Los Cabos is one of the world’s great sportfishing destinations. The waters here are home to striped marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo almost year-round. This guide covers when to go, how to book, what to bring, and how to budget for a fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas.
Quick Tips
- Book your charter at least one week ahead, especially November through April – the best boats and captains fill up fast
- Use your villa concierge to arrange the charter rather than booking online – they negotiate better rates, vet the crews, and often secure 10-20% discounts
- Ask about the fish finder and electronics package before committing – a well-equipped boat makes a real difference on the water
- Bring seasick medication even if you think you do not need it – the Pacific side can be choppy even on calm-looking days
- Keep your fishing licence current – Mexican marine authorities conduct random checks and fines start from $200 USD
Budget Overview
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Private fishing charter (full day, 4-6 anglers) | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Premium sportfishing yacht (8+ anglers) | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Fishing licence (per angler, per day) | $20 – $30 |
| Equipment rental (rod and reel, full day) | $80 – $200 |
| Villa rental mid-range (per night) | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Villa rental luxury (per night) | $8,000 – $13,000 |
When to Go Fishing in Los Cabos
The prime fishing season runs November through May. Water temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit bring striped marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo within range of the local fleet.
December through April is the peak window for striped marlin. Charters targeting these fish are booked months in advance during these months.
Dorado season peaks May through October. Summer months also bring yellowfin tuna closer to the coast.
October is the most underrated month: the water is still warm, dorado are arriving, tourist numbers have dropped, and villa rates are 20-40% lower.
Choosing the Right Fishing Charter
Book with a locally bonded operator with boats operating out of the Cabo San Lucas marina. Look for at least three seasons of track record.
A half-day charter of four hours is adequate for beginners and families. Full-day trips are worth it for experienced anglers targeting marlin or tuna.
Expect to pay $1,200-$3,500 for a full-day private charter for up to six anglers. Premium sportfishing yachts run $2,500-$6,000 per day.
Your villa concierge can typically negotiate 10-20% off for multi-day bookings and knows which captains have the best local knowledge.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, polarised sunglasses, and a light long-sleeve shirt. The sun reflects off the water and is meaningfully stronger than it feels.
Motion-sickness medication if you are not used to the open ocean. The Pacific side can be choppy even on days that look calm from shore.
Your angling licence is mandatory. Most reputable charter operators arrange this as part of the booking.
What to Budget for a Fishing Trip
Full-day private charter for four to six anglers: $1,200-$3,500 depending on boat class and season.
Premium sportfishing yacht for a full day: $2,500-$6,000, typically including captain, first mate, all bait and tackle, and onboard refreshments.
Fishing licence: $20-$30 per angler per day, usually arranged by the operator.
Realistic all-in budget for a full-day fishing trip for two: $1,500-$4,000 depending on boat class and season.