not a tiny private sailing, but it is more personal than a large party vessel. A smaller group also makes it easier to move around and find a clear view.

Cruising Cabo Bay Toward Lovers Beach

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks - Cruising Cabo Bay Toward Lovers Beach

The first part of the ride takes you around Cabo San Lucas Bay on the Sea of Cortez. This is the time to get comfortable, choose your spot, and look toward shore for beachfront restaurants, private residences, and resort properties.

Lovers Beach is one of the main sights along the route. Seen from the water, it gives you a different angle on a place many people visit by water taxi or small boat. The cruise does not present itself as a beach stop, so you should expect to pass by rather than get off and spend time on the sand.

Keep watch for sea lions, stingrays, and other marine life. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the bay gives you a reasonable chance to scan the water while the boat moves at a relaxed pace. From December through March 31, whales may also be visible at a distance. This is not a dedicated whale-watching trip, so think of any whale sighting as a welcome bonus rather than the purpose of the cruise.

The mood during this section depends heavily on the group and the music. Many people enjoy the lively soundtrack and the way it helps create a party feel. If you want quiet narration and soft water sounds, this is probably not the right boat.

El Arco: The Best Photo Stop of the Cruise

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks - El Arco: The Best Photo Stop of the Cruise

El Arco is the visual centerpiece. This distinctive limestone formation marks the area where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, and its arch has been shaped by tides over time. The catamaran makes a short stop so you can take pictures.

This pause is useful because it gives you a clear reason to keep your camera ready. Crew members may help take photos, which is helpful for couples and groups who want everyone in the picture. Souvenir photos are also available for purchase, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Do not expect a long exploration stop. The itinerary calls for a short photo pause, not a landing or extended swim. If your main goal is a close, quiet look at the rock formations, a smaller sightseeing boat may suit you better. If you want El Arco as one part of a drink-and-sunset outing, this arrangement makes sense.

The location also shows why the route is more than a simple harbor ride. You see the meeting point of two bodies of water, Cabo’s famous rock formations, the beach, and the busy shoreline in one compact trip.

More Sunset Cruises in Los Cabos

Turning Toward the Pacific for Sunset

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks - Turning Toward the Pacific for Sunset

After the El Arco stop, the catamaran continues toward the Pacific side. This is the part of the route built around the sunset, with the boat settling into a more relaxed rhythm as the light changes.

Sunset timing varies by season, so the exact view depends on the departure date and weather. Clear conditions can produce excellent colors over the water, but clouds, wind, or haze may affect the show. The cruise requires good weather, and a poor-weather cancellation may result in a different date or a full refund.

There is one important viewing caution. One particularly unhappy experience involved a boat that was fully covered, with limited seating and poor sunset visibility. Other accounts describe spacious boats and excellent sunset views, so the viewing setup may differ. If seeing the sun touch the horizon is the main reason you are booking, ask which catamaran is scheduled and where the open viewing areas are before paying.

Wind is another factor. Even when Cabo feels hot on land, the moving boat can feel cool. Bring a light jacket or blanket, especially if you tend to feel cold. The ride is more enjoyable when you can stay outside comfortably instead of retreating indoors.

Drinks, Music, and the Crew’s Service

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks - Drinks, Music, and the Crew’s Service

The social side is the reason this cruise earns so much praise. The crew is described as friendly, attentive, professional, and quick with refills. They move around the boat, clear empty containers, and check that people are comfortable.

That service matters on an open-bar cruise. Unlimited drinks only have value if you can actually get them without waiting, and the available feedback suggests the crew keeps the bar moving. Margaritas and palomas are popular choices, while beer and non-alcoholic drinks provide alternatives.

The music is lively and helps set the tone. In some cases, the group has been allowed to help select the music, which can make the ride feel more personal. Still, you should know that at least one experience found the music obnoxiously loud. This is a party cruise, not a silent sunset sail, and volume can depend on the crew and the crowd.

