Deep Sea Fishing Charters San Juan Puerto Rico
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Billfish offshoreExpert captains guide guests to prime fishing spotsState-of-the-art vessel accommodates up to 5 guests
Picture this: you're 20 miles out from San Juan's bustling coastline, and the water beneath you drops to over 6,000 feet. That's where the real action happens. Our offshore fishing charters put you right in the heart of Puerto Rico's legendary blue water fishing grounds, where trophy billfish cruise the same waters that have made this island a bucket-list destination for serious anglers worldwide. Whether you're after your first sailfish or hunting for that grander marlin, these waters deliver consistently year-round.
Your day starts early at the marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on conditions and game plan. We're talking 4 to 8 hours of serious fishing time, depending on what you're after and how the bite is looking. The boat is rigged with everything you need - outriggers spread wide, teasers in the water, and a full spread of lures running at different depths. Most days we'll start trolling before sunrise, covering ground until we find the bait schools or temperature breaks where the big fish hang out. Don't worry about bringing tackle - our Penn International reels and custom rods are tournament-grade gear that can handle anything from a 20-pound mahi to a 400-pound blue marlin. The cockpit is set up for fighting fish, with a comfortable fighting chair and plenty of room to move around when you're hooked up.
Offshore fishing here is all about trolling - we're covering water and presenting baits where the pelagic species feed. Your captain will set up a spread of lures and natural baits, typically running 4-6 lines at different distances behind the boat. We use a mix of cedar plugs, diving plugs, and ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, adjusting the spread based on what we're targeting that day. The water temperature and current breaks are key - that's where you'll find the schools of flying fish and squid that attract the big predators. When we mark bait on the fish finder or spot birds working, that's when things get exciting fast. Your captain will position the boat to work the edges of the current or temperature gradient, and that's usually when the outriggers start popping and reels start screaming.
Atlantic Sailfish are the bread and butter of San Juan offshore fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters show up in decent numbers from December through April, though you can find them year-round. They typically run 40-80 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping - expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. What makes them special here is the clear water visibility - you can actually watch them light up and attack your baits, which is something you don't get in many places. Most anglers catch and release these beautiful fish, making for great photos and memories.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of San Juan fishing, and these waters consistently produce fish in the 200-500 pound range, with occasional giants over 600 pounds. Peak season runs from May through September, when water temperatures climb and the big females move in to feed. These fish are pure power - when you hook one, everything changes on the boat. The fights can last hours, and landing one is a team effort. Blue marlin fishing requires patience, but when it happens, it's the experience of a lifetime. Most captains here practice catch and release for these magnificent fish, though smaller males under 200 pounds are sometimes kept for mounting.
Mahi Mahi bring the action when you need it most. These colorful bulldogs school up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often providing multiple hookups when you find them. They range from schoolie-size fish around 10 pounds up to bull dolphins pushing 40-50 pounds. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're one of the best eating fish in the ocean. When you find a good school, it's not uncommon to boat a dozen fish in an hour. They fight hard for their size and those bright colors make them a favorite for photos.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of smoking line off your reel at 50+ mph. These toothy predators typically show up as bonus fish while trolling for other species, though they can be targeted specifically around underwater structure. They average 20-40 pounds in these waters, with occasional fish pushing 60+ pounds. The key is high-speed trolling - they love lures and baits moving fast. Their razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leaders, and their initial run is explosive. They're also fantastic on the dinner table, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
White Marlin might be smaller than their blue cousins, but pound-for-pound they're just as exciting. These 50-80 pound fish are acrobatic fighters that love to jump and tail-walk across the surface. They're more common during summer months and often travel in small groups. White marlin have made a comeback in recent years, and San Juan has become a reliable spot to target them. They respond well to smaller lures and natural baits, and their fights are fast and furious - perfect for anglers who want billfish action without the marathon battle of a big blue.
San Juan's offshore fishing scene is world-class for a reason - consistent action, trophy-caliber fish, and captains who know these waters inside and out. Whether you're planning a half-day trip to get your feet wet or going all-in with an 8-hour adventure, you're looking at some of the best blue water fishing the Caribbean has to offer. The boat accommodates up to 5 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention from the crew. Book early, especially during peak marlin season - the best captains and dates fill up fast, and you don't want to
The CONTENDER 25' center console is your ticket to San Juan's best offshore fishing grounds. Powered by twin 150hp Suzuki engines, this stable boat cuts through Caribbean waters with ease, getting you to where the Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo are biting. The spacious deck gives up to 5 anglers plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long offshore runs. Recent upgrades ensure reliable performance whether you're trolling for Billfish or bottom fishing the deep drops. The center console design offers 360-degree fishing access, perfect for when multiple lines get hit simultaneously. Built for serious fishing, this Contender handles offshore conditions while providing the comfort needed for 4 to 8-hour trips chasing trophy fish in Puerto Rican waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansThe Atlantic Sailfish is one of our most sought-after targets, running 7-8 feet on average and weighing around 50 pounds. These beauties are known for that massive dorsal fin and their ability to hit speeds over 30 mph. You'll find them in warm surface waters, usually 30-65 feet down near current breaks and temperature changes. They hunt in small groups, using their bills to stun baitfish. The fight is what hooks most anglers - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. Best fishing is during our warmer months when water temps hit 75-80°F. Here's a tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface. Sailfish love chasing flying fish, so make that ballyhoo dance like it's trying to get airborne.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the kings of our offshore waters and the ultimate trophy fish. Females can reach massive sizes - we're talking 200-400 pounds regularly, with true giants pushing over 1,000 pounds. Males stay smaller around 150-200 pounds. These powerful fish cruise deep blue water along current edges and drop-offs, usually 100-400 feet down. They're most active during our summer months when warm water pushes closer to shore. What makes them special is the fight - they'll sound deep, then explode out of the water in spectacular jumps. The meat is decent but most anglers release these magnificent fish. My advice: use heavy tackle with 80-130 pound class gear, and when you get a bite, don't rush it. Let the fish run initially - trying to stop a charging marlin too early usually ends with broken tackle.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are some of our most reliable and fun targets out here. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds and put up a great fight with lots of jumps and runs. You'll spot them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the top 100 feet of water. They travel in schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. The fishing stays good most of the year, but peaks during our warmer months. What guests love most is the combination of steady action and excellent table fare - mahi has sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also beautiful fish with those bright gold and green colors that flash when they fight. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water while you get more lines ready. The hooked fish will often keep the school around the boat, giving everyone a shot.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These sleek fish typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds, reaching speeds up to 50 mph when they strike. You'll find them in open blue water, often around structure or temperature breaks. They're loners most of the time, cruising the 50-200 foot range. Best action happens during our cooler months when they move closer to shore. What makes wahoo special is that explosive strike - they'll absolutely scream line off your reel on the initial run. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the table. The key to landing wahoo is high-speed trolling around 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Keep your drag smooth because when they hit, it's like hooking a rocket.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the smaller, scrappy cousins of the blue marlin, typically running 60-80 pounds with occasional fish over 100. These aggressive billfish prefer deep blue water along canyon edges and temperature breaks, usually hunting in the top 200 feet. They're most active during our summer season when warm water moves in close. What makes them special is their attitude - pound for pound, they fight as hard as any fish out here with spectacular jumps and long runs. Most anglers release them since they're a prized gamefish. You'll often see them "bill" the baits, using that sword to stun prey before eating it. They love chasing flying fish and small tunas. Here's the trick: when trolling, don't set the hook immediately when they strike. Let them eat the bait for a few seconds before coming tight - they often hit and run initially.
San Juan, Puerto Rico