Punta Cana Private Fishing Charter on 39 Foot Boat with Bevarages

Punta Cana’s Atlantic waters can put you within reach of mahi mahi, tuna, sailfish and marlin, with a captain and first mate working the lines alongside you. The draw here is not just the chance of a big catch: the boat is private for your group, and the crew supplies the gear, bait and fishing licenses.

I like two practical details in particular: hotel pickup makes an early start easier, and the crew can offer as much or as little instruction as you want. After fishing, you can use the swim board and ladder to get into the water, or simply relax on board with a drink.

One caution: fishing is never guaranteed, and the Atlantic can be rough. The listed trip length ranges from four to nine hours, so confirm the duration you are booking and clarify the group-size details before paying.

Key points

• Target species: Mahi mahi, tuna, sailfish and marlin are among the fish found in these waters.
• Private boat: The charter is for your party, with a stated maximum of six people.
• Gear and crew included: A captain, first mate, heavy-duty tackle, bait and fishing licenses are provided.
• Hotel pickup: Round-trip transport in a private vehicle is included, with a listed 7:30 am start.
• Comfort on board: The 39-foot boat has a fighting chair, toilet, shower, bar, seating and a swim ladder.
• Bring your own extras: Sunscreen, towels and lunch are not included, and preparing your catch costs extra.

Punta Cana fishing, with a boat for your group

This is a private deep-sea fishing charter from Punta Cana, run by Big Marlin Charters. You share the boat with your own party rather than joining a mixed group, which gives you room to set the pace and decide how much hands-on help you want.

The charter costs $699 per group of up to six. That price can be good value if you fill most of the available places: the captain, first mate, fuel, fishing equipment, bait, licenses, drinks and hotel transport are included. For one or two people, it is a more substantial outlay, so weigh the private setting and included services against the possibility of sharing a boat elsewhere.

The description gives a duration range of about four to nine hours, and past trips have included four- and six-hour outings. Don’t assume every booking is a full day. Check the exact time on the option you choose, and ask how the operator measures the fishing time if that matters to you.

There is a detail worth sorting out before booking: the main price information says the boat accommodates up to six, while another line says a maximum of one person per booking. Those details conflict. If you’re booking for a group, confirm directly that your party size is accepted under the selected reservation.

From hotel pickup to the marina

The day is designed to begin with a 7:30 am start and pickup from Punta Cana hotels. A private vehicle is included for the round trip, so you don’t need to arrange your own ride to the marina. That can make an early departure simpler, especially if you’re traveling with children or carrying personal gear.

Once you arrive, you’ll meet the captain and first mate and board the fishing boat. Crew assignments can vary. Captains Richard and Rosario, and first mates Andy, Havi, Hector, Louie and Tony, are among the names associated with past trips. Treat those as examples, not a promise of who will be aboard on your date.

The pickup is a useful part of the package, but build in some flexibility around the start. One account describes a wait at the marina, so it’s sensible not to schedule a tight appointment immediately after your expected return. The stated duration is approximate, and conditions at sea can affect the day.

Fishing the Atlantic with a captain and first mate

Once underway, the main event is trolling and fishing the Atlantic waters off Punta Cana. Marlin, tuna, sailfish and dorado, also called mahi mahi, are among the species in the area. Barracuda also turn up in reported catches. The crew supplies fresh bait and heavy-duty tackle, and the captain uses local experience to look for productive water.

That support matters if you’ve never fished offshore. The first mate can explain the equipment and help you handle a catch, while the captain decides where to fish. You can ask for guidance throughout, or take a more independent role if you already know your way around a rod and reel.

The crew’s work can make a slow day feel worthwhile, but it cannot control the fish. Some trips have brought in several mahi mahi, sometimes alongside barracuda, while others have yielded only one or two fish. A few days have produced especially memorable catches, including a blue marlin, but that is an exceptional result, not a sensible expectation to book around.

I’d choose this trip for the time on the water and the chance to fish with a dedicated crew, not as a promise that you’ll bring home a trophy. The captain and first mate can put in a strong effort, yet the catch still depends on conditions and what is biting that day.