Families can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The atmosphere may work for a mixed-age group, particularly when kids enjoy music and boat views, but the open bar and party energy make it especially suited to adults, birthdays, reunions, and groups of friends.

Comfort, Seating, and Onboard Facilities

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks - Comfort, Seating, and Onboard Facilities

The catamaran is described as clean, with a restroom onboard. Some boats have been praised for spacious seating and even dual bathrooms, but you should not assume every departure has exactly the same layout.

Seating may be limited, and one account described a covered boat that blocked the sunset. This is worth considering for older family members or anyone booking a special celebration. If your mother, parent, or another companion needs a comfortable seat with a clear view, ask about the boat arrangement rather than relying only on promotional pictures.

A maximum of 40 people keeps the group from becoming enormous, and some people prefer the more intimate feel of a smaller catamaran. You can generally see more easily than you might on a very large boat, though the best viewing spots may still go quickly.

Wear practical shoes and bring a layer for wind. The tour is only about two hours, so it does not demand the planning of a full-day outing. Still, the small choices matter: eat beforehand, charge your phone, and protect your camera from splashes.

Who Will Enjoy This Cabo Sunset Cruise

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Unlimitted Drinks - Who Will Enjoy This Cabo Sunset Cruise

I would recommend this experience to you if you want several things at once: a boat ride, Cabo’s main coastal sights, an open bar, music, and a sunset. It suits couples who want a fun evening, groups celebrating a birthday, and friends who prefer a relaxed party to a formal dinner cruise.

It is also a sensible choice for a short stay in Los Cabos. In two hours, you see the bay, Lovers Beach, El Arco, beachfront properties, and the Pacific side without giving up an entire afternoon.

Families can join, but parents should consider the music and alcohol-focused atmosphere. Children must have an adult with them, and the snacks may not replace a meal.

I would choose another type of boat if you want quiet photography, premium spirits, a full dinner, or a guaranteed unobstructed sunset. The cruise is also not the best fit if loud music quickly ruins your evening.

Cancellation, Weather, and Practical Details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The tour depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same type of alternative or refund applies if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The experience is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Children need adult supervision, and alcohol is served only to people age 18 or older.

Should You Book La Princesa’s Sunset Sailing?

Book it if you want a good-priced, easygoing Cabo evening with unlimited drinks, lively music, friendly service, and the area’s classic sights. The crew is the strongest part of the experience, and the combination of El Arco, Lovers Beach, and sunset gives you plenty to see in a short time.

Go in with the right expectations. The food is light, liquor is generally basic, music may be loud, and the boat’s seating or cover can affect your sunset view. For $60, I think it is a strong value for social groups and casual sunset seekers. If the view is your top priority, confirm the boat layout first. If the party atmosphere sounds better than a quiet sail, La Princesa is an easy choice.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the cruise begin and end?

It begins at the Cabo San Lucas Marina and ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 5:00 pm.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water, and an open bar are included.

How old do you have to be to drink alcohol onboard?

You must be at least 18 years old to be served alcohol.

Is food included?

Light snacks are included. These may include chips, guacamole, or nachos, but a full meal is not provided.

Will the catamaran stop at El Arco?

Yes. The boat makes a short stop near El Arco for pictures.

Can you see whales on this cruise?

From December through March 31, you might see whales at a distance. This is not a dedicated whale-watching tour, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can you cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

More like this

Sunset Cruises, compared.

The full Sunset Cruises list →
Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,267 reviews· from $109

Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar

Read our review →
Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Open Bar and Snacks
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,610 reviews· from $68

Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Open Bar and Snacks

Read our review →
Sunset Sail Party Cruise on the Pez Gato
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 258 reviews· from $90

Sunset Sail Party Cruise on the Pez Gato

Read our review →
2 Hour Sunset Cruise with Food and Wine
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 32 reviews· from $138

2 Hour Sunset Cruise with Food and Wine

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Explore Mexico

Pick the kind of day first, then pick the coast.