Fishing in Punta Cana

As in most of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is very easy to access deep water; the Boats will have the Fishing lines in the water 5 minutes after leaving the dock. But the proximity to the Mona Passage is what makes Fishing in Punta Cana exceptional. Large currents flow through the channel that, combined with tropical trade winds, can create the conditions for rough seas. But it is these same currents that make the passage an important pathway for pelagic species of fish, which migrate from one body of water to another.

The Mona Passage: Marlin Country

Fishing in Punta Cana 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 all species of Atlantic billfish. In addition to accessibility, the Mona Passage also boasts a unique series of shoals, known to locals as "the rocks". These underwater rocks are attractive to pelagic species because they provide reef-like shelter and food sources for baitfish: this is what Saltwater Sportsman calls "billfish country."

Bottom Fishing in Punta Cana

When the billfish aren't biting there are plenty of alternatives. Fishing for snapper and grouper with a rod or offshore in Punta Cana always brings a good catch home, and it's hard to troll and not catch some dolphin. Inshore Fishing in Punta Cana is mainly on reefs, lagoons and beaches. Although many good fishing spots are located on private property and are inaccessible, in some areas you can fish from the beach and the shore.

Inshore Fishing in Punta Cana

If you are staying in a hotel, it is advisable to ask permission, as some beaches and shore areas are only open to guests. Inshore fishing focuses on catching jacks, groupers, small snappers, barracudas and marlin. Permit are known to lurk between the reef and the beach. According to local Fishing Captains, a good place to fish from shore is the Cap Cana Channel, Cabo Engaño and Bravero Beach, but be careful when wading; boots are recommended.

The lagoons are also popular spots for inshore fishing, where you'll find tilapia, snook and tarpon. Laguna Limon, Laguna de Nissibon and Laguna Cabeza de Toro are recommended and accessible from Punta Cana. Kayak reef fishing is another inshore option, and a great way to catch small groupers, snappers, wrasse and other reef species.

Punta Cana is an upscale resort area with more than 50 international hotel chains, private cabanas and rental apartments, some of which have a sport fishing Boat docked right in the backyard. Punta Cana's airport is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. The climate is tropical, and the rainy season is in autumn (October-November).

Punta Cana is known for its unique beauty and the best offshore fishing spots for Marlins (Bill Fish). Starting from the time of departure you can start fishing in Punta Cana within 10 minutes. In no time you will be ready to fish for Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Blue and White Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Albacore, Barracuda and Amberjack.

Fishing in Punta Cana and its fish species. In general, from January to May, we have white marlin, sailfish, dorado and wahoo. And from July to December there are blue marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo.

Although there are dorado all year round, the best time to fish for dorado in Punta Cana is from November to March.
Blue Marlin: July to September, but you can fish until December.
White Marlin: March, April, May and June are the best months.
Wahoo: September - December
Sailfish: February - May
Yellowfin Tuna: July to December.

The following fish can be found year-round, either from shore or aboard a Fishing charter in Punta Cana:
Snapper, grouper, cobia, jack mackerel, mackerel, kingfish, swordfish, tarpon, permit, bonefish and shark.

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

Water sports are popular activities in Punta Cana. You'll find everything from speedboat rides, sailing, discovery cruises, dolphin watching excursions, snorkeling and scuba diving excursions. You can also explore the reef and shallow waters by renting a kayak or stand-up paddle board (SUP).

Windsurfing and kitesurfing in Punta Cana are popular activities thanks to the constant trade winds throughout the year. Cabarete is a world-famous windsurfing and kitesurfing destination, so if you've never tried windsurfing or kitesurfing, it's an ideal place to do so.

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

The most popular sport in the Dominican Republic is baseball, and it is home to 10% of Major League Baseball players, such as David Ortiz, Luis Pujols and Jose Reyes. If you are in the Dominican Republic during the months of October through January, you can get tickets to one of the 50 games of the Dominican Republic Winter League Season.

Fishing in Punta Cana requires a fishing license. Remember that Fishing charters usually already have a collective fishing license so you don't need to buy one if you are going to hire a Boat.

Depending on the Boat and the Duration of your Fishing trip, you will pay more or less for the trip. The Price for a 4 hour Fishing trip in Punta Cana with a small Boat is $450. A half-day trip with a 40-foot charter is about $600, while an 8-hour Fishing trip will cost you between $1250 and $1350. Of course, there are bigger Boats that are more expensive, but for that you also have more comfort.

What is included in the Price?

The Price usually includes the Captain, fishing tackle, fuel, bait and lures and licenses. In each listing we indicate if drinks and food are Included. Some Fishing charters also offer pick-up (free of charge) and transportation to and from the hotel. If your accommodation is far from the Boat, there may be a surcharge for transportation.

Once the Booking is made, the Captain will contact you to arrange the meeting point and departure time. In addition, we recommend that you contact the Captain a couple of days before the excursion to confirm the weather forecast.