Marlin season is serious business, and this charter is built for the chase. You head out from Cabo San Lucas on a private boat with the goal of landing Blue or Black marlin in Pacific waters, plus you still get a full-on fishing day even if the marlin say no.

I like that you show up and the work is already handled. This trip includes all fishing equipment and live bait, and you get hands-on help from the captain and crew in English (and other languages with the crew).

Big reality check: there is no guarantee of fish, and extra items like the fishing license and fish cleaning are not included in the base price.

Key things I’d plan around

• Private charter for up to 4 people: your party stays together on a 30 to 32 ft boat.
• Marlin focus, but flexible results: the plan targets Blue and Black marlin, yet Dorado, tuna, and others can happen.
• Everything for fishing is included: rods, tackle, live bait, ice, and bottled water are part of the deal.
• Captain tips matter on a trolling trip: you’ll be reeling and learning, not casting like on a lake.
• Licenses are extra and purchased in the morning: budget $20 per person and plan a quick checkout before departure.
• Comfort and timing can affect the day: motion happens at sea, and marina procedures can shift departure.

Entering Cabo San Lucas Marina day: meet, check in, then get moving

This is a private deep sea fishing outing in Cabo San Lucas, and the day starts at the marina. You’ll meet at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and your trip ends back at the same meeting point.

From there, the flow is simple: you confirm, you get your gear situation sorted, and you handle your fishing license. The fishing license is purchased in the morning at a fishing licenses booth near dock one, which is the kind of detail that can prevent last-minute confusion if you arrive ready.

One thing I appreciate with this style of trip is that you are not lugging equipment around town. You are mainly paying for time on the water, with a crew that knows how to run the hunt and help you work the lines.

Price and what you’re really paying for, $750 per group

The headline price is $750.00 per group, for up to 4 people, over about 5 hours. If you fill all spots, that’s roughly $187.50 per person for the charter time, before the $20 per person fishing license.

That balance is why I see this as good value if you have a group of friends or a family where everyone wants in on the action. You also get dock fees and taxes in the base price, so you’re not hit with extra marina-type charges at the end.

What’s extra is also clear. Fish cleaning is not included, crew gratuity is appreciated but not included, and the fishing licenses are purchased in the morning. There’s also a fish mounting option after the trip, with pricing depending on fish size.

Your private charter boat: 30 to 32 ft and what that means

You fish on a 30 ft to 32 ft fishing charter, and the space is set up for trolling and handling fish once you hook up. That size is a middle ground. It’s big enough to feel like a real offshore charter, but it’s still a boat, so you should assume motion on open water.

Most of the positive experiences center on the crew effort and the “we’re working for you” vibe. Some trips also mention wildlife sightings like whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and even a sea lion showing interest in bait.

A small number of reviews raised concerns about comfort and onboard conditions, including one complaint about exhaust fumes and equipment, and another about seasickness tied to boat size. You can’t eliminate all risk on the ocean, but you can reduce surprises by asking what safety gear is on board and how they manage comfort if seas are choppy.

Who runs the day: captain and first mate teamwork

This charter is private for your party only, which changes the whole energy. You are not sharing the boat with strangers, so the captain and first mate can focus on your line management and your learning curve.

You’ll get tips and tricks from the captain and crew. In multiple accounts, the captains and first mates were praised for their hard work and patience, especially when people were new to offshore fishing.

Names show up in the stories people told after their trip. Captains like Fidel and Chris appear in positive reports, and a first mate named Alex was mentioned on a family trip. In other cases, teams included co-captains and crew members who helped land fish and teach both kids and adults what to do once you get a bite.

If you’re the type who wants instruction, this is a great match. If you want silence and zero coaching, you might still get help, but you might not get the exact style you prefer.

The fishing game plan: trolling for Blue or Black marlin

The goal is deep sea fishing in Cabo, targeting Blue or Black marlin on the Pacific Ocean. That’s why people call Cabo the marlin capital, and why a charter like this is all about timing, positioning, and responding when fish show up.

One key detail that matters for expectations: this is a trolling-style trip. That means lines are worked out while the boat moves and you reel and respond with crew help. It is not a cast-from-shore, cast-on-demand type of outing, so don’t show up expecting a rod-by-rod fishing lesson like you’d do on a lake.

In practice, the crew’s job is to keep you in the right area and to run the rigging and technique. When the marlin or other game fish wants to play, the anglers become the boss moment-to-moment, with the crew guiding you on what to do next.

And yes, sometimes you catch marlin. Sometimes you catch other species. The important thing I like here is that the trip is honest about the reality of fishing. Fish are living, moving animals, and the ocean decides more than any itinerary.

What happens during your 5 hours at sea

Your outing runs about 5 hours, and the experience is built to fill that time with active searching and line work. You’re out on the Pacific, and the captain will try for Blue or Black marlin first, then keep fishing so the day stays fun.

Even when marlin doesn’t land, many anglers still come away with memorable action, like dorado, tuna, mahi, or bonito. One family described a serious marlin day and also landed mahi and other fish, and another group talked about hooking and landing tuna while heading out far enough to find the right school.

