Full Day Fishing & Saona Island Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour combo trip features 4 hours offshore fishing plus beach timeSmall group experience accommodates maximum 4 guests per charterIncludes fresh seafood dining and natural pool swimming at Saona Island
Picture this: you're hauling in a feisty king mackerel while the Caribbean sun warms your shoulders, then later sipping a cold drink on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. That's exactly what you get with Elimar Fishing Tours' top-rated combo trip to Saona Island. We've designed this 8-hour adventure to give you the best of both worlds – serious fishing action followed by pure island relaxation. You'll spend half your day chasing trophy fish in some of the Caribbean's richest waters, then switch gears to enjoy Saona Island's famous white sand beaches and crystal-clear natural pools. With space for just 4 anglers, this isn't your typical crowded charter – it's an intimate day on the water where every cast counts.
Your day kicks off early when we head out into the deep blue Caribbean waters surrounding Saona Island. The morning hours are prime time for fishing here – that's when the big pelagics are most active and hungry. You'll be targeting some of the Caribbean's most sought-after species in waters that consistently produce trophy-sized fish. The first four hours are all about fishing, and trust me, these waters don't disappoint. We're talking about drop-offs, current breaks, and underwater structures that hold serious fish. After working the fishing grounds, we'll cruise over to Saona Island where the vibe completely shifts. You'll have time to explore the beach, grab some fresh seafood at a local restaurant (meals aren't included in the package, but the à la carte options are worth it), and cool off in the famous natural pool that makes this island a Caribbean hotspot. The contrast between the adrenaline rush of fighting fish and the laid-back island atmosphere makes for a perfect day.
We run a serious trolling spread out here, using techniques that have been proven in these waters year after year. You'll be fishing with quality rods and reels spooled with heavy line – because when you hook into a blue marlin or a big wahoo, you need gear that can handle the fight. We typically pull a mix of lures and ballyhoo rigs at different depths to cover the water column effectively. The key to success in these Caribbean waters is speed variation and lure selection. We adjust our trolling speed based on conditions and target species – slower for marlin and mahi, faster when we're looking for wahoo. The boat's equipped with outriggers and downriggers, so we can present baits at the right depth and spread them out to cover maximum water. When fish are marking on the sonar, we'll switch up tactics and maybe try some jigging or live bait fishing. The depth here ranges from 60 feet near the island to over 6,000 feet just a few miles offshore, giving us plenty of options to find where the fish are holding.
King mackerel are absolutely on fire in these waters, especially during the cooler months from November through April. These silver bullets typically run between 10-40 pounds here, and they're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic fights. What makes kings so exciting is their speed – they'll hit a trolled bait going 8 knots and strip line off your reel like it's nothing. The bigger ones tend to stay deeper during the day, so we often target them with downrigger presentations or deep diving plugs.
Blue marlin fishing around Saona Island is world-class, with fish ranging from 200-pound juveniles to monsters over 600 pounds. Peak season runs from March through July when the water temperature hits that sweet spot between 78-82 degrees. Blues are ambush predators that cruise the edges of underwater canyons and drop-offs. When one shows up behind the spread, time slows down – you'll see that electric blue dorsal fin cutting through the water before all hell breaks loose. Even a smaller blue marlin will give you a 20-30 minute fight you'll never forget.
Mahi mahi, or dorado as locals call them, are probably the most reliable catch out here. These golden beauties school up around floating debris and current lines, and they're absolutely gorgeous fish. Most mahi we catch run 10-25 pounds, but the bulls can push 40-50 pounds. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean. What's cool about mahi is their curiosity – they'll often stay with the boat after you hook the first one, giving everyone a chance to get in on the action.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Caribbean, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These streamlined predators love fast-moving baits and will absolutely smoke a high-speed trolling lure. Most wahoo here run 15-40 pounds, with occasional fish over 50. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. The fight is usually short but intense – they'll make one or two blistering runs before coming to the boat.
