What a typical charter looks like
The standard private charter in Cabo is three hours. Most head out past El Arco, the sea lion colony and Lover's Beach, then run east along the Corridor to anchor at Santa María or Chileno Bay for snorkeling and paddleboarding before cruising back. Morning trips have the calmest water for snorkeling; a late-afternoon departure turns the return leg into a sunset cruise. Full-day charters of six to eight hours allow time for quieter coves further along the coast.
From December to April, humpback whales pass close to Cabo, and many operators build whale watching into the route or offer it as an add-on. See our whale season guide for the peak months, and Santa María and Chileno snorkeling for what's underwater at those bays.
Price ranges (with examples)
Prices depend mostly on boat size and what is included. At the lower end, Cabo Trek lists 33-foot Sea Ray cruisers (up to 8 or 10 guests) from USD 199 to USD 249 per hour, with captain, first mate, snorkel gear and towels; an open bar is an extra USD 25 per person, food packages USD 99 to USD 179, and whale watching USD 149 per group.
Cabo Sailing publishes all-inclusive three-hour prices that cover food, an open bar, snorkel gear, paddleboards, fuel and marina fees: private sailboats from USD 701 (38 ft, up to 9 guests) and USD 927 (42 ft, up to 14), and motor yachts from about USD 1,148 to 1,436 (42 to 51 ft), each for the first four guests, with extra guests at USD 85 each. For a group of eight on a mid-size yacht, expect roughly USD 1,500 to USD 1,700 for three hours before tips on those published rates. The same company puts full-day charters at about USD 1,000 to 3,000 and up.
What's included, and what isn't
Always ask whether the quote includes fuel, marina fees, food and drinks, snorkel gear and the Land's End protected-area wristband, and whether the price is per boat or per person. Cheaper hourly rates often exclude drinks and gear. Check the boat's maximum capacity against your headcount, including children, and whether there is a toilet and shade.
Gratuity is almost never included. The customary tip for a private charter crew is 15 to 20% of the charter price, paid in cash to the captain at the end to share with the crew. Our tipping guide covers the rest of your trip.
- Captain and crew (always included)
- Fuel and marina fees (included by some operators, extra with others)
- Open bar and food (included on all-inclusive charters, add-on on hourly rentals)
- Snorkel gear, paddleboards, towels
- Crew tip: 15 to 20% in cash
Booking from Villa 1
The marina is a short walk or drive from the villa along Paseo de la Marina; our marina guide explains where the docks are. Book two to four weeks ahead for weekends, holidays and sunset slots, and confirm the dock and boarding time the day before. Operators typically reschedule or refund when the port captain closes the harbor for weather.
Charters are popular for birthdays and group trips; see our groups guide for more ideas. The villa's 24/7 concierge can arrange a charter and ground transport for you, and a private chef (available on request) can have dinner ready when you return.
