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Charting Cabo in Style: A Day Aboard the Number Juan 100ft Azimut

Charting Cabo in Style: A Day Aboard the Number Juan 100ft Azimut

Luxury meets Baja’s wild edge on a private 100-foot Azimut built for play, comfort, and crystal-blue coves.

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
By Eric Crews
boat charters, water activities, wildlife natureMayspring

Dawn pushes a pale ribbon of light across the Sea of Cortez as the marina stirs awake—ropes groan, gulls heckle, and the water shoulders gently against hulls like a friendly nudge. Then it appears: the Number Juan, a 100-foot Azimut gleaming as if sunrise itself decided to live on deck. You step barefoot onto polished teak, and Cabo exhales around you—El Arco’s granite curves crouch on the horizon, the Pacific flexes just beyond, and the day hints at stories still out at sea.

Trail Wisdom

Time Your Swim Stops

Snorkel early at Santa Maria or Chileno Bay for the clearest water and calmer surface conditions before afternoon winds pick up.

Dress for Sun and Spray

Wear a long-sleeve UPF shirt, hat with chin strap, and polarized sunglasses; Cabo’s glare and breeze team up quickly on the open water.

Motion Management

If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before departure and fix your eyes on the horizon when swells build.

Non-Marking Footwear

Choose barefoot or light-soled boat shoes to protect teak decks and keep your footing secure when the yacht rocks.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Mornings at Santa Maria Bay for the clearest snorkeling
  • Medano Beach’s lee side for calm anchoring and people-watching

Wildlife

Humpback whales (winter), California sea lions

Conservation Note

Use reef-safe sunscreen and keep a respectful distance from marine life. Chileno and Santa Maria are Blue Flag beaches—pack out all trash and avoid contact with coral.

Once a modest fishing port, Cabo San Lucas grew with the rise of sportfishing in the mid-20th century; El Arco’s granite is part of an ancient batholith sculpted by wind and sea.

Seasonal Guide

spring

Best for: Calm mornings, Snorkeling clarity

Challenges: Windy afternoons, Strong sun

March–May brings mellow seas and fewer crowds; hit coves early and enjoy warm, breezy afternoons on deck.

summer

Best for: Glassier seas, Long daylight

Challenges: Intense heat, Hurricane risk Aug–Sept

Expect hot, bright days and smooth mornings; keep hydrated and watch forecasts late summer.

fall

Best for: Warm water, Sunset cruises

Challenges: Late-summer storms lingering, Busy weekends

October–November offers inviting water temps and striking sunsets as storm season tapers off.

winter

Best for: Whale watching, Cool, dry air

Challenges: Choppier Pacific side, Cooler water

December–March delivers migrating humpbacks and cristal-clear skies; bring a light layer for the breeze.

Photographer's Notes

For iconic shots of El Arco, request a slow pass at golden hour and shoot wide at 24–35mm. Use a polarizer to cut glare and reveal reef color. Keep a fast shutter (1/1000) ready for dolphins or mobula rays breaching. Salt spray happens—bring a microfiber cloth and a dry bag, and confirm local drone rules before flying near the marina or wildlife.

What to Bring

Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential

Protects your skin and the marine ecosystem while you’re in and out of the water.

Polarized Sunglasses with RetainerEssential

Cuts surface glare so you can actually see into the water and keeps your shades secure on breezy passages.

Long-Sleeve UPF Rash Guard

Sun protection without constant reapplication—ideal for snorkeling and paddleboarding.

Motion Sickness Tablets or Patches

Prevents queasiness when swells build, helping you enjoy the full itinerary.

Common Questions

How many people can the yacht accommodate?

The Number Juan accommodates up to 30 guests comfortably, with ample indoor and outdoor lounge space.

What’s included in the charter?

An open bar, private chef, designated crew, and gear such as kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel sets, and a Seabob are included.

Where does the yacht go?

Typical routes include El Arco and Land’s End for sightseeing, plus Santa Maria or Chileno Bay for swimming and snorkeling, adjusted for daily conditions.

Can the chef accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes—notify the operator in advance with any allergies or preferences so the chef can tailor the menu.

Is this suitable for kids and non-swimmers?

Yes, the crew can outfit life vests and suggest calm coves; non-swimmers can enjoy the yacht, shoreline views, and onboard amenities.

Do I need to bring cash or gratuity?

Tips are appreciated for excellent service (typically 10–20%). Bring small bills for dock staff or last-minute add-ons.

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen to protect both skin and coral; polarized sunglasses to cut glare and spot marine life; light long-sleeve sun shirt for all-day UV protection; motion sickness tablets taken pre-departure for a smoother ride.

Did You Know

Jacques Cousteau famously called the Sea of Cortez “the world’s aquarium” for its extraordinary marine biodiversity.

Quick Travel Tips

Plan a morning departure for calmer seas and clearer snorkeling; arrange transport to Marina Cabo San Lucas 15–20 minutes early for boarding; communicate menu preferences and route priorities with the captain in advance; bring a light layer—breezes can feel cool even on warm days.

Local Flavor

Post-cruise, head to The Office or Mango Deck on Medano Beach for toes-in-the-sand tacos and a cold Pacifico, or elevate the evening at Edith’s for wood-fired seafood and Baja wine. For local color, browse the marina’s fish stalls at first light—when sportfishers unload dorado and marlin, the town still hums like an old fishing village.

Logistics Snapshot

Closest airport: Los Cabos International (SJD), ~45 minutes by car to Marina Cabo San Lucas. Meeting point: Marina Cabo San Lucas main docks. Cell service: Strong in the bay, spottier offshore. Permits: No personal permits needed for the charter; follow marine park rules at Santa Maria and Chileno (no touching coral, use reef-safe sunscreen).

Sustainability Note

You’re cruising a fragile marine corridor—choose mineral sunscreen, keep plastics off the deck, never feed wildlife, and maintain respectful viewing distances. Prop wash and anchors can damage habitat; trust the crew’s guidance on moorings and sensitive zones.

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