A family boat day in Cabo: the short version
A family boat day in Cabo is three hours on a private yacht for USD 799 to 1,999 depending on the boat, with the Arch, the sea lions and a swim stop in calm water, and the captain stopping whenever a child needs to. The Bayliner 30 fits a family of six with a cabin for naps and includes water and sodas. The Sea Ray 36 takes twelve with towels included, and the Sea Ray 55 has air conditioning and room for three generations.
The bay is the key. Lover's Beach, on the bay side of Land's End, is where people swim, and the crew drops anchor close to it. Divorce Beach, on the Pacific side, is for photos from the boat: the surf and the undertow there are not for swimming. Pelican Rock is the easy snorkel stop, with reef fish right at the surface, minutes from the dock. Read our guide to Cabo with kids and which Cabo beaches are safe to swim before you pick the stops.
Example prices for a family boat day in Cabo
Per boat, so a family of five on the Bayliner 30 pays the same as a family of two.
| Yacht | 2 h | 3 h | 4 h |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayliner 30 up to 6 guests | $549 $92 per person | $799 $133 per person | $999 $167 per person |
| Sea Ray 36 up to 12 guests | $659 $55 per person | $929 $77 per person | $1,219 $102 per person |
| Sea Ray 55 up to 15 guests | min 3 h | $2,129 $142 per person | $2,709 $181 per person |
Prices per boat with 16% tax included; the 15% crew tip is not included. The per-person figure is the boat price divided by its full capacity, rounded.
For a family reunion, the Pontoon 38 takes eighteen from USD 869 for two hours, with a water slide off the top deck and an enclosed head with a freshwater shower. The Bayliner 33 takes eight from USD 599 with a floating mat.
How to choose a yacht for kids
Three things make the day easier: a head on board (every yacht except the Chaparral 28 has one), shade, and a swim platform with a ladder a small child can climb. A cabin helps with a toddler's nap; the Bayliner 30, Bayliner 33 and Sea Ray 55 have one. Towels are included on the Sea Ray 36, Sea Ray 40 and Azimut 45; on the others, bring your own. Snorkel gear is on every yacht, but kids' masks fit better if you bring the ones from home.
When to go with children
Morning departures are cooler in summer and usually calmer, with the bay at its flattest before the afternoon breeze. From November to April the same three hours often include a whale on the Pacific side. The water is warmest from July to November, around 81 to 85°F (27 to 29°C), and around 72°F (22°C) from February to April, when a rash guard keeps a child in the water longer.
What to bring for the kids
Sunscreen, hats and rash guards, a change of clothes, the snacks they actually eat, and a dry bag for phones. Order breakfast or box lunches in the planner so lunch is on board when you arrive: banana pancakes and French toast are MXN 325, a burrito box lunch is MXN 289. Drinks are yours to bring and the crew keeps them cold; the Bayliner 30 and Azimut 45 include water and sodas.
