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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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If you’re looking for a beautiful cruise destination to call your own, cruises to Cabo San Lucas should be at the top of your list. You’ll return home with spectacular vacation photos that get all the Likes! Cabo San Lucas makes its home on the Baja California peninsula, the second longest in the world, sitting pretty down at the south end. Tucked between golf courses and desert mountains, Cabo San Lucas straddles two oceans — the calm turquoise Sea of Cortez and the crashing blue Pacific. With 18 pristine miles of coastline connecting your port to colonial San José del Cabo, you get two seaside cities in one on a Cabo San Lucas cruise. But, along with water-based activities like fishing, paddling and swimming, you can also add action — or maximum relaxation — to your itinerary. Cruises to Cabo San Lucas offer a huge variety of things to do, from riding ATVs in the desert to sipping margaritas on the beach. Try one or try it all!

• Paddle past the famous El Arco rock arch on a kayak.
• Sip icy margaritas at a cantina on Playa El Medano.
• Watch whopper marlin and yellowfin tuna in the Sea of Cortez.
• Drive an ATV through the desert to the Candelaria oasis.

Things to do in Cabo San Lucas

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Cabo Cruises – Cabo San Lucas Getaway

Beaches by day and celebrations by night on cruises to cabo.

Say hello to sunny beaches and adventure-filled exploration on a Cabo cruise with Princess®. Dive below the water’s surface to see colorful marine life, or zipline through the canyons to take in the views from above. During an overnight stay in Cabo, shop for artisan crafts by day, then dine beachside by night. With convenient roundtrip travel from Los Angeles, relaxation and adventure is never too far away.

Cruise to Cabo San Lucas port

Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is surrounded by clear waters, sun-kissed beaches and the majestic rock formation, El Arco. While it’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, El Arco is also a haven for sea lions. On a Cabo cruise, sail by catamaran under the famous arch to see these wildlife, and enjoy an afternoon relaxing on the secluded shores of Lover’s Beach.

What to Do on a Cruise to Cabo

On a Cabo cruise with Princess, bring your wildest vacation dreams to life.

Medano Beach

Deep sea fishing, san jose del cabo.

No cruise to Cabo is complete without a trip to El Arco. Separating the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez, this landmark is more than just a rock formation, it’s an emblem of the Baja Peninsula. Travel past El Arco on board a catamaran and look for the sea lions that play nearby. Then make your way to Lover’s Beach and relish in relaxation as you unwind shoreside.

As one of the most popular beaches in Cabo, Medano Beach is an adventurer’s playground. Relax on the golden shores, kayak with loved ones or set out on a parasailing expedition, where you can enjoy views of the shore from above. With plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, Medano Beach is the perfect outing for the entire family during your Cabo cruise.

Reel in endless treasures and memories during your Mexico cruise to Cabo. From marlin and swordfish to tuna and grouper, these waters are home to a wide variety of marine life, making it one of the finest sportfishing destinations in the world. With a local fisherman as your guide, embark on a deep-sea exploration and cast your rod into adventure.

Teeming with charm and character, San Jose del Cabo invites you to step back in time as you tour its colorful streets. With preserved 18th-century architecture, the city still holds true to its Spanish colonial personality. On a Mexico cruise to Cabo, enjoy a scenic car ride from the port to this historical town. Wander along La Plaza, stroll through art galleries and visit the San Jose del Cabo Church.

Cabo excursions

Our shore excursions redefine cruise vacations. Board a pirate ship and sail along the coast to learn about the Riviera’s rich history. Snorkel through the turquoise waters alongside your guide, who can bring you up close to coral reefs and colorful marine life. Or horseback ride along the sun-kissed shores while admiring the beauty and wildlife around you. See the city by land and sea on a cruise to Cabo with Princess.

More ashore

Enjoy every second in Cabo with More Ashore overnight stays. On our 5-day Cabo San Lucas cruise getaways, enjoy two full days in Mexico’s resort city. Sip on a cocktail while watching the sun set over the ocean. Dance the night away in one of the bustling bars. Or taste Mexican street-food — including smoked fish, tacos and chicken tamales — at any of the city’s restaurants.

Ships on this itinerary

Our Princess fleet includes ships that offer a multitude of amenities and feature the innovative MedallionClass™ experience. From a balcony stateroom, take in the sights and sounds of the colorful cultures ashore before enjoying the “sabor” of local cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Cabo San Lucas cruise.

#PrincessCruises Mexico Connections

See Mexico through our guests' eyes.

Mexico Cruises Onboard Experience

Experience the country’s unique character the second you step on the ship with traditional Mexican cuisine, events and activities.

Mariachi and margaritas

Sip, savor and sway to the music with onboard activities that give you a taste of Mexican tradition. Sample tequila while learning about the drink’s history from a local expert, and indulge your taste buds with tacos and fajitas. Or let loose with your loved ones during a mariachi performance, and dance to the lively tune of violins and guitars. On a cruise to Mexico with Princess, activities lie around every corner.

Every reason to celebrate

On select sailings in October and November, discover the region’s heritage with our Mexican Fiesta. Celebrate the Day of the Dead, a holiday to commemorate loved ones who have passed. From face-painting to Aztec flower-making, there are activities for the whole family on a cruise to Mexico. Learn a traditional dance, decorate marzipan skulls and make a skeleton out of pasta. Or watch dancers perform ‘The Procession of the Dead.’

Mexican and Spanish Cuisine

Famous for a reason

Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage and preservation of culinary technique, Mexican and Spanish cuisine is a big part of the region’s culture. Sample the bold flavors and creative combinations for yourself on a cruise to Mexico with Princess. In many of our dining rooms, enjoy Mexican-themed dishes — like ceviche, fajitas and coconut cocadas — for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Mexico Cruise Articles & Videos

Learn more about Mexico before you set sail.

2024-2025 Mexico Cruises

Sailing the Mexican Riviera for more than 50 years.

6 Things to Buy in Mexico Cruise Ports

From coffee and salsa to spirits and artisan goods, discover the best things to buy in Mexico cruise ports when you sail with Princess.

Explore Puerto Vallarta's Hidden Beach: Playa del Amor

Swim your way to seclusion at Puerto Vallarta's hidden beach, Playa del Amor. A romantic, awe-inspiring lagoon awaits after navigating a natural rock cavern.

