Punta Cana Private Fishing Charter on 39 Foot Boat with Bevarages

The best part of this Punta Cana outing is the chance to fish the open Atlantic on a private 39-foot boat without bringing tackle, bait, fuel, or a fishing license. The crew handles the practical work while you focus on the rod, the sea, and the hope that a mahi mahi or billfish will hit the line.

I like two things right away: hotel pickup keeps the morning simple, and the crew works hard even when the fish are slow. Captains such as Richard and Rosario, along with first mates including Andy and Havi, have helped beginners land fish while giving experienced anglers as much hands-on guidance as they want.

The catch is never guaranteed, and the Atlantic can be rough. Some outings produce several mahi mahi, barracuda, or even a blue marlin, while others bring only one or two fish. Seasickness, diesel fumes, and a shorter-than-promised fishing period have also affected some outings, so go in ready for a real fishing day, not a guaranteed catch.

Key points before you book

• A private boat for up to six: Your group has the boat to itself, which makes it easier to set the pace and share the rods.
• A proper offshore setup: The 39-foot boat has a fighting chair, large cockpit, fly-bridge seating, bar, toilet, shower, swim platform, and marine ladder.
• Mahi mahi are the most realistic target: Tuna, sailfish, dorado, barracuda, and marlin are also found in these waters.
• Everything needed for fishing is included: Heavy-duty tackle, bait, fuel, licenses, captain, first mate, and local guide service come with the booking.
• Drinks are covered: The open bar includes rum, beer, cola, Sprite, bottled water, and ice.
• Fresh fish may become your lunch or dinner: Cooking is not included, but the crew has filleted fish for the group and helped arrange cooking at a local restaurant for an extra fee.

What your $699 private charter buys

The price is $699 per group of up to six people, not $699 per person. That makes the math fairly good for a full group. Six people would pay about $117 each before any tip or optional fish cooking, while two people would be paying much more for the same private boat.

The value depends on what you want. If your goal is a private offshore fishing day with a crew, tackle, fuel, drinks, transportation, and no strangers sharing the cockpit, the package covers a lot. If only one or two people in your party actually fish, the cost is harder to justify unless catching a serious fish is high on your list.

The charter runs about four to nine hours. That broad range matters. A four-hour trip is a reasonable choice for a first outing or a family with children. Six hours gives the crew more time to search for fish. A longer trip offers more fishing time, but it also means more exposure to sun, waves, engine fumes, and possible seasickness.

One detail needs checking before payment: the booking information says the group can include up to six people, but it also lists a maximum of one person per booking. Those statements conflict. Ask Big Marlin Charters to confirm the permitted group size and exact trip length for your reservation.

The 7:30 am pickup and ride to the marina

The day begins at 7:30 am, with pickup available from Punta Cana hotels. A private vehicle and driver are included, which is useful in a resort area where arranging your own ride to a marina can add stress and cost.

The transfer has earned strong praise for punctuality and courteous service. Drivers named in past outings include Vladimir, Juno, and Max. Pickup and drop-off have generally been described as smooth, though one outing included a wait of around 30 minutes at the marina before boarding.

I would keep the morning free and avoid booking a tight afternoon activity. The boat needs time to leave port, reach the fishing grounds, and return, and the stated duration is approximate. Bring your booking confirmation on your phone, since a mobile ticket is accepted.

Boarding the 39-foot fishing boat

The boat is built more for practical offshore fishing than for polished resort luxury. Inside, you will find white leather couches, a television, a bar, a toilet, and a shower. Outside, the large cockpit includes a Pompanette fighting chair, which becomes especially useful when a strong fish takes the line.

There is also a forward seating area and a fly-bridge with couches. That gives nonfishing members a place to sit, watch the crew, or simply take in the ocean. A wide swim platform with a marine ladder allows access to the water for swimming, snorkeling, or cooling off after fishing, although the main purpose of the trip is angling.

The boat has been described as clean, organized, and well maintained. That matters more than fancy furnishings on a fishing charter. A tidy deck gives the mate room to work, helps keep lines under control, and makes the cockpit safer when a fish runs hard.

How the fishing day works

Once offshore, the captain chooses the area and sets the gear. The crew supplies heavy-duty tackle and fresh bait, then keeps lines ready while you wait for a strike. You can ask for detailed instruction or take a more independent approach if you already fish regularly.

First mates such as Andy, Havi, Louie, Tony, and Hector have been praised for explaining the gear, helping with the rods, and staying attentive through the day. Andy has also shared information about the Dominican Republic during the ride and while searching the water. The crew’s job is not just to hand you a rod. They bait hooks, watch the lines, help with the fighting chair, and work to land the fish once it reaches the boat.

This setup suits mixed groups. A first-time angler can receive close help without feeling lost, while a more experienced fisher can handle more of the action. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the operator recommends a moderate level of physical fitness.

You should also understand the rhythm. Fishing includes long stretches of waiting, moving, and watching lines. Even on a good day, a strike is a sudden burst of work surrounded by quieter periods. The best attitude is to value the whole time on the water, not only the number of fish in the cooler.

What you might catch in Punta Cana

The Atlantic water off Punta Cana holds mahi mahi, tuna, sailfish, marlin, barracuda, and other species. In the catch reports supplied for this charter, mahi mahi appear most often. Groups have landed one or two, several fish, and on exceptional days a dozen or more.

The fish can be a good size. One outing produced mahi mahi up to 34 inches, while another included seven large mahi mahi and a barracuda. A solo angler landed eight mahi mahi and an 80-plus-inch blue marlin, though that kind of day is clearly an unusually fortunate result rather than a promise.