The rhythm is usually something like this: you head out, the crew sets up, lines go in the water, then you wait for bites while the captain looks for the next opportunity. When something hits, the crew steps in to help you handle the fish safely and efficiently.

If you need more time, you can upgrade. The trip can be extended by 3 more hours for a full 8-hour day, but you have to request that in advance before the start.

Included gear, bait, ice, and water, so you can pack light

This is one of the most practical parts of the offering. You get live bait, all fishing equipment, an ice box cooler, and bottled water. That means you don’t have to guess what kind of tackle to bring or worry about finding a shop for rods and bait right before you meet at the marina.

The cooler and ice are especially useful if you plan to take any fish to be cleaned at your end or used by a local prep option. Bottled water is also included, which helps you stay hydrated while you’re out in sun and salt air.

You also get a bilingual experienced captain, plus taxes and dock fees. Those inclusions do real value work because they reduce “surprise add-ons” at the end of the day.

What costs extra: licenses, cleaning, tips, and mounting

Here’s your money checklist, straight and simple.

Fishing licenses are not included and cost $20 per person, purchased in the morning near dock one. That is a must budget item if you want the trip to run smoothly.

Fish cleaning is not included. If you want your catch cleaned, you’ll need to arrange it separately after the trip.

Crew gratuity is not included, but it’s greatly appreciated. Even if the exact tip amount isn’t stated, the repeated theme is that the crew is hardworking and teams want a fair thank you.

If you like the idea of a trophy memory, fish mounting is available after fishing, with the price depending on the size of the fish. One family described having mounting arranged right after the trip with measurements taken at the dock.

Comfort and safety checks I’d do before lines go in

Because boats move and conditions change, comfort is not guaranteed. But you can be proactive.

First, pack for sun and spray, even if the morning looks calm. Second, if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to handle that before departure. One complaint in the mix mentioned sea sickness on a smaller-feeling boat, so don’t gamble with your stomach.

Third, ask about safety basics. A negative review claimed missing life preservers and lack of radio, while a response from the provider insisted the boat and safety gear were as advertised. You don’t need to start an argument, just ask to confirm life jackets are on board and that the boat has marine communication equipment.

Finally, ask about timing expectations. One sharp negative review claimed a late departure that reduced their fishing time. Marina operations can involve waiting and procedure, so give yourself buffer mental space and arrive with patience.

Wildlife sightings: the bonus that makes the boat feel alive

One of the best surprises on this kind of Cabo trip is that you’re not only chasing fish. Several accounts mention whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and sea lions around the boat.

That matters because it makes the day richer even if the bite is slow. Offshore fishing can mean long moments of watching and waiting, so wildlife keeps your attention on the water instead of your phone.

Just don’t expect guaranteed animal sightings. Think of it as bonus nature that shows up when conditions are right.

Who this trip suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong fit if you want a private 5-hour charter with a dedicated crew and you care about learning the trolling style. It also fits families with kids who want hands-on participation, since multiple stories praise how crew members teach newcomers what to do once a fish hits.

It’s a solid choice for small groups, especially couples or friend groups, because the per-person math becomes reasonable when you use the full group of up to 4.

I’d think twice if you are only satisfied when you land a marlin. Fishing is hit and miss, and you should expect the day can end with different species or lighter action.

Also, if you hate the idea of being coached while you reel and manage lines, this may feel less like a free-for-all and more like guided offshore work. You’re paying for that coaching, though, so it’s usually a plus.

Should you book this Cabo deep sea fishing charter?

I’d recommend booking if your priority is real offshore fishing time from Cabo San Lucas with live bait, included equipment, and a crew that actively helps you land fish. The price works best when you fill the group, and the overall rating suggests most days go well when everyone shows up ready for open ocean reality.

I would also book with your eyes open. There’s no guarantee of marlin, and licenses plus possible cleaning costs can add to your total. If comfort and safety are top concerns for you, ask quick questions before leaving dock, confirm safety gear, and be honest with yourself about motion sickness risk.

If you want my rule of thumb, it’s this: go if you can handle the nature of fishing, and go if you’re excited by the whole offshore experience, not only the trophy outcome.

FAQ

How long is the deep sea fishing trip from Cabo San Lucas?

The trip is approximately 5 hours.

Is this a private charter or shared tour?

It’s a private activity. Only your group participates on the 30 ft to 32 ft fishing charter.

What is the group size for this tour?

The price is per group for up to 4 people.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes live bait, all fishing equipment, an ice box cooler, bottled water, a bilingual experienced captain, taxes, and dock fees.

What is not included in the price?

Fish cleaning is not included. Crew gratuity is not included and is greatly appreciated. Fishing licenses are also not included.

How much are fishing licenses and when do you get them?

Fishing licenses cost $20.00 per person and are purchased in the morning at a fishing licensed booth near dock one.

Can I upgrade to a longer trip?

Yes. The activity is about 5 hours, and you can upgrade for a full day of 8 hours by adding 3 hours if you let them know in advance before the activity begins.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The start and end meeting point is Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time, and it’s also noted that the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.