Private Fishing Trip “All Inclusive” in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Fish stories start early. This private Cabo San Lucas charter gives your group a full day on the Pacific and Sea of Cortez, with a captain, first mate, rods, live bait, fishing licenses, lunch, and drinks included. I like the private boat for up to four people and the chance to choose between big-game fishing and smaller, faster fish, though you should confirm that plan before leaving the marina.

I also like the sightseeing built into the outing. You pass El Arco, Lover’s Beach, Chileno Bay, and Playa el Chileno while watching for whales and dolphins. The main caution is consistency: many trips produce marlin, dorado, wahoo, tuna, roosterfish, or barracuda, but some boats have returned with little action, limited crew attention, or less fishing time than expected.

Key points

• $625 per private group of up to four: A strong value when four people share the boat, but less attractive for only one or two anglers.
• Eight hours on the water: The schedule allows time for big-game fishing, sightseeing, and a change of plan if the first target is not biting.
• Marlin is the main prize: Striped marlin and blue marlin have been caught, along with dorado, wahoo, tuna, roosterfish, barracuda, bonito, and sea bass.
• Food and drinks are included: Lunch, snacks, bottled water, sodas, and beers are provided. Pickup, fish cleaning, and gratuities are not.
• Crew quality can shape the day: Captains and mates such as Jorge, Gustavo, Andres, Luis, Joel, Jose, Freddie, Ruben, Alex, Tito, and Ivan have received warm praise, but service has not been uniform.
• Clarify fish ownership and trophy costs: Ask what happens to your catch, how much fish you may keep, and what any mounting or shipping service will cost before accepting an offer.

A private Cabo boat for four people

The price is $625 per group, not per person, and the boat holds up to four. Split four ways, that works out to about $156 per person for roughly eight hours, including tackle, live bait, licenses, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, beer, a captain, and a first mate. For a full private charter, that is a fair package, especially if your group wants control over the day rather than sharing a boat with strangers.

The value drops quickly with a smaller party. Two people pay the equivalent of about $312 each, and a solo angler pays the full group rate. I would compare the price with other private charters if you are not filling all four spots.

The boat assigned can vary. Available vessels have included Blue Tail, Blue Tail II, El Pargo, Reel Tequila, Robalo, and other boats. That means you should not assume a particular boat model, size, or layout unless the operator confirms it.

The meeting point is Cabo Sportfishing Crew at IGY Marina, E Dock, on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina 18 in central Cabo San Lucas. You arrange your own way to the marina because hotel pickup is not included. The activity ends back at the same dock.

Leaving Marina Cabo San Lucas

The day begins at the marina, where the captain and first mate prepare the boat and fishing gear. Rods, tackle, live bait, and fishing licenses are included, so you do not need to haul a suitcase full of fishing equipment across town.

The start time matters. Fishing charters commonly leave early, and one bad experience involved confusion over the departure hour. Confirm the exact meeting time in writing before the morning of the trip, then arrive early enough to find E Dock without a frantic search.

Before the boat moves, use this moment to set expectations. Tell the crew what matters most to you:

• A chance at marlin
• Lots of smaller fish
• A fish for lunch
• Sightseeing and whale watching
• A quieter day on the water

That conversation can change the whole outing. Some crews have asked guests to choose between big fish and smaller, more frequent catches, while other groups felt the crew focused almost entirely on marlin. If your children or first-time anglers need steady action, say so plainly.

The first mate should help with rods, bait, hooks, and the basic technique. The best days described in the supplied material had mates changing bait, adjusting tackle, keeping lines working, and helping children reel in fish. That kind of hands-on effort is worth more than a fancy boat.

El Arco and the Pacific crossing

The route takes you past El Arco, Cabo’s famous stone arch at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. This is one of the most useful features of the trip for non-anglers. Even if the fish ignore you, the boat ride provides a look at the arch, Lover’s Beach, and the rocky coast from the water.

The charter may travel into open water to reach marlin, dorado, or other sport fish. Conditions can change fast. Reports include calm outings, three to four foot swells, and rougher days with seven to eight foot waves. One group had a fine catch despite choppy water, while another struggled with seasickness for hours.

If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before boarding. The supplied details do not specify whether medication is available on the boat, so bring what you normally use and ask the operator about it in advance. A private boat gives your group space, but it does not make a rough sea gentle.

Whale and dolphin sightings can add real value. Groups have seen humpback whales, including whales breaching near the boat, as well as dolphins and sharks. These sightings are not guaranteed, but winter outings have included especially memorable whale activity.

Fishing for marlin, dorado, and smaller fish

Cabo is known for its sport fishing, and the main target here is often marlin. Striped marlin have been caught within minutes of reaching a fishing area, and one group landed a fish just under nine feet. Another group caught three striped marlin, while a separate outing produced an eight to nine foot blue marlin along with barracuda.

Those catches explain the excitement around this trip, but they also set a high bar. Fishing is never guaranteed. Several successful outings produced dorado, wahoo, tuna, roosterfish, bonito, skipjack, sea bass, or mackerel rather than marlin. One outing produced four roosterfish and enough sea bass for a meal. Another caught three large wahoo and several roosterfish.

I would ask one direct question before departure: If marlin are not biting, will we switch to smaller fish? Get a clear answer. Some anglers enjoyed the big-game focus, while others spent long stretches waiting for marlin and wished the crew had moved to more active water.

Bait supply also deserves a quick check. One family caught so many fish that they used all their bait by the sixth hour. That is a wonderful problem, but it also shows why you should ask what happens if bait runs out. Live bait is included, yet the quantity and replacement plan are not stated.

