REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Private Sport Fishing Charter Experience in Cabo San Lucas (5 Hours)
Book on Viator →Operated by Loveshack Cruises · Bookable on Viator
Cabo fishing starts early, and it’s already a win. This private charter gets you onto a 68 ft yacht with Shimano Tiagra 2-speed reels, custom offshore rods, and a crew focused on keeping your day smooth.
What I like most is how much is handled for you: live bait, tackle, breakfast, and a Mexican buffet plus drinks and a national open bar. One thing to keep in mind is that fishing isn’t guaranteed, and the whole experience depends on good weather.
In This Review
- Key things I’d watch before you go
- Entering Cabo’s open-water day from L Dock (7:00 am to about 5 hours)
- Loveshack’s fishing setup: Shimano Tiagra reels and the gear you actually need
- Food, drinks, and open bar: the comfort side of a hard-working day
- The El Arco water-view stop: classic Cabo photos without leaving the boat
- How a private charter changes the experience (and your odds of a good day)
- When the bite comes: marlin days, onboard handling, and what you could take home
- Who will love this charter most (and who might want a different style)
- Price and logistics: getting real value out of $4,244
- The crew experience: attention, good food, and Karol’s kind of service
- Weather and cancellations: the one variable you can’t control
- Should you book Loveshack for private sport fishing in Cabo?
- FAQ
- How long is the private sport fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas?
- Where does the charter start from?
- What time does the tour start?
- What is included in the price?
- What is not included?
- How many people can be on the charter?
- What happens if weather is poor?
Key things I’d watch before you go

- 68 ft Loveshack yacht with Shimano Tiagra 2-speed reels built for offshore fishing
- Live bait + bait tank + tuna tubes so you’re ready when the action shows up
- Food and drinks included (Mexican buffet, breakfast, alcoholic beverages, national open bar)
- Private by default: it’s only your group, not a shared boat swap
- El Arco stop for classic Cabo views from the water during your run
- No fishing licenses included, and weather can affect the schedule
Entering Cabo’s open-water day from L Dock (7:00 am to about 5 hours)

This charter runs from the L Dock area in Centro, Cabo San Lucas, with a 7:00 am start and about 5 hours on the water. That early departure is not just tradition. In Cabo, mornings tend to be when you get the cleanest start—calmer water, more time for fishing, and the best chance to settle into the day before the sun gets high.
Because it’s private, your group doesn’t have to wait around for strangers to arrive, shuffle bags, or find their seats. The trade-off is simple: if your crew shows up late, the day doesn’t slow down for anyone. I’d plan to get there early enough to feel unhurried at check-in.
Also note the structure of the time. You’re not buying a half-day “sail around.” You’re buying a focused block on the water with fishing gear, live bait, and a crew who know how to work fast. If you’re the type who wants action on the water rather than just scenery, this format fits.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas.
Loveshack’s fishing setup: Shimano Tiagra reels and the gear you actually need
The heart of a sport fishing charter is the boat’s fishing system, and this one is built like an offshore day. You’ll be on a 68 ft yacht with Shimano Tiagra 2-speed reels matched to custom offshore rods. If you’ve fished before, you’ll recognize the difference this makes. Offshore reels aren’t just for show—they help with handling bigger fish and managing line under pressure.
There’s also a bait tank and tuna tubes onboard. That matters more than it sounds. Live bait needs a stable setup, and having the right storage and bait handling on board helps keep your fishing session productive. It’s one of those practical details that often separates a “fun day” from a real fishing charter.
And yes, the charter includes fishing tackle and live bait, which means you’re not showing up to a boat where you’re borrowing a random rod. You’ll be stepping into a complete setup that’s meant for active fishing during the trip.
Food, drinks, and open bar: the comfort side of a hard-working day

Fishing can be physical, even when you’re mostly reeling and waiting. This is one reason I like that the charter includes both food and drinks—you’re not trading a good time for an empty stomach.
You’ll get breakfast plus a Mexican buffet onboard. On the drinks side, the charter includes alcoholic beverages through a national open bar. Practically, this makes the trip feel like a hangout that also happens to fish. If you’re going with friends, this combo is a big part of why the day stays fun even when the fishing takes patience.
There’s also a simple benefit for groups: you don’t need to run off the boat to find food, and you don’t need to coordinate a separate drinks plan. Everything stays flowing on board, and that keeps the day moving with less stress.
What’s not included is also worth noting: fishing licenses aren’t included. If your plan depends on buying a license onsite, you’ll want to budget time for that in advance so you don’t run into avoidable friction.
The El Arco water-view stop: classic Cabo photos without leaving the boat

A notable part of the day is a stop at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. Seeing El Arco from the water is different than seeing it from shore. From the deck, you get that iconic rock formation up close, plus a wider sense of scale where waves and cliffs frame the scene.
This isn’t marketed as a long land excursion. It’s a water stop inside your charter time window, which is exactly what I’d want if I’m paying for a fishing day. You get your Cabo “wow” moment without turning the day into a back-and-forth logistics exercise.
Drawback to consider: water views depend on conditions. If weather or sea state is rough, that’s when a quick scenic stop might feel less comfortable than you hoped. Still, it’s a good reminder that even if the fishing is slower, you’re not stuck doing nothing.
How a private charter changes the experience (and your odds of a good day)

