Cabo Yacht Charter Frequently Asked Questions

Most of our guests choose from three main options. Half-day charters run four hours and are perfect for a quick getaway or sunset cruise. Extended charters at six hours give you more time to explore multiple spots. Full-day charters last eight hours and let you really experience everything the Sea of Cortez has to offer. Sunset cruises are shorter at two to three hours and timed perfectly for that golden hour magic. The right duration really depends on your group size, what occasion you are celebrating, and how much you want to pack into your day on the water.

Every charter we run includes the essentials you need for a great day on the water. You get a professional licensed captain who knows these waters inside and out, a full crew to take care of everything, fuel for standard cruising around the Cabo area, and snorkeling gear for everyone on board. Now, additional inclusions like open bar service, catering, and water toys depend on the specific vessel you choose and the package you select. Since each yacht in our fleet is privately owned, the inclusions can vary from boat to boat. We will make sure you know exactly what is included before you book.

Pricing varies quite a bit depending on what you are looking for. Smaller sport yachts start around $599 for a four-hour charter, which is great for smaller groups or fishing trips. Mid-size luxury yachts typically range from $1,200 to $3,500 depending on size and duration. The larger superyachts can run $5,000 or more for a full day. The best way to get accurate pricing is to contact us with your group size, preferred dates, and what you want to do. We will match you with the right vessel and give you a clear quote.

Most of our charters depart from IGY Marina right in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. This is the main marina and puts you minutes away from El Arco and all the popular spots. Some vessels in our San Jose del Cabo fleet depart from Puerto Los Cabos Marina, which is more convenient if you are staying on that side of the corridor. Your departure location is confirmed when you book, and we will send you detailed instructions on exactly where to meet the crew.

For most dates throughout the year, we recommend booking two to four weeks in advance. This gives you the best selection of vessels and ensures you get your preferred date. During peak season from December through April, it is smart to book one to two months ahead since that is when demand is highest. For holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and spring break, even earlier is better. That said, last minute availability does sometimes exist, so it is always worth asking even if your trip is coming up soon.

We try to be fair while protecting both our guests and our vessel owners. If you cancel more than 14 days before your departure date, you receive a full refund minus a small processing fee. Cancellations between 7 and 14 days prior receive a 50 percent refund. Within 7 days of your charter, the booking is non-refundable but may be rescheduled subject to availability. If we have to cancel due to weather or unsafe conditions, you always get the choice of a full refund or rescheduling. We recommend travel insurance for added peace of mind.

Safety is always our top priority. If the captain determines that conditions are unsafe for departure, we will reschedule your charter or provide a full refund, whichever you prefer. The good news is that Cabo enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, so bad weather is rare. Light clouds or mild winds rarely affect charters at all. The captain makes the final call based on wind, wave conditions, and visibility. We monitor the forecast closely and will reach out if there are any concerns about your scheduled day.

This really depends on the specific vessel and its owner policy. Some boats in our fleet allow guests to bring their own food and beverages aboard, while others do not due to licensing requirements or the owner's preference. Most of our guests end up preferring our excellent catering and open bar packages anyway since they are designed specifically for yacht charters and take the hassle out of planning. When you contact us about booking, just ask about the specific vessel you are interested in and we will let you know what is allowed.

Open bar is available on most vessels in our fleet, though whether it is included as standard or offered as an upgrade depends on the specific yacht and package you select. All of our bar packages include premium spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Some vessels include a basic open bar in their standard rate, while others offer tiered packages ranging from basic to premium. Contact us when booking and we will confirm exactly what bar options are available on the vessel you want to charter.

Catering options vary depending on which vessel you book. Some yachts include light snacks and refreshments as part of their standard package, while others offer full gourmet meals prepared by an onboard chef. We also offer several standalone catering packages that can be added to any charter, ranging from simple appetizers and snacks to full lunch or dinner menus with multiple courses. Just ask about catering options when you are booking your charter and we will walk you through what is available.

It really depends on which vessel you choose. Our fleet ranges from smaller sport yachts that comfortably accommodate 6 to 8 guests, perfect for intimate fishing trips or family outings, all the way up to massive catamarans that can handle 80 to 120 guests for large celebrations. Most of our mid-size luxury yachts comfortably hold 10 to 20 guests, which is the sweet spot for most groups. Just tell us how many people you are bringing and what kind of experience you want, and we will find the right vessel for you.

Absolutely, children are welcome on all of our family-friendly charter options. We have life jackets available in all sizes from toddler to adult, and our crews are experienced with families and know how to prioritize safety for guests of all ages. We actually recommend our family charter packages which are specifically designed with kids in mind, including activities and amenities that keep younger guests entertained throughout the day. Just let us know the ages of your children when booking so we can make sure everything is ready.

This depends entirely on the specific vessel and its owner. Each yacht in our fleet is privately owned, and pet policies vary significantly from boat to boat. Some owners are happy to accommodate well-behaved pets, while others prefer to keep their vessels pet-free for allergy and cleanliness reasons. If you plan to bring a pet, contact us before booking and we will check directly with the vessel owner to see what is possible. We want to make sure both you and the owner are comfortable with the arrangement.

Not at all. Every charter we run includes a fully licensed professional captain who handles all navigation, vessel operation, and safety decisions. You simply show up and enjoy the experience. The crew takes care of everything from departure to docking, including setting up any activities, serving food and drinks, and making sure everyone is comfortable and safe. No boating experience or certification is required on your part.

