Yacht Tour – 3Hr. Private Maxum Tour

Sea lions and sea views, with drinks included. This private 3-hour Maxum yacht tour is built for comfort, with an open bar plus snorkel and paddleboard time around Cabo’s best-known spots.

I especially like the all-private feel, because you can set the vibe, even play your own music while the crew handles the sailing and details. I also like the food setup for the price: you get fresh snacks on board, not just chips and a guess. One thing to think about is that the full experience is still only about 3 hours, so if you want a long sit-down lunch, you may prefer paying for the optional lunch upgrade.

Quick take: why this private Maxum yacht feels like a treat

  • All-private for up to 8 people, so you’re not squeezed with strangers.
  • Full open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, mixers, sodas, water, and fruit juices.
  • Snorkeling gear and paddleboards included, plus a floating mat for easy lounging.
  • A route that hits classic Cabo highlights, like El Arco, Pacific views, and Lovers Beach.
  • Crew-led help for spotting wildlife, including chances to see whales, dolphins, fish, and jellyfish.
  • Fresh snack menu on board, with guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and quesadillas.

Private Maxum yacht time: what makes it feel worth it

You’re cruising on a 38ft Maxum yacht, and the biggest practical win is that it stays truly private. That matters in Cabo, where a lot of boat time can feel chaotic. Here, you’re riding with your group, your music, your pace, and a crew that’s working for you directly.

You also get private transportation plus an air-conditioned vehicle, which helps if you’re building a day that includes beaches or dinner later. And because it’s a mobile ticket, you’re not wasting time hunting down paperwork at the marina.

In the real world, this format is the difference between a “tour” and a “trip.” You’ll spend more time actually on the water, less time waiting around, lining up, or negotiating crowded space.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas

The bar and snacks: how the included food really plays out

The open bar is a standout because it’s not limited to beer and basic spirits. You get tequila, vodka, rum, beer, and wine, along with mixers, sodas, water, and natural fruit juices. For a 3-hour outing, that’s a lot of drink variety, and it makes it easy to keep the fun going without doing extra stops.

Food-wise, you’re not just getting a snack plate. The tour includes fresh prep items like guacamole, pico de gallo, tortilla chips, fresh fruit, and quesadillas made on board. If you’re the type who likes something warm and salty at sea, this hits the mark better than light-only snacks.

One more detail I appreciate: the itinerary includes a long beach window, so the food and drinks don’t feel rushed right before you’re meant to swim. You can eat, then head out for water time, then come back for more sips and lounging.

A small consideration: lunch is not included as a full meal. There’s an optional lunch upgrade for $20 per person (mixed fajitas and ceviche). If you want a proper lunch moment on board, budget for that upgrade.

El Arco and sea lions: the first stop that sets the tone

The tour’s first major highlight is El Arco. You’ll stop at the famous arch area for photos and views, and you’re also in position to see a large colony of sea lions swimming and sunbathing.

This stop works for two reasons. First, El Arco is one of those Cabo landmarks that looks dramatic from the water, especially when you’re not craning your neck from a crowded deck. Second, the sea lion activity adds energy, so it’s not just a pretty rock.

Timing-wise, you’re there for about 30 minutes, and that’s usually the sweet spot for photos plus a quick look around before moving on. If you’re traveling with kids, this is also the stop where excitement can spike fast, because sea lions are not “background wildlife,” they’re the show.

Pacific Coast cruising: your wildlife viewing window

After El Arco, you cruise along the Pacific coastline. This is where the trip shifts from landmark photos to a more relaxed scenic ride. You’ll spend about 30 minutes taking in rock formations, beaches, and the open Pacific.

The tour also points you toward wildlife possibilities, with chances to see whales, fish, dolphins, and jellyfish helped by the crew’s guidance. You should treat this as “opportunities,” not a guaranteed sighting, but the fact that you’re looking for marine life with help is valuable. Without that, you can easily miss what’s right there.

One quiet pro tip: bring your phone or camera ready at this stage. The Pacific viewing moments can be the kind of thing where you want quick snapshots when something appears.

Cabo San Lucas Beach: swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboard time

The biggest time block is at Cabo San Lucas Beach, with about 2 hours to relax and get in the water. This is the portion where you can match your energy level to the day, whether you’re all-in on swimming or you just want calm time on the boat and off it.

You can swim, snorkel, and use the paddleboards right here. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and paddleboards, so you’re not stuck paying for rentals or trying to figure out gear once you’re already onboard.

This stop also gives you an easy break from the “watch and photograph” rhythm. You’ll be in the bay area where you can actually spend time in the water, not just looking at it.

If you’re sensitive to sun, plan for shade breaks. The tour gives you a great water window, but the sun in Cabo is not subtle.

Lovers Beach and Pelican Rock style views: what to expect from the route

Beyond the main stop at the beach, the tour’s route includes Lover’s Beach and Pelican Rock, plus additional cruising for city and coast views. You may also view, swim, or even paddleboard over toward Lovers Beach depending on conditions.