Because this is a private tour/activity, only your group is on the boat. That changes the whole vibe. You’re not sharing space, gear, and crew time with other groups. Your day becomes more flexible, too: the charter is described as fully customizable so you can shape the excursion to match your goals.
In practice, “customizable” usually means the crew can adjust how you spend your fishing time—where you focus, what the priorities are, and how you run the day. It’s a big advantage for groups who know what they want, like targeting a specific style of fishing, or simply wanting a more relaxed pace.
It also helps with group dynamics. If someone wants more time on the rail or someone needs a calmer spot, you’re not stuck with a rigid schedule designed around a shared itinerary.
And for your expectations: even with great gear, fishing has unpredictability. One of the most memorable parts of a charter can be the wildlife and the sea itself, not only the catch. On this kind of day, you can still see things like marlin, hammerheads, turtles, and leaping manta rays—so even if the fish aren’t cooperating, the ocean can still deliver moments worth remembering.
When the bite comes: marlin days, onboard handling, and what you could take home

Let’s talk about the scenario that most sport fishermen dream about. This charter is the kind of setup where big-game fish are possible—especially since the gear is built for offshore work.
On one standout example, the group caught two marlins, each reported as about 7.5 feet. The fish were filleted on the boat, and the group got the freshest sashimi, then brought the rest home for cooking. That’s exactly the kind of experience people chase: the day turns into food you actually get to enjoy, not just a story.
A helpful way to think about it is this: if you catch fish, the charter experience shifts into hands-on mode—processing your catch onboard and helping you make the most of it. If you don’t catch fish, you’ll still have a full fishing day with live bait, tackle, and the crew working the water.
So what should you take from this as a planner? Two things:
1) You’re not just booking a boat; you’re booking a system designed to fish hard.
2) You should still be mentally ready for a day where the ocean shows you plenty, even if the hook-ups don’t happen.
Who will love this charter most (and who might want a different style)

This charter is a great fit if your group wants:
- A private yacht day with professional offshore fishing gear
- Included tackle and live bait so you don’t have to bring gear or guess what you’ll get
- Food and drinks built into the day, not tacked on later
- A classic Cabo route element like El Arco while you’re already out there
It’s especially strong for friend groups and mixed crews where not everyone eats the same way into fishing. The fish focus stays real, but the day doesn’t feel like hard labor without rewards because meals and drinks are already handled.
Possible drawback for some people: cost. At $4,244 per group (up to 15) for about 5 hours, it’s priced for groups that can spread the total cost. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, this kind of private charter may feel steep unless you’re genuinely set on the private, all-included format.
Price and logistics: getting real value out of $4,244

Let’s do the value math in plain language. The price is per group, not per person. So the cost makes sense when you’re booking with friends, family, or a small party where you can fill seats.
This charter includes a lot of the stuff that typically adds cost or hassle on fishing trips:
- Fishing tackle
- Live bait
- Breakfast
- Mexican buffet
- Alcoholic beverages
- National open bar
- The professional staffing needed to run a day like this
What’s not included is also clear:
- Fishing licenses
- Private transportation
That last part is important. If you’re staying in a place that requires a drive to the dock, you’ll want to plan how you’ll get there. The tour is listed as near public transportation, but it doesn’t cover a private ride.
My practical advice: treat this as a “pay once and relax” charter for the time you’re on the water. Then separately budget for getting to the meeting point and for any required licenses.
The crew experience: attention, good food, and Karol’s kind of service
A big reason people rate this kind of charter so highly is crew energy. Here, the staff shows up repeatedly in feedback as attentive, fun, and focused on making sure everyone has a good day.
One name comes up strongly: Karol. People specifically call out that Karol made sure everyone had a terrific day and that the whole experience felt top-tier from meeting the crew on the dock. Another common theme is that the group felt taken care of in the moment—like they always had a drink in hand and the food was truly part of the experience, not an afterthought.
There’s also the service angle that matters on fishing days: if you land fish, the charter style includes onboard handling. That’s not just practical—it turns the catch into a shared event instead of a stressful scramble to figure out what happens next.
Weather and cancellations: the one variable you can’t control
This experience depends on good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you like peace of mind, also note the flexibility: you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. That’s useful if you’re booking around other Cabo plans and want room to adjust.
The main practical takeaway: keep your day flexible if you can. Fishing charters don’t like wind and rough seas. If you build in adaptability, you’ll enjoy the day more even if conditions force a change.
Should you book Loveshack for private sport fishing in Cabo?
Yes, I’d book this if you want a private, all-in-one charter that mixes serious fishing gear with real comfort—food, breakfast, and a national open bar included. It’s a strong choice for groups who value their time on the water and want a crew that runs the day with attention.
I wouldn’t book it if:
- You’re traveling as a solo or couple and can’t share the group cost.
- You’re trying to avoid any weather uncertainty. Fishing days can disappoint, and the schedule is weather-dependent.
- You haven’t planned for fishing licenses and getting to the dock.
If you’re in the sweet spot—friends, fishing-minded, and ready for a classic Cabo sea day—this is the kind of charter that can turn into a memory beyond the catch, especially when the crew is on point and the boat feels like the right tool for the job.
FAQ
How long is the private sport fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas?
It lasts about 5 hours.
Where does the charter start from?
The meeting point is L Dock, Centro, Ildefonso Green, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 7:00 am.
What is included in the price?
It includes a Mexican buffet, alcoholic beverages, a national open bar, fishing tackle, and live bait (plus drinks and breakfast are provided as part of the experience).
What is not included?
Fishing licenses and private transportation are not included.
How many people can be on the charter?
The price is listed for up to 15 passengers (with pricing shown as up to 14 in the details). If you have more passengers, you’re asked to contact the provider.
What happens if weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

















