Private fishing charter Bertram 31ft 6 pax max if you don’t fish you don’t pay

Big fish are never guaranteed. That is part of the game, but this private Cancun charter gives you a fair shot at barracuda, tuna, mahi mahi, shark, and larger offshore species. I like the private boat for up to six people, and I like that rods, bait, drinks, ice, and a crew are included. The main concern is that the shortest two-hour trip may feel more like a quick lagoon outing than a true offshore fishing trip.

I also like the choice of two, four, six, or eight hours, since you can match the trip to your budget and your group’s patience. A four-hour booking can include roughly an hour getting out and an hour returning, leaving about two hours for actual fishing. You should also confirm the meaning of the if you do not fish, you do not pay promise before booking, since the boat price applies to the charter, not to each individual.

Key points before you book

• Private Bertram 31-foot boat: Your group gets the boat rather than sharing with strangers, with a maximum group size of six.
• Two hours is the short option: It is described as lake or lagoon fishing, while the longer trips head into the Caribbean Sea.
• Catch possibilities vary widely: Barracuda and smaller reef fish may be common, while tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, sailfish, marlin, sharks, and bonito are possible but never certain.
• Crew effort is a major strength: Crew members such as Jesus, Captain Willie, Christopher, Noah, Jorge, and Antonio have received strong praise for keeping lines baited and helping with catches.
• Extra charges matter: Fishing licenses cost $10 per person, and the Caribbean Sea dock fee is $14 per person. Alcohol is not included.
• Weather and seasickness can shape the day: Poor weather may force a lagoon trip or cancellation, and several people have needed to return early because of rough water.

From Cancun Sunset Marina to the fishing grounds

The meeting point is Cancun Sunset Marina beside the KRUDO restaurant on Boulevard Kukulcan at kilometer 5.8, in the Hotel Zone. Look for staff from Cancun Fishing Tours when you arrive. The boat returns to this same marina at the end.

The trip begins with a short marina setup, then the captain takes you toward the fishing area. The stated offshore range is about three to 20 miles from shore. That is a large spread, and it helps explain why the trip can feel different from one day to the next. The captain may fish closer to Isla Mujeres, work reef areas, or spend more time traveling toward better offshore water.

For a four-hour trip, plan on the possibility of about two hours of travel and two hours with lines in the water. That is not a complaint, but it is important when you compare the price with the amount of fishing time. A six or eight-hour trip gives the crew more room to search and gives you a better chance to try several methods.

The two-hour option is the outlier. It is intended for lake or lagoon fishing, not the same offshore experience described for the longer trips. If your main goal is marlin, sailfish, wahoo, or tuna, I would not choose two hours. If you want a short family outing and do not want to spend most of the day on a boat, it may fit well.

What you may catch around Isla Mujeres

The waters around Cancun and Isla Mujeres offer several kinds of fishing. Trolling can target moving fish in open water, while bottom fishing works closer to reefs and structure. The crew may switch methods based on conditions, the length of your trip, and what is biting.

Barracuda appear often in the catch stories, and they can provide quick action for children or first-time fishers. They are strong, fast, and exciting to reel in. Some groups have caught several barracuda, while others have also brought in tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, red snapper, and shark.

The larger list includes blue and white marlin, sailfish, dorado, tuna, wahoo, shark, and barracuda. Read that as a list of possible species, not a promise. Fishing has quiet periods, and one group returned disappointed after the crew moved toward barracuda following an unsuccessful attempt at sport fishing. That is a normal risk with a fishing charter, but you should discuss your priorities with the crew at the start.

If you mainly want action, tell the crew you prefer steady catches. If you want a shot at a trophy fish, say so clearly and accept that you might spend more time waiting. You cannot reasonably expect both constant bites and a serious marlin hunt on a short trip.

How the crew affects the experience

The strongest part of this charter is the crew’s physical work. Several accounts describe mates constantly baiting hooks, setting lines, untangling gear, serving drinks, and helping people reel in fish. Jesus received especially warm praise for moving quickly around the boat and keeping the equipment organized.

Captain Willie, Christopher, Noah, Antonio, and Jorge have also been singled out for friendly and attentive service. On one birthday trip, the crew helped make the occasion memorable. On another, the captain and mate took a family back quickly after children became seasick.

The crew’s teaching style is less consistent. Some people received plenty of help with their catches, but others found that the crew offered little explanation about what was happening. If you are new to offshore fishing, ask for a simple briefing before leaving the marina. Ask how the rod works, what to do when a fish strikes, and which lines you should watch.

English ability also varies. Some crew members speak little English, which can make it hard to ask questions or understand changes in the plan. The company says it has English-speaking staff and provides English classes to some crew members, but you should not assume every captain or mate will be fluent. A few clear questions at the beginning can prevent confusion.

The boat, space, and group size

The charter uses a 31-foot Bertram and accepts up to six people. The boat is private, so you do not share the outing with another booking. That is a real advantage for families and friends who want control over the pace and conversation.

Still, six people on a 31-foot fishing boat can feel tight, especially when several lines are out or someone is reeling in a strong fish. One account complained that there was little room to sit and that the boat felt too small for a full group. Another group was offered a larger boat before departure and felt pressured when the change became confusing.

I would treat six as the maximum, not the ideal. Four people gives you more room to move around and makes it easier for everyone to fish. If your group includes young children, people prone to seasickness, or anyone who wants to sit quietly, ask how much seating and shade the assigned boat provides.