Here is what we recommend packing. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection from the strong Cabo sun. Swimwear is essential, plus a towel for drying off. Wear comfortable shoes with non-marking soles. A light jacket is smart for evening charters when it can get breezy. Bring a camera or make sure your phone is fully charged for photos. Cash is appreciated for crew gratuity. Most luxury vessels provide towels, so check when booking. If you plan to snorkel, an underwater camera is worth bringing. Leave valuables at home or bring a waterproof bag.

Gratuity is not included in the charter price. A typical tip for charter crew is 15 to 20 percent of the total charter cost, which is standard in the industry. The crew works hard throughout your entire experience to make sure everything is perfect, from safety and navigation to service and hospitality, and tips are greatly appreciated. Cash is preferred and typically given directly to the captain at the end of your charter, who then distributes it among the crew.

Absolutely, we specialize in personalized charter experiences. Tell us what you want to do, whether that is snorkeling at specific spots, visiting certain beaches, watching the sunset at El Arco, or just cruising with music and drinks while taking in the coastline. The captain will plan a route around your preferences and the time you have available. Our captains know these waters extremely well and can suggest the best spots based on current conditions and what you are most interested in seeing.

From IGY Marina in Cabo San Lucas, you can reach all the iconic spots including El Arco and Land's End, Lovers Beach, Pelican Rock, Santa Maria Bay, and Chileno Bay. Longer charters allow you to explore further up the Sea of Cortez corridor. A four-hour charter covers the main Cabo highlights, while a full eight-hour day gives you time to venture further and really explore. The captain will advise on what is realistic based on your charter duration and current sea conditions.

Yes, swimming and snorkeling are included on most of our charters. Snorkeling gear is provided on all vessels at no extra cost. The captain will anchor at the best available spot based on conditions that day, typically at Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay which are both marine protected areas with excellent visibility and abundant sea life. These spots are accessible on most four-hour and longer charters. Just let the crew know when you want to get in the water and they will get everything ready.

Water toy availability depends on which specific vessel you book. Some boats include paddleboards, kayaks, floating lily pad mats, water slides, and various inflatables as standard equipment. Larger superyachts may have more advanced toys like SeaBobs and jet skis available. Since each yacht is privately owned, the selection varies. Ask us about water toy availability on the specific vessel you are interested in booking and we will let you know exactly what is included.

Yes, and we actually encourage it. We offer full decoration packages including balloons, flowers, banners, elegant table settings, rose petal arrangements, and themed setups for any occasion you can imagine. Custom cakes can also be arranged through our partners. Our decoration team works directly with the vessel crew to set everything up before you board, so when you arrive everything is already in place and looks perfect. Just tell us what you have in mind and we will make it happen.

Most vessels in our fleet have premium sound systems that connect easily to your phone or device via Bluetooth or auxiliary cable. Some of the larger yachts even have full DJ setups available. The sound quality is excellent and you control the playlist throughout your charter. Confirm with us when booking what audio equipment is available on the specific yacht you want, and whether a professional DJ can be added to your charter if that is something you are interested in.

Yes, all vessels in our fleet have at least one bathroom on board. Larger yachts have multiple private cabin bathrooms for guest use. The number, size, and amenities of bathrooms vary by vessel, with luxury yachts typically offering more spacious and well-appointed facilities. If bathroom availability and quality is particularly important for your group, just ask us about the specific vessel you are considering and we will give you the details.

Yachts are single-hull vessels that tend to be sleeker, faster, and offer a more classic nautical feel. They cut through the water beautifully and are great for smaller groups or those who want that traditional yachting experience. Catamarans have two hulls which gives them significantly more deck space and much better stability on the water, making them ideal for larger groups, parties, and guests who want maximum space to spread out. Catamarans are also less prone to rocking, which some guests prefer.

Yes, sunset cruises are some of our most popular charters and for good reason. They typically run two to three hours and are timed perfectly to coincide with the Cabo sunset. Watching the sun dip below the horizon over the Pacific Ocean with El Arco silhouetted against the sky is genuinely one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Los Cabos. These are perfect for romantic occasions, proposals, anniversaries, or just a beautiful end to a vacation day.

Last minute bookings are sometimes possible depending on vessel schedules and availability. We always recommend contacting us as early as you can to secure your preferred vessel and date, but if your trip is coming up soon, reach out anyway. We have accommodated same-day requests when we have boats available. WhatsApp is the fastest way to check on short notice availability since our team monitors it constantly throughout the day.

Yes, multi-day and overnight charters are available on select vessels in our fleet for guests who want to explore beyond Cabo San Lucas. Popular multi-day routes include Cabo to La Paz, Cabo to Ensenada, and extended Sea of Cortez island hopping adventures. These are incredible experiences that let you see parts of Baja California that most visitors never get to. Contact us with your dates and interests and we will put together options for an extended Baja adventure.

Yes, a deposit is typically required to confirm your booking and hold your vessel. We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and cash payments. Credit card payments may be subject to a processing fee depending on the vessel owner. The full balance is usually due before or on the day of your charter. Exact payment terms and details are confirmed in your booking confirmation so you know exactly what to expect. We will walk you through the entire process when you book.

All of our charters are 100 percent private. You and your group have the entire vessel to yourselves for the full duration of the charter. We do not offer shared boat tours or combine groups with strangers. The captain and crew work exclusively for your group from the moment you depart until you return to the marina. This is your private experience and we make sure it feels that way.

IGY Marina is located right in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, and most hotels and resorts are within a short taxi or Uber ride away. We can also arrange private transportation from your hotel or resort for an additional fee if you prefer. If you are staying in San Jose del Cabo and booking from our San Jose fleet, charters depart from Puerto Los Cabos Marina which is conveniently close to most San Jose hotels and resorts. We will include detailed directions in your booking confirmation.