5.0(2 Reviews)Extended Half Day Fishing Trip In Saona Island
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour deep sea fishing adventure targeting marlin and tunaExpert crew provides fully equipped boat for offshore experienceSmall group capacity of four guests ensures personalized attention
Picture this: you're cruising through crystal-clear Caribbean waters off Saona Island, lines in the water, waiting for that telltale scream of your reel as something big takes your bait. This isn't just another fishing trip—it's six solid hours of deep sea action where Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo call the shots. Captain Marcel and his crew at Elimar Fishing Tours know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before. The boat's fully rigged with everything you need, so just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some cold drinks to keep you going.
We're talking about a serious half-day commitment here—six hours of prime fishing time in some of the Caribbean's most productive waters. The boat heads out from Saona Island into the deeper blue where the big pelagics roam, and trust me, this isn't your typical inshore trip. You'll be targeting heavyweight species like Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Great Barracuda, and Albacore Tuna in waters that consistently produce fish year-round. The crew knows exactly where to find the action based on current conditions, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. With a maximum of four anglers on board, everyone gets plenty of room to work and plenty of shots at whatever's biting. The vibe is relaxed but focused—this is fishing, not a party boat, so come ready to learn and maybe land the fish of a lifetime.
This operation runs on serious trolling tactics, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and find active fish in the deep blue. The boat's rigged with quality rods, reels, and a spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from multiple species. We're talking outriggers, downriggers, and a variety of trolling speeds to match what the fish want on any given day. The crew handles all the technical stuff—setting the spread, adjusting lure positions, and reading the electronics—while you focus on the fun part: fighting fish. When something hits, you'll know it immediately. These aren't little reef fish we're after; these are ocean predators that can strip line and test your skills. Don't worry if you're new to this game—the crew will coach you through every step, from setting the hook to bringing your catch to the boat.
"Landed some Mahi and had a close call with a Marlin! Even though we didn't bring it in, the trip was well worth the price and made for a great day on the water." - Seth
"Captain Marcel and his deckhand were friendly and worked hard the entire trip to put us on fish. We ended up landing 7 barracuda while trolling. Great experience—highly recommend this boat!" - Chris
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Caribbean fishing, and Saona Island waters see good numbers during peak season from December through April. These acrobatic fighters average 40-80 pounds and put on an absolute show when hooked, jumping clear out of the water multiple times. What makes sailfish special isn't just their size—it's their speed and aerial displays that'll have you hollering and grabbing for your camera. They're typically found in deeper water where the current brings baitfish, and when conditions are right, you might encounter small schools of them.
King Mackerel, or "kingfish" as locals call them, are year-round residents that provide consistent action and excellent eating. These toothy predators range from 15-40 pounds in these waters and are known for their blistering initial runs. Kings are aggressive feeders that respond well to both live bait and trolled lures, making them perfect targets for this style of fishing. They're also one of the best fish you can put in the cooler—firm, white meat that's fantastic on the grill.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate trophy in these waters, with fish ranging from 150 to over 400 pounds. While encounters aren't guaranteed, when one shows up, everything else stops mattering. These apex predators are most active from May through September, though they're present year-round. Landing a blue marlin is a team effort that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, and it's an experience that changes how you think about fishing forever.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado, are the workhorses of Caribbean fishing—beautiful, hard-fighting, and absolutely delicious. These colorful fish average 10-30 pounds and are known for their acrobatic fights and stunning golden-green coloration. Mahi are often found around floating debris or weed lines, and they're notorious for traveling in schools. Hook one, and there's a good chance more are nearby. They're active year-round but peak during the warmer months.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and in deeper water, they grow to impressive sizes—often 20-50 pounds. These apex predators are incredibly fast and aggressive, providing explosive strikes and strong runs. While they're not everyone's first choice for the dinner table due to their reputation, they're unmatched for pure fishing excitement. Barracuda are year-round residents and often show up when you least expect them, making every trip interesting.