The boat includes life vests and the essential safety equipment. You get fishing rods, bait, ice, soft drinks, and fresh water. Alcoholic drinks are not included, so plan accordingly and ask the operator before bringing anything of your own.

Why the price can be good value

The listed price is $399 for the private group, up to six people. That works out to about $66.50 each if six people participate, before the extra per-person fees. With four people, the basic cost is about $99.75 each. The more people you bring, the better the group value becomes.

The price is for the boat, not a pay-per-fisher rate. This matters because one or two people who stay aboard still occupy space on a private charter. The operator’s explanation of the policy is that if the group goes fishing, the full private-boat price remains due, even if not every person reels in a fish.

That wording can be confusing beside the promise that if you do not fish, you do not pay. Before you book, ask for the policy in writing: Does it mean a non-fishing companion pays nothing, or does it mean you pay only when your party actually uses the fishing service? The available information and past customer experience show that this point deserves careful checking.

Budget for the $10 fishing license per person and the $14 Caribbean Sea dock fee per person. Those two charges add $24 for each person heading out to sea. For six people, that is $144 on top of the $399 charter, before any transport, food, or other extras.

The value is strongest for a group of four to six people who want a private boat and are happy with a practical fishing trip rather than a luxury yacht outing. It is less attractive for one or two people, since you still pay for the whole boat.

A realistic look at the four-hour trip

The four-hour trip is probably the best middle choice for most groups. It gives you more time than the lagoon option without committing your entire day. You may spend about an hour going toward the fishing grounds, then around two hours fishing, followed by the return ride.

The trip may begin with trolling as the boat moves out. The crew sets rods and watches for strikes while you enjoy the open-water ride. Once you reach a productive area, they may switch to bottom fishing or work closer to reef zones.

A successful four-hour trip can include barracuda, tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, red snapper, or even a shark. One family described catching barracuda, then a shark, followed by tuna and bonito. That kind of variety is possible, but it is not a schedule.

If the water is rough, the travel time can feel longer. Seasickness affected several people, including children, and caused one group to return early. Bring the medication you normally use for motion sickness, since the crew can provide water and assistance but cannot prevent the condition.

Weather, lagoon fishing, and backup plans

The Caribbean weather sets the terms. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions may lead to a different date, a refund, or a trip that stays in the lagoon instead of reaching open water.

A lagoon day is not automatically a failure. One family still had a fun birthday outing and caught several good-sized barracuda when the ocean was not safe. But you should understand that lagoon fishing will not match an offshore sport-fishing plan. The water, scenery, target species, and travel time can all be different.

If your schedule is tight, leave room for a weather change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, unless the operator cancels because of poor weather and offers a new date or full refund.

Fish handling and communication at the end

At the end of the trip, ask directly what you can keep and how the catch will be handled. Some people were happy with the red snapper and mahi mahi they took back to their hotel kitchen, while others felt the crew discouraged them from keeping a larger fish.

I would not assume every fish aboard will be available to take. Ask before the lines go out, and ask which species can be kept. If you plan to have the catch cooked, confirm the arrangement with your hotel or restaurant in advance. One group had its fish prepared by a hotel chef and enjoyed the meal.

This is also another reason to clarify communication early. If you do not speak Spanish and the crew’s English is limited, use short questions and repeat the plan. The operator has English-speaking staff, but the person on your boat may not be one of them.

Who should book this charter

I would choose this trip for a family that wants a private outing, a group of friends splitting the cost, or first-time saltwater fishers who want crew assistance with the equipment. Children can enjoy the faster action of barracuda, and adults may get a chance at tuna, mahi mahi, shark, or larger offshore fish.

The four-hour option suits most groups. Choose six or eight hours if your goal is serious offshore fishing and you can handle a longer day. Choose two hours only if a brief lagoon trip meets your expectations.

I would be more cautious if you need polished service, constant English conversation, generous seating, or a guaranteed trophy catch. You may get excellent crew support, but the level of instruction and communication can vary.

Should you book it?

Book it if you value a private boat, hard-working crew, included gear, and the chance to catch several kinds of fish without paying a luxury-charter price. A group of four to six can get solid value, especially if you are comfortable with the added licenses and dock fee.

Before paying, confirm three things: the exact boat and seating arrangement, the meaning of the no fish, no pay policy, and whether transportation is included. Pickup is offered in the tour details, but transport has also been treated as an add-on, so do not leave that unclear.

My practical choice would be the four-hour trip for four people, with motion-sickness medicine, a clear request for the preferred fishing style, and a written check on all extra charges. That gives you a sensible shot at a memorable catch without handing over your entire day to the sea.

FAQ

How many people can join the private fishing charter?

The boat accepts a maximum of six people, and the charter is private for your group.

How much does the charter cost?

The listed price is $399 per private group of up to six people.

What trip lengths are available?

You can choose two, four, six, or eight hours. The two-hour option is intended for lake or lagoon fishing, while the longer options can include Caribbean Sea fishing.

Where does the trip begin?

The meeting point is Cancun Sunset Marina beside the KRUDO restaurant at Boulevard Kukulcan kilometer 5.8 in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

Does the boat return to the same place?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What equipment is included?

Fishing rods, life vests, bait, crew service, ice, soft drinks, and fresh water are included.

Are fishing licenses included?

No. Fishing licenses cost $10 per person and are paid at the marina.

Is there an additional dock fee?

Yes. The Caribbean Sea dock fee is $14 per person.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include barracuda, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, shark, sailfish, dorado, white marlin, and blue marlin. The exact catch depends on conditions and the fishing area.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.