The Yacht Day Checklist

Hola.

Your yacht day is booked. Now here is everything you need to know so you can show up relaxed and ready instead of scrambling at the marina.

What to Bring

This list is shorter than you think.

The essentials:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50. Reapply every hour. The Cabo sun is no joke.)
• Sunglasses with a croakie or strap (they will end up in the ocean otherwise)
• Waterproof phone case (the $15 kind works fine)
• Cash for tips (15 to 20 percent of the charter cost, given to the captain)

Nice to have:

• A light coverup for when you've had enough sun
• A hair tie or hat
• Dramamine (take it 30 minutes before if you're even slightly worried)
• A small Bluetooth speaker as a backup (most boats have great systems, but just in case)

Do not bring:

• Coolers (open bar is included)
• Food (they've got it covered)
• Glass bottles (safety rule on every yacht)
• Hard-soled shoes (barefoot or soft soles only on deck)
• Stress about timing (the crew handles everything)

What's Already on the Boat

Every reputable charter yacht in Cabo includes:

• Open bar with beer, tequila, rum, vodka, mixers, sodas, and water
• Fresh food. Ceviche, guacamole, fruit platters, chips, sometimes more
• Snorkeling equipment. Masks, snorkels, fins in all sizes
• Towels
• Ice (unlimited)
• Sound system with Bluetooth
• Shade canopies or covered areas
• Life jackets (required by law to be onboard)

Some larger yachts add paddleboards, floating mats, kayaks, and fishing gear. Ask when you book.

What to Wear

Keep it simple. Swimsuit on, lightweight clothes over the top. You'll strip down within five minutes of leaving the marina.

For women: swimsuit, coverup dress or shorts, sandals you can kick off. No wedges or heels.

For men: board shorts, a breathable shirt, sandals or slides.

The dock at Cabo San Lucas Marina is an easy walk from most downtown hotels. If you're staying in the Golden Corridor or Palmilla area, we can arrange transportation to the marina.

Timeline of a Typical Charter

30 minutes before: Arrive at the marina. The crew will be prepping the boat. Find your dock number (we send this the night before).

Departure: Board, safety briefing (quick), and you're off. Drinks start immediately.

First 30 minutes: Cruise out of the marina, past Medano Beach, toward Land's End. This is when the stress melts away.

Hour 1 to 2: Anchor at Pelican Rock or a sheltered cove. Snorkel, swim, float. The crew keeps food and drinks coming.

Hour 2 to 3: Cruise along the coastline. Pass Lover's Beach and El Arco. If it's an afternoon charter, this is sunset time.

Return: Pull back into the marina. Tip the crew, walk off the boat, and go straight to dinner with a tan and a story.

Pro Tips From the Locals

Take Dramamine proactively. Even if you've never been seasick, the first time on a boat after a night of tequila can surprise you.

Book the morning. We'll say it every time. Water is calmer, sun is kinder, and the crew is fresh.

Don't fill your schedule. Yacht day should be the main event. Dinner after, nothing before.

Tell the crew about celebrations. Birthdays, engagements, anniversaries. They'll go out of their way to make it special.

Planning Your Trip?

We handle everything from boat selection to dock directions. Let our concierge take care of it.

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