5.0(2 Reviews)Combo Fishing & Snorkeling in Southwest Puerto Rico
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six or eight-hour combo charters featuring snorkeling and fishingPrivate trips accommodate up to six guests in southwest Puerto RicoRates start at $950 with snorkeling gear available upon request
Captain Frank's combo charters give you the best of both worlds off Puerto Rico's southwest coast. You'll start your day diving into crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant coral reefs, then grab a rod and target some of the Caribbean's most prized game fish. These 6- or 8-hour private trips let you switch between snorkeling gear and fishing tackle whenever the mood strikes. At $950 for a 6-hour trip (2 guests) or $1,250 for 8 hours, it's a solid deal for couples or small groups who want variety on the water. Extra guests are just $50 each, and we max out at 6 people to keep things comfortable.
Your day kicks off with a thorough safety briefing from Captain Frank, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The southwest coast of Puerto Rico offers some of the island's clearest water and most diverse marine life, making it perfect for this dual approach. You'll cruise to productive fishing spots where tarpon roll near the surface and king mackerel patrol the drop-offs. When the bite slows or you need a break from the action, we'll move to prime snorkeling locations where you can cool off and explore underwater gardens teeming with tropical fish. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts the itinerary throughout the day – sometimes the fish are biting early, other times the afternoon bite is better. Snorkeling gear is available on request, and Frank keeps all the fishing tackle ready to go.
We run a mix of trolling and live bait fishing depending on what's working best. For king mackerel, we'll pull spoons and diving plugs at various depths until we mark fish or find feeding birds. Tarpon fishing often means switching to live bait – pilchards or sardines work great when these silver kings are rolling. Queen triggerfish require a different approach entirely, often involving bottom rigs with cut bait near structure. Captain Frank handles all the rigging and will coach you through fighting techniques for each species. The boat carries medium to heavy spinning gear and conventional reels suitable for inshore targets. Between fishing spots, you can slip into the water with mask and fins to explore coral formations and maybe spot some of the same fish you're trying to catch. The transition between activities is seamless – no rushing, just going with the flow of what's happening on any given day.
"Capt Frank was the best! Our family did a full charter day and had amazing experiences beach hopping, fishing, snorkeling, collecting seashells and totally relax. That afternoon Capt Frank dropped us off to explore Boqueron and it was a charming town with delicious mojitos. This boat charter really created wonderful memories for our family. Thank you Capt Frank!!!" - Rebecca
"Lovely tour, snorkeling, and fishing trip with Frank. Our teenage daughters smiled the whole day long! The snorkeling was serene, and he took the girls to a spot where they both caught fish! He cleaned them on the boat and we brought them home for dinner! A wonderful time in a beautiful place!" - Kara
Tarpon are the crown jewel of these waters, and southwest Puerto Rico sees them year-round with peak action from April through October. These silver rockets can reach 6 feet and 150 pounds, though most of what we hook runs 40-80 pounds. Tarpon are ambush predators that cruise shallow flats and deeper channels looking for schools of baitfish. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their aerial acrobatics and the way they can turn a routine day into something you'll talk about for years. The waters off southwest Puerto Rico hold resident fish plus migrants moving through, giving us shots at these silver kings even when other areas go quiet.
Queen triggerfish bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These colorful reef dwellers average 2-4 pounds and are notorious for their strong runs and stubborn fights. They feed on crustaceans and small fish around coral heads and rocky structure, making them perfect targets during snorkeling breaks – you can actually spot them while diving and then come back with rods. Queens are most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round in Puerto Rico's stable tropical climate. Their thick bodies and powerful tails make them punch well above their weight class, and they're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
King mackerel patrol the deeper waters off the coast, typically in the 60-200 foot range where they hunt in schools. These speedsters average 10-30 pounds in our area, with occasional bruisers pushing 40-50 pounds. Kings are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and the ability to make blistering runs when hooked. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and often feed near temperature breaks or current edges. What anglers love about kings is their aggressive strikes on trolled baits and their tendency to stay hooked once you get them away from structure. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for blackening or smoking, and Captain Frank will clean your catch right on the boat so it's ready for dinner.
This combo approach lets you experience the full range of what southwest Puerto Rico's waters offer without committing to just fishing or just snorkeling. You get the relaxation of floating over coral reefs plus the adrenaline rush of battling game fish, all in one day. Captain Frank's local knowledge and flexible approach mean you're not locked into a rigid schedule – if the fish are biting, we focus on fishing; if the water's perfect for diving, we make the most of it. The boat stays comfortable with a maximum of 6 guests, and the pricing
The Simply Caught 3 puts you right where the action is off Puerto Rico's southwest coast. This 26-foot Regulator runs on twin 200HP Yamahas that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, then cruise comfortably between snorkel spots. The captain uses the fish finder to locate schools while you're geared up and ready. Between fishing runs, drop anchor at coral reefs where the water's crystal clear for snorkeling. The boat's outriggers and tuna tubes handle serious fish, while the bait tank keeps everything fresh. GPS keeps you on productive water, and the VHF radio maintains contact with other boats sharing intel on where fish are biting. The icebox holds your catch and cold drinks, and there's even a sound system for the cruise back. Built for Puerto Rico's inshore waters, this boat handles both parts of your combo trip with room for up to 6 anglers and snorkelers.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese speed demons are built for the chase, averaging around 30 pounds with some reaching over 90 pounds. What guests love most is their blistering runs - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and will test your drag system hard. You'll find kings in 40-150 feet of water, preferring temperatures between 68-84°F. They're opportunistic feeders, hitting everything from blue runners to squid. Best action happens during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. The meat is decent eating, though it's on the oily side with higher mercury content. Kings are notorious for hitting the back half of live baits, so I always rig with two hooks - one through the nose, another treble hook near the tail or dangling free. When trolling, keep your speed up around 6-8 knots. These fish don't mess around with slow presentations.
Balistes VetulaThese colorful reef dwellers grow up to 12 inches on average, with bright neon blue stripes and yellow patches that make them real lookers. They're usually pretty shy, but watch out during spawning season - they'll give you a nasty bite if you're not careful. You'll find them around reefs, rocky bottoms, and ledges in 10-100 feet of water, sometimes in small schools of 5-10 fish. They love munching on sea urchins, shrimp, and small crabs. Best fishing is in the morning when they're actively feeding. What's cool about these fish is they can change colors for camouflage and make throbbing sounds to warn other fish away. They also wedge themselves in crevices using their dorsal spines when threatened. My local trick: use a Carolina rig with fresh shrimp bait and fish near soft coral patches where they like to hide.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants average 80-100 pounds but can reach 280 pounds and 8 feet long. What makes tarpon special is their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water when hooked, using those acrobatics to try shaking the hook. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and around coral reefs. They prefer warm water and can even gulp air at the surface when oxygen runs low. Spring through summer offers the best action, especially around full and new moons when they spawn offshore. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since they're not great eating - too bony and high in mercury. The fight is what you're after. My tip: when one jumps, bow your rod toward the fish to keep tension loose and prevent the hook from popping out during those wild leaps.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt Frank was the best! Our family did a full charter day and had amazing experiences beach hopping, fishing, snorkeling, collect...
Lovely tour, snorkeling, and fishing trip with Frank. Our teenage daughters smiled the whole day long! The snorkeling was serene, ...
Rincón, Rincón