Marlin hunts begin on a morning dock. This private sport fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas gives you serious gear like Shimano Tiagra reels, plus live bait, breakfast, and an onboard open bar, all on a 68-ft yacht. The one big consideration is simple: fishing gear and effort are covered, but fishing licenses are not, and the day still depends on the ocean.

I like how this charter is built for a real group outing, not a rushed cattle-call. You meet at L Dock in Cabo, head out early at 7:00am, and spend about 5 hours on the water with a professional crew that can keep the vibe fun whether you hook up or not. It’s also offered in English and runs as a true private experience for your group only.

Key Things That Make This Charter Worth Your Time

• 68-ft Loveshack yacht made for offshore fishing days with room for a group
• Shimano Tiagra 2-speed reels and custom offshore rods for serious casting and fighting
• Live bait setup with a bait tank and tuna tubes on board
• Food and drinks included, including a Mexican buffet and a national open bar
• El Arco viewing early in the day before you head into deeper water
• A crew that focuses on the whole experience, including keeping drinks moving

Private Yacht Fishing in Cabo: What You’re Really Buying

Paying for a private charter in Cabo isn’t just about fishing. You’re buying control. Control over pacing, control over where your crew spends time, and control over whether your day feels like a fun hang with friends or a full-on angling mission.

Loveshack Cruises runs this as a private group outing (not mixed with other people). That matters when you’re trying to coordinate everyone’s comfort: where you want to sit, when you want a snack, and how quickly you want to get back on the lines. With a group size that can go up to 15, you can split roles without feeling like you’re fighting for space.

You’re also paying for a setup that’s meant for offshore fishing, not a casual “try your luck” trip. The boat is described as fully equipped with Shimano Tiagra 2-speed reels, custom offshore rods, and serious onboard bait storage like a bait tank and tuna tubes. That tells me they’re prepared for the kinds of fights that come with big-game species in these waters.

Price and Group Value: How $4,244 Breaks Down

The listed price is $4,244 per group for up to 15 people. The fine print notes pricing is for up to 14 passengers, so if you’re aiming for the top end, confirm the exact count before you commit.

Here’s the part I’d think about before booking: private fishing is expensive because you’re paying for (1) the boat, (2) professional staff, and (3) gear and bait for the whole time window. When you spread that across a full group, the cost per person becomes closer to what you’d pay for a higher-end shared charter—minus the compromise of mixing with strangers and losing space.

Is it still a lot? Yes. This is the kind of excursion you book when Cabo is the main event and you want the day to feel special. If you’re traveling solo or as two people, this one tends to be harder to justify unless fishing is your top priority and you’re comfortable with the cost.

One more value clue: this trip is typically booked about 112 days in advance on average. That’s a sign it’s not just a last-minute option. If you want a specific date, start early.

Meeting at L Dock and the 7:00am Start That Shapes the Day

You’ll start at L Dock, Centro, Ildefonso Green, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, with the tour starting at 7:00am. It ends back at the same meeting point, so plan your day around that early water time.

The 7:00am start is more than a schedule detail. It changes your odds. Offshore fishing trips often do better when you’re not starting late in the day, and early departures also help you get that calm “first light on the water” feeling. Even if you’re not chasing a trophy, a morning start tends to mean better vibes: less heat, more patience on the deck, and a smoother rhythm when everyone’s gearing up.

Also, this is handled as a mobile ticket experience, and confirmation comes within 48 hours (subject to availability). You’ll want to keep your phone charged and ready for check-in.

Sailing Past El Arco: A Fast Way to Feel Cabo from the Water

You’ll make El Arco de Cabo San Lucas your first stop. From the sea, this is one of the easiest places to get that “I’m really in Cabo” moment without having to plan a separate land excursion.

The practical benefit is timing. Seeing El Arco early helps you kick off the day with something scenic before you move into fishing mode. It also gives you a quick photo and orientation moment: you’re on the water, you can take in the coastline, and you get a sense of what you’re working with out here.

There’s also a chance to see marine life along the route. One experience noted sightings like turtles and even leaping manta rays, along with other big ocean movers. You can’t count on wildlife on a schedule, but this area is known for activity, and the boat time gives you more opportunities than a short hop.

What’s On Board: Reels, Bait, and the Comfort That Makes Fishing Easier

This charter focuses on gear you can feel confident about. The boat is described as using Shimano Tiagra 2-speed reels on custom offshore rods. Two-speed reels are a big deal for people serious about offshore fishing because they help you manage different line speeds—useful when you’re switching between fighting a fish and adjusting how you’re retrieving.

The setup also includes a bait tank and tuna tubes, plus bait and tackle being part of what you’re provided. That matters more than it sounds. When bait is handled well on board, it stays ready, and your crew can keep lines moving instead of scrambling mid-trip.

Comfort-wise, the reviews highlight the crew attention and the “everyone’s having a good day” feel. In one example, a crew member named Karol stood out for making sure everyone had a terrific day. I take that as a good sign that the onboard experience isn’t just about fishing technique; it’s about keeping the day rolling—drinks, food, and help when someone needs it.

And yes, you’re out there for about 5 hours, so being comfortable is part of the success of the whole outing. When the boat and staff are set up to keep the experience running smoothly, even a slower bite day doesn’t feel like wasted time.