This part of the trip is mostly about getting a different angle on Cabo. From the water, you see the coastline and the way the bay curves around the city, including restaurants and views that you just can’t get from the road.

Because this is an all-private experience, you typically have more room to adjust what you want to do in these cruising segments. If your group wants extra time looking at the rocks or taking it slow, you’re not fighting the pace of a mass-group schedule.

Snorkel setup, floating mat, and paddleboarding: included fun that saves money

This tour gives you practical gear, not just an invitation to try things. You’ll have complete snorkel equipment, paddleboards, and a large floating mat on board.

That’s important for value because renting gear elsewhere can quietly add up. Here, the included water toys also help you get more out of the 2-hour beach window. If you have one person who loves snorkeling and another who prefers paddleboarding, everyone can stay happy without splitting the group or paying for separate activities.

The floating mat is a smart addition too. It’s perfect for those “half in, half out” moments. You can lounge, cool off, and still feel like you’re participating rather than sitting on land.

And yes, you can play your own music. That’s a tiny detail that makes a big difference when you’re drifting along and you want the experience to feel like your vibe.

Value math: how $1,100 per group can work for real budgets

The price is $1,100 per group up to 8 people. For many groups, that’s roughly $137 per person if you fill all 8 spots.

That price starts to feel like good value because the tour bundles a lot that usually costs extra on a typical Cabo day:

  • Open bar with multiple spirits plus wine
  • Snacks with fresh elements like guacamole and pico de gallo
  • Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards
  • Private boat time with a crew

Also, you’re paying for time on the water plus guided help for spotting marine life. That turns the experience into something more than a “ride,” especially if you’re booking as a family or a mixed-age group where not everyone wants the same kind of activity.

If you’re traveling as a small group of 2 or 3, the per-person number rises quickly. In that case, decide if you’re buying privacy and included gear, not just scenery.

And remember the optional lunch upgrade is $20 per person if you want mixed fajitas and ceviche.

Crew energy and the difference it makes for photos and kids

The crew experience is a big theme in the feedback you’ll hear after you book. People consistently highlight friendly, attentive service, and there are specific crew names that come up: Martin, Carlos, Luis, Omar, and also mention of a captain in the mix.

A small detail that matters: the crew also helps with photos at key stops like El Arco. If you’ve ever tried to take group photos on a moving boat, you know that’s a real service, not a nice-to-have.

Families also seem to love it because the crew keeps the day running smoothly while kids can stay active with water time, paddleboards, and the excitement of sea lions nearby.

If you care about getting great photos without turning your day into a production, this crew approach is a strong reason to choose this tour.

Who should book this private 3-hour Maxum tour

This is a great fit if you want:

  • A private group outing without paying for separate activities
  • Snorkel and paddleboard time with gear included
  • Open bar and food on board, so your day doesn’t depend on finding a restaurant at the right time

It’s especially good for families, because the tour is structured, the crew is hands-on, and there’s plenty to do during the water windows.

It may not be the best choice if:

  • You want a long, slow day on the ocean, because the total time is about 3 hours
  • You expect a full lunch meal as standard, since lunch is an optional upgrade

How to make the most of your 3 hours on the water

To get the most out of the short time, I’d plan your priorities before you arrive. Decide if your group wants heavier snorkeling time, paddleboard cruising, or mostly relaxing with drinks between stops.

Arrive ready to move quickly at El Arco. The 30 minutes is short, so you’ll want cameras and swim plans decided early.

Also, pace your food and drinks. With open bar and fresh snacks included, it’s tempting to go full throttle right away. Instead, eat light before swim time and save the heavier bites for when you’re more settled back onboard.

If you’re booking as a mixed group, set a simple rule: one main activity each during the 2-hour beach block. That keeps everyone from drifting into “waiting around.”

Should you book this tour? My honest take

Book it if you want a private Cabo experience that covers the essentials: great views, real water time, included snorkel gear and paddleboards, and an open bar that keeps the mood easy.

I’d especially recommend it for groups up to 8 where you can spread the cost and make the privacy count. If your group wants landmark photos at El Arco plus actual swimming and snorkeling, this schedule makes sense.

Skip or compare if you’re traveling solo or as a small pair and the per-person cost makes you squint. In that case, you might be better off with a cheaper shared tour. But if privacy and included gear are your priority, this one is a very logical pick.

FAQ

How long is the 3-hour private Maxum yacht tour?

The tour duration is about 3 hours.

What does it cost, and how many people can book?

It costs $1,100.00 per group, up to 8 people.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes an open bar (tequila, rum, vodka, beer, wine, mixers, sodas, water, and natural fruit juices), snacks (fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, tortilla chips, fresh fruit, and cheese quesadillas), snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and a large floating mat. It also includes air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included as a standard item. There is an optional lunch upgrade for $20 per person for mixed fajitas and ceviche.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is A9AVEPlaza Embarcadero, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What is the cancellation policy if weather changes?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.