5 Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Discover 5 things to do in Cabo San Lucas while on a Princess Cruise. Make the most of Cabo San Lucas' pristine landscapes and natural wonders.

See the La Quebrada Cliff Divers

See the La Quebrada cliff divers with Princess Cruises. One of our unique Panama Canal excursions, the Acapulco cliff divers are a famous sight.

Things to Do in Manzanillo, Mexico

Explore things to do in Manzanillo, Mexico with Princess Cruises. The Mexican Riviera has many beauties including Manzanillo, a historic city center.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. The best part is, their services are completely FREE!

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Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes!

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Cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo san lucas shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in cabo san lucas.

Natural Monument

Hidden Coves, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Reachable by water taxi, El Arco ("The Arch") will enchant you. Here, impressive arches naturally formed from rock frame white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters. Snap a pic of the arch, and catch a glimpse of the sea lions that often pop up to get some sun on the rock formations.

Submerge in Love

View of Lovers beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico from the sea

This same water taxi can also drop you off at romantic Playa del Amor — Lover's Beach. Watch the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez crash against the massive eroded granite rocks that rest on the shore.

Creativity Walk

Take a break from the sun and stroll through the old town of San Jose del Cabo, a quick 30 minutes away from Cabo San Lucas. The town's Gallery District is full of small studios where local artists sell their work. Bring your camera to capture the enchanting Spanish colonial architecture of this historic town.

Local Cuisine

Cabo San Lucas' cuisine is as exotic and mesmerizing as its vistas. Cruise to Cabo San Lucas to savor delicious chocolate clams, tamales fajados (chicken tamales) , tamales guemes (pork, raisin and olive tamales), spicy shrimp tacos and their famous comida de pobres (seafood stew). Then wash it all down with clamato, a sweet tomato and clam drink.

Head to San Jose del Cabo for beautiful and varied local handicrafts in places like Silver Moon Gallery, Indian Hands and Curios Carmela. Another great stop during your Cabo San Lucas cruise is La Coyota, an hacienda-turned-shop where you can find embroideries, toys, hand-painted bowls and other types of pottery.

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12 Best Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruises: Fun to Luxury

By: Author Janice and George

Posted on Last updated: April 6, 2024

Categories Activities

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What’s the best way to end a day in Cabo San Lucas ? No question – going on a sunset cruise! 

In fact, it’s one of our favorite water activities in Cabo .

We’re regular visitors to this popular Mexican resort destination, and whenever we head there, we love to try out some of the best Cabo San Lucas sunset cruises. 

Watching the sky turn into shades of orange, pink and yellow as the sun dances over the sea, with an ice-cold cerveza or margarita in hand. Listening to waves lap against the side of the boat. Smelling the scent of salt water in the warm breeze.

Well, it’s simply the ideal way to toast a wonderful vacation day, watch the sunset and make plans for the next great day!

So when doing your Cabo vacation planning , be sure to build in time for one or more of the following sunset cruises.

Quick answer? Best sunset cruise in Cabo

Here are our top 3 picks:

• Shared sailing cruise (You really sail!) – See #1
• Relaxed catamaran cruise (Affordable and fun) – See #5
• Private yacht experience (Luxury private charter) – See #6

What do you see on a sunset cruise in Los Cabos?

Cabo’s sunset cruise boat tours leave from the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Most cruises don’t include hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you usually need to make your own way to the marina.

After cruising out into the Cabo San Lucas Bay, you’ll head for Land’s End. These dramatic rock formations jut out of the water at the place where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll make a short stop in front of the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas – picture time! This three-story-high granite rock arch can only be seen up close from the water. (You can’t walk or drive to it.)

You’ll also get to see (and hear!) the local sea lions that bask on the rocks near the Arch, before continuing on with your evening sailing cruise.

Best sunset cruises in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo’s got you covered when it comes to sunset cruises, with a fleet that’s as varied as your mood.

Choices include everything from dinner cruises and romantic sailing trips to fun party cruises, where you can dance the evening away under the stars.

Vessels also range from small sailboats to large and stable power yachts.

Here are 12 of the best sunset cruises in Cabo San Lucas. Most have been tried and tested by us.

Best Cabo San Lucas sunset cruises

1) Luxury sailing cruise

2) Intimate dinner cruise ( Rissalena )

3) Booze cruise

4) Jazz cruise with wine

5) Relaxed trimaran cruise ( Cabo Blue )

6) Private yacht cruise ( Liberty )

7) Mexican-flavored dinner cruise

8) Pirate ship sunset cruise

9) Luxury dinner cruise

10) Fun fajita cruise

11) Dinner and dancing cruise

12) Casual catamaran cruise

1) True sailing sunset cruise in Cabo

See the sun set from your own private sailboat – well, it feels like your own sailboat for a couple of hours at least!

You’ll sail on an intimate sailing yacht on this Cabo sunset cruise.

On the 44-foot  Espiritu Santi , we lolled about like Romans on plump deck cushions scattered around the bow, as we sipped wine and nibbled on fresh veggies and chicken taquitos.

Pretty decadent!

It’s a quality experience and luxury sunset sailing in Cabo at its best.

Cabo Sails, which offers these small-group sunset sailing cruises, also offers private sunset yacht cruises for small groups of up to 4 people.

Here, your boat isn’t a sailboat but a luxury 42-foot-long sport cruiser.

These private sunset charters are a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.

For a romantic sunset cruise, Cabo Sails can’t be beat!

2) Cabo dinner cruise on the Rissalena

The  Rissalena  offers the best dinner cruise in Cabo San Lucas if you’re looking to balance good food with an affordable price – and you want a relaxing evening out on the water.

We’ve been on the  Rissalena  a couple of times. Laura (the owner/manager) does an excellent job taking guests on dinner cruises on a custom-designed power catamaran.

The size is just right for an intimate experience (maximum 24 guests).

The  Rissalena  is always spotlessly clean, with white leather banquette seating and additional reclining leather seating areas for couples up front.

The music is mellow, perhaps opera in the background as the sun sets. (This isn’t a party boat!)

Dinner is surprisingly very good (considering you’re on a boat) – home-made finger lickin’ barbecued ribs or chicken, healthy fresh salad, guacamole, fresh Mexican fruit, etc.

This is a premium experience and one that consistently gets top reviews year after year, for good reason.

3) Cabo sunset booze cruise

Are you looking for the ultimate sunset party cruise ?

