Fishing in Punta Cana

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If you want to know why the Dominican Republic is ranked the #2 billfishery in the world, then you must go marlin fishing in Punta Cana...

If you want to know why the Dominican Republic is ranked the #2 billfishery in the world, then you must go marlin fishing in Punta Cana. The blue and white marlin bite is strong and plentiful in the offshore waters east of Punta Cana due to its geography and proximity to the Mona Passage: a 65 kilometer channel between the island of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.

Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and balnearios. Besides fishing Punta Cana it's also a great place for windsurfing, golf and diving (due to the fantastic Marine biodiversity).

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Most popular fishing boats charters in Punta Cana

Marlin Fever

6 36,00 ft

Cap Cana Marina, Punta Cana (DO)

From $750
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

The Reef

3 23,00 ft

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (DO)

From $450
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Tease Me Sportfishing

8 42,00 ft

Cap Cana Marina, Punta Cana (DO)

From $650
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Fortuna

8 42,00 ft

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (DO)

From $650
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Sherlock II

6 39,00 ft

Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana (DO)

From $599
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Gone Dog

5 121,39 ft

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (DO)

From $550
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Chaser

4 48,00 ft

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (DO)

From $3000
Deposit non-refundable

Balyhoo

5 32,00 ft

Cap Cana Marina, Punta Cana (DO)

From $650
Deposit non-refundable

One More Time

8 50,00 ft

Cap Cana Marina, Punta Cana (DO)

From $950
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Reviews from the users

The trip overall was great
Ryan Tyner


Jessica Bedard


Jeoffrey Martigny

24 boats for charter near by Punta Cana

Our nearest destinations in Punta Cana

Tips & Tricks, bait and more

As is true with most of the Dominican Republic, at Punta Cana deep water is very easy to get to; boats will have fishing lines in the water 5 minutes after leaving the dock. But proximity to the Mona Passage is what makes Punta Cana fishing exceptional. Major currents flow through the channel, and combined with tropical trade winds, can create the conditions for rough seas. But it’s those same currents which make the passage a major thoroughfare for pelagic species of fish, migrating from one body of water to the next.

The Mona Passage: Marlin Country

Punta Cana fishing is closely related to the Mona Passage. Punta Cana is right next to a fish highway, with easy access to game fish such as wahoo, dolphin, tuna, and every species of Atlantic billfish. In addition to the accessibility, the Mona Passage also boasts of a unique series of banks, known to locals as “the rocks.” These underwater rocks are attractive to pelagic species because they provide reef-like shelter and food sources for bait fish— this is what Saltwater Sportsman calls “marlin country.”

Reef fishing in Punta Cana

When the marlins are not biting there are plenty of alternatives. Deep dropping or deep sea fishing in Punta Cana for snappers and groupers always brings a healthy catch home, and it’s hard to troll a line and not catch some dolphin. Inshore fishing in Punta Cana is mostly reef, lagoon, and beach. Although many good fishing grounds are located on private property, and inaccessible, beach and shore fishing is available in certain areas.

Inshore fishing in Punta Cana

If you are staying at a hotel it is a good idea to ask permission, some beaches and inshore areas are only open to hotel guests. Inshore fishing focuses on catching jacks, groupers, small snappers, barracudas, and needlefish. Permit are known to roam in between the reef and the beach. According to local fishing captains, a good place to fish from shore is Cap Cana channel, Cabo Engaño, and Bravero Beach, but be mindful when wading, boots are recommended.

Lagoons are also popular inshore fishing spots, where you’ll find tilapia, snook, and tarpon. Laguna Limon, Laguna de Nissibon, and Laguna Cabeza de Toro are all recommended and accessible from Punta Cana. Reef fishing by kayak is another inshore option, and a great way to catch smaller grouper, snappers, wrasse, and other reef species.

Punta Cana is a luxury resort area with over 50 international hotel chains, private cabanas, and condos for rent— some which have a sportfishing boat docked right in the backyard! Punta Cana airport is one of the busiest in the Caribbean region. The climate is tropical, and the rainy season is in the fall (October – November).

Top sport fishing species in Punta Cana

FISHING SEASON IN Punta Cana

Punta Cana is known for its unique beauty and the best deep sea fishing spots for Marlins (Bill Fish). Within 10 minutes from departure time you can start fishing in Punta Cana. In no time, you will be ready to catch Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Blue and White Marlins, Yellowfin Tuna, Albacora, Barracuda, and Carite.

Punta Cana fishing and its fish species. Generally speaking, from January to May, we have white marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi and wahoo. And from June to December there's blue marlins, mahi mahi (dorado), yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.

Although there's mahi mahi all year round, the best time to catch mahi mahi in Punta Cana is from November to March.
Blue Marlin: July – September, but you can catch them until December
White Marlin: March, April, May & June are great months
Wahoo: September – December
Sailfish: February – May
Yellowfin Tuna: July to December

The following fish can be found year-round, from the shore or on board a Punta Cana fishing charter:
Snapper, grouper, cobia, jack, mackerel, kingfish, swordfish, tarpons, permit, bonefish, and shark.

