Small boat rental in cabo – Yamaha 28ft.

Cabo looks best from a small boat. This private Yamaha 28ft speedboat gives your group a quick, comfortable way to see El Arco, cruise past Medano Beach, and stop for swimming or snorkeling. I like the privacy and the freedom to shape the outing around your group, rather than follow a fixed plan with dozens of people.

I also like the two-hour length, which fits neatly into a short Cabo stay or a resort afternoon. Captains such as Goose, Adan, Alberto, and Eddie are praised for adjusting the route and pace to match what families and couples want. The main drawback is the short running time: rough water, whale sightings, or a long swim stop can leave you wishing for another hour.

What makes this Cabo boat trip worth considering

• Private space for up to six people: You get the boat to yourselves, which makes conversation, music, swimming, and family time much easier.
• El Arco from the water: The famous rock formation at Land’s End is the main visual prize, with time set aside to see the surrounding formations.
• A flexible route: You can spend more time near the Arch, look for whales when they are in the area, or head to a calmer swimming spot.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Masks and related gear are provided for a stop near Medano Beach or another suitable area.
• Drinks and cooler on board: Bottled water, soda, ice, and beer are listed as included, though bringing backup drinks is a sensible precaution.
• A strong record for service: The experience is rated 4.9 out of 5 from 89 reviews, with 99 percent of customers recommending it.

Boarding at Cabo San Lucas Marina

The trip starts at Papillon Yachts Rental on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas Marina. You return to this same meeting point at the end.

The marina is easy to pair with lunch, dinner, souvenir shopping, or a walk along the waterfront. One useful detail: a past customer paid a $1-per-person dock entry fee in cash. Since small marina charges can change, I would carry a few small bills rather than arrive empty-handed.

Transportation is listed as part of the experience through an air-conditioned vehicle, and several bookings included a shuttle to and from a resort. Drivers mentioned by name include Isma, Manny, and Gino. The reports describe clean vehicles, prompt pickups, and friendly help before boarding. Confirm your pickup details after booking, since the stated meeting point is the marina itself.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. It is a private activity, so only your own group joins the boat.

What the Yamaha 28ft boat changes

A 28-foot speedboat is large enough to feel stable and comfortable without turning the outing into a floating party venue. The big advantage is control. If your children want to swim, one person wants photos, and another wants to watch for whales, the captain can often balance those requests more easily than on a fixed group cruise.

The boat also makes it easier to move quickly along the coast. Several outings included fast runs toward whale activity, followed by slower sightseeing near the rocks. That combination gives you both the thrill of a speedboat ride and time to look around.

You can also bring your own music, since the boat has Bluetooth speakers. This is a small feature, but it matters on a private ride. Your group can set the mood instead of listening to a shared tour soundtrack.

Do keep your expectations sensible. This is not a full-day yacht charter with a prepared lunch. The scheduled duration is about two hours, and lunch is not included. The boat is a good match for sightseeing, a short swim, and a little wildlife watching, not an all-day escape.

El Arco and Land’s End, about one hour

The first major stop is El Arco, Cabo’s famous stone arch at Land’s End. From the water, you can see the Arch along with the larger rock formations around the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.

The boat gives you a much better angle than a distant shoreline viewpoint. Captains have taken groups around different sides of the formations, paused for photographs, and explained the local sights. If you want the best use of this portion, tell your captain at the start that the Arch is a priority.

One couple specifically asked for extra time near El Arco instead of the beach, and the captain adjusted the outing. That is the kind of flexibility that makes the private format valuable.

This is also where wildlife may add a surprise. Groups have seen seals resting on rocks, dolphins following the boat, and whales in the wider area. A baby dolphin reportedly stayed near one boat for around 30 minutes. These sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat’s route will depend on sea conditions and seasonal wildlife activity, but the captain can respond when something appears.

Whale sightings have been especially memorable during the winter months represented in the feedback. One captain changed course when the water became rough and found whales instead, bringing a family close enough to see marks on their backs. That was an excellent use of changing conditions, though you should not book this as a guaranteed whale-watching tour unless the operator confirms seasonal details for your date.

Medano Beach, swimming, and snorkeling

The second portion centers on Medano Beach and nearby water. This is Cabo’s best-known beach area, with plenty to see from the boat and options for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or a swim.

The included snorkeling equipment means you do not need to pack a mask and fins for a quick stop. Several groups snorkeled near fish, while others chose simply to swim or float beside the boat. One person could not snorkel but still enjoyed being taken to areas with fish and clear water.

The captain may choose a safer or calmer swimming area if conditions are rough. This matters for families with younger children. A family with children aged 9 and 15 used the time for a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling, while another captain changed the return route to help a passenger who felt queasy.