PezGato offers a fun Cabo booze cruise at sunset, and you can’t beat the price.

The reputable tour operator has a few different boats, but their “Cabo Party Cruise” is the one for dancing, unlimited drinks, games and high spirits.

It’s the best booze cruise in Cabo when the sun sets!

And don’t worry about making it back to your hotel.

Bonus: Roundtrip transportation is included in the price.

4) Sunset jazz cruise with food and wine

Sip a glass of wine and nibble on appies as you listen to jazz and take in Cabo’s spectacular sunset aboard the elegant 65-foot Tropicat catamaran (also operated by the PezGato team).

Light bites include fruit skewers, cheese platters and more.

This is a low-key, sophisticated and relaxing sunset cruise in Los Cabos, with a premium open bar and a great jazz playlist.

As with all the sunset cruises in Cabo covered here, you’ll cruise out into the Sea of Cortez to Land’s End at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula.

Roundtrip transportation from your hotel is included in these sunset cruise tours.

5) Relaxed Cabo Blue trimaran cruise

This sunset cruise on the Cabo Blue trimaran gets rave reviews.

Lively music? Check. An open bar where the drinks keep on coming? Double check. Snacks? Oh, yes. The chips with guacamole, Mexican salsa and tuna salad are simple but oh-so-tasty.

The boat’s got everything, including a restroom, plus spots to chill in the sun or shade. The crew are super friendly too.

And of course, the Cabo Blue takes you to one of the best photo spots in Cabo – the Land’s End Arch and Pelican Rock. 

It’s just easy, fun and totally Cabo.

6) Private sunset yacht cruise

If you’re with a group of family members or friends, check out these great private 3-hour sunset cruises offered by Book Now Adventures.

Their modern 40-foot power yacht Liberty accommodates up to 10 people.

It’s ideal for a family birthday celebration, bachelorette party or other occasion where you want a private customizable experience.

(On our most recent Cabo vacation, our family of nine went out on this private yacht for a half-day snorkeling adventure at Chileno Bay – a great trip!)

The Liberty is a beautiful boat and offers some of the best private boat tours in Cabo .

The professional crew are super-attentive and will take as many photos as you want of your group by the Arch. The bar is always open, and fresh-made guacamole and chips are on hand for munchies (chicken fajitas too, if you wish).

If you want to try your hand at a little fishing, just ask in advance – and you could have fresh fish tacos on the boat too!

7) Mexican-flavored sunset cruise on the Cabo Mar

Slip on your dancing shoes (blue suede?) for this dinner-and-dancing Cabo Mar sunset cruise.

It’s not a booze cruise, but a fun 2½-hour Cabo dinner cruise (with a Mexican taco buffet) suitable for couples and families.

Bonus: You’re not likely to get seasick on this Cabo Mar cruise – it’s a double-decker catamaran, 65 feet long and 36 feet wide.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included, along with an unlimited premium bar and soft drinks.

8) Cabo San Lucas sunset cruise on a pirate ship

Yo ho ho and a pirate show! Jump aboard a wooden pirate ship for a pirate-themed sunset cruise .

It’s one of a host of unique Cabo activities you can enjoy!

Of course, you can drink all the grog you want from the unlimited open bar as you venture out into Cabo San Lucas Bay. And you feast on a BBQ ribs-and-chicken dinner too.

The friendly crew, dressed as pirates, put on an acrobatic and dance show for you too, complete with climbing up the ropes of the tall sailing ship.

It’s the best sunset cruise in Cabo if you’re looking for something a bit quirky!

9) Luxury Cabo sunset dinner cruise

If you want to combine watching the sky turn into a beautiful palette of colors with dining on a steak-and-seafood feast – and do all of this in style on a beautiful luxury yacht – this cruise on the Tu Enamorado is the one for you!

First, you’ll be welcomed with a tropical cocktail and antipasti platter. Then, you’ll set sail.

Relax barefoot as you feel the salty breeze of the Pacific Ocean air on deck and watch the sunset, taking in El Arco (Cabo’s famous Arch) and Lover’s Beach among other spots on Cabo’s coastline.

Then it’s time for dinner in the dining room – jumbo shrimp kebabs, beef filet with red wine sauce, organic salads and for dessert, warm crepes with fruit. (Vegan options are available.)

Top-shelf drinks are free-flowing all night.

The price is higher than other Cabo San Lucas dinner cruises. But the experience is also at the upper end of the luxury scale.

10) Cabo sunset fajita cruise

Here’s a Los Cabos sunset cruise with an all-you-can-eat Mexican dinner.

Your dinner (beef or chicken fajitas) is prepared on-deck, and you can nosh on unlimited chips and salsa. Plus, there’s an open bar.

This fun sunset cruise  is more of a party boat than others, but all ages are welcome, so it’s family-friendly.

There’s also an MC with some games for after-dinner entertainment.

11) Sun Rider 100 sunset dinner cruise

We also like this well-reviewed sunset dinner cruise  on the  Sun Rider 100.

For those of you with sensitive tummies (who’d rather have their feet on land than on sea), this is the most stable and best sunset cruise in Cabo San Lucas.

This eco-friendly double-deck catamaran is big and comfy! (She can accommodate 250 passengers and has 9 bathrooms.)

The main deck features a large open space for dancing, a double buffet table and seating for 66 passengers. The open-air upper deck has additional seating and space to dance and mingle.

The 2½-hour sunset cruise includes an open bar and a freshly prepared Mexican buffet for dinner.

12) La Princesa catamaran sunset cruise

For a straightforward sunset cruise , this option is more affordable than most other Cabo dinner cruises and sunset boat trips. 

The price on this 2-hour sunset tour includes a full open bar and some snacks (but you can enjoy dinner in town once you finish if you’re still hungry), and sails to some of the top marine highlights of Cabo. 

Watch sea lions frolicking in the waters as you snap a photo of a spectacular sunset and sip on an ice-cold beer.

There’s no better way to reflect on your vacation!

Although La Princesa cruises include great music, the rap music that’s sometimes played is a little hard on the ears. So bear that in mind if it’s not your thing.

That’s a wrap for the best Cabo sunset cruises!

Taking one of these cruises is a great way to witness the breathtaking Cabo coastline, see the area’s famous sea lion colony and revel in those stunning sunsets.

You share a special experience with your travel companions (or make new friends on board), all while tasting some of Mexico’s best food and drinks.

