Reviewed · SAILING

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo

★ 5.0 · 31 reviews From $2,000 Operated by Papillon Yachts · Bookable on Viator
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Cabo looks best from the water. This private three-hour cruise gives you a 42-foot yacht, a flexible route, and room for up to eight people. I like the freedom to choose your stops, and I like that the package includes paddleboards, kayaks, a floating mat, and clean snorkel gear rather than charging extra for every activity.

The food and drink setup is another strong point. You get quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, fruit, charcuterie, sashimi, ceviche, bottled water, soft drinks, and an open bar. The main drawback is the price: at $2,000 per group, this makes the most sense for a full group of eight, not a couple or small party.

Key points to know before you book

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Key points to know before you book

  • Private 42-foot yacht: Your group has the boat to itself, with space for up to eight people.
  • Three flexible hours: You can spend time near the Arch, Medano Beach, or the Pacific coast, or ask the captain to suggest a route.
  • Water toys included: Paddleboards, kayaks, a floating mat, and snorkel equipment are provided.
  • Food is more than basic snacks: The spread can include fresh fruit, charcuterie, steak and chicken quesadillas, sashimi, ceviche, guacamole, and chips.
  • Open bar included: Rum, tequila, vodka, beer, juices, mixers, soft drinks, and bottled water are part of the package.
  • Best value for a full group: The per-person cost drops to $250 when eight people share the yacht.

A private yacht changes the feel of Cabo

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - A private yacht changes the feel of Cabo

Many Cabo boat trips put you on a large shared vessel with a set schedule. This one is different. You book the entire Pura Vida Yacht for your own group, so you can celebrate, relax, take pictures, or spend more time in the water without coordinating with strangers.

That privacy matters most for a bachelorette party, engagement celebration, birthday, or family outing. The crew has decorated the boat for special occasions, arranged extra touches, and adapted the atmosphere for different groups. If you simply want a quiet ride with your partner, the private format also gives you more control over the mood.

The boat is 42 feet long, which is large enough to feel like a proper yacht rather than a small speedboat. Still, you should keep your expectations sensible. This is a three-hour coastal outing, not a full-day sailing charter. The yacht gives you comfort and space, but your time on board passes quickly once you add cruising, food, photos, swimming, and equipment setup.

The group limit is listed as eight people. One account describes a larger family group, but you should confirm capacity before booking if your party exceeds eight. The price and boat arrangement are built around a private group of up to eight.

What the $2,000 price really buys you

The listed price is $2,000 per group, not per person. With eight people, that works out to $250 each. For four people, the cost rises to $500 per person, and for two people it becomes a very expensive private outing.

That calculation makes the booking decision fairly simple. I would consider this a strong value for a full group that wants a private boat, a full meal, drinks, water equipment, and a crew focused only on them. I would think twice if you are booking for only two or three people unless privacy is the main reason for the trip.

The inclusions are generous. You are not just paying for the yacht and captain, then adding lunch, snorkeling, and drinks one by one. The package includes private transportation, parking fees, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, a paddleboard, a floating mat, soft drinks, bottled water, snacks, and lunch.

The food list is especially useful for groups with different appetites. You may get cheese quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, fresh fruit, a charcuterie board, steak and chicken quesadillas, sashimi, and ceviche. Several party accounts describe the food as fresh and prepared with care, including meals made on board during sunset outings.

There is also an upgrade for chicken or meat fajitas and ceviche at $19.90 per person. Confirm this in advance. Top-shelf bottles cost extra as well, either purchased ahead of time or on board. The standard bar includes rum, tequila, vodka, beer, juices, and mixers for drinks such as margaritas.

Starting at Lorenzillo’s in Cabo San Lucas

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Starting at Lorenzillo’s in Cabo San Lucas

The meeting point is at Lorenzillo’s, on Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas in central Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the day straightforward.

Private transportation is included, and parking fees are covered. The information also places the meeting area near public transportation. Your confirmation should provide the exact arrival instructions, but it is wise to check the details after booking because confirmation is sent within 48 hours and depends on availability.

The cruise is often booked about 29 days ahead. That is a useful planning signal, especially if you want a particular date, a celebration setup, or a sunset departure. I would not leave this until the last minute during a busy holiday week.

Alcohol is allowed only for people aged 18 and older. Since this is an open-bar trip, decide ahead of time who will be drinking and who will be using the water equipment. A clear-headed person is always useful when a group is moving between the boat, kayaks, paddleboards, and the water.

Stop one: El Arco and the Cabo bay

The Arch, or El Arco, is the visual centerpiece of Cabo San Lucas. It marks the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, and it is the place where you will want your camera ready.

The yacht heads into the bay near the Arch, where the water toys are available. You can use a kayak, paddleboard, or floating mat, or put on the provided snorkel equipment. The scheduled time is about one hour, though the captain can shape the stop around conditions and your group’s interests.

This is the most active part of the trip. If you want to swim, paddle, and snorkel, use this stop well. The equipment is included, and the listing specifically notes that the snorkel gear is clean and ready to use.

I like the choice here. You can get in the water without spending the whole cruise on an organized activity. Or you can stay aboard with a drink, watch your group, and enjoy the views around the rock formations.

The main limitation is that water conditions and weather matter. The experience requires good weather, and the captain may need to adjust the route if conditions are poor. Snorkeling conditions can also vary, so treat it as an included chance to explore rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Stop two: Medano Beach and a flexible route

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Stop two: Medano Beach and a flexible route

Medano Beach is Cabo’s best-known swimming beach and one of the central reference points along the bay. The yacht spends about an hour in this part of the route, but the plan is not rigid.

