Private Half-day Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas

El Arco may be Cabo’s most photographed landmark, but this trip gives you a reason to see it from the water before the fishing begins. You leave the marina, pass Lovers Beach and the sea lion colony, then head out with five lines and a private crew for your group.

I like the private format, especially for a family or a small group that wants the boat to itself. I also like that rods, tackle, ice, safety equipment, and a restroom are supplied, while strong crews such as Alberto and Antonio have worked hard to keep lines moving and try different bait.

The main catch is the uncertain extra cost. The $550 group price does not include licenses, bait, drinks, fish cleaning, transportation, or tips, and instructions at the marina have sometimes been unclear. Fishing itself is never guaranteed, and some trips have produced no fish.

Key points at a glance

• Five hours on the water: Enough time to see Cabo’s signature landmarks and spend a serious morning or afternoon fishing.
• Private group pricing: The $550 rate covers up to four people, though a temporary rule listed a maximum of three passengers.
• Five fishing lines: The boat is set up for active fishing rather than a simple sightseeing cruise.
• Cabo’s famous water views: You pass El Arco, Lovers Beach, and the sea lion colony on the way out.
• Bring extra cash: Each fishing license costs $20, live bait costs $30, and food and drinks are not included.
• Results can vary sharply: Some outings have landed dorado, bonito, a stingray, or a 140-pound marlin. Others have caught nothing.

Leaving the marina for El Arco

The trip begins at Muelle 3, north dock, gate 3, in the Cabo San Lucas marina. The listed address is 3V3HR+M86 Muelle norte, puerta 3, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. You return to this same meeting point at the end.

The first part works almost like a short sightseeing cruise. You pass El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the stone arch at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. You also pass Lovers Beach and a sea lion colony. These are not separate shore stops, so you should not expect time to swim, walk onto the beach, or explore the arch on foot.

That is still a worthwhile beginning. Cabo’s famous rock formations look different from a fishing boat than from the shore, and the view gives everyone something to enjoy even if the fish are not cooperating. Keep your camera ready, but remember that the main purpose is fishing, not a dedicated photo tour.

The marina meeting point deserves special attention. Instructions have been described as minimal, and the dock area can involve several people directing boats and handling licenses. You may need to show your booking details and ask for the correct door rather than simply expecting the boat name to be obvious.

Five lines and a working fishing boat

The boat carries five fishing lines, with rods and fishing equipment provided. That matters because a private group of up to four people can have a real chance to keep several lines active rather than waiting turns with one rod.

The crew includes a captain and first sailor. The best accounts describe the crew as friendly, fluent in English, and willing to work. Captains Alberto and Antonio were specifically praised for changing bait and trying to locate fish. Another outing with a captain and mate produced three dorado, while one family landed a 140-pound marlin.

That range gives you a realistic picture. This is not a guaranteed catch, and no captain can control the fish. In late March, one outing produced a couple of bonito after the group had been warned that fishing was slow. Another trip in May resulted in no fish at all, with the boat remaining in a small area offshore. If catching something is your only goal, the lack of a guarantee matters.

The crew’s effort matters just as much. One report described a deckhand changing bait and lures often, while another described five bait changes in an attempt to find the right fish. A crew that keeps adjusting is valuable, but good effort does not turn uncertain fishing into a sure thing.

Fishing conditions and the chance of a big catch

Cabo is known for sport fishing, but conditions change by season, location, and day. You might catch bonito, dorado, or marlin. You might also spend five hours watching lines without a bite.

One especially successful trip produced a 140-pound marlin. Another group caught three dorado. A different outing caught two dorado and a stingray. These are appealing possibilities, but they should be treated as examples of what can happen, not promises built into the price.

The fishing area also matters. One unhappy group felt the boat stayed close to shore while other boats moved away in search of better water. Since the exact fishing route is not guaranteed, you should ask the captain about the day’s conditions when you arrive. That will not guarantee a change of plan, but it gives you a clearer sense of what the crew is seeing.

The trip is best for people who enjoy the process, not just the result. You will spend time setting lines, watching rods, changing bait, and waiting. If you catch a fish, the crew can help bring it aboard. If you do not, you still have the Cabo coastline and landmarks, but you should not expect a refund simply because the fish stayed away.

What the $550 price really covers

The price is $550 per group of up to four people, not $550 per person. For four passengers, that works out to $137.50 each before extras. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, so the trip makes better financial sense for a full small group.

Included are the captain and first sailor, fishing rods and equipment, ice, safety equipment, a first aid kit, and a restroom on board. Those are useful practical inclusions for a five-hour outing. Ice is particularly helpful, but it does not mean drinks or food are supplied.

You must budget for the following:

• Fishing license: $20 per person
• Live bait: $30
• Fish cleaning: not included
• Food and drinks: not included
• Transportation to the marina: not included
• Crew gratuity: not included and appreciated

Bring cash for these charges. Several accounts describe confusion about the license price or the number of separate payments made at the dock. The official amount provided is $20 per person, so plan on that figure rather than older or conflicting amounts.