The strongest crew reports describe active fishing rather than passive waiting. Joel was praised for changing baits and tackle to improve the odds. Ivan kept working to find a fish during a whale-filled outing. Gustavo helped a seven-year-old reel in tuna. Those small details matter, especially if you are paying for a family memory rather than simply renting a boat.

Chileno Bay, Playa el Chileno, and the coastal stops

The listed route includes Chileno Bay and Playa el Chileno, two coastal points that break up the fishing day. You may pass them while moving between fishing areas or use them as visual landmarks, but the supplied information does not promise swimming, snorkeling, or time ashore.

That distinction matters. This is a fishing charter with sightseeing, not a beach tour. You should expect to remain on the boat. Chileno Bay gives you a change of scenery and a chance to enjoy Cabo’s coast, but do not book this trip mainly for a beach stop.

The route also includes Playa de los Amantes, commonly known as Lover’s Beach. From the water, it is a scenic part of the Cabo rock formations and a good place for photographs. The captain may circle notable sights, as one highly praised outing did while also watching whales.

If your group includes someone who is not interested in fishing, these coastal views help justify the full-day booking. Still, the trip is not designed as a sightseeing cruise. Fishing decisions and sea conditions control the schedule.

Lunch, beer, and what all-inclusive really covers

Lunch, snacks, bottled water, sodas, and beers are included. That is useful on an eight-hour charter, since buying food and drinks separately in the marina can add up. Several outings were praised for having snacks and drinks ready, and one group specifically appreciated not having to worry about supplies.

Do not assume the crew will automatically explain which food is available. One disappointing outing involved a family that did not realize food and drinks were for them. When you board, ask the mate to show you the lunch and drink setup. It is a simple question and prevents a long day of sitting hungry.

The package does not include fish cleaning. If you keep a catch, ask before returning to the dock where it will go, how much you may take, and what preparation costs. Fish ownership caused serious confusion on at least one outing, with a family believing most of a marlin was sold or taken without a clear explanation.

A separate taxidermy or fish mounting service may also approach you. Prices quoted onboard and prices presented at the marina have not always matched. If you want a replica or mounted trophy, ask for the total price in writing, including shipping, before agreeing. If you do not want that service, say so clearly.

Gratuities are not listed as included. Bring cash or confirm accepted payment methods, and decide what you feel the crew earned based on the service you received. You should never feel pressured into a tip, especially after an early return or a shortened outing.

The return to Cabo and handling your catch

The charter ends back at the marina. On a good day, the return can feel like a victory lap, with photos of marlin, dorado, tuna, or barracuda and a story that gets better every time you tell it.

But ask for a final photo before the fish leaves the boat. The best crew experiences included memorable pictures, while one family felt rushed and missed that moment. If you want to keep fish for a meal, settle the details before docking, not after the crew has arranged a buyer or processor.

The advertised duration is about eight hours. Most of the appeal comes from having a full day at sea, yet several negative accounts describe problems with timing, including a trip that ended four hours early after a marlin catch. Confirm the planned return time when you board and speak up if the boat turns around much sooner than agreed.

The weather policy is straightforward: poor conditions may lead to a different date or a full refund. Otherwise, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking. That makes travel insurance or careful scheduling worth considering, particularly if your Cabo plans are tight.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would choose this trip for a group of four friends or family members who want a private boat and are happy to let the crew work toward a catch. It suits experienced anglers, but beginners can enjoy it too because the crew provides gear and instruction.

Families have had excellent days here. Children have caught barracuda, tuna, and marlin, and a first mate helped a young child reel in fish. Still, an eight-hour boat ride can feel long for anyone who dislikes open water, so consider your group’s tolerance for heat, motion, and waiting between bites.

This is also a good fit for mixed groups. One person can fish while another watches for whales, dolphins, sharks, or coastal sights. It is less suitable if everyone wants a structured beach day, a guaranteed catch, or constant action with small fish.

The current public score is 4.7 out of 5, with 93 percent recommending the experience. That reflects many outstanding days, but the uneven accounts point to the real issue: the captain and first mate matter enormously. Ask whether you can request a particular crew member, and confirm the boat, departure time, target species, bait plan, and catch arrangements before you pay.

Should you book the Cabo fishing trip?

Book it if you can fill the boat and want a genuine shot at Cabo game fish. The price is reasonable for four people, the private format gives you more control, and the package covers nearly everything needed for a full day. Marlin, dorado, wahoo, tuna, roosterfish, whales, and El Arco can make this a terrific memory.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling as only one or two people, need guaranteed fishing time, or care strongly about keeping your entire catch. Before booking, confirm the exact captain, departure hour, boat, target fish, bait supply, fish-cleaning arrangement, and any trophy service prices.

If the operator gives clear answers and your group is flexible about the catch, this is a worthwhile Cabo outing. If you want a polished, tightly controlled experience with no uncertainty, compare other charters first.

FAQ

How much does the private fishing trip cost?

The price is $625 per private group of up to four people.

How long is the fishing trip?

The activity lasts approximately eight hours and ends back at the marina meeting point.

What is included?

A captain and first mate, fishing equipment, live bait, fishing licenses, lunch, snacks, bottled water, sodas, and beers are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Cabo Sportfishing Crew at IGY Marina, E Dock, Boulevard Paseo de la Marina 18, Cabo San Lucas.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include marlin, dorado, wahoo, tuna, roosterfish, barracuda, bonito, skipjack, sea bass, and mackerel. A catch is not guaranteed.

Is fish cleaning included?

No. Fish cleaning is not included in the price.