My 2025 Review of the Pura Vida 42 FT All-Inclusive Yacht in Cabo

Okay, so the sun in Cabo is, like, a whole different kind of bright, you know? It’s almost something you can feel on your skin, seriously telling you that you are on holiday. You walk around the marina, and honestly, the air is thick with the smell of salt and possibility. We had been thinking about a boat trip, you know, not just any boat trip, but a really private, sort of special day out on the water. Friends had mentioned that these sorts of getaways are what define a Cabo trip, and frankly, we were sold on the idea. We heard some chatter about a newer boat, the 2025 ‘Pura Vida’ 42 FT yacht, and honestly, the “all-inclusive” part really caught our attention. So, we decided to see what it was all about, pretty much hoping it would live up to the little bit of talk we’d heard.

First Impressions: Stepping Aboard the Pura Vida

So, walking down the dock is, in itself, kind of an experience. You pass all these amazing boats, big and small, and just a little bit of that excitement builds up inside you. Then, you know, we saw our slip and there she was, the Pura Vida, looking really, really sharp. It was obviously new, you know, the white fiberglass was practically glowing in the sun and all the chrome fixtures were sparkling. It’s like, you could tell right away that someone takes a lot of pride in this boat. We were met by the Captain, a man named Marco, who had this incredibly warm and genuine smile, like he was actually happy to see us. It’s almost a small thing, but that kind of welcome really sets the mood for the whole day. He introduced us to his deckhand, Leo, who was, you know, just as friendly and immediately offered to take our bags. As a matter of fact, it didn’t feel like we were just customers; it felt, in a way, like we were guests being welcomed into their home on the water. It was a completely different vibe from some other tourist-heavy operations we’ve seen before. I mean, first impressions are pretty much everything, right?

Stepping onto the boat, my first thought was just about how clean and organized everything was. I mean, there wasn’t a cushion out of place or a single stray scuff mark on the deck, which, honestly, is impressive for a boat. You could smell the faint, clean scent of wax, not overpowering, but just enough to let you know the boat is well cared for. Leo, you know, immediately offered us a cold water or a beer, right away making that ‘all-inclusive’ promise feel real from the very first second. We basically just took a moment to stand on the back deck, taking it all in, with the gentle rock of the boat in the calm marina water. It was, sort of, this perfect, quiet start before the adventure really began. It’s funny, you can look at pictures of boats all day, but actually standing on one, feeling it beneath your feet, is just a totally different thing. And frankly, this first feeling was telling me we had made a pretty good choice for our special day out at sea.

A Look Inside the 42 FT Yacht Itself

Right, so after getting settled, we did a little tour of our home for the day. At 42 feet, it’s not, you know, a mega-yacht, but it’s designed so incredibly well that it feels very spacious, really. The layout is just smart. Basically, there’s a place for everything and everyone, whether you want to be in the middle of the action or find a quiet corner for yourself. Marco, the captain, sort of walked us through, showing us where everything was, from the life jackets to the sound system controls. He was pretty much like, “mi casa es su casa,” and he honestly seemed to mean it. The whole design is clearly about comfort and making the most of the ocean views. Anyway, exploring the different parts of the boat was fun in itself, and it was kind of like picking your favorite spot for the day ahead. You could almost see how the day would unfold just by exploring the thoughtful layout of the yacht.

The Main Deck and Seating Areas

Okay, the main deck is, at the end of the day, where you spend most of your time. Up front, on the bow, there were these huge, comfy sun pads that were pretty much calling my name. You could just lie there, you know, feel the sun and the breeze, and get a completely unobstructed view. It’s arguably the best seat in the house when you’re cruising. Then, in the back, the shaded cockpit area had this nice wrap-around sofa, which was perfect for getting out of the sun for a bit or having a conversation. The cushions were, like, really thick and comfortable, not those cheap, thin pads you sometimes find. We found out pretty quickly that this back area would become our main social hub. It was the perfect spot for enjoying snacks and drinks while chatting with the crew. They even had a Bluetooth speaker system that was super easy to connect to, so we, you know, could have our own playlist as the soundtrack for the day.

Below Deck: The Cabin and Comforts

So, sometimes you just need a break from the sun, right? Stepping down into the cabin was, like, entering a different little world. The air conditioning was on, and frankly, it was a really welcome relief from the Cabo heat. The space inside was surprisingly roomy. There was a small galley kitchen where, you know, the crew was already prepping some of our snacks, a little dining nook, and a comfortable-looking V-berth up front. I mean, you’re not spending your whole day down here, but it’s very nice to know you have a clean, cool, and comfortable space to retreat to if you need it. More or less, it’s these little comforts that make a big difference.

And let’s be honest, the bathroom situation on a boat can sometimes be a bit of a worry. On the Pura Vida, the “head,” as they call it, was really clean, modern, and surprisingly not cramped at all. It was more or less like a small, efficient bathroom you’d find in a nice apartment, which is not something you can always say about a boat of this size. Having a proper, clean facility just makes the whole experience so much more comfortable for everyone, you know? It’s one of those practical details that people often wonder about, and honestly, this yacht absolutely gets it right, making the whole day on the water feel that much more luxurious and worry-free.

The All-Inclusive Service: What Does It Really Mean?

