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Fishing Charters in Los Cabos

Los Cabos sits at the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, and that geography makes it one of the most productive sportfishing waters on the planet. Whether you are after billfish, dorado, yellowfin tuna, or a mixed bag inshore, the charters operating out of <a href="/cabo-san-lucas/">Cabo San Lucas</a> give you access to blue water within minutes of the marina. Browse the verified listings below to find a captain and vessel that fits your group, budget, and target species.

About Cabo fishing charters

The marina in Cabo San Lucas is the departure point for the vast majority of local sportfishing. Boats leave early, typically 6 to 7 a.m., to reach the fishing grounds while the bite is active. The offshore canyon systems drop to deep blue water fast, which means you can be over marlin territory in 20 to 30 minutes from the dock. This proximity is one reason Los Cabos consistently ranks among North America's top billfish destinations. Striped marlin are present year-round; blue and black marlin run strongest from late spring through fall. The world-famous Bisbee's Black and Blue tournament in October draws serious anglers from across the US every year and marks the peak of marlin season.

Dorado (mahi-mahi) and yellowfin tuna are the other two species that bring anglers back repeatedly. Dorado are most abundant from June through November, while yellowfin tuna school in the warm blue water from late summer through winter. Wahoo, roosterfish, and amberjack round out the inshore and nearshore options for anglers who prefer lighter tackle or half-day trips. For an overview of the broader destination, see the Los Cabos Travel Guide.

Most first-time visitors are surprised by how international the fleet is. You will find captains who have been fishing these waters for 30-plus years alongside newer vessels with modern electronics and outrigger setups. All licensed charter operators are required to hold permits from Mexico's fishery authority (CONAPESCA), and most established boats include fishing licenses in the charter price. Confirm