Exclusive Phantom II Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo’s Phantom II fishing trip gets to the good part quickly: you cruise past the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, then reach the fishing grounds in about 20 to 30 minutes. The private boat takes up to eight people, so your group gets the rods, crew, and open water without sharing the outing with strangers.

I like the short run to the fishing grounds and the strong chance for hands-on action. I also like that Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier work together to chase marlin and help spread the excitement around the boat. The main catch is practical: the price is per group, but a fishing license for one person and crew tips cost extra, and hotel transportation is not clearly included.

Key points to know before booking

• The Arch is part of the outing: Your trip begins with a close look at Cabo’s famous rock formation before fishing starts.
• Private for up to eight people: The $1,015 price covers the group, which can be good value when shared by a full party.
• Fishing begins fast: The run to the fishing grounds takes only 20 to 30 minutes, leaving most of the five-hour trip for fishing.
• Marlin usually go back: Marlin and sailfish are handled under catch-and-release rules unless you choose to keep one as a trophy.
• Crew names matter: Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier were specifically praised for chasing marlin and keeping the action moving.
• Plan for extra costs: One fishing license and crew gratuities are not included.

Setting out from Cabo’s East Dock

You meet the Phantom II at the East Dock, E Dock, in the Cabo San Lucas Marina. The activity ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point after fishing.

The location is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not include hotel pickup. That matters because one booking involved confusion over transportation wording. I would treat this as a marina-meeting tour and confirm your own route to the dock before the morning of departure.

The boat is private to your group, with room for up to eight people. That setup works especially well for families, friends, or a small group that wants to share the cost. It also gives you more control over the mood of the day than a shared fishing boat. One person can fish while another enjoys the ride and views without feeling out of place.

The listed duration is about five hours. A full-day fishing trip was also taken by one party and reportedly passed quickly, but the standard experience described here is the shorter outing. Check the exact departure time and length when you book, particularly if you have evening plans in Cabo.

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas comes first

The first featured stop is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the unmistakable rock formation at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Seeing it from the water gives the trip a sightseeing start before the rods come out.

This is more than a quick photo opportunity. The Arch helps you get your bearings around Cabo’s southern tip, and the boat ride gives non-fishing members something worthwhile to enjoy from the beginning. If one person in your group is less interested in fishing, this coastal view can make the outing feel like a shared excursion rather than five hours devoted only to catching fish.

The Arch stop is not presented as a long visit on land, and there is no shore stop included. You should expect to see it from the boat before continuing toward the fishing grounds. Bring a phone or camera if you want a record of the moment, but keep your attention on the water too. The ride itself is part of the experience.

Reaching the fishing grounds in 20 to 30 minutes

After the Arch, the Phantom II heads out to the fishing grounds. The trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes, a useful detail for anyone who dislikes spending most of a fishing charter simply getting offshore.

Once you arrive, the crew provides professional fishing gear and outriggers. Lifejackets are included, and the bilingual crew can assist in English and Spanish. The available information does not specify individual rod models, bait, tackle brands, or the exact species expected on a particular day, so you should not book with a guarantee of one specific catch.

You can expect the crew to organize the fishing setup and help your group use the equipment. The trip is built around active fishing, not a formal lesson, though the crew’s role is clearly important when fish are hooked and the boat needs to follow them.

That follow-the-fish work made a real difference during one successful outing. Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier chased marlin to keep the action going, helping different people get a chance at the excitement. That is an important point for a group: the crew is not just handing you a rod and waiting. Their work behind the scenes can shape how much action you see.

Marlin, sailfish, and fish you can keep

The fishing policy deserves a close look before you pay. Marlin and sailfish are handled on a catch-and-release basis, unless you want to keep one as a trophy. Other fish may be available to keep, but the information provided does not promise a particular species or a guaranteed quantity.

One strong outing produced six bonito for eating and four marlin. That kind of day is possible, but fishing is never predictable, and you should not treat one catch report as a promise. The useful lesson is that the trip can offer both food fish and big-game excitement when conditions cooperate.

If you care about bringing fish home, ask about the current rules, handling, and any costs before departure. The stated policy specifically calls out marlin and sailfish, while the broader handling arrangements are not explained in detail. A clear conversation with the crew will prevent confusion once the fishing starts.

For many people, the best part will be the fight and the release, not the freezer. Marlin can give the group a memorable shared moment even when the fish returns to the water. Meanwhile, bonito and other allowable catches can make the outing feel practical as well as exciting.

What the five-hour schedule feels like

A five-hour trip gives you a useful middle ground. You have time for the Arch, the ride offshore, fishing, and the return to the marina without committing to a full day on the water.

