Exclusive Phantom II Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

The best part of this Cabo San Lucas fishing trip comes early: the Phantom II cruises past the Arch of Cabo San Lucas before heading toward the fishing grounds. Within about 20 to 30 minutes, you can be ready to cast a line, with the dramatic coast behind you and open water ahead.

I like two things here. First, the boat is private for your group of up to eight, so you are not sharing the day with strangers. Second, the crew can keep the action moving, as Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier did on one outing that produced six bonita and four marlin. The main drawback is practical: the fishing license for one person and crew gratuity cost extra, and hotel transportation is not clearly included.

Key points to know

• The Arch is part of the outing: You pass Cabo’s signature rock formation on the way to the fishing grounds.
• You reach the fishing area quickly: The trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes each way, leaving most of the five-hour outing for fishing.
• The boat is private: Your group alone participates, with space for up to eight people.
• Marlin are generally released: Marlin and sailfish are handled under a catch-and-release policy unless you want one as a trophy.
• The crew has earned strong praise: Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier are named as the crew members who worked hard to chase marlin and give everyone a chance.
• Plan your morning carefully: The meeting point is East Dock E in the Cabo San Lucas Marina, and you should not assume hotel pickup is part of the price.

Leaving East Dock E in Cabo San Lucas

The Phantom II departs from East Dock E at the Cabo San Lucas Marina. You return to this same meeting point at the end of the trip, so the day is simple from a navigation point of view once you reach the dock.

The experience lasts about five hours. That gives you enough time to reach the fishing grounds, spend the main part of the outing with lines in the water, and return to shore without committing to a full day at sea. If you want a longer fishing session, note that one reported outing lasted eight hours, but the standard experience described here is five hours.

The start time is listed as 7 a.m. One useful tip is to arrive before 6 a.m. if you want the earliest possible start. That early arrival advice comes from a fishing day when getting out promptly mattered. Confirm your exact meeting instructions before departure, especially if you are staying outside the marina area.

The marina is near public transportation, but hotel pickup is not confirmed as part of this experience. There was confusion over the wording of transportation, including whether it meant round-trip or ground transportation. I would arrange your own way to East Dock E unless the provider gives you a clear, direct confirmation.

Passing the Arch before the lines go out

The first stop is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the famous rock formation at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. You do not need to book a separate sightseeing cruise to see it during this outing. The Phantom II passes through the area as part of the route toward the fishing grounds.

This is more than a quick photo opportunity. The Arch gives the trip a clear sense of place before the fishing begins. You get coastal views, a memorable first look at Cabo from the water, and a chance to settle into the boat before the crew focuses on the fishing.

The stop is not a long shore visit. You remain aboard, and the day is built around fishing rather than sightseeing. If your main goal is to spend time at the Arch, a sightseeing cruise may offer more attention there. If you want fishing first with a famous Cabo view included, this route makes good use of the opening part of the morning.

Reaching the fishing grounds in 20 to 30 minutes

After the Arch, the Phantom II heads toward the fishing grounds. The ride takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, which is a useful detail when you are deciding between a short fishing trip and a longer charter.

Once you arrive, the crew sets up the professional fishing gear and outriggers. Lifejackets are provided, and the bilingual crew can assist during the outing. The exact catch depends on conditions and luck, so you should treat the listed species as possibilities rather than promises.

The attraction is variety. You may fish for bonita and other species, while marlin and sailfish bring a more serious sportfishing element. A successful outing described with this charter produced six bonita for eating and four marlin. That is an unusually productive day, so it should not be used as a guarantee, but it does show the kind of mixed catch the boat can pursue.

The outing is active rather than purely scenic. On the productive day, the crew worked to chase marlin and keep everyone involved. If several people in your group want a chance to catch something, tell the crew early. That helps them understand whether your priority is food fish, billfish, photos, or simply time on the water.

Fishing with Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier

Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier are the crew members named for the outing with multiple marlin. The crew chased the fish to create more chances for the people aboard, which matters on a private charter. You are not just sitting behind a line while another boat handles the action.

The included equipment covers the main needs: fishing gear, outriggers, and lifejackets. You do not need to arrange a separate rod setup before arriving. The bilingual crew is another practical advantage for a mixed-language group, especially when the crew is explaining equipment or giving instructions during a fast-moving catch.

Still, fishing is unpredictable. A private boat improves the experience by giving your group the crew’s full attention, but it cannot control the weather, sea conditions, or where the fish are. I would book this for the chance to fish seriously, not for a guaranteed number of marlin.

The crew’s approach also suits people who want different levels of participation. The most eager anglers can stay focused on the lines, while others can enjoy the boat ride, views, and sea life. That balance worked well for a group in which some people wanted to fish and others were happy watching the action.

