REVIEW · LUXURY YACHT CRUISES
Luxury Yacht Charter in Cabo San Lucas – Ferretti 88ft.
The main attraction here is the 88-foot Ferretti yacht, which gives your group a polished way to see Cabo’s famous rock coast without sharing the boat with strangers. You’ll cruise past El Arco and its sea lion colony, follow the Pacific shoreline, then anchor near Medano Beach for swimming, snorkeling, food, and drinks.
I like the private format, especially for families or a small celebration. I also like the full package: fresh fruit, guacamole, salsas, pico de gallo, chips, charcuterie, a three-course meal, and an unlimited premium bar are all included. The main drawback is price. At $5,600 per group, the value improves sharply with 15 people, but a smaller party pays a great deal per person for only about three hours.
Key points to know before you book

- The Ferretti is reserved for your group: Up to 15 people can join the private charter.
- El Arco gets a dedicated 30-minute stop: You’ll have time for photos and views of the sea lion colony.
- The Pacific coast portion lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes: Expect rock formations, beaches, and possible marine-life sightings.
- Medano Bay is the active stop: You can swim, snorkel, and use the supplied water toys before the meal and more drinks.
- Food is more than a snack spread: The package includes appetizers, a charcuterie board, and a three-course dinner with three choices.
- The cancellation window is firm: Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
What this Cabo yacht charter is really selling

This is not simply a boat ride around Cabo. It is a private three-hour outing built around comfort, views, food, and time in the water. You are paying for the boat, crew service, private setting, open bar, meals, and equipment in one package.
That matters because Cabo offers plenty of ways to see the coast, but a private charter lets your group set the mood. You can sit together, order drinks from the included premium bar, take photos at the Arch, and spend the swimming stop with only your own party around you.
The boat is a Ferretti measuring 88 feet, so the experience is aimed at people who want a more polished day on the water. The listing also includes air-conditioned transportation and private transportation, though you should confirm with Papillon Yachts exactly how transportation is handled for your booking.
The tour begins and ends at Hotel Tesoro, on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas. That central marina meeting point is useful if you are staying nearby or can reach the Marina area easily.
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El Arco and the sea lions: 30 minutes of Cabo’s signature view
The first stop is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the stone arch at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. It is Cabo’s most recognizable sight, and the boat gives you a clear reason to bring your phone or camera.
You get about 30 minutes here for photographs and views of the large sea lion colony. That is enough time for a focused stop, though it is not a long beach landing or a full sightseeing visit. The key point is that you see the Arch from the water, where its shape and surrounding rock formations make sense.
The sea lions add movement and character to what could otherwise be a quick photo stop. You might see them gathered on the rocks or near the boat, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Keep your camera ready, and do not assume the boat will wait for a perfect photograph.
This stop is also a good early test of the pace. If your group wants a long, quiet viewing period at each sight, three hours will feel short. If you prefer a compact route with several highlights, the timing works better.
Along the Pacific coast: rock, beaches, and open water

After El Arco, the yacht spends about 1 hour and 15 minutes touring the Pacific coast. This is the longest sightseeing portion, and it gives you time to view the rock formations, beaches, and marine life around Cabo.
The Pacific side has a different feel from the sheltered bay. The supplied information does not promise particular animals or exact beaches, so you should treat marine-life sightings as a bonus rather than the purpose of the trip. The reliable part is the coastal scenery and the changing view from the boat.
I like this section because it gives the cruise room to breathe. You are not rushing from one photo stop to another. You can take in the coast, use the boat as a comfortable viewing platform, and enjoy the premium drinks and food service as the route continues.
Still, this is a sightseeing cruise, not a naturalist expedition. You are not given a specific wildlife guarantee or a named guide who will provide a formal talk. If you want detailed commentary about geology or local ecology, ask Papillon Yachts what the crew provides before you pay.
Medano Beach: the part where you get in the water

The final stop is Medano Beach, where the yacht anchors in the bay for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is the most hands-on part of the outing. You can swim, snorkel, and use the supplied water toys if you wish.
Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from arranging a separate rental. The tour also lists soda, alcoholic drinks, and food, so this is when the cruise shifts from sightseeing to a relaxed meal stop.
The timing is useful. One hour and 15 minutes gives you a reasonable chance to choose between water activities and staying aboard with a plate and a drink. You do not have to treat the stop as a race to try every activity.
The information does not identify the water toys or describe the snorkeling conditions. That is worth keeping in mind. Ask what equipment is available, how many sets are provided, and what happens if sea conditions limit swimming or snorkeling.
The meal is listed as a three-course full menu with three options to choose from. Alongside it, you receive fresh fruit, guacamole, salsas, pico de gallo, chips, and a charcuterie board. This is a substantial food plan for a three-hour charter, especially if your group wants to make lunch or an early dinner part of the outing.
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Food and drinks: a strong part of the value