Marlin is a bucket-list possibility, not a dependable target. One group caught a big blue marlin, while another spent the day looking without finding one. The crew may also point out wildlife. A humpback whale and other whales have been seen near the boat during past trips.

Slow fishing does happen. Some groups returned with one small mahi mahi, two mahi mahi and several barracuda, or no meaningful catch after the crew worked hard. That is the central risk of any ocean charter. You are paying for the boat, crew, equipment, and opportunity, not a guaranteed fish.

The captain and first mate make the difference

The strongest part of this experience is the crew’s effort. Captain Richard has been repeatedly singled out for locating fish and keeping the boat positioned well. Captain Rosario has also received praise for his experience and care. First mates Andy and Havi are noted for staying active, explaining what is happening, and helping anglers land fish.

Crew assignments can change, so you cannot assume a particular captain or mate will be aboard. Still, the pattern is clear: the staff is expected to do much of the technical work, which is valuable when you are new to offshore fishing.

I especially like that the crew keeps trying on difficult days. When the fish stop biting, the captain may adjust the search while the mate keeps lines baited and ready. That does not guarantee success, but it improves your odds and makes the day feel purposeful rather than passive.

Drinks, swimming, and what to bring

The open bar includes rum, beer, cola, Sprite, bottled water, and ice. This is handy on a hot boat, but alcohol and rough seas are not a great combination for anyone prone to motion sickness. Start with water, eat lightly, and judge the sea before reaching for rum or beer.

Pack sunscreen and a towel, since neither is included. You should also bring a hat and comfortable clothing, though the supplied information specifically confirms only sunscreen and towels as missing items. The boat has a swim platform and ladder, so you can use the water for swimming or snorkeling if conditions and the schedule allow.

Do not expect lunch. Lunch is not included, and cooking your catch is also excluded from the price. The crew has filleted mahi mahi for groups to take back to a resort or local restaurant. Some groups arranged to have the fish cooked at a beachfront restaurant for an additional charge, while others had their resort chef prepare it.

That fresh-fish option is one of the more memorable ways to finish the day. Confirm the cost and arrangements before assuming it is part of the charter.

Seasickness and the reality of the Atlantic

The open Atlantic can be rougher than the calm water around a resort beach. Several people have felt nauseous, including children and adults, and diesel fumes added to the discomfort for some groups. One family had to cut the outing short after the children became sick.

This is not a reason to avoid the charter, but it is a reason to prepare. If you know you get motion sick, speak with a medical professional before your trip about suitable medication. Stay in fresh air when possible, drink water, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell.

The private format helps here because you are not trapped in a large group’s schedule. Still, cutting a trip short may mean losing part of what you paid for. One reported outing ended roughly 30 minutes short of the purchased six-hour period, with the customer counting transfer-boat time in the duration. Confirm exactly when the fishing clock starts and ends.

Is the private format worth it?

For a family or group of friends, the private boat is the main value. You do not share the cockpit with strangers, and the crew can focus on your party. That makes it easier to adjust instruction, give children a turn, or let serious anglers spend more time at the rods.

The boat’s size also gives you room to spread out. Someone can sit on the couch or fly-bridge while another person fishes. The toilet, bar, shower, and swim platform are useful on a longer outing, though the accommodations remain basic rather than luxurious.

The private price makes less sense for a solo fisher or couple unless you strongly prefer privacy. A solo angler did have an excellent full-day outing with a blue marlin and several mahi mahi, but the cost per person remains high when the group is small.

Who should book this Punta Cana charter?

I would choose this trip for:

• A group of up to six that wants a private day offshore
• Beginners who want a captain and mate to handle the technical side
• Experienced anglers seeking mahi mahi, tuna, sailfish, or a possible marlin
• Families with older children who can manage a long boat ride
• People who value hotel transportation and included equipment
• Anyone interested in taking fresh mahi mahi back to a resort or restaurant

I would think twice if you dislike rough water, get seasick easily, want a guaranteed catch, or need a tightly scheduled afternoon. It is also a poor fit if your main goal is a relaxed beach cruise. This is a fishing trip first, with swimming and sightseeing as possible extras.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. The trip is private, and children need adult supervision.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a serious fishing outing with a private boat, an active crew, hotel pickup, and a fair chance at mahi mahi. The best days can be outstanding, with multiple fish, close wildlife sightings, and the rare thrill of a blue marlin.

Do not book it expecting a fish on every line or a calm sea. Ask about the exact boat, crew, start and finish times, group-size rule, and fish-cooking options before you go. If your group can share the $699 cost and accepts the uncertainty of fishing, Big Marlin Charters offers a strong Punta Cana option with practical comforts and a crew that keeps working when luck runs thin.

FAQ

How much does the Punta Cana private fishing charter cost?

The listed price is $699 per group, with the group described as accommodating up to six people.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The approximate duration is four to nine hours. A 7:30 am start time is provided.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup from Punta Cana is included, along with return transportation by private vehicle and a driver.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

What fishing equipment is provided?

The charter includes heavy-duty tackle, bait, fuel, fishing licenses, a captain, and a first mate.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, beer, cola, Sprite, bottled water, and ice.

What fish can you catch?

The listed species include marlin, tuna, sailfish, dorado, also called mahi mahi, barracuda, and other Atlantic fish.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Cooking your catch is also not included, although fish may be filleted and taken to a restaurant or resort for preparation.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.