You should also clarify the live bait charge before boarding. Live bait costs $30, and it may not be used throughout the trip. One account described bait being brought out mainly when a marlin was spotted, while other crews changed bait and lures repeatedly. Ask what is included and when the charge applies.

Food and drinks are another easy place to make a mistake. Nothing is provided according to the supplied details. Bring your own snacks and water if allowed, or buy drinks before departure. Do not assume the cooler contains refreshments for passengers.

Boat assignments and possible upgrades

The booking information describes fishing equipment and a private activity, but it does not guarantee a particular boat name in every situation. Some bookings have involved a different boat from the one shown or expected, including a larger boat offered as a free upgrade when operations were busy.

That can cut both ways. A larger boat may provide more room and extra rods, and one family appreciated being moved from a 28-foot boat to a 53-foot boat. Other customers felt uneasy when the boat they received did not match the boat they expected or when an extra charge was discussed at the dock.

My advice is simple: confirm the boat arrangement before you board. Ask whether a change is an upgrade, whether it costs anything, and what boat you are actually taking. If you agree to a change, make sure the price is clear before signing for licenses or bait.

This is also where good communication helps. The crew speaks English on at least some departures, including the outings led by Alberto and Antonio, but the marina involves several people and separate payments. Keep your reservation information available and ask for a clear breakdown of each charge.

Cooking your catch after the trip

The experience promotes the chance to cook your catch at a local restaurant afterward. That is an appealing end to a fishing morning because the fish becomes part of your meal rather than just a photograph.

There is an important limit: fish cleaning is not included in the tour price. The supplied information does not state the restaurant name, the cooking fee, or the exact process for getting the fish from the boat to the kitchen. Ask the crew how the catch will be handled before you count on a restaurant meal.

You also should not assume that a catch will be large enough for a full meal. Dorado, bonito, and marlin vary greatly in size, and some trips catch nothing. Think of the restaurant option as a possible bonus tied to your luck, not a guaranteed part of the day.

Comfort, safety, and group size

The boat has an onboard restroom, which is a useful feature during a five-hour trip. Safety equipment and a first aid kit are provided, and the activity is private, so only your group participates.

The listed capacity is up to four people, although a temporary health rule stated that only three passengers could board. Because that notice may affect the actual departure, confirm the current passenger limit before booking or shortly afterward.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must make your own way to the marina. The activity is described as suitable for most people, but the supplied details do not provide specific information about wheelchair access or mobility arrangements. Ask the operator directly if that affects your group.

The boat is not presented as a luxury yacht. Its value is in the private use, fishing equipment, crew, and access to the water. A basic boat can be perfectly suitable for a fishing morning, but expectations should match the price and the mixed boat assignments.

When this trip makes sense for you

I would consider this charter for a family or group of friends who want to fish together and can share the $550 cost. The private setup gives you control over the group, and the five-hour length is long enough to make the outing feel like a real fishing trip rather than a quick ride offshore.

It also suits someone who wants Cabo’s main coastal sights folded into a fishing day. El Arco, Lovers Beach, and the sea lion colony provide good scenery at the start, which helps if the fishing is slow.

You should think twice if you need a guaranteed catch, a polished marina handoff, or an all-inclusive price. The extra charges add up, and the dock process may require patience. You should also skip it if you want a dedicated sightseeing cruise with plenty of time at each landmark, since the stops are viewed from the boat while you continue toward the fishing area.

The cancellation terms are generous if your plans change. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and a poor-weather cancellation brings either a new date or a full refund.

Should you book this Cabo fishing charter?

Book it if you can accept uncertainty and want a private, practical fishing outing with Cabo scenery built in. The strongest case is a full group of four, since the fixed price becomes more reasonable per person. Bring cash, your own food and drinks, and patience for marina logistics.

I would not book it expecting the exact boat pictured, a free meal, or a guaranteed marlin. Confirm the passenger limit, boat assignment, license price, bait fee, and meeting instructions before departure. With those points settled, the trip can deliver a memorable day, especially when the crew finds dorado or marlin. If the fish do not cooperate, the experience may feel expensive for five hours offshore.

FAQ

How long is the fishing charter?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the trip begin?

It begins at Muelle 3, north dock, gate 3, in the Marina of Cabo San Lucas. The listed address is 3V3HR+M86 Muelle norte, puerta 3, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Where does the trip end?

It ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join?

The listed capacity is up to four people per group. A temporary update stated that only three passengers could board because of government health regulations, so confirm the current limit.

Is the activity private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Are fishing rods and equipment included?

Yes. Fishing rods and equipment are provided, and the boat has five fishing lines.

Is the fishing license included?

No. The fishing license costs $20 per person.

Is live bait included?

No. Live bait costs $30.

Are food and drinks provided?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Ice is provided on board.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.