REVIEW · PUNTA CANA
Punta Cana Offshore Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Book on Viator →Operated by Big Marlin Charters · Bookable on Viator
A boat, a deck, and the open ocean. This private offshore deep sea fishing charter is built for half-day fun, whether you’re after big-game bites or just want a comfy day on the water. I like the way the crew keeps things organized (with smooth hotel pickup like Kristina’s) and the boat setup that makes snorkeling and relaxing easy. One thing to consider: sea conditions can be bumpy, and seasickness can hit—even on a well-run trip.
You’ll get a modern 37-foot Riviera fishing boat with a roomy cockpit, plus a comfortable cabin if you want out of the sun. I also like that alcoholic drinks are included, so you can switch from “line watch” to “drink and reset” without feeling like you’re paying for every little thing. The main drawback is simple: fishing is weather- and sea-state-dependent, so the experience can still be tough if the water is rough.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- The 37-Foot Riviera Boat Feels Like a Floating Lounge
- Big-Game Fishing in a 4-Hour Half-Day Window
- Snorkeling Off the Boat: A Built-In Plan B
- Comfort, Drinks, and the Cabin Break Between Fishing Sets
- Crew Energy and Motion-Sickness Tips That Actually Help
- Getting There: Pickup and a 7:30am Start
- Price and Value: What $599.80 Really Buys You
- Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want a Different Trip)
- Should You Book This Punta Cana Offshore Fishing Charter?
- FAQ
- How long is the Punta Cana offshore deep sea fishing charter?
- What does it cost, and how many people can go?
- What time does the tour start?
- Is hotel pickup available?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- Is this a private charter?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Is there a cancellation window for a full refund?
Key Highlights You’ll Care About

- Private charter up to 5 people on a modern 37-foot Riviera fishing boat
- Alcoholic drinks included and an easy on-board chill zone in the cabin
- Snorkeling gear provided, with easy water access from the swim board and ladder
- Big-game targets like blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and more
- Crew support for motion sickness, with practical tips that can help
- Comfort-forward layout: fighting chair, wide cockpit, TV, shower, and toilet
The 37-Foot Riviera Boat Feels Like a Floating Lounge
This charter centers on one boat: a modern 37-foot Riviera, sized to feel private and special without being crowded. The cockpit is set up for serious fishing, with a fighting chair and open deck space where you can actually move around while lines are out. If you’re not fishing, you won’t feel stuck either. You’ve got swim access and a place to reset between action.
Inside, the cabin is where the comfort really shows. Expect white leather couches, a TV, a bar, plus both a shower and a toilet. That matters on a half-day charter because you can cool down, rehydrate, and avoid turning the experience into one long squint in the sun.
The layout is also practical. The long forward viewing area overlooks the fly-bridge, so you can keep an eye on the water and line activity. It’s the kind of setup that helps beginners feel less lost, and helps experienced fishers stay focused.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Punta Cana
Big-Game Fishing in a 4-Hour Half-Day Window

Your time is about 4 hours total, and that’s a key part of the appeal. Half-day trips are great if you’re visiting Punta Cana and you want something adventurous without committing the whole day. It also means you’re not spending hours waiting around. When you’re offshore and conditions allow, you’ll be angling from the deck.
Targets on this charter include trophy-size blue marlin, Atlantic sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and also species like barracuda, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. That’s a strong mix because it gives you multiple ways the day can go. If one species isn’t cooperating, the crew can shift attention based on what’s happening out on the water.
One smart detail is how active the deck work tends to be. Even when bites are slow, bait and rig changes are part of the job, and you’ll feel that energy on board. In past trips, first mates have adjusted bait colors and rig setups to improve your odds, and they’ve stayed hands-on even when the sea was rough.
Do keep expectations realistic. This is big-game fishing, which is never a guarantee. But if you want the kind of day where the crew is focused, ready, and constantly working the plan, this charter format matches that.
Snorkeling Off the Boat: A Built-In Plan B

Not everyone wants to fish the whole time, and that’s why this trip includes snorkeling gear. When lines aren’t pulling, or when you just want a break from the motion, you can use the equipment provided and get in the water.
Access is straightforward: there’s a wide swim board with a marine ladder, so stepping in and out is easier than on boats that make you climb awkwardly. It also helps that you can treat snorkeling as a short reset, not a huge commitment. If you’re not feeling it, you can hop back on deck and wait for the next fishing push.
This is especially valuable if you’re traveling with a non-fishing partner or kids. Even if no one catches a trophy, the snorkeling and swim time gives the half-day structure a second purpose. You still get your “ocean time,” not just a slow ride out and back.
Comfort, Drinks, and the Cabin Break Between Fishing Sets