Food and Drinks Included: The Mexican Buffet + Open Bar Advantage

One of the most practical reasons people love this charter is that you’re not managing meals. It includes a Mexican buffet and alcoholic beverages, with a national open bar listed as included.

This changes the rhythm. A fishing day can feel like constant waiting—lines set, lines checked, photos taken, then back to waiting. Having food and drinks taken care of means you can stay social, not hangry. It also helps keep the group energy up when the fishing action is slower than you’d hoped.

You’ll also get breakfast and drinks described as provided. That matters for an early start. If you’ve ever tried to do a morning excursion without real food, you know how quickly it can drag. Here, the day is structured so you can eat early and stay focused once you’re offshore.

If alcohol is part of your plan, treat this like responsible vacation drinking. The best part of a charter is enjoying it with clear headspace, especially when you want to stay fully engaged in the fishing moment.

How the Fishing Actually Feels: Expect Big Game, Not Perfect Results

This charter is set up for offshore fishing, and the stories around it point to big-game encounters—especially marlin. One account described landing two marlins around 7.5 feet each, then having them filleted on the boat and enjoying the freshest sashimi from what they caught.

That said, fishing is never a guaranteed script. Another experience highlighted a day where no fish were caught, yet the group still had an amazing time thanks to the crew and the wildlife sightings. That’s the reality check I’d want you to have before you book: you’re paying for effort, gear, bait, and a great boat day, not a guaranteed trophy.

If you do land something, the key value is how the crew handles the process. The standout moment from the marlin story was that the fish were filleted on board, so the catch didn’t just become a memory—it became part of the food you could enjoy right away and even take home to cook.

If you’re booking with first-time fishers, I’d treat the goal as twofold:

• Have a great time on a proper boat with a helpful crew
• Be ready for either a hookup day or a wildlife-and-story day

Either way, the day still delivers, because you’re on a serious yacht in Cabo waters for hours with food and drinks in the middle of the action.

El Arco Views, Marine Life, and Why This Isn’t Just a Fishing Ticket

A lot of fishing charters sell the catch. This one also gives you time to enjoy what the ocean does when it’s not being cooperative.

One experience mentioned seeing hammerheads, turtles, and leaping manta rays in addition to marlin activity. That’s not something you can schedule, but it’s a reminder that offshore time comes with extra “bonus entertainment.”

Even if you never hook up, you still get:

• Long stretches of boat time with scenery
• Chances to see ocean wildlife
• A day that feels like a true charter, not a quick outing

That’s why this works for groups with mixed fishing experience. Your non-anglers get the marine-life show. Your anglers get time on lines with proper reels and tackle. Everyone still gets a top-tier day on the water.

Who This Charter Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This is a strong match if:

• Fishing is a top reason you’re visiting Cabo
• You’re going with friends or a group and want a private setup
• You want serious offshore gear like Shimano Tiagra reels
• You care about included food and drinks more than you care about traveling light

It’s also worth considering if you like a planned start. The 7:00am departure and the “about 5 hours on the water” window make it easier to coordinate with the rest of your Cabo itinerary.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re trying to do this as a solo or small duo on a tight budget
• You don’t want to pay extras that are not included, like fishing licenses
• You’re booking at a time when weather could be uncertain and you don’t like plan changes

And if your group’s expectations are trophy-first, I’d keep your mindset flexible. A great charter day can still happen without a catch, and the crew experience can make a huge difference.

Practical Tips Before You Book Loveshack Cruises

A few things I’d handle up front so day-of goes smoothly.

First, confirm your group size. The pricing notes up to 14 passengers, while the summary mentions up to 15. If you’re right at the edge, verify exactly how they count your party.

Second, plan for permits. Fishing licenses are listed as not included, so treat them as a separate cost. Ask your provider for what you’ll need and where you handle it, so you don’t waste time when you’re ready to fish.

Third, plan around weather. The experience is noted as requiring good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s good protection. Still, if your trip is tight and you can’t shift dates, build in some flexibility.

Lastly, set expectations for a 5-hour window. You’ll be out there long enough for meaningful fishing time and a proper meal-and-drink rhythm, but it’s not an all-day haul. If you want an all-day ocean adventure, this one may feel short. If you want a focused charter day, it’s well-sized.

Should You Book This Cabo Private Fishing Charter?

My take: book it if you want a private, gear-forward fishing day with included food and drinks, plus the classic Cabo highlight of El Arco right at the start. The Shimano Tiagra reels, live bait setup, and onboard snack-and-sip plan are exactly the kind of details that turn a fishing trip into an actual vacation day.

Skip it if you’re looking for the cheapest fishing option or you’re not comfortable adding costs like fishing licenses. Also consider your comfort with weather-dependent plans. You’re paying for time on a top yacht with skilled staff, but you’re still choosing an ocean activity where results can vary.

If you book early—this one often sells about four months out—you’ll give yourself the best shot at your preferred date and a smooth start to the Cabo water day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the private sport fishing charter?

It runs for about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00am.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is L Dock, Centro, Ildefonso Green, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

How many people can be in a group?

The tour is priced for up to 14 passengers, and the summary notes a maximum of up to 15 per group.

Are fishing licenses included?

No. Fishing licenses are not included.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. A Mexican buffet is included, along with alcoholic beverages and a national open bar. Breakfast and drinks are also provided.

Is fishing tackle and bait included?

Yes. The charter includes fishing tackle and live bait.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

What happens if poor weather cancels the experience?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.