Choosing a style
Party catamarans are the cheapest option and the liveliest, with music and an open bar, and some are adults only. Dinner cruises are larger, multi-deck boats with a buffet or plated food, often with live music or a DJ, and they tend to welcome families. Small-group sailboats carry around 14 to 24 guests, serve drinks and appetizers, and are quieter and better for conversation; they are the best choice for couples.
For a birthday, anniversary or a group that wants the boat to itself, a private charter is often worth pricing out. Our private yacht charter page covers that option.
Four established operators compared
Pez Gato runs the Sunset Sail Party Cruise, about two hours with an open national bar and snacks, for guests 18 and over only. It's listed from US$73. It boards at Gali Plaza (local 39), opposite the Sandos Finisterra, and departs at 5 p.m. from September to April and at 6 p.m. from May to August. Pez Gato also runs quieter Jazz & Wine (from US$109) and Mexican Flavors taco-buffet sunset trips (from US$99).
Caborey is a large three-deck catamaran running a Sunset Mexican Dinner cruise: about 2.5 hours with a buffet, national open bar and a live band. It's listed at US$95 plus a US$2 port tax, with children 4 to 11 at half price and under-4s free. It boards at the main dock at the end of Marina Boulevard, with check-in an hour before departure: 5 p.m. from mid-September to early March, 6 p.m. the rest of the year.
Cabo Adventures' Luxury Sunset Sail uses 50-foot sailboats and sailing catamarans (up to 16 or 24 guests) for about 2.5 hours, with a premium open bar and appetizers. It's listed at US$119, often discounted online to around US$83, plus a US$4 dock fee, and the minimum age is 8. Its office on Paseo de la Marina is the meeting point. It also runs a three-hour gourmet sunset cruise on a 100-foot catamaran.
Cabo Sailing runs a shared sunset sail on a 38 to 42 foot sailboat with up to 14 guests, departing Dock F in the marina at about 5 p.m. It lasts two hours, with an open bar and snacks. It's listed at US$120, with online promotions around US$84; private sunset charters start at roughly US$930 for the boat.
Getting to the marina from Villa 1
The Cabo San Lucas Marina is about 0.9 miles from Hacienda Beach Club, a 15 to 20 minute walk along the waterfront or a short taxi ride. Docks and meeting points differ by operator (Gali Plaza, the main dock at the end of Marina Boulevard, Dock F, or an office on Paseo de la Marina), so check your confirmation. Allow time for the check-in window, which can be up to an hour for the big dinner boats.
Some operators sell hotel transport for about US$15 per person, but from Villa 1 it's rarely needed. Our concierge can book the cruise and a taxi back afterward.
Tips for a good sunset cruise
Departure times shift with the season, so confirm yours when you book. In winter, humpback whales are often seen on sunset cruises; see our whale watching guide. The ride back after dark gets cool and breezy, especially from December to March, so bring a light layer.
Wear flat, non-slip shoes, take seasickness tablets beforehand if you need them, and bring cash for crew tips. Check the stated age limit before booking with children, since some party cruises are 18+. After the cruise, you're steps from dinner in town; see Cabo nightlife for ideas.
