Deep Sea Fishing for 5 Hours from Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is famous for big-game fishing, and this private charter puts your group on the Pacific for five hours of trolling. Blue and black marlin are the main targets, but dorado, tuna, bonito, snapper, and even a shark can turn the day into a proper fishing story. Captains including Fidel, Chris, and Ronny have worked with families, couples, and first-time anglers.

I like the private format for up to four people, since you are not sharing the boat with strangers or waiting for a turn at the rod. I also like that live bait, tackle, bottled water, ice, taxes, and dock fees are included, while the crew handles the hard parts and teaches you how to work a big fish. The main caution is simple: this is trolling, not cast fishing, and five hours on a small open boat can feel long if the sea is rough or the fish are not biting.

Key things to know before you book

• A private 30 to 32-foot charter: Your group has the boat, captain, and first mate to itself, with space for up to four people.
• Marlin is the headline target: The crew also fishes for tuna, dorado, bonito, snapper, and other Pacific species.
• Trolling, not casual rod casting: Lines are set behind the moving boat, so you may spend time watching and waiting between strikes.
• The crew supplies the fishing gear: Live bait, rods, tackle, an ice cooler, and bottled water are included.
• The real cost is higher than $750: Add $20 per person for the required deep-sea fishing license, plus a crew tip and any fish cleaning or mounting.
• A full-day upgrade is possible: Ask before departure if you want to extend the five-hour trip to eight hours.

Five hours chasing Cabo’s big fish

The best part of this outing is the sense of possibility. You leave the marina with several hours ahead of you, a set of lines in the water, and the chance of hooking a fish powerful enough to take 45 minutes to land. One family caught a 95-inch blue marlin, along with bonito and mahi mahi. Another group brought in three large dorado and a tuna, while a teenage angler helped land yellowfin tuna after the captain found a school.

Those stories show both sides of Cabo fishing. The fish can be extraordinary, but the ocean does not follow a schedule. The crew openly states that no catch can be promised. That is not a minor footnote. You are paying for access, equipment, local boat handling, and five hours of effort, not a guaranteed marlin.

The experience begins at Boulevard Paseo de la Marina 36 in central Cabo San Lucas, near the marina. You meet the bilingual captain and first mate there, purchase fishing licenses at the booth near Dock One, and board a 30 to 32-foot fishing charter. The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

The listed rate is $750 per group of up to four. Split four ways, that is $187.50 per person before licenses and gratuity. For a private charter, that can be fair value, especially if your group wants control over the pace and does not want to share rods with another party. For one or two people, the price feels much steeper.

How trolling works on this charter

If your idea of fishing is casting from a dock, this may surprise you. The crew sets lines behind the moving boat and searches for fish across open water. You do not normally spend the day casting lures or fly fishing. The captain watches the water, adjusts the route, and works the gear while you wait for a strike.

That waiting is part of the deal. One family expected more hands-on fishing and felt they mostly watched the crew troll. The practical fix is to ask at the start how the rods will be shared and what you should do when a fish strikes. The crew is there to guide you, but you should make clear that you want to hold the rod and take part rather than simply watch.

When a fish takes the bait, the mood changes fast. A bonito may come in fairly quickly. A marlin can turn into a serious physical effort, with the mate coaching you through the fight and helping you keep pressure on the fish. Reviews describe the crew working closely with children as young as seven and eleven, and helping first-time adults as well.

The captain may change plans during the trip. Marlin is a key goal, but the boat may work an area with tuna or dorado if conditions suggest better action there. One successful trip began with bonito and red snapper before the crew moved on to marlin. Flexibility improves your odds of having a worthwhile day.

The Cabo marina departure and ocean run

The meeting point is in the central marina area, so allow time to find the correct dock and fishing license booth. The license is not included in the price and costs $20 per person. It is purchased in the morning near Dock One, and the listing advises arranging this before departure.

The charter returns to the same point, with no beach drop-off included. That matters because one customer expected to be taken to a beach after fishing. This is a marina-to-marina activity, not a fishing trip combined with beach time.

Departure timing deserves attention. The stated duration is about five hours, and the crew says the boat leaves from the dock and returns there after the full service. Still, you should arrive early, especially if you are coming from a cruise ship tender or need to buy licenses. A recent group received help adjusting the start time so they could get off their ship tender and still make the trip, but you should arrange any timing change in advance rather than count on it.

The ocean ride itself may be calm or rough. The boat is large enough for offshore fishing, but it is still a 30 to 32-foot fishing charter, not a spacious yacht. If someone in your party gets seasick, discuss that before booking and prepare carefully. One low-rated account described exhaust fumes and discomfort, while another said the boat was too small. Those claims conflict with the operator’s response and with other positive accounts, but they point to a fair concern: comfort and sea conditions can shape your day as much as the catch.

Captain Fidel, Captain Chris, and the crew

The captain and first mate are central to this experience. Names appearing in the trip history include Fidel, Chris, Javier, Alex, David, and Joel. Captain Fidel and crew member Alex received praise for handling a large blue marlin and several other fish. Captain Chris was also credited with finding yellowfin tuna and helping a 14-year-old have a memorable first offshore fishing trip.