You can request specific destinations, or ask the captain and crew for suggestions. That flexibility is valuable because different groups want different things. One group may want more time swimming, another may want photos and drinks, and another may prefer to keep moving along the coast.

I would discuss your priorities early. Tell the captain if the Arch, swimming, snorkeling, food, photography, or a relaxed cruise matters most. Three hours is enough for a pleasant mix, but not enough to linger everywhere.

Medano Beach can also give you a different view of Cabo’s shore than El Arco. From the yacht, you see the resort-lined coast from the water rather than from the sand. That makes the stop a good balance to the more dramatic rock formations around the Arch.

Stop three: Pacific coast views and yacht photos

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Stop three: Pacific coast views and yacht photos

The Pacific coast portion is scheduled for about an hour and is geared toward scenery and photographs. The yacht passes along the outer coast, giving you a chance to take pictures by the Arch and from the boat.

This is where the yacht itself becomes part of the experience. A 42-foot vessel gives your group a better setting for photos than a crowded shared boat. The crew can help create the celebratory feel, and special-occasion groups have had the boat decorated for them.

Sunset is a particularly appealing time for this section. Some outings have included sunset cruises with fresh food, cold drinks, attractive views, and whale sightings. Whale viewing is not listed as a guaranteed part of the package, so I would treat it as a possible bonus rather than a promise.

The Pacific side can be less calm than the protected bay. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask about the route and conditions before departure, and keep the schedule flexible. The captain’s decision to spend more time in the bay may make the ride more comfortable on a rough day.

Food, drinks, and the service style

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names that appear in the service accounts include Marco, Adan, Adalid, Miguel, José, Denise, Moses, Alexis, Edgar, Alberto, Alvaro, Ruty, Julio, Carlos, Anaya, and Manuel. Crew assignments can change, but the repeated pattern is clear: attentive service is one of the tour’s strongest features.

You can expect the crew to keep an eye on drinks, help with food, explain the surrounding area, and pay attention to safety. Several accounts specifically praise crew members for being personable, responsive, and attentive throughout the ride. That is important on a private charter, where good service can make the boat feel relaxed rather than overly formal.

The standard food offering is substantial for a three-hour cruise. Quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, fruit, charcuterie, sashimi, and ceviche cover both light snacking and a real meal. Fresh food served on a yacht can be a highlight, especially if you have spent time in the water and want something salty or filling.

The open bar includes enough to support simple mixed drinks and margaritas. You also receive juices, soda, and bottled water. I would still make your preferences clear when you book, especially if you want a particular bottle or the upgraded food option.

The tone can be lively. Groups celebrating engagements and bachelorette parties have enjoyed music, drinks, decorations, and an energetic crew. Families have also found the staff attentive and reassuring, including groups with young children. The private format lets you set the pace.

Who will enjoy this Cabo yacht most

Pura Vida Yacht 42 FT with all inclusive service in Cabo - Who will enjoy this Cabo yacht most

I would recommend this cruise most strongly to a group of six to eight people. That is where the price becomes easier to justify, and the yacht gives everyone space to socialize without feeling packed in.

It is a natural fit for:

  • Bachelorette and birthday groups
  • Engagement and anniversary celebrations
  • Families who want a private boat
  • Friends who want an open bar and water activities
  • Small groups that value flexible timing over a fixed tour route
  • Photographers and anyone planning a special occasion

Couples can enjoy it too, particularly for an engagement or sunset cruise, but the cost per person is high. If you are a pair looking only for a short boat ride, a shared cruise may offer better value.

You should also consider how much activity your group wants. The yacht includes kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and a floating mat, but you are not required to use them. If your ideal afternoon is mostly food, pictures, and drinks, the boat works. If everyone wants nonstop snorkeling, ask how much time can realistically be spent in the water.

Practical details, cancellation, and expectations

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, with private transportation and parking fees included.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. I would save the confirmation and verify the meeting point, departure time, food upgrades, and any celebration requests before the day of the cruise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. Since the trip depends on good weather, the operator offers another date or a full refund if poor weather forces a cancellation.

The main practical issue is time. Three hours sounds generous, but the clock includes boarding, moving between areas, stopping for activities, eating, and returning to the meeting point. Share your top priorities with the captain at the start so you do not spend the entire trip trying to fit in everything.

Should you book the Pura Vida Yacht?

Book it if you can fill most of the eight-person capacity. The price then covers a private yacht, a flexible route, water toys, a full food spread, an open bar, transportation, and attentive service. That is a strong package for a celebration or a group day on the Cabo water.

I would choose it for a bachelorette party, engagement outing, family celebration, or friend group that wants the boat to feel like its own private space. The crew’s personal service, fresh food, and special-event touches add real value.

I would skip it, or compare other options, if you have only two people, want a full-day voyage, or need a guaranteed snorkeling or whale-watching experience. For the right group, though, this is an easygoing way to see El Arco, Medano Beach, and the Pacific coast while letting someone else handle the food, drinks, equipment, and driving.

FAQ

How much does the Pura Vida Yacht cruise cost?

The private yacht costs $2,000 per group of up to eight people. The per-person cost is lower when more people share the booking.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the yacht tour begin and end?

It begins at Lorenzillo’s, located on Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas in central Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included?

The route includes time near El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach, and the Pacific coast. You can request destinations, or ask the captain and crew for recommendations.

Are kayaks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The package includes kayaks, a paddleboard, a floating mat, and snorkeling equipment.

What food and drinks are included?

Food can include quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, fresh fruit, a charcuterie board, steak and chicken quesadillas, sashimi, and ceviche. The open bar includes rum, tequila, vodka, beer, juices, mixers, soda, and bottled water.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, and poor-weather cancellations may be moved to another date or fully refunded.

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