The schedule can feel fast if the fish are active. One party found that even an eight-hour trip went by quickly because the action stayed steady. That does not mean every trip will be nonstop, but it does show why you should think of the charter as an active morning or half-day rather than a slow sightseeing cruise.

The return to the marina takes about as long as the ride out. You get another look at the Cabo coastline on the way back, and the boat returns to the original meeting point. Since there is no separate end location, the plan is simple once you dock.

The biggest timing issue is the start. One outing had a listed 7 a.m. start, with advice to arrive before 6 a.m. for the best start to the day. Treat that as useful guidance from the actual experience, not a universal departure time. Your confirmation should control, but arriving early is sensible if you want to avoid a rushed marina morning.

A closer look at the $1,015 group price

At $1,015 per group, the value depends heavily on how many people share the boat. With eight people, the base cost works out to about $127 per person before the fishing license and gratuity. With four people, it is about $254 per person, and a couple would pay the full group price between them.

That makes the Phantom II more attractive for a full group than for a small party. You are paying for a private experience, not simply a seat on a shared boat. If your group wants privacy, shared time, and the chance for each person to fish, the group pricing can make sense.

You also get professional gear, outriggers, lifejackets, and a bilingual crew in the base price. Those inclusions reduce the need to arrange equipment on your own. The Arch sightseeing and coastal ride add value for anyone who wants more than a narrow fishing session.

Still, budget beyond the headline price. A fishing license for one person is not included, and crew gratuities are separate. The supplied details do not state the license fee or suggest a fixed tip amount, so ask before the trip if you want a precise total.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would recommend this outing to a group that wants a private boat and a real chance to fish for larger species. It suits families, couples traveling with friends, and small parties where several people are eager to take turns on the rod.

It can also work for a mixed group. A non-fishing companion can enjoy the Arch, the ride, the sea life, and the coastal views while others fish. The private format helps because nobody outside your group is waiting for the boat to return.

You should think twice if you need guaranteed hotel pickup, a guaranteed marlin, or a guaranteed catch to take home. Transportation is not clearly included, and no fishing charter can promise a specific result. The trip is best approached as a chance to fish in Cabo with an experienced crew, not as a fixed package of fish and sightseeing stops.

The five-hour length is a good fit for visitors who want a morning or half-day on the water. If you want a longer session, one party chose eight hours, but the standard details here describe approximately five hours. Confirm the duration before booking if more time offshore is important to you.

What to bring and what to confirm

The provided inclusions cover the main fishing equipment and lifejackets. You should still confirm any personal items or food arrangements directly with the provider, since meals, drinks, and hotel transportation are not listed as included.

Before booking, I would confirm these points:

• The exact meeting time at East Dock, E Dock
• The route from your hotel to the marina
• The fishing license fee for one person
• How the crew handles fish you may keep
• The current policy for keeping a marlin as a trophy
• Whether your group wants five hours or a longer charter
• The preferred method for paying crew gratuities

The tour is offered in English and includes a bilingual crew. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the experience can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The crew can make the difference

Fishing charters rely on more than the boat and equipment. The crew has to spot opportunities, set up the gear, follow moving fish, and help several people share the action.

That is why the names Captain Jose, Mario, and Javier are worth noting. Their work chasing marlin gave one group repeated chances to get involved, while other people enjoyed the boat ride and sea life. You cannot control the catch, but you can choose an outing where the crew appears ready to work for the group.

The bilingual setup is also useful when instructions need to be clear and quick. Fishing can become confusing when a fish is moving, lines are active, and several people are nearby. A crew that can communicate in both English and Spanish gives the group another practical advantage.

Should you book the Phantom II?

Book it if you have a group of up to eight, want a private Cabo fishing trip, and like the idea of combining the Arch with active fishing. The short run to the fishing grounds, included gear, bilingual crew, and potential for marlin action give the five-hour outing a strong shape.

I would be more cautious if you are booking for only one or two people, since the $1,015 group price becomes harder to justify. I would also confirm transportation and extra costs before paying, especially the fishing license and gratuity.

For a full group that values privacy and wants a serious chance at marlin, bonito, or other fish, the Phantom II offers good value. Just keep your expectations realistic: the sea decides the catch, and the best day is one where you enjoy the Arch, the crew’s effort, and the time on the water even if the fish do not cooperate.

FAQ

Where does the Phantom II fishing trip begin?

The trip begins at the East Dock, E Dock, in the Cabo San Lucas Marina.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at the marina.

How long does the fishing experience last?

The listed duration is approximately five hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private tour can accommodate up to eight people in your group.

Is fishing gear included?

Yes. Professional fishing gear, outriggers, and lifejackets are included.

Are fishing licenses included in the price?

No. A fishing license for one person is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.