Six hours on the water with an experienced crew, targeting world-class game fish in some of the Caribbean's most productive waters—this is what serious fishing looks like. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish or hoping to tangle with a blue marlin, Captain Marcel and the Elimar Fishing Tours crew have the experience and equipment to make it happen. Remember
This 24-foot Arc Boats sportfisher from 2004 is built for serious angling around Saona Island's productive waters. The 250HP Cummins engine pushes her up to 24 knots, getting your crew of four to the fishing grounds fast and bringing you back with the catch. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds and baitfish, while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots. Down below, there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold and the fish fresh, plus a multimedia system for those slower moments between bites. Whether you're trolling for sailfish or working the drop-offs for mackerel, this boat handles the Caribbean swells with confidence. The setup is perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers ready to experience deep sea fishing in these fish-rich waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are what deep sea dreams are made of - these speedsters can hit 30+ mph and put on aerial shows that'll have you scrambling for your camera. Most run 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, though we've seen bigger. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet deep, following warm currents and bait schools. Around Saona, spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps stay above 75°F. What makes them special is that famous sail-like dorsal fin and their habit of changing colors from blue to black when excited. They're tenacious fighters with serious endurance - expect long runs and multiple jumps. Here's the thing most folks don't know: when you see one, there's usually more around since they often hunt in small groups. Keep a second rod ready.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate trophy - massive, powerful, and built for battle. Males run around 200-300 pounds, but females can hit 500+ and occasionally push into "grander" territory over 1000 pounds. These apex predators cruise deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks, usually 100+ feet deep. Peak season runs spring through fall when warm water pushes closer to shore. What makes them legendary is the fight - powerful runs, spectacular jumps, and stamina that can last hours. Most are released, but the experience stays with you forever. The key is heavy tackle and patience. When you get a bite, don't horse them - let the fish run and tire itself out. Keep steady pressure but give when they jump to avoid thrown hooks. Big baits work best - rigged ballyhoo or large tuna strips.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the ocean's ultimate ambush predator - long, lean, and lightning fast with a mouthful of razor teeth. These silver missiles average 3-4 feet but can push 6 feet and 50+ pounds around our reefs. They patrol shallow coral areas, grass flats, and reef edges, usually in 20-80 feet of water. Fishing's good year-round, but spring brings bigger fish during spawning season. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and wild initial run - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. The fight is intense but brief since they tire quickly. They're curious fish that often follow boats and divers. Fair warning: don't eat the big ones due to ciguatera risk. Landing tip: use wire leader and keep fingers clear when boating - those teeth stay sharp even after the fish is done. A good net helps too.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the Caribbean's speed demons - sleek, fast, and always hungry. These silver torpedoes average 30 pounds but can push 50+ when conditions are right. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, cruising along drop-offs and current edges where bait concentrates. Year-round fishing here, but cooler months often bring bigger fish closer to shore. What guests love is their blistering initial run - they'll strip line like nothing else, then make multiple strong runs before giving up. The meat is excellent when iced immediately, though watch for those razor-sharp teeth. Pro tip: rig with wire leader and two hooks - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit bait from behind, and that second hook saves a lot of missed fish. Troll at 6-8 knots for best results.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure fun - colorful, acrobatic, and great on the table. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they make up for it with incredible colors that shift from gold to green to blue right before your eyes. Look for them under floating debris, weed lines, or around any structure in 100+ feet of water. They're here year-round in these warm Caribbean waters, with peak action during warmer months. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and jumping ability - they'll go airborne multiple times during a fight. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Best tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly - they travel in schools, so cast additional baits around the hooked fish. Often we'll boat 4-5 from the same school.
5.0 out of 5.0Landed some Mahi and had a close call with a Marlin! Even though we didn’t bring it in, the trip was well worth the price and made...
Captain Marcel and his deckhand were friendly and worked hard the entire trip to put us on fish. We ended up landing 7 barracuda w...
Dominican Republic