See you on the water at sunset for a perfect evening!

Planning your trip to Cabo?

Here are our favorite travel resources:

• Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
• Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
• Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide .
• Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
• Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip?

• See our Start here page. It lists everything we’ve written on Cabo.
• Also check our Ultimate Cabo travel guide and our article on Planning a trip to Cabo: Essential tips .

Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!

Photos:  4, 11 © Janice and George Mucalov, Cabo Visitor | 3 Wild Cabo

About the authors

Award-winning travel writers Janice and George Mucalov are frequent visitors to Los Cabos. Here on Cabo Visitor , they share their essential tips for discovering the best of Cabo!

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CABO SAN LUCAS BOAT TOURS

Pirate ships, sunset cruises, snorkeling and more, join our efforts to preserve nature’s gifts..

In an effort to help preserve the beauty of our magnificent destination the National Mexican Government has denominated the area of Cabo San Lucas Bay, including the famous Arch and Medano Beach as a Special Protected Natural Reserve. These are the US equivalent to a National Park designation. As such there is a Flora and Fauna Protection Area Acess fee that must be paid to the Government by anyone taking part of an activity within the area.

A detailed account of this obligation can be found on the official government page:

  Office of Enviroment and Natural Resources (spanish)

To guarantee compliance with this requisite and to make it as simple as possible for you, we have take care of all requirements and integrated them in your check-in, so there is no need to create an account on the official government website or to visit the bank to pay the dues.

We are profoundly grateful for your assistance in ensuring that we maintain a splendid bay for generations to come. Please feel free to approach any member of our staff should you have any queries or suggestions.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and eagerly anticipate having you aboard.

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Sunset Fajita Dinner & Entertainment Cruise

Enjoy an exciting sightseeing cruise of the world-famous Land’s End, a spectacular sunset, and a delicious dinner prepared right on deck.

• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Sunset Yacht & Dinner Cruise- Tu Enamorado

Enjoy an Adults only exciting sightseeing sail of the world-famous Land’s End, a spectacular sunset, with a high end dinner and premium open bar on our beautiful yacht!

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• Hour Glass 2.25 Hours

Yo Ho Ho Sunset Dinner & Pirate Show Cruise

Hop aboard our wooden pirate ship and take part in our hands-on pirate adventure.

Luxury Sunset Dinner – Cabo Wave

Enjoy an exciting sightseeing cruise of the world-famous Land’s End, a spectacular sunset, with a great dinner and  open bar. DJ & MC keep you entretained while visiting the World Famous Land’s End and Cruise Los Cabos Bay.

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Yo Ho Show (Buccaneer Queen)

See the most beautiful sights in Cabo San Lucas illuminated by the magnificent sunset.

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Snorkel Fun with Lunch

Visit Cabo’s world-famous Arch, explore the incredible marine life of the Sea of Cortez, and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared on board.

Treasure Hunt Guided Snorkel & Lunch Pirate Tour

Cruise back in time aboard our pirate sailboat, learn about Cabo’s history, and spend quality time with tropical fish.

Land´s End Paddle Boarding Tour

Visit Cabo’s world-famous Arch at Land’s End with our certified paddle board guide and enjoy the sun rising on the horizon all while paddle boarding on the Sea of Cortez. Afterwards have a hearty breakfast at our restaurant La Terminal on the marina.

Whale Watching with Breakfast

Get up close to Cabo’s whales and enjoy a fresh breakfast!

Thar She Blows! (Buccaneer Queen)

Join us on a quest across the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez to find the Kraken!

Tu Enamorado Cruise

Sail into the sunset on board Tu Enamorado, a beautifully crafted boat of unsurpassed quality, comfort, and performance.

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Featured Activities

World famous sunset fajitas, go snorkeling, party boats & cruises, plan your wild cabo experience, endless cabo experiences with wild cabo tours.

Wild Cabo Tours is a leading tour agency in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and Loreto, Baja California Sur. We offer a wide variety of public boat tours and private charters, all planned and executed by our team of young, dynamic, and professional staff. We are committed to providing our guests with the best possible experience, and we keep our prices competitive without ever compromising quality.

Our team has a deep understanding of the local area and its attractions, and we are passionate about sharing that knowledge with our guests. We work directly with local partners to ensure that our tours are of the highest quality, and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance our guests’ experiences.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventurous exploration of the local coastline, Wild Cabo Tours can help you create a memorable experience. Contact us today to learn more about our tours and to book your next adventure.

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ASK ABOUT OUR PRIVATE CHARTERS

Wild Cabo Tours offers private boat charters in Cabo San Lucas. Our fleet includes catamarans, yachts, and pirate ships, and we can customize our packages to fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise or a day of fishing with friends, we have the perfect charter for you.

Our private boat charters are the perfect way to experience the beauty of Cabo San Lucas. With no other guests on board, you’ll have the entire boat to yourself. Relax on the deck, swim in the ocean, or go snorkeling and fishing. We’ll provide everything you need for a perfect day on the water.

Book your private boat charter today and experience the beauty of Cabo San Lucas with Wild Cabo Tours.

OUR CUSTOMERS COME FIRST

We are customer service-oriented, and all our crew members are trained to provide only the best service. We bring you an awe-inspiring experience, be it on any of our sightseeing cruises or a private charter, including fresh meals prepared by a first-class chef on board all of our vessels. Our oath as pirates on Cabo Legend is to please our guests – an oath taken by all deckhands, corsairs, wenches, and captains aboard. No wish too big, no desire too small.

TOP RATED BOAT TOURS IN CABO SAN LUCAS

"My wife and I went out with another couple and we had an awesome fun. The crew works very hard and is super attentive couldn’t ask for harder working people. The snorkeling was also fun. A bit crowded as there were a lot of people on the boat but would do it again. The taco lunch with rice and beans was delicious also."

"I’m big on service and this cruise has it down. Great staff with exceptional service. Food was good, entertainment was fun and the snorkeling was enjoyable. We booked the lunch snorkeling cruise. They were very attentive to all of the snorkelers and their safety. I highly recommend it."

"Hector and Luigi made the planning process simple and easy and gave us the opportunity to customize the event to our preferences as much as possible beforehand. The transportation was timely and the entire staff was friendly and accommodating."