A big part of the value here is how you can pace yourself. You’re on the water, and you’ll likely spend stretches watching line activity or scanning for signs, but you also have a real place to recover. The cabin isn’t just a covered corner. It’s set up with white leather couches, a bar, and a TV, plus shower and toilet access.
Alcoholic drinks are included, which is a big deal on ocean trips. It makes the experience feel more like a charter day and less like you’re nickel-and-diming your way through a bumpy ride. You don’t have to wait until you’re back at the resort to feel like you got the “vacation version” of fishing.
I also like that the bar is inside the cabin. In rougher conditions, it’s easier to stay comfortable without constantly going back and forth outside. You can keep your body temperature and mood stable, and that helps when fishing gets physically intense.
Crew Energy and Motion-Sickness Tips That Actually Help

The crew is a standout part of the experience. You’ll see that in how they run the boat day-to-day and in how they handle the realities of offshore water. Names that have shown up include Yousef (meeting guests), first mate Daniel, captain Miguel, May Vladimir, captain Willie, and first mate Eddie. The common theme across these names is simple: they work hard, communicate clearly, and keep the day moving.
One of the most useful details is their practical approach to seasickness. In at least one case, the first mate recommended taking Dramamine about an hour before and after getting underway, and they responded quickly when guests started feeling sick. In that situation, they even turned the boat back, and arranged transport so the group could return to their resort.
You can’t control the ocean. But you can control your prep. If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, plan ahead:
- Bring your usual motion-sickness medicine and follow the timing your doctor recommends.
- Eat lightly before departure if you know you get nauseous.
- Stay on deck near the center of the boat when possible, and keep your gaze stable.
This charter is for people with moderate physical fitness, too. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete. It does mean you should be comfortable moving around the cockpit and getting in and out of the water area safely.
Getting There: Pickup and a 7:30am Start

This trip starts at 7:30am. Many charters are a little chaotic around the early hours, but the setup here includes pickup offered, which reduces stress. When pickup happens, it can make the experience feel like a true private outing rather than you fighting traffic and finding the boat on your own.
Timing matters because offshore fishing is about being out there early enough to take advantage of the day’s conditions. A morning start also gives you a smoother rhythm: you’re back in time for a late lunch and a normal afternoon, which is a big plus in Punta Cana where plans often fill up fast.
You’ll receive confirmation at booking, and a mobile ticket is part of how you access the experience. In plain terms: you should plan to have your phone ready and confirm your exact pickup details so you’re not guessing at the last minute.
Price and Value: What $599.80 Really Buys You

The price is $599.80 per group, up to 5 people. That group pricing is where the value lives. If you split it with friends or family, the cost per person can be reasonable for a private offshore day—especially because this charter includes snorkeling gear and alcoholic drinks.
This is not a “pay per person, share the boat with strangers” situation. It’s private. So you get your own pace, your own space, and you’re not negotiating with a mixed group when someone wants to snorkel or when everyone needs a quick cabin break.
The charter is often booked about 54 days in advance on average. That’s not a hard rule, but it’s a clue. If you’re aiming for a specific day, it’s smart to reserve early rather than waiting until your trip is already underway.
Also think about what’s included besides fishing. The cabin comfort (TV, bar, shower, toilet), the snorkeling setup, and the deck fishing layout all add up. You’re paying for a structured half-day on a purpose-built boat, not just transportation to open water.
Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want a Different Trip)

This charter is a strong match if you want a half-day offshore fishing adventure with comfort built in. It works for:
- Couples where one person fishes and the other wants snorkeling time
- First-timers who want experienced hands on board
- Families who want a private setting (and an option to chill between fishing attempts)
It might be less ideal if you:
- Know you get seriously seasick and haven’t found a workable plan
- Want a guaranteed trophy catch (no offshore charter can promise that)
- Prefer very gentle water activities only, since offshore conditions can turn rough
The good news: the crew’s response to motion sickness has been quick in real-life situations. You should still take it seriously and prep yourself, but this is not the kind of operation that ignores guest comfort.
Should You Book This Punta Cana Offshore Fishing Charter?
If your ideal day is private, half-day, ocean-focused, and not just “stand on a dock and hope,” I’d book it. The big selling points are practical: private access for up to 5, a 37-foot Riviera set up for fishing, snorkeling gear included, and a comfortable cabin with drinks where you can reset.
Only you can decide if offshore motion will be an issue. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan your medication timing and bring what you need before you leave shore. If you do that, you’ll get the best version of this experience: deck time for big-game fishing targets, plus snorkeling and real comfort when the ocean asks you to slow down.
FAQ
How long is the Punta Cana offshore deep sea fishing charter?
It runs for about 4 hours.
What does it cost, and how many people can go?
It costs $599.80 per group, up to 5 people.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 7:30am.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes, the charter provides snorkeling gear.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
Yes, alcoholic drinks are included.
Is this a private charter?
Yes. Only your group participates.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is there a cancellation window for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.