Great barracuda add an element of excitement to every trip. These apex predators can reach 5-6 feet in length and are incredibly aggressive. They'll often follow hooked fish right to the boat, and seeing a big cuda glide up from the depths with those menacing teeth is something else. While they're not typically targeted for eating, they put up a great fight and make for awesome photos. The bigger barracuda tend to be solitary hunters that patrol the reef edges and drop-offs.
This combo trip delivers exactly what serious anglers and island lovers want – quality fishing time followed by the ultimate Caribbean chill session. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of rod time. The 8-hour format gives us enough time to properly work the fishing grounds without rushing, then actually enjoy Saona Island instead of just stopping for a quick photo. Keep in mind there's
Your fishing adventure starts aboard this solid 24-foot Arc Boats sportfisher, powered by a reliable 250HP Cummins engine that'll get you out to the prime fishing spots around Saona Island at a comfortable 24 knots. Built in 2004 and perfectly maintained, this boat handles Caribbean waters like a champ. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish and navigating, while the GPS keeps you on track to the hottest fishing grounds. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long hours on the water. Between fishing sessions, you can crank up the multimedia system and enjoy some tunes while cruising to Saona Island's beautiful beaches. Whether you're targeting big game fish offshore or just looking to land some solid catches, this sportfisher has everything you need for a perfect day of Caribbean fishing and island hopping.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - females can hit 400-800 pounds while males stay smaller around 150-200. They cruise the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually in 1000+ feet where the current lines meet. Best fishing happens during warmer months when baitfish are thick and water temps climb above 78°F. What gets anglers hooked is the pure spectacle - these fish leap, tail-walk, and fight with raw power that'll test your tackle and endurance. The acrobatic displays are legendary, and landing one is a lifetime achievement. They're not great eating due to high mercury, but that's not why you target them anyway. Pro tip: when you get a bite, don't set the hook hard - let the fish eat and come tight slowly. Patience during the initial run often means the difference between a successful release and a break-off.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are aggressive ambush predators that average 2-4 feet but can reach 6 feet and over 50 pounds around here. They patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs from 10-100 feet, using structure to surprise prey. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and fall produce the most action when they're actively feeding. What draws people to barracuda is their explosive strike and fierce fight - they'll jump, make sizzling runs, and never give up easy. While not the best eating due to potential ciguatera, the challenge of hooking one keeps anglers coming back. These fish hunt by sight and are naturally curious, often following lures before deciding to strike. My advice: use a wire leader and keep your hands clear when landing - those razor-sharp teeth mean business and they're not afraid to use them.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that typically run 15-30 pounds around here, though we've seen some push 50+. They love the deeper waters from 40-150 feet, especially near drop-offs and current breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes these fish special is their incredible speed - they'll peel line like crazy and put on quite a show with jumps and long runs. The meat's decent eating too, with that rich, oily texture that grills up nice. My tip: always use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - kings love to smash a lure that looks like a fleeing ballyhoo.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold and green colors that literally glow in the water. They average 10-20 pounds but can push 40+ in good years. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in 100-300 feet of water. They're here year-round but peak from spring through fall when water temps stay warm. What makes them so popular is the combination of great eating and solid fights - they'll jump, make long runs, and the colors flash like a light show when they're hooked. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for the grill. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, work the area hard because there's likely more around. My secret: once you hook one, keep another bait in the water nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll smoke your drag at 40+ mph - they typically run 20-40 pounds with occasional giants over 60. We find them in the deep blue water from 200-1000 feet, usually along current edges or near floating debris. Fall and winter months give us the best shots when they're moving through following baitfish. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run and the quality of the meat - firm, white, and delicious with a taste that beats most other pelagic fish. They're solitary hunters, so it's usually one shot per fish. The key to landing them is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with heavy wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through anything lighter. When you get hit, hold on tight because that first run is something you won't forget.
Dominican Republic