The Best Fishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas

For private charters in Cabo, smaller motorboats and sailboats generally start around $150–$250 per hour, mid‑size yachts in the 35–45 foot range often run $250–$400 per hour, and larger yachts or catamarans for big groups commonly range from $500–$800+ per hour. Half‑day totals can run from under $1,000 for smaller boats to $3,000–$6,000+ for larger, all‑inclusive vessels. Most charters include a licensed captain and crew, fuel, bottled water and soft drinks, ice, and standard safety gear; many also include snorkel sets and towels. Catering, open bar upgrades, dock or port fees, taxes, and gratuity are often extra, so check the listing details at checkout.

You’ll find a wide mix: sleek motor yachts for cruising and celebrations, sailing yachts for a classic wind‑powered day, spacious catamarans for groups, sportfishing boats geared for offshore action, and comfortable smaller motorboats for quick Arch and snorkeling runs. Pick the style that best fits your group size, budget, and how you want to spend your time—sightseeing, snorkeling, sunset cruising, or fishing.

Most Cabo charters are captained, which keeps the day easy and relaxed while a local pro handles navigation, anchoring, and port rules. Limited bareboat options exist for experienced operators, but you’ll be asked to show competency and may see stricter requirements on larger vessels. If your priority is a stress‑free day with friends or family, booking with a captain is the norm in Cabo and usually the simplest choice.

The primary meeting point is Marina Cabo San Lucas, the large marina downtown beside the Puerto Paraíso/Luxury Avenue area. Many short Arch tours and private trips also arrange beach pickups along Médano Beach when sea conditions allow. If you’re staying toward San José del Cabo, departures can also be arranged from Marina Puerto Los Cabos in La Playita; just confirm your exact dock or beach pickup point and arrival time in your booking messages.

Expect a greatest‑hits coastline cruise: El Arco at Land’s End, Lover’s Beach and the Pacific‑side Divorce Beach, Pelican Rock, Neptune’s Finger, and the resident sea lion colony near the tip. Longer trips often continue up the Sea of Cortez side to the calm, clear coves of Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay for snorkeling. In winter, you may also spot humpback or gray whales offshore; year‑round, keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and mobula rays.

If you book a captained charter, no boating license is required for guests. For self‑operated rentals, the operator will need to show proof of boating competency and meet age requirements, and availability is limited compared with captained trips. The vast majority of visitors choose a captained boat to keep things simple and compliant with local maritime rules.

Yes. Family groups are common, and boats carry approved life jackets for every passenger, with child sizes available. Crews brief guests on safety, and routes can be planned for calm, swimmable stops. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, mention their ages and weights so the crew can prepare appropriately; some operators may ask you to bring a properly sized infant PFD. Morning departures usually offer the smoothest seas for little travelers.

Many private charters allow you to bring snacks and beverages, while others offer all‑inclusive packages with appetizers, lunch, and open bar. If you prefer BYO, pack cans or plastic (glass is often discouraged), and let the crew know about any dietary needs. Most boats provide coolers, ice, cups, and bottle openers; some also offer chef or catering upgrades you can add during booking.

Pet policies vary by vessel. Some yachts welcome small, well‑behaved dogs with prior approval and a cleaning fee, while others have a no‑pets policy or allow only service animals. If you hope to bring a pup, include the size and breed in your inquiry so the owner can confirm if their deck layout and upholstery are pet‑friendly.

Cabo enjoys mostly sunny boating conditions, but the harbor master can restrict or close the port for smaller boats during high winds, swells, or tropical systems, especially in late summer and early fall. If the Capitanía de Puerto suspends nautical activities, charters are typically rescheduled or refunded according to the listing’s policy. Even on normal days, seas are often calmer in the morning, with breezier conditions more common later in the afternoon.

Absolutely. Cabo is a top spot for celebrations on the water. Many crews can arrange décor, playlists, cake, and photo‑worthy serving setups, and larger yachts can comfortably host big groups for sunset cruises or half‑day outings. Share your headcount, vibe, and must‑haves—like a swim stop or a specific menu—so the team can tailor the day and recommend the right vessel.

The sweet spot for comfortable weather and clear water typically runs November through May, with prime whale watching mid‑December to mid‑April. Summer brings warmer seas and great snorkeling but also higher humidity and a higher chance of afternoon wind; late August through September is the peak of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, so plans can be more weather‑dependent. U.S. holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—plus Christmas/New Year and spring break sell out early. Cabo’s major October fishing tournaments also pack the marinas, so book well ahead that month. For smoother seas and easier dock logistics, choose weekdays and morning departures when you can.

Two‑ to three‑hour trips are perfect for seeing the Arch, sea lions, and a quick swim stop; four hours adds time to relax at anchor or snorkel in a protected cove; five to six hours lets you reach both Santa Maria and Chileno bays without rushing. Common start times are around 9:00–10:00 a.m. for calm conditions, mid‑day for snorkeling and lunch, and late afternoon for golden‑hour sunset views back toward the Pacific.

The official season runs roughly from mid‑December to mid‑April, with peak sightings from January through March. Many private boats offer whale‑focused routes during these months, often combined with a scenic Arch cruise or a stop in a sheltered bay. If spotting whales is a must, book a morning charter in peak season for your best odds, and the captain will adjust your route to current sightings.