"In a hectic and lively Cabo, this was a beautiful respite for enjoying the true beauty there. Amazing crew, some of the best food we had there, and top-shelf drinks all included. Skip the party barges, spend the extra money it is more than worth it!!!"

"The music from the dj set the perfect tone for both romance and fun. I looked at many dinner cruise options and got pricing before making a decision. This was as much as 40% cheaper than some similar excursions. There is no way the more expensive ones could have been better. Thank you Wild Cabo Tours for giving our daughter, son-in-law, and guests a night to remember forever!"

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Cruise Los Cabos Land's End in

Luxury. adventure. fun., why cruise with pelican cabo boat charters.

Pelican Cabo boat charters are luxury and privacy on a floating island. It’s for couples, friends, families and groups looking to celebrate and create special moments. Now is the time to have us customize a unique memorable experience. Enjoy Cabo San Lucas on your own private Pelican charter cruise – whether it’s for a romantic experience, family adventure, birthday celebration, sales meeting, corporate retreat, guys or gals getaway, bachelor or bachelorette party, proposal or wedding, sunset cruise, or wellness retreat. Pelican Cabo is like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

Private Beach Club on the Water

A veritable posh and private floating island. Explore Baja's spectacular coast, Lover’s Beach and The Arch in private, without noisy crowds.

Expect the Finer Things

Enjoy luxurious and comfortable furnishings, drinks, food, state-of-the-art sound system, and two private washrooms.

Full Food and Beverage Menu

Produce is organic and locally sourced. Fresh fish comes from the Pacific Ocean & Sea of Cortez. We serve only the highest quality meats.

The Perfect Instagram Selfie

Pelican Cabo offers a full array of water sport activities for your use. Enjoy snorkling, our floating mats, paddle boards, and more!

morning, afternoon, and sunset sessions

Choose your cabo charter experience.

Starting at $1,700

2 and 3.5 hour private boat charters.

Explore Baja’s spectacular coast, Lover’s Beach and The Arch on our maiden vessel, the Pelican Cabo. At 55 feet in length, the Pelican Cabo shows off with a wide range of water activities and attractively furnished upper and lower decks to explore Cabo in comfort and style. Our chef will prepare your requested menu with a perfect cocktail pairing by our mixologist. The Pelican’s state-of-the-art sound system provides the vibe, while our attentive and professional service staff surpassed your guests expectations.

We offer 2 and 3.5 hour private charter experiences, able to accommodate up to 45 guests. Longer charters may be available to meet your event needs.

Starting at $3,000

2, 3, 4 and 5 hour private boat charters.

The refined and sophisticated ultramodern Pelican 17 has arrived. Newest to our fleet, the P17 is a 110 foot in length. The unique design features include a covered lounge with bar seating, two second deck plunge pools boasting a stunning view with a below deck suite and changing rooms to suit any occasion. Our on board chef will design and create a specialized menu to impress your guests pallets, while our on mixologist presents craft cocktails designed to reflect your personal taste and style. Discover the definitive lifestyle expression on board Pelican 17 and treat yourself and your guests to luxury.

We offer 2, 3, 4 or 5 hour private charters experiences on the Pelican 17, able to accommodate up to 80 guests. Longer charters may be available to meet your event needs.

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Are you planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas? Have you already been part of the Pelican Cabo experience? Just hashtag your photos with #pelicancabo and they just might end up on our feed.

Read Reviews

The Pelican Brief

Tying the Knot on the High Seas: Luxury Vessel Weddings in Los Cabos

Navigating Luxury: The Ultimate Yacht Experience and Water Activities in Los Cabos

Land and Sea in San José del Cabo

Cabo San Lucas Holiday Events Calendar

Cabo Sailing Ocean Adventures

Luxury yachts & sailing rentals in cabo san lucas, mexico.

Welcome Aboard! Our dedicated crew is committed to exceed your expectations from this moment on. We invite you to choose either your desired boat or desired cruise below.

CHOOSE YOUR Cabo boat Tour EXPERIENCE

Private 42' yacht.

• 1-4 pax: $1,230   $1,045.5 USD
• Adult: $90 $76.5 USD   Child: $45 $38.3 USD
• 3 hour cruise / Cap. 18 guests.
• Enjoy Cabo San Lucas on a luxurious 42 feet Sundancer yacht. With a large padded cabin-top cushions and a shaded cockpit, this luxury sport cruiser will accommodate you with style while enjoying snorkeling or sunset cruise in Cabo San Lucas.

Private 45' luxury yacht

• 1-4 pax: $1,540   $1,309 USD
• 3 hour cruise / Cap. 12 guests.
• Experience a truly modern & luxurious yacht. Our 45' is a perfect combination of a comfortable and stylish yacht with all the amenities you need for a fun and memorable time on the water.

Private 46' yacht

• 1-4 pax: $1,540    $1,309 USD
• Adult: $90 $76.5 USD   Child: $45 $38.3 USD  
• 3 hour cruise / Cap. 20 guests.
• Our top notch 46' luxury yachts are wide and spacious holding all the amenities needed for a truly magnificent day! Enjoy Los Cabos snorkeling sites and awing sunsets.

Shared Snorkeling or Sunset Sailing

• Adult: $105   $89.25 USD  / Child: $52.5   $44.6 USD
• 3 hours Snorkeling & 2 hours Sunset cruise.
• Cap. 14 guests.
• Explore the sparkling turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez on this sightseeing snorkel adventure or romantic Sunset Cruise of Los Cabos’ Land’s End Arch!

Private 38' Sailing

• 1-4 pax: $750   $637.5 USD
• Sail Cabo San Lucas on a beautiful private 38 feet sailing boat and snorkel in tropical waters alongside colorful sea life.

Private 42' Sailing

• 1-4 pax: $990   $841.5 USD
• 3 hour cruise / Cap. 14 guests.
• Out two 42' luxury sailing boats await for a fun day on the water. Great snorkeling at Cabo San Lucas bay and a relaxed sailing admiring a colorful sunset.

We operate high-end luxury yachts and sailboats for our Cabo boat tours. All vessels were lightly customised for our Cabo boat charters which includes padded lounging areas, wide shaded areas and other luxury amenities to make your experience safe, fun, and comfortable.

Our Most Popular Activities

Cabo Snorkeling

Smooth sailing. Beautiful snorkeling.

Cabo Sunset Cruise

Relaxed sailing. Breathtaking sunsets.