Does Punta Cana have good fishing?

Punta Cana is one of the best billfisheries in the world. Offshore yellowfin tuna, dorado and wahoo are also plentyful. Fishing the lagoons and the beaches, there's jack crevalle, barracuda and mackerel.

Where can I fish in Punta Cana?

Punta Cana offers inshore fishing over the reefs, the beaches and the lagoons, whereas offshore, the Mona Passage is one of the best for billfish, mahi and tuna.

What time of year is best to fish in Punta Cana?

Fishing is possible all year round in Punta Cana and Bávaro. Depending of the fishing season you can target billfish, tuna and mahi. Inshore there's always jack crevalle, snapper and bream in the shallows.

Do I need a fishing license in Punta Cana?

Fishing in the Dominican Republic is lightly regulated. Although technically fishing licenses are required, it's hard to find a place to find a place to buy a fishing license in Punta Cana. The one rule that is enforced is the catch and release of billfish species.

Can you fish from the shore in Punta Cana?

Shore fishing and lagoon fishing produce fish species such as Permit, Snook, Tarpon, Palometa, Barracuda and Jack Crevalle. Casting lures or fly fishing is the best way to fish the shallows near Punta Cana.

TOURISM & OTHER ACTIVITIES

There are 62 miles of shoreline and tons of things to do instead of fishing in Punta Cana. Humpback whales migrate to the warm tropical waters off of the North Shore from January to March, so check out the whale watching tours from Punta Cana to see these giants up close.

Watersports are very popular activities in Punta Cana. You’ll find everything from speedboat rides, sailing, discovery cruises, dolphin tours, dive tours, and snorkeling. You can also explore the reef and shallows by renting a kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP).

Windsurfing and Kiteboarding in Punta Cana are very popular activities thanks to the steady trade winds year-round. Cabarete is a world-famous windsurfing and kiteboarding destination, so if you’ve never tried windsurfing or kiteboarding before, it’s a great place to try it out!

Golf enthusiasts will want to explore some of the Domincan Republic’s world-class golf courses. The D.R. has 26 golf courses, 11 of which are in Punta Cana!

The most popular sport in the Dominican Republic is baseball, and it is home to 10% of Major League baseball players, including David Ortiz, Luis Pujols, and Jose Reyes. If you happen to be in D.R. during the months of October – January, you can get your offseason baseball fix by scoring tickets to one of the 50 games during the Dominican Republic Winter League season.

LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS

Fishing in the Dominican Republic is lightly regulated. Although technically fishing licenses are required, fishing regulations are rarely enforced, therefore it is difficult to find places that sell fishing licenses to even buy one. The one rule that is enforced is the catch and release of billfish species.

Fishing charters in Punta Cana and in the Dominican Republic normally include the local fishing license in their service and you don't have to worry about permits.

How much does it cost to rent a boat to fish in Punta Cana?

Depending on the charter fishing boat and on the duration of your fishing tour, you’ll pay more or less for the tour. The price for a private 4 hour Punta Cana fishing trip with a smaller boat is $450. A half day trip with a 40ft charter costs around $600, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1250 tot $1350.

What does the price include?

The price usually includes the captain, fishing tackle, fuel, bait & lures and licenses. On every listing we indicate whether drinks and food are included. Some fishing charters also offer (free) pick-up and transportation from and to the hotel.

Once you’ve made a booking, the captain will contact you to arrange the meeting point and the departure time. Also, we recommend you contact the captain a couple of days before the tour to confirm the weather forecast.

Frequently asked questions about fishing in Punta Cana

According to our customers, some of the most popular fishing charters in Punta Cana are:
Marlin Fever
The Reef
Tease Me Sportfishing
Fortuna

Depending on the boat, a fishing charter in Punta Cana can accommodate up to 10 passangers, although most charters are for 7 people.

Typically in a charter in Punta Cana, a fishing boat charter will include the use of the boat, Fishing tackle, Fishing License, Bait & lures. Some charters may also include Snacks and Drinks, while others may allow you to bring your own.

On average, the prices for a fishing trip in Punta Cana are around $159 per hour. However, prices can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trip, the size of the boat, and the number of people. For shorter fishing trips and smaller boats, prices can start as low as $400 for 4 hours and 6 people. During the high season, prices can increase up to $3500 for a 10-hour-trip with 4 people.

The types of fish you can catch on a fishing charter in Punta Cana will depend on the time of year. Some common fish species that can be caught in Punta Cana include: Yellowfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Dorado, Wahoo, Barracuda.

In Punta Cana, the most popular fishing techniques include Bottom Fishing, Tuna fishing, Trolling, Marlin fishing, Spin Fishing, Deep sea fishing.

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