Understanding the catch-and-release policy

Marlin and sailfish are handled under a catch-and-release policy unless you would like to keep one as a trophy. Clarify your preference with the crew before the action begins, since your decision affects how the fish is handled once it reaches the boat.

Bonita and other allowable species can be kept for eating. The distinction between food fish and billfish is important when you are setting expectations for the day. You may have a very active trip without returning with a large fish for the table.

If your group cares about conservation, the standard release approach for marlin and sailfish may suit you well. If you want a trophy, ask about the process and any related requirements before leaving the marina. The experience information does not specify extra trophy fees or preparation services, so do not assume those are included.

What the $1,015 private price really means

The listed price is $1,015 per group, for up to eight people. At full capacity, that works out to about $127 per person before the fishing license and tip. For a smaller group, the cost per person rises quickly, but you still receive a private boat rather than a shared outing.

I see the strongest value here for a group of six to eight people who would otherwise book separate spaces on a shared charter. The private format lets you set the mood within your group and gives you a more direct relationship with the crew. Families, friends, and mixed groups can divide the cost among themselves.

The price is harder to justify for one or two people unless privacy is your main goal. A shared fishing trip could cost less, though it would not offer the same control over who is aboard or how the day feels.

Remember the extras. The fishing license for one person is not included, and crew gratuities are separate. The available information does not state the exact license fee or a suggested tip, so ask before booking if you need a firm total. Add your transportation costs as well, since hotel pickup is not clearly included.

Who will enjoy the Phantom II most

I would recommend this outing to you if your group wants a private fishing experience with a short run to the fishing grounds. It fits anglers who want to chase marlin, people who want a chance at fish for eating, and companions who are content to watch the coast and sea life.

It also works for mixed groups. Not everyone needs to fish every minute. One person can focus on the rod while another enjoys the views, and the boat ride itself gives non-anglers something to do.

The five-hour length is a good middle ground. You get a real fishing session without spending most of the day offshore. If fishing is your main purpose and your group has the budget, you can ask about extending the trip, since an eight-hour outing has been offered in practice. Do not assume the longer duration is part of the standard booking.

This may not suit you if you need hotel pickup, a guaranteed catch, or a fully priced package with every extra included. It is also not the right choice if you want a relaxed sightseeing cruise with only a little fishing. The Phantom II is built around the fishing.

Returning along the Cabo coast

After fishing, the boat returns to the marina in approximately the same amount of time it took to reach the grounds. That means another 20 to 30 minutes on the water, with coastal views on the way back.

The return trip gives you time to settle down after the fishing action and enjoy the final stretch of the outing. If your group has had a busy morning, this is also a useful buffer before lunch or the rest of your Cabo plans.

The activity ends back at East Dock E. Since there is no separate drop-off point, plan your next activity with enough time to walk from the marina or arrange your own ride. The exact return time can vary with fishing conditions and the pace of the outing, so avoid scheduling something immediately afterward.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

Confirmation is received at booking, and the experience is offered in English. The crew is bilingual, which adds flexibility for groups with different language needs.

Most people can participate, and lifejackets are included. The activity is private, with only your group taking part. It is commonly booked about 15 days in advance, so I would reserve ahead if you are visiting during a busy Cabo period or need a particular morning.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off follows local Cabo time. That policy is reasonable for a private boat, but make sure every member of your group is settled on the date before paying.

Should you book this Cabo fishing trip?

Book the Phantom II if you want a private fishing charter with a real chance to chase marlin, a bilingual crew, included gear, and the Arch built into the route. The combination of a quick run to the fishing grounds and a five-hour schedule gives you a focused day rather than an all-day commitment.

I would be more cautious if your group is small, budget-sensitive, or depending on hotel transportation. The $1,015 price makes the most sense when divided among a full group of up to eight, and you still need to add one fishing license, gratuity, and transportation.

For an angling group that values privacy and wants an active day on the water, this is a strong choice. Arrive early, confirm the dock and transportation details, clarify your catch preferences, and keep your expectations realistic. The fish decide how good the day becomes, but the Phantom II gives you a well-focused way to pursue them.

FAQ

Where does the Phantom II fishing trip meet?

The tour starts and ends at East Dock E in the Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

How long does the fishing experience last?

The standard experience lasts approximately five hours. A longer eight-hour outing has also been offered, but the listed trip duration is five hours.

Is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas included?

Yes. The boat passes the Arch of Cabo San Lucas on the way to the fishing grounds.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?

The fishing grounds are about 20 to 30 minutes from the marina.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Professional fishing gear, outriggers, and lifejackets are included. One fishing license is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted, and no refund is provided.