What the boat offers between bites

The 39-foot boat has a large cockpit, a Pompanette fighting chair and a flybridge with seating. Inside, you’ll find white leather seating, a television, a bar, a shower and a toilet. The layout offers places to sit and take a break when you’re not fishing, though the main reason to book is the time outdoors, not a luxury cruise.

A wide swim board and marine ladder provide access to the water for snorkeling, swimming or a rest after fishing. That’s a welcome option on a longer trip, but don’t assume every outing will include a swim stop at a particular location or for a set amount of time. The trip is centered on fishing, and the schedule depends on the day.

Drinks are included: rum, beer, Coke, Sprite, bottled water and ice. The open bar is a nice extra, but I’d pace any alcohol carefully, particularly if you’re prone to motion sickness. Some people have found the Atlantic rough, and the combination of waves and diesel fumes has made a few outings uncomfortable.

The stated fitness requirement is moderate. You don’t need to be an expert angler, but you should be comfortable spending several hours on a boat and following the crew’s directions. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If someone in your group is sensitive to motion, consider that before committing to a long trip.

Catching, keeping and eating your fish

If the crew lands a fish, the first mate can help you handle it, and the captain or mate may fillet it. That doesn’t mean the charter includes cooking. Preparing your catch is not part of the $699 price, and neither is lunch.

Some people arrange to have their fish cooked at a local restaurant for an additional fee. If that sounds appealing, ask the crew about the arrangement and cost before you set off, rather than assuming it is included. A fresh mahi mahi meal can be a memorable end to the day, but you’ll need to pay the restaurant separately.

You may also be able to take filleted fish back to your resort, as some groups have done. Check with your hotel in advance if you hope to have the kitchen prepare it. The practical point is simple: the charter covers fishing and basic onboard service, not the meal afterward.

What the $699 price covers, and what it doesn’t

The group price includes the captain and first mate, fuel, fishing licenses, bait, heavy-duty tackle, beverages, bottled water, a driver, hotel pickup and private transport. Taxes, fees and handling charges are also included. For a group of up to six, those inclusions reduce the need to arrange separate transport or rent gear.

But the price does not cover lunch, towels, sunscreen, tips or cooking your catch. Pack sunscreen and a towel, and bring any food you’ll want during the outing. Water is supplied, but that doesn’t replace lunch on a trip that may last much of the day.

Tips are not included. If the crew works hard to help your group, plan to tip separately according to your judgment. The cost of any meal made from your catch is also an extra, so budget for it if you want to eat your fish ashore.

Who will get the most from this charter

This works well for a family, a group of friends or a couple that wants a private outing and the freedom to learn at its own pace. Beginners can get help from the crew, while experienced anglers can focus on fishing with serious tackle and a captain who knows the local waters.

It can also suit families with older children who are interested in fishing. Children must stay with an adult, and one family outing with an 11-year-old resulted in a mahi mahi and a barracuda. That’s a useful example, not a guarantee of the catch or a promise that every child will enjoy several hours at sea.

If your group mainly wants a calm boat ride, or if motion sickness is a concern, think carefully about the length and the Atlantic conditions. The boat has a shower, toilet and seating, but those comforts do not change the fact that this is an offshore fishing trip. If you’re unsure, a shorter option may be a more comfortable introduction.

My take on whether to book

I’d book this charter if your priority is a private fishing day with gear, licenses, drinks and hotel transport included. Its strongest value is the combination of a dedicated crew and the chance to fish for large Atlantic species without organizing the equipment yourself.

I would not book it expecting a guaranteed marlin or a cooked lunch. Confirm the trip length and group-size discrepancy first, bring sunscreen, towels and food, and allow for rough water. If you’re happy with the uncertainty that comes with fishing, this is a practical way to spend a morning or longer on the water with your own group.

FAQ

How much does the charter cost?

The listed price is $699 per group, with the main tour details stating a maximum of six people.

How long is the trip?

The outing is listed as about four to nine hours. Confirm the exact duration of the option you book.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and round-trip transport by private vehicle are included.

What fishing equipment is provided?

Heavy-duty tackle, bait and fishing licenses are included, along with the captain and first mate.

What drinks are available on board?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Can the crew cook the fish we catch?

Cooking your catch is not included. You may be able to arrange cooking at a local restaurant for an additional fee.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.