Cruise Ship Guests

Sailing adventure. life-time memories.

Cabo Whale Watching

Unbelievable experience Humpback whales.

Special Offers!

Cabo Sailing offers vacation deals when booking your sailing & motor yachts online. Don’t miss out on these savings!

Cabo Scuba Diving

Discovering the underwater wonders.

Cabo Sailing offers both shared (public) and private daily sailing and yacht adventures that consistently exceed expectations.

Limited time offer: 25% off, enjoy before – december 19.

Use SUMMER24  code to redeem at checkout.

Calls within MEXICO:

+52 624 143 8485

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1 800 209 1669

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The best experience in Cabo san lucas

With over 50 years offering tours in Mexico, the Caborey has firmly established its reputation for quality, safety, and fun.

PREMIER SUNSET DINNER & SHOW

Enjoy an upscale dinner at the best tour in Los Cabos.

Sunset Mexican Dinner

Enjoy a sunset Mexican dinner. Experience the best tour in Los Cabos.

Get your camera ready! The Caborey’s Sunset Mexican Dinner provides an excellent view of Cabo’s most breathtaking sites including the famed “El Arco”, Land’s End, the Sea Lion Colony, Lover’s Beach, the pirate’s cave and more from the upper deck of our luxurious catamaran, the largest and best-equipped in Los Cabos.

Enjoy live music while enjoying your meal and sightseeing from one of Cabo’s most beloved local bands.

CABO BOATS AND DAY CRUISES

Take a day cruise on the Sea of Cortez in Cabo San Lucas and enjoy the all-year sunshine, snorkeling, free-flowing booze, and lots of fun on the warm water of the Baja. We have boat tours to fit everyone's taste - from the ultra-luxury to the smooth-sailing La Princesa. We have the Pirate Ship for the whole family, presenting a fun pirate show, and the Jungle Booze Cruise that is wild and crazy fun.  Don't miss the wild and fun rafting tours for something exhilarating, fun, and totally different!

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Pirate Cruise Ahoy! Fun & Adventures for all

'tis our story.

Buccaneer Queen, a boat, a legend, is a pirate ship built in 1968, is the first of only two Pirate cruise themed boats sailing around the Los Cabos Bay Area giving tours to visitors and locals alike for more than 10 years. Go pass the famous Cabo San Lucas Arch, Lovers Beach, visit Chileno Bay and the coral reefs, fall in love with the marvelous sunset at the Pacific Ocean. We provide a real pirate experience in every inch of this spectacular 86 foot long wooden ship. This boat was built in 1968 in Coronado California, born as an exact dummy of an ancient galleon that sailed to different waters many years ago, manned by bloodthirsty buccaneers in search of merchant ships filled with treasures which were intercepted and subjected these fortune hunters. Cabo Legend is a 95ft long frigate always hunting for the next booty. A spacious deck between its two masts afford a comfortable ride to the secluded bays where snorkeling becomes an unforgetable escapade. When it's time to cast off the morning lines and get underway, we make our way through the harbor your naturalist will point out the historic buildings and landmarks of Cabo and tell some of talk of some of the maritime lore surrounding this world famous seaport. On whale season we'll present what we hope will be picture perfect encounters with those gentle giants.

Buccaneer Queen has also served as stage for many commercial spots and in 1995 made the debut in Hollywood in the movie “Cutthroat island” starring actress Geena Davis in which some areas are used to film the ship on deck and saloon. In 2001 having already landfall in Baja California Sur, Cabo San Lucas by tradition hiding many pirates like Francis Drake and Thomas Cavendish in 1560 and 1600 becomes a great attraction of the destination a ship full of history and magic. Today everyone can enjoy this legendary vessel and its entertaining tours that everyday we offer our visitors, true adventures of which you can be the protagonist. Come and feel the spirit of those scary characters to their misdeeds, where the famous arch of Cabo San Lucas served as a reference point to divide the sea of Cortes and Pacific Sea, Routes preferred by those who wrote the story tip thunderous sword and guns. With three differnt boat rides every day of the year; Cabo Pirates takes you to Whle watching (in season), Award winning Snorkeling Cruise to beautiful coves on the Sea of Cortes shores, breathtaking sunsets with our daredevils in the Only Pirate Show in Cabo. On selected nights we go out after the sunset for a night of loud partying on the sea, start your Wild night in an unforgetable evening aboard our unique vessels.

Thar She Blows

Treasure hunt, save a spot, pirate party, tickets here.

Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Rum, Beer, Assorted Juices, Rum, Soft Drinks, Rum and Bottled Water. Did we mention rum?

Delicious breakfast, burritos for lunch and our famous BBQ for Dinner Show

Amazing Show

Enjoy the merry adventures of our band of scallywags, landlubbers watch in awe as our shows are underway.

Snorkeling Tours - For every paying adult 1 Child is Free, direct at Checkout

The Festival of Lights is comming December 20th

Use Code WEBSAV01 for a 10% discount at checkout here!

Beautiful experience! We had so much fun as a family and my little one enjoyed it as well. All the staff on board were very accommodating and attentive to what we needed. The trip includes a closer look at El Arco to take pictures, you have a chance to snorkel, dance, hang out on the ship and th food and drink are also included, which is a big plus with little kids. The food was good for being on a pirate ship and the drinks we had were really good too, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. As someone mentioned before, they do sell pictures on board if you would like to purchase them, but its optional and the gentleman taking the photos did not seem upset when people on board would decline to purchase.All the "pirates" were amazing in taking care of us on board and I would definitely go on the Buccaneer Queen again when visiting Cabo.

Long Beach, Ca, USA

Amazing experience! Open bar, food was delicious and the performance was unreal. Vegas quality show, the gymnastics, acrobatics and combination of dance made this a performance I would like to see again.

Tainan City, Taiwan

Picture Perfect

Our proud ladies, finger licking good, yo ho show acrobatics, snorkeling at the bay, whale watching in cabo, the buccaneer queen, to hear from you.

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Sunset Cruise

Fishing Cruise

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Yacht Tours - Snorkeling, Fishing and Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas

Private Boat Tours Cabo San Lucas

Private Cruise

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Promo Cruise

Sunset yatch

Tamara Houle García

Prívate sunset Yatch

Donna Losada

Great Experience!