Food is one of the more convincing reasons to consider this charter. You are not limited to a few packaged snacks. The spread includes several fresh items, a charcuterie board, and a full three-course menu.
You also receive an unlimited premium open bar, plus soda. That can make the price easier to justify for a group that expects to eat and drink on board. It also removes the need to budget separately for basic refreshments.
The practical catch is that the description does not name the three menu choices or explain the drink brands. If food matters to your group, ask for the menu before booking. You may also want to mention dietary needs when arranging the charter, since the available information does not spell out vegetarian, allergy, or other meal options.
One previous booking specifically praised the food and the staff, along with the view. That matches the basic design of this experience: the meal and crew service are not side details. They are a central part of what you are buying.
How the $5,600 price works for different group sizes

The listed price is $5,600 per group, with up to 15 people allowed. At the maximum group size, that works out to about $373 per person before crew gratuity.
For 10 people, the cost is $560 per person. For six people, it is about $933 per person. For a couple or a very small party, the charter becomes a major splurge.
That does not make the price unreasonable. A private 88-foot yacht, crew, premium drinks, substantial food, snorkeling equipment, and water toys can add up quickly. The question is how your group will use it.
I would consider it strongest for a birthday, reunion, family gathering, wedding-related event, or group vacation where privacy has real value. If you can fill most of the 15-person capacity, the cost is easier to defend. If your party is small and mainly wants to see El Arco, a less expensive shared cruise may make more sense.
Remember to add a tip for the crew. Gratuity is not included, and no amount is specified, so plan for it as an extra cost.
Who will enjoy this most

This charter suits you if you want a private boat, a short route, and a built-in meal and bar. It is particularly practical for a group that wants to mix sightseeing with swimming rather than spend the entire trip moving along the coast.
Families may appreciate the private setting because the group can choose how much time to spend in the water and how much time to remain aboard. Couples or smaller groups can enjoy it too, but the price per person will be much higher.
It also works for people who want a celebration without planning each piece separately. The food, drinks, transport details, snorkeling gear, and private boat are bundled together.
You may want another type of excursion if your top priority is a long snorkeling session, detailed marine interpretation, a full-day voyage, or a low-cost way to see the Arch. This charter offers a polished short outing, not an extended expedition.
Timing, meeting point, and practical details

Plan to meet at Hotel Tesoro, at Boulevard Paseo de la Marina Lote 9 y 10, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes it easier to arrange your day around the cruise.
The duration is approximately three hours. The stated schedule gives 30 minutes at El Arco, 1 hour and 15 minutes along the Pacific coast, and 1 hour and 15 minutes at Medano Beach. Those times account for the full outing, so do not expect a long separate transfer or extra free time beyond the listed plan.
Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. I would avoid booking nonrefundable plans around it until you have confirmation.
The tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, although the information does not describe specific limits for swimming, mobility, or use of the water toys. Ask Papillon Yachts directly if anyone in your group has a physical concern.
The service is private, meaning only your group participates. That is one of the most important details in the entire package. You are not adapting your day to another party’s schedule or preferences.
Weather and cancellation rules
This experience depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes within that same period are not accepted.
The cut-off follows local Cabo time. That small detail matters if you are booking from another time zone or making last-minute changes.
Should you book the Ferretti 88-foot charter?
I would book this if you have a group large enough to share the cost and you want a private Cabo day with strong food service, an open bar, and time to swim. The view of El Arco, the Pacific coast cruise, and the Medano Beach stop create a well-paced three-hour plan.
I would pause if your group is small, your budget is tight, or you mainly want a quick Arch photo. The $5,600 price becomes much easier to justify when the boat is close to full, and the crew tip is extra.
The most praised elements are the views, staff, and food. If those are your priorities, Papillon Yachts offers a well-rounded private charter. Just confirm the menu, water toys, transportation details, and weather plan before booking.
FAQ
How long is the yacht charter?
The experience lasts approximately three hours.
How many people can join the private charter?
Up to 15 people can participate, and only your group will be on the private activity.
What is the price?
The price is $5,600 per group of up to 15 people.
Where does the tour begin?
It begins at Hotel Tesoro, Boulevard Paseo de la Marina Lote 9 y 10, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.
Where does the activity end?
The activity ends back at the meeting point at Hotel Tesoro.
What sights are included?
The route includes El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the Pacific coast, and Medano Beach.
Can I swim or snorkel?
Yes. At Medano Beach, you can swim, snorkel, and use the provided water toys. Snorkeling equipment is included.
Is food and alcohol included?
Yes. The package includes fresh fruit, guacamole, salsas, pico de gallo, chips, a charcuterie board, a three-course meal with three choices, soda, and an unlimited premium open bar.
What is the cancellation policy?
You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.
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