Punta Cana Deep Sea Fishing: Private Tour & Local Crew

Summary

Deep sea fishing in Punta Cana with local guides & fresh ceviche

You’ll head out from Punta Cana or Bávaro with a local crew for deep sea fishing on bright blue waters. Try your luck at catching marlin or tuna, enjoy cold drinks from an open bar, and taste fresh ceviche made right on board. With hotel pickup included and plenty of laughs along the way, this is one of those days you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to chase mahi-mahi or blue marlin off the coast of Punta Cana? I didn’t really know what to expect — maybe just some quiet time on the water. But right from the hotel pickup (air conditioning blasting, thank god), it felt like everyone was in on something fun. Our guide, Juan, kept making jokes about “who’d catch dinner” before we even saw the boat. The drive to Jellyfish Beach was quick but I remember the smell of salt and sunscreen mixing as soon as we stepped out.

The boat itself was nothing fancy — just solid and open, with rods lined up and a cooler full of drinks. There’s something about that first moment when you leave shore and the water turns that wild blue color. I tried Mama Juana (Dominican herbal rum thing) for the first time — honestly, it burned a bit but made me laugh. The crew showed us how to bait the lines; my hands smelled like fish for hours after but I didn’t mind. We caught a couple of tuna and one barracuda (the captain cheered louder than any of us). At some point, someone put on bachata music and it just felt right.

Lunch was this super simple ceviche made right there with our catch — lime juice so sharp it woke me up more than coffee would’ve. There were sandwiches too if you wanted something familiar, but honestly I kept going back for more fruit salad because it tasted like actual sunshine. The whole time, Juan kept telling stories about growing up here and how every family has their own way of making Mama Juana (he swears his grandma’s is best). It wasn’t rushed at all — just fishing, eating, joking around with people who actually live here.

I still think about that moment when everything went quiet except for the waves and someone’s laughter drifting over from the bow. If you’re looking for a deep sea fishing trip in Punta Cana that feels real — not staged or touristy — this is probably it. You’ll come back salty, maybe a little sunburned, but weirdly happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Deep Sea Fishing Adventure

• Hotel pickup in Punta Cana - Bávaro
• Transfer to Jellyfish beach by air-conditioned minibus
• Board deep sea fishing boat
• Fish for blue marlin, mahi-mahi, barracuda, tuna, bonito
• Enjoy open bar with national drinks
• Snack on sandwiches and tropical fruit salad
• Prepare and enjoy ceviche with caught fish
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for deep sea fishing in Punta Cana?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Punta Cana or Bávaro is included.

What kind of fish can you catch on this tour?

You might catch blue marlin, mahi-mahi, barracuda, tuna, or bonito.

Are drinks provided during the fishing trip?

Yes, there’s an open bar with local drinks like rum and beer plus soft drinks and water.

Is food included on the boat?

Yes, sandwiches, fruit salad, and fresh ceviche are served during the trip.

Can families join this deep sea fishing tour?

Yes—families are welcome but infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

How long does the fishing excursion last?

The exact timing depends on your booking; there are two trips daily.

Is this suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

No—all rods and bait are provided by the crew.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup in Punta Cana or Bávaro, all fishing equipment and bait ready to go when you board the boat, a friendly captain and local crew guiding you throughout the trip, snacks like sandwiches and tropical fruit salad plus freshly prepared ceviche from your catch—and an open bar stocked with bottled water, soft drinks, beer, rum, vodka and wine before heading back ashore together.