If you are considering booking, just do it. We have booked catamarans, sport boats, and done public charters as well and nothing compares to this. There were 6 of us and they treated us like celebrities. We went out – they had snacks guacamole & salsa. Drinks were made for us the whole time. Even when our drink started to get empty or maybe the ice started to melt, there they were to fill them up! It was a long fun day and worth every penny! The boat is also incredibly nice. Like I didn’t see one blemish on the whole thing. It was gorgeous! Thank you all so much for showing us such a fantastic time!

Read Full Review Here

Best way to spend an anniversary!

Holly Jackson

Exceeded Expectations

Whale watching

Fishing in cabo.

A Carnival Cruise Line ship responded to a call from the U.S. Coast Guard and rescued 25 people stranded in a small boat off the coast of Mexico, the company announced Saturday.

The 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance had left Long Beach, California, on Friday and was heading toward Ensenada Mexico for a three-day sailing when the cruise ship's officers were informed by the Coast Guard "about a distress call involving a small vessel," a news release said.

The ship immediately routed toward the location of the vessel, provided by the USCG, and "quickly" rescued all 25 people on board, including three children, the company said.

The U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

The rescued group was welcomed onto the cruise ship and given food, water, and medical assistance. Carnival coordinated with the Coast Guard to hand off the group.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The incident did not disrupt the Carnival Radiance's schedule, the company announced.

A roller coaster in the ocean: What Carnival Cruise Line's BOLT ride is like

Another Carnival ship rescued a group of 28 Cuban nationals stuck at sea as it was sailing the Caribbean and saw people signaling for help in late April. The cruise ship was headed from Tampa, Florida, to Roatan in Honduras at the time. Also last month, a Celebrity Cruises ship sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to multiple destinations in the Caribbean rescued a small vessel adrift between Mexico and Cuba.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]

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Teenager Leaves Parents on Caribbean Island to Get Back to Cruise on Time: 'They Missed the Departure. By a Lot'

The teen writes that their parents were "busy shopping and bargaining with the locals" while their cruise ship was getting ready to leave port

A recent high school graduate is going viral after sharing that they left their parents on a Caribbean island so they could get back to a cruise on time — and the parents missed the boat.

In a post shared to Reddit , the teenager says that their parents recently gifted them a family cruise in honor of turning 18 and graduating high school.

Anticipating that their parents might not be able to stick to the planned nature of a cruise, they write that they told them "that if we went on excursions we had to follow the schedule no matter what."

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

"Well it was a week-long cruise and they would not head back to the ship when I said it was time to go," the teen writes. "They were busy shopping and bargaining with the locals. I finally said that I was heading back to the ship. My mom waved me off."

Ultimately, the teen adds, "The missed the departure. By a lot. Like 45 minutes."

"They got ahold of me through WhatsApp. They wanted to know why I didn't get the boat to wait for them," the teen writes.

David Sacks/Getty

The teen adds that they "wanted to scream" at their parents "that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was."

"They ended up having to fly to the next port from there and it was expensive," the teen writes. "They are pissed at me for leaving them behind."

Braun S/Getty

Adding that their parents are now "making me miserable because I left without them," the teen pleads with the internet to ask if they were in the wrong.

By and large, commenters on Reddit side with the teen.

As one person wrote, cruise ships adhere to a strict schedule, and they won't remain at the dock for people to spend more time shopping.

"The docks and ship have a schedule to keep," the commenter wrote. "They are adults and need to be responsible for getting back on time. Which is something you have figured out in less than six months of being an adult. At least you don’t have to go on any more vacations with them after this."

Other commenters chided the parents for expecting the ship to wait for them, with one writing, "Do they think if they arrive late to the airport the plane will wait around for a couple hours? This is not rocket science. It's a mode of transport, you get there on time."

Still others offered a more straightforward assessment of the parents' behavior, writing, "Sounds like [the original poster] is the adult and the parents are the two kids."

Related Articles

What It's Like to Go on a Cruise in West Africa

I n the elusive Bissagos (also known as Bijagos) archipelago, off the small, less-visited Guinea-Bissau, the wildlife superstars are saltwater hippos. While hiking some six miles on sand and dirt trails, including through grasses as high as my eye, to see them, I nearly ran into a crocodile hiding in the bush.

As startling as it was at the time, I had come on a new four-country HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) cruise in West Africa for intrepid travel. My goal was not so much wildlife but the opportunity to visit remote villages in the Bissagos, where people live a deeply spiritual life connected to nature.

Some noncruisers may scoff at the word cruise , envisioning tourists dillydallying in hot tubs, sipping rum drinks. But HX took an expedition-cruise–style approach in creating this 13-night itinerary-and it would be extremely challenging to combine visits to Senegal, the Republic of Cabo Verde (also known as Cape Verde), the Bissagos Islands, and Gambia by any other form of travel. While on the 150-passenger MS Spitsbergen earlier this year, I did indulge in drinks such as a Coco Loco cocktail, a combination of rum and coconut milk served in a coconut, and there were hot tubs, but there was a real sense of adventure as well.

The 108 passengers on board ranged in age from those in their twenties to octogenarians and hailed from countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany (with translations available for the German contingent). I was traveling with my 23-year-old niece, Sasha. Eight expedition team members-scientists and other experts more versed in the Arctic and Antarctica (places where expedition ships such as this more typically sail) than in West Africa-organized outings like water landings off Zodiac boats in the Bissagos, during which we had to disembark into and trudge through shallow water to get ashore, protecting our ankles with scuba water shoes in case any baby stingrays happened by (they didn't).

The itinerary started with a hotel night in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, and a preboarding visit via ferry to the island of Gorée, once the largest slave-trading center on the African coast. (With added-on excursions, we could visit a total of three sites related to the slave trade on this trip-the others on Santiago Island in Cape Verde and in Gambia-but, sadly, the gravity of these sites needed much more time and in-depth explanations than we were provided.)

After departing Senegal, we cruised some 400 miles west to Cape Verde, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975. While Cape Verde is definitely not undiscovered, it has certainly been less discovered by visitors-you can fly there, but places like the Canary Islands with their fancy resorts are more popular. With its laid-back vibe and stunning mountains, green valleys, and gorgeous ocean scenery, Cape Verde reminded me of the old Caribbean (circa the 1970s).

On three Cape Verde islands in three days, we had a choice of complimentary city tours and scenic drives or for-a-fee tours with extras such as hiking with local guides. A standout was on Fogo, exploring the six-by-four-mile crater where people live in a harsh black-rock landscape that looks like another planet, near a volcano that last erupted in 2014.

