Cabo fishing starts with a quick sprint. This private charter on the 30-foot Luhrs Phantom I is built for comfort, and you get moving fast from IGY Marina. I like that the run past the Arch of Cabo turns into actual fishing in about 20 to 30 minutes, and I also like the practical setup: pro gear, outriggers, and a bilingual crew ready to help you get lines in the water.

You’ll cruise, fish, then return to the dock with those same sea views. The one thing to think through is the real out-of-pocket cost, since fishing licenses (one per adult) and a $25 per person entrance fee are not included, plus crew gratuities are extra.

Key Points You’ll Actually Care About

• Fast fishing start after departing Cabo San Lucas, usually within 20 to 30 minutes
• Private charter for up to four on a 30-foot Luhrs, so you are not packed in with strangers
• Bilingual crew plus professional fishing gear, outriggers, and lifejackets included
• Marlin and sailfish rules are catch-and-release unless you choose a trophy
• Optional fishing licenses on-site, but they are per adult, so plan on extra cost

Phantom I, IGY Marina, and What Private Really Means Here

This is a small-group charter designed around a simple idea: you should spend your time fishing, not waiting around. The Phantom I is a 30-foot Luhrs boat, and the size matters. With room for up to four passengers, you tend to get a calmer, more controlled day on the water. If you bring kids, or you want a trip that feels more like a guided outing than a cattle call, that setup helps.

You depart from IGY Marina in Cabo San Lucas. That location is convenient for getting to the dock and making the timing work. The trip is private, meaning only your group goes. In practice, that usually translates to more attention on your lines, fewer complications, and a better chance your captain can tailor the fishing approach to your group’s experience level.

The Quick Run Past the Arch of Cabo (And Why It Matters)

One of the most valuable parts of this charter is how quickly you get started. After you leave the marina, you cruise past the Arch of Cabo, then get ready to fish in about 20 to 30 minutes. That is the difference between a day that feels like “we finally started fishing” and a day that feels like you actually used the charter time well.

On a boat this size, the first stretch is also where you get your bearings. Even if you are not experienced, the crew’s job gets easier once everyone is settled and the rods are set up. You can focus on learning how your captain wants you to fish, instead of fighting chaos at the start.

And yes, you also get the visuals. The ocean views are part of the point here, not just the background. You’ll see Cabo’s dramatic coastline from the water during the outward and return sections, which makes the trip feel like more than just a line-and-hook errand.

Fishing Targets, Species Chances, and the Realistic Part

You get the opportunity to catch a variety of species. The trip specifically highlights marlin and sailfish with a catch-and-release policy, but other game fish are part of the picture too. Based on the outcomes people talk about, you can reasonably expect the captain and crew to work hard for tuna, mahi mahi, dorado, and wahoo, with a strong chance at marlin depending on conditions.

Here’s the useful truth: sportfishing is always conditional. Even with a great crew and good gear, the ocean decides what shows up and when. What you are paying for is the crew’s effort to put you where fish are likely to be, plus a setup that can handle real action once bites start.

The boat and crew approach also matters. The charter includes outriggers, professional gear, and a bilingual crew, which is a practical combo for switching techniques and keeping everyone on track as the fishing pattern changes during the day.

How Catch-And-Release for Marlin and Sailfish Works

Marlin and sailfish are handled under a catch-and-release policy, unless you choose to keep one as a trophy. That means the default plan is about conservation and responsible sportfishing, not a guaranteed keep-everything outcome.

You should think about this in advance because it affects your expectations. If keeping fish is a must for you, clarify the trophy option with the crew during your time aboard. If you are fine with release, then your goal becomes the fight and the moment, not the cooler fill.

It also means the crew’s focus is not only on hookups, it is on managing the fish properly once it’s on. That is where having a steady crew and good equipment helps, because marlin encounters can be tense even when everything goes right.

What the Phantom I Experience Looks Like for a 5-Hour Day

This charter runs about 5 hours. The timing is tight enough to feel exciting, but not so long that you are exhausted before you even get set up.

Here is the flow you can expect:

• Meet at the East Dock at Marina in Cabo San Lucas. Your activity ends back at the meeting point.
• Board and depart from IGY Marina. You cruise past the Arch of Cabo.
• Gear up and get fishing quickly. In about 20 to 30 minutes, you are ready to start fishing.
• Fish while the crew works positions. You’re free to fish throughout, with the crew guiding you based on what’s happening out on the water.
• Return to the marina. The trip ends with roughly the same return time, giving you a second look at the coastline and ocean views.

Because it’s private and built around up to four passengers, the “wait time” factor is low. If you hate the idea of spending half your day on boat logistics, this format is usually a better match than longer, larger-group charters where you can feel like you are competing for attention.