I would tell the captain at the beginning what matters most to you. Say if you want a longer swim, more time at the Arch, whale watching, or a gentle ride. Two hours passes quickly, and a clear request helps prevent the outing from becoming a general cruise where you get a little of everything but not enough of what you wanted.

Swimming is optional. You can stay aboard, enjoy the views, play music, and have a drink while others get in the water. Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes if you plan to swim, but remember that lunch is not part of the package.

Drinks, snacks, and what to bring

The listed inclusions cover bottled water, soda, beer, an ice cooler, and ice. Snorkeling equipment is also included. This gives you the basics for a short outing.

There is one important point to clarify before departure. One booking reported receiving only water, with no cups or snacks, while other descriptions and experiences refer to drinks and snacks being available. The safest approach is to confirm exactly what will be stocked on your boat and bring any favorite snacks, mixers, or nonalcoholic drinks yourself if permitted.

Upgraded top-shelf bottles cost extra and can be purchased in advance or on board. Lunch is not included, so eat before you arrive or plan a meal near the marina afterward.

A few practical items will improve your time:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Dry clothes after swimming
• Phone or camera with a secure grip
• Small cash for possible dock charges
• Favorite snacks or drinks, after confirming outside food and beverages are allowed

The boat has Bluetooth speakers, and several groups brought their own liquor and snacks. Still, do not assume every item is automatically supplied just because a general package description lists snacks and beverages.

The captains make the difference

The most repeated praise goes to the boat crews. Goose is often described as attentive, friendly, and good at asking what the group wants before leaving. He has taken families to the Arch, whale activity, a swimming area, and snorkeling spots in one outing.

Adan also receives frequent praise for sharing information about the Arch and ocean, taking family photos, and finding a pleasant swim area. Alberto is described as personable, accommodating, and well informed about the sights. Eddie gets credit for good timing and for giving a couple more time at the Arch when they requested it.

You may not get one of these exact captains, but the pattern is clear: tell the crew what kind of day you want. The private setting gives the captain room to adapt, and the best experiences seem to come when passengers speak up early.

Photography may be available through the crew, but it can cost extra. One family liked the photos of their children and whale sightings, so ask about pricing before agreeing to a photo package.

Is $350 a good value?

The price is $350 per group of up to six people. At full capacity, that works out to about $58 per person for two hours, which is a strong value for a private boat. A group of four pays about $87.50 each, while two people pay $175 each, so the economics are much better for families or friends sharing the cost.

The comparison with a large catamaran is important. A shared cruise may cost less per person, but you give up control over the route, swim timing, music, and space. If privacy matters, the extra cost can be reasonable, especially for a family celebration, honeymoon, or a group with mixed interests.

The value is weaker if you are only two people and mainly want a quick ride past El Arco. In that case, compare the price with other shared options in Cabo. But if six people can fill the boat, this is one of the clearest advantages of the package.

The short length also protects your budget and your energy. You get a real outing without committing to a long day on the water. One customer called it a perfect quick escape from a resort, which is exactly how I would frame it.

Who should book this private speedboat?

I would choose this trip for:

• Families with children or teenagers who want flexible activities
• Couples seeking privacy rather than a large group cruise
• Friends who want music, drinks, and a fast boat ride
• Cruise passengers or resort visitors with only a few free hours
• Groups that want to combine El Arco, wildlife watching, and a short swim
• Anyone who prefers to decide how much time to spend at each stop

It may not suit you if you want a full-day trip, a guaranteed whale encounter, or a full meal on board. It is also worth considering the weather. Cabo’s water can become rough, and the operator requires good conditions. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund.

Final decision: book it or choose something else?

I would book this boat if your group can share the cost and values privacy, flexible timing, and a quick taste of Cabo from the water. The best reason to choose it is not simply the Yamaha boat. It is the ability to tell the captain, we want more Arch time, we want to swim, or let’s look for whales, then shape the outing around that request.

Before paying, confirm the drink and snack arrangements, ask about pickup if you need transportation, and carry cash for the possible dock fee. If you want lunch, plan it separately. With those details settled, this is a practical, good-value choice for seeing El Arco, getting close to Cabo’s rock formations, and enjoying the sea without spending an entire day aboard.

FAQ

How much does the private Cabo boat rental cost?

The price is $350 per group, with up to six people included. The per-person cost becomes lower when six people share the boat.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts approximately two hours. It generally includes time around El Arco and Medano Beach, with opportunities for sightseeing, swimming, or snorkeling.

Is El Arco included in the trip?

Yes. El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is included, and there is no separate admission ticket listed for the stop.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, an ice cooler, ice, and beer are listed as included. Top-shelf bottles cost extra. Since one booking reported receiving only water, confirm the exact onboard supplies before departure.

Where does the activity start and finish?

The activity starts at Papillon Yachts Rental on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas Marina. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.