Alright, let’s get into the “all-inclusive” part, because, you know, that term can mean a lot of different things. On the Pura Vida, it seems to mean that they genuinely want you to relax and not worry about a single thing. From the moment we stepped on board, we literally didn’t have to ask for much. Leo, the deckhand, was always sort of hovering nearby, but not in an intrusive way. It was more like he had a sixth sense for when your drink was getting low or when you might be feeling a little hungry. You would just turn your head and he would be there with a smile asking if you needed anything. Seriously, this kind of service is what separates a good trip from an unforgettable one. It was all so seamless, you almost felt like royalty for a day, and frankly, it was a very nice feeling. It was a level of care that we later learned is a hallmark of the top-tier charter experiences in the area.

The Food: Freshly Prepared and Delicious

I mean, let’s talk about the food, because it was honestly a highlight. As soon as we were out of the marina, Leo brought out a huge platter of the freshest guacamole I’ve had in a long time. It was clearly made right there on the boat, chunky with avocado, lime, and cilantro, just the way it should be. The chips were crisp and salty, the perfect partner for it. A little later, they served a fish ceviche that was, frankly, out of this world. The fish was so fresh it practically melted in your mouth, cured in lime juice with just the right amount of onion and tomato. You could just taste the quality, you know? It wasn’t some pre-made stuff they just scooped out of a tub; this was crafted with care right in the tiny galley. You can really find some of the best local flavors when you are out on the water.

Then for lunch, they fired up the grill right on the back of the boat and made chicken and beef tacos. The smell of the meat grilling over the open water was, like, just amazing. They served them up with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, pico de gallo, and all the fixings. Actually, eating a perfectly grilled taco with the sea spray in the air and the iconic Cabo Arch in the distance is, in a way, a core memory for me now. They also had a huge fresh fruit platter with mango, pineapple, and watermelon that was so sweet and juicy. Honestly, we ate so much and everything was so good. It was pretty much a feast, not just a simple boat lunch. At the end of the day, the food alone was worth the price of admission.

The Drinks: An Open Bar That Delivers

Okay, the “open bar” on a boat trip can sometimes be a bit of a letdown, right? You might just get cheap beer and some questionable house liquor. Well, this was definitely not that. They had a really great selection. For beer, they had Pacifico and Modelo, you know, good Mexican standards, and they were ice cold. As for cocktails, Leo was like a sea-faring bartender. He made fantastic margaritas, both on the rocks and blended, using a good quality tequila. He also made a pretty mean paloma. My wife asked for a mojito, and he muddled fresh mint for her right there. You know, that’s a nice touch.

They also had a good supply of sodas, juices, and plenty of bottled water to keep everyone hydrated, which is obviously very important under the hot sun. The best part was that our glasses were never empty. Leo just had this knack for showing up with a fresh, cold drink right when you were starting to think about one. It was really a top-notch bar service, not just a cooler full of cans. This commitment to quality is something you’d expect from the most talked about vacation experiences. At the end of the day, it was that constant, attentive service that made the open bar feel truly premium and a part of the whole relaxing vibe.

The Experience on the Water: Beyond the Boat

So, a beautiful boat and great service are amazing, but you’re out there for the experience on the water, right? The actual trip was just magical, honestly. Captain Marco was not just a driver; he was a fantastic guide. As we pulled out of the marina, he started pointing out landmarks and telling us little stories about the area. He has this really calm, confident demeanor that just makes you feel completely safe. The ride itself was so smooth, you know? The 2025 Pura Vida just sliced through the water, and it was a really comfortable ride. We basically just sat back, sipped our drinks, and watched the stunning Cabo coastline drift by. It was pure bliss, pretty much exactly what we’d hoped for when booking the trip. This is really what a perfect day on the Sea of Cortez should feel like.

Sailing to Iconic Cabo Landmarks

Of course, the first big destination was the famous Arch, or “El Arco.” Seeing it in pictures is one thing, but cruising right up to it is, like, a whole other level of awe. The rock formations are just massive and so dramatic. Captain Marco expertly positioned the boat so everyone could get the perfect photo, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other. He then took us over to the nearby sea lion colony. We watched them for a while, barking and sunbathing on the rocks. It was so cool to see them in their natural habitat. After that, we cruised past Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach, and Marco told us the local legends behind the names. As a matter of fact, seeing these famous spots from the water gives you a completely different perspective than you get from land.

Fun on the Water: Snorkeling and Paddleboarding

After our tour of the landmarks, Captain Marco took us to Santa Maria Bay, which is this beautiful, protected cove that’s just perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The water was this incredible shade of turquoise and so clear you could see the bottom. Leo dropped the anchor, and within minutes, he had all the water toys out for us. They had high-quality snorkeling gear that was clean and fit well, plus two stand-up paddleboards. I grabbed a mask and fins and jumped in. The water was just the perfect temperature, you know, refreshing but not cold. And the number of fish was just incredible! I saw bright yellow porkfish, striped sergeant majors, and even a couple of beautiful blue angelfish. It was like swimming in an aquarium. I mean, spending time in the water is a huge part of the fun, and this spot was absolutely perfect. My wife, who is usually a bit hesitant, felt so comfortable that she even gave paddleboarding a try and loved it. It was honestly a perfect afternoon, and the crew made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy it, which you can read more about in different guides to finding the best places to snorkel.

The Pura Vida Crew: The People Who Make the Trip Special

I’ve mentioned Captain Marco and Leo a few times, but I honestly need a whole section for them. At the end of the day, you can be on the most amazing boat in the world, but it’s the crew that truly defines the experience. Marco wasn’t just a captain; he was a historian, a marine biologist, and a fantastic