Included Gear, Crew Support, and Safety Basics

You get a solid baseline included, which is what makes the price feel more reasonable. What’s included is:

• professional fishing gear
• outriggers
• lifejackets
• bilingual crew
• round transportation

The bilingual crew piece is not just a nice touch. It helps when you need to understand how to handle a rod, how to respond when the boat is repositioning, or how the crew wants you to work a bite safely and effectively.

Lifejackets are included too, which is always a good sign for a charter’s safety mindset. And since the crew and equipment are provided, you are not showing up needing to rent or track down basics last minute.

Price, Fees, and the True Value Math

The price is $578 per group, up to four passengers. For four people, that works out to about $144.50 per person before extras. If you come as two people, it becomes about $289 per person.

So, what makes this feel like good value? A few things:

1. You are paying as a group, not per rod. Private attention is easier to justify when you are splitting the boat cost.
2. Gear and crew are included. You are not adding on rentals or basic equipment fees.
3. Time is used well. A fishing start in 20 to 30 minutes helps you get real fishing time out of a 5-hour charter.

Now for the costs to factor in. Not included are:

• fishing licenses (one per adult required)
• crew gratuities
• entrance fees of $25 per person

If you are the type who books quickly, do a quick estimate before you finalize. Add up license needs plus the $25 per person entrance fee and a reasonable gratuity plan, and then compare to other Cabo charters that often look cheaper on paper.

Also, this trip is booked about 57 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean you can’t get lucky late, but it does suggest this is a popular window. If you have set dates, booking earlier usually reduces headaches.

The Crew Factor: Javier, Luis, Mario, Freddy, and Oman

The best sports fishing days tend to have one thing in common, the crew’s work rate. The names that come up repeatedly include Captain Javier, plus deckhands Freddy and Oman, and also Captain Luis and a team that includes Mario.

People call out that the crew stays focused, works hard to put anglers on fish, and handles the day with a mix of skill and friendly energy. That matters because Cabo fishing is not only about luck. It is about positioning, timing, and how quickly the crew helps you adjust if the action changes.

Even if you are a first-timer, a captain and deckhands who communicate well can turn your day into something you actually remember for the right reasons.

Who This Charter Fits Best

This experience is a strong match if you want:

• a family-friendly outing or a small group day
• a private boat experience for up to four
• sportfishing with a bilingual crew guiding you
• a charter that prioritizes quick start times (fishing in 20 to 30 minutes)

If you are celebrating a milestone birthday, this kind of focused day out on the water also makes sense. People have landed major fish here, including big blue marlin, large yellowfin tuna, and other game fish on 5-hour trips, which is exactly the kind of “one day, one story” setup that works for celebrations.

If you’re traveling solo and want the lowest price possible, this might feel pricey because it’s priced by group size. But if you can pair up with friends or family, the math usually improves quickly.

Small Planning Notes That Make the Day Smoother

You’ll have a mobile ticket, so plan to keep your phone charged and accessible. You’ll meet at the dock and head out from there, so give yourself a little buffer time to find the exact spot at the marina.

Licenses are the big one to handle thoughtfully. Fishing licenses are not included, and one per adult is required. The tour also notes that you can purchase licenses on-site as an option. That is helpful, but it still means you should plan for adult counts, not just fishing enthusiasm.

Entrance fees are also per person, at $25. If you do the math ahead of time, it prevents the annoying surprise feeling that can ruin the start of a fun day.

Should You Book Phantom Fishing Cabo on the Phantom I?

If you want a private, small-group sportfishing experience that starts fishing fast, this one is easy to recommend. The Phantom I setup, the gear included, the bilingual crew, and the quick run past the Arch of Cabo all point to a charter that respects your time.

Book it if:

• you’re going with up to four people and can split the group cost
• you care about comfort on a 30-foot Luhrs
• you like the idea of marlin and sailfish under catch-and-release rules, with a trophy option if you choose

Think twice if:

• you are traveling as a party of one or two and price sensitivity is high
• you do not want to deal with extra costs like per-adult licenses and the $25 per person entrance fee
• you need a guaranteed keep outcome for marlin or sailfish, because the default is catch-and-release

FAQ

How many people can go on this private fishing charter?

It is priced for a group up to 4 people, and it is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

How long is the Phantom I fishing experience?

The duration is approximately 5 hours.

Where is the meeting point and where does the tour end?

The meeting point is the East Dock at the Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What fishing gear is included?

The experience includes professional fishing gear and outriggers, plus lifejackets.

Do we need a fishing license?

Fishing licenses are not included. One per adult is required, and licenses may be available to purchase on-site.

Are marlin and sailfish kept?

Marlin and sailfish are handled under a catch-and-release policy unless you choose to keep one as a trophy.

Are there any fees besides the tour price?

Yes. A $25 entrance fee is listed as not included, and crew gratuities are also not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on local time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you will not be refunded.