The crew’s strongest role is practical instruction. They set the gear, identify opportunities, help you manage the rod, and assist with landing fish. Families with children seem especially well matched to this format because the crew can take over the technical work while still allowing young anglers to participate.

Communication may vary by crew and conditions. One party found the staff less friendly than expected, while several others described the crew as hardworking and attentive. On a windy day, the captain may focus more on boat handling and fish-finding than on conversation. If you want frequent explanations, ask questions early and tell the crew what each person hopes to do.

The trip is offered in English and includes a bilingual captain. That is useful for groups who want clear instructions while fighting a fish. It also helps when discussing the catch, fish handling, and the day’s plan.

What you might catch, and what happens afterward

Marlin is the prized possibility, but the catch list is wider. Past trips have produced blue marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, bonito, red snapper, and shark action. Whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and sea lions can also appear around the boat, adding something to the day even when the fish stay quiet.

The anglers decide what to do with fish caught. That point is worth settling before the lines go out. Fish cleaning is not included, though it can be arranged after the activity. Mounting service is also available, with the price based on the fish’s size.

If you want to eat your catch, ask about cleaning and restaurant preparation before the trip ends. One family had a fish cleaned and prepared at a local restaurant. Another group arranged measurements and mounting for two fish at the dock. These services cost extra, so treat them as optional add-ons rather than part of the $750 price.

A large fish also creates practical questions. Ask who handles measurements, cleaning, transport, and mounting. The crew can help connect you with services, but you should not assume those costs are covered.

What is included, and what will cost extra

The package includes the items you need to fish:

• Live bait
• Fishing equipment
• Ice box cooler
• Bottled water
• Bilingual captain
• Taxes
• Dock fees

You still need to budget for the $20 fishing license per person. A tip for the captain and first mate is not included and is greatly appreciated. Fish cleaning and mounting are also extra.

The cooler and bottled water are useful, but bring any other drinks or food you want for five hours. The supplied information confirms bottled water, not a meal or snacks. Keep your expectations practical: this is a working fishing charter, not a catered cruise.

The private setup improves the value if four people share the fee. It becomes less attractive for a couple unless catching a big fish or having a boat to yourselves is a major part of the vacation. Compare the rate with larger shared or private boats if comfort, advanced electronics, or extra room matter to you. The available information confirms fishing equipment, but it does not specify fish-finders, downriggers, a marine radio, or other individual boat systems, so ask about those if they affect your choice.

Who will enjoy this Cabo fishing trip most

I would recommend this outing to a family, group of friends, or small party that wants a private ocean adventure and understands the uncertainty of fishing. It suits first-time offshore anglers because the captain and mate handle the setup and coach you through the fight.

It is also a good choice for people who value the chance of a large marlin more than guaranteed action. A quiet period on the water can still include whales, dolphins, turtles, sea lions, and coastal views, but you should be comfortable with waiting.

I would be more cautious if you want luxury seating, a large cabin, or a tightly planned sightseeing program. Five hours on an offshore fishing boat can be tiring, and the trip’s purpose is to find fish, not to provide constant entertainment. I would also ask detailed questions before booking if anyone in your group has strong seasickness concerns or needs more room to move around.

The operator offers an upgrade from five hours to a full eight-hour day, but you must request it before the activity begins. That longer option makes sense for serious anglers who want more time to reach productive areas. It also increases your exposure to sun, wind, fatigue, and a slow bite, so longer is not automatically better.

Cancellation and practical planning

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The activity allows service animals and is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but this is an offshore boat trip, so consider your own comfort with movement, wind, sun, and open water. The private format means only your party, captain, and first mate take part.

Bring sun protection and clothing suited to changing conditions. Confirm the exact meeting dock, license arrangements, start time, and any desired upgrade before leaving your hotel. If you are arriving by cruise ship, allow time for the tender and tell the operator in advance.

Should you book it?

Book this Cabo charter if you want a private, hands-on chance at marlin, tuna, or dorado and you accept that fishing can produce a great catch or a long day of waiting. The best value comes with four people sharing the $750 rate, especially when the crew is actively coaching your group.

I would not book it expecting a guaranteed fish, a luxury yacht, or a casting lesson. Ask about the exact boat, safety equipment, rod access, and communication gear before paying if those details matter to you. For a small group that wants local crew support, open-water excitement, and the possibility of a genuinely huge fish, it can be a memorable Cabo morning or afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the fishing trip?

The standard activity lasts about five hours. You can request an upgrade to eight hours before the trip begins.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private group of up to four people. Only your party, the captain, and first mate participate.

What type of boat is used?

The fishing charter is 30 to 32 feet long.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. The trip includes fishing equipment and live bait, along with an ice box cooler and bottled water.

Is a fishing license included?

No. A deep-sea fishing license costs $20 per person and is purchased at the fishing license booth near Dock One.

What fish might I catch?

The main targets are blue or black marlin. You may also catch dorado, tuna, bonito, red snapper, or other fish found in the Pacific waters around Cabo San Lucas.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can cancel yourself for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.