From there, it was off to Bissagos for four days, before a day in Gambia and disembarking back in Dakar.

The beauty and complexity of the remote Bissagos

The islands of Bissagos were formed from the ancient delta of two rivers and are subject to drastic changes in wind and tides. In the dry season, at times we had less than 33 feet below the ship and the captain relied on sonar to navigate safely. The 88 islands (only a quarter are occupied) encompass some 5,000 square miles, starting about 35 miles from mainland Guinea-Bissau. You can get to the Bissagos in small wooden boats, but few do-visitor numbers are in the hundreds not thousands.

The archipelago is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , recognized for its mangroves, savannas, palm groves, and tropical forests. In addition to the hippos and crocodiles, green turtles come to nest here, and stopping by are such migratory birds as flamingos.

As we approached for a four-day visit, joining the ship was our cultural interpreter, Sonia Marques-Durris, originally from Portugal, with her husband, Laurent, their toddler, and nanny. A well-known French fisherman, Laurent has lived in the Bissagos for 27 years, and Sonia for 13. They own Kere Island, which they purchased from locals and is home to their six-room eco-friendly fishing hotel . In the process of establishing themselves within the community, they were initiated into a village through ritual and ceremonies.

Sonia is among a very small number of trained guides in the region. During shipboard lectures, she did her best to explain a complicated culture, where women play an important role in civic life and ceremonies. The Bissajans believe their islands are inhabited by spirits and that souls can't reach the afterlife without the help of the living, with women having the power to be possessed.

Some accounts claim the society is matriarchal. Sonia disputed this and on Kere Island, I sat down with Juliette Gomes, 33, a single mother of two who was laundering hotel linens by hand. When I asked through an interpreter if the society is run by women, she scoffed. "Men are in charge," she declared.

The highlight of the cruise for me was the third day when we visited two villages and interacted with locals. The population of the Bissagos is not indigenous but descended from people who fled Male centuries ago. Today, people continue to live a traditional lifestyle in villages made up of adobe huts, most with grass roofs, connected by dirt paths and surrounded by old-growth trees, with a central square for ceremonies-and more isolated areas for initiations involving scarification. There's no electricity, except for generators or solar panels at schools and, in some villages, a disco. Cooking takes place outside. The elders decide on the use of natural resources once they consult with spirits.

Sonia says villagers interact with the outside world-they can take small wooden boats to the mainland in less than two hours, and some do leave for work or for education-but most choose not to.

With villagers speaking Portuguese Creole, passengers communicated with them mostly nonverbally. Cameras and smartphones were a point of connection. We took photos and they asked to see them. Kids greeted us on the beach on Carache Island, where Sasha also communicated through cartwheels and dancing, which the kids mimicked, everyone giggling.

Cashews are Guinea-Bissau's main export and we passed cashew trees on the way to Sonia's initiation village, arriving to the sounds and sight of men rhythmically pounding palm in a metal barrel to make palm oil, which is used for cooking, winemaking, and in ceremonies. Women working over boiling pots, another stage of production, got up and did an impromptu dance, their grass skirts, or bark skirts for elders, covering colorful cotton dresses. Kids followed us around town.

In Anipoco on Caravela Island, young boys fought to hold my hand and girls followed Sasha's every move, as we toured the village before gathering for a vigorous drumming and dance display, grass-skirted man dancing to mimic cows, which are held sacred. The performance ended abruptly when one dancer passed out. An evil spirit was to blame, we were told. Sonia later reported the man was OK.

Our fourth and final day in Bissagos was spent at Sonia and Laurent's property, complete with a white-sand beach, open bar, crepes as snacks, and the only opportunity to buy some souvenirs.

In some ways it felt like a cruise line private island experience, but on a markedly more adventurous itinerary in a place much harder to reach.

During our day in Gambia, we opted for a "Roots" shore excursion, inspired by the Alex Haley book, that to my mind raised more questions about the slave trade than answers. But the trip was worth it for the opportunity to cross the Gambia River in a crowded local passenger ferry complete with vendors selling everything from food to electrical cords, men and women in colorful attire, a live goat or two, and some locals who were happy to strike up conversations.

We disembarked back in Dakar, with a least some insight into West Africa and more to study.

Our nearly two-week itinerary included several sea days, and HX Epeditions' MS Spitsbergen , a former ferry completely reconfigured into an expedition ship in 2016, proved a very comfortable and delightfully unfussy venue for sailing. You could dress casual for dinner and there was the easy comradery that comes naturally on a small ship with open-seating buffet meals and late nights spent in the den-like Explorer Lounge, conversing over drinks. A highlight one evening was a crew rock band performing on deck, with many guests, and even the captain, inspired to dance.

Joining the 84-person crew for the West Africa route was affable chef Koffi Gassan from Togo, who gave lectures and cooking classes and prepared such West African dishes as Senegalese Chicken Yassa, consisting of chicken and caramelized onions; jollof rice (a one-pot dish with rice, tomatoes, chiles, and meat); and hot pepper soup. "This is my big dream my whole life to show my talents to the whole world," he told me.

Like the rest of the ship, cabins are done up in appealing Scandinavian furnishings and cleverly designed to make optimum use of space. There are six categories, from tight 96-square-foot inside cabins (without windows) to a two-room, 355-square-foot Owner's Suite (it sleeps four with a sofa bed) that comes with a balcony. Windowed Arctic Superior cabins are a nice middle ground, but if you suffer from motion sickness you may want to avoid the ones on the upper decks toward the front of the ship, where you may feel more movement.

In addition to a small gym, the MS Spitsbergen has an ocean-view sauna and two outdoor hot tubs. Loungers on the top deck are available for those who want to relax in the sun.

How to cruise in West Africa

After five West Africa sailings, culminating in January, HX will not be back this fall as planned due to concerns over political unrest in areas of West Africa. For now, the cruise line is calling it a "pause," not quite ready to completely abandon the route. Travelers who are interested in the itinerary should check in with the line in the coming weeks and months to see if the West Africa sailings will start back up. This season's 13-day West Africa cruises began at about $7,000 per person. French cruise line Ponant and ultra-luxe line Silversea are among the other cruise companies with springtime visits to the Bissagos and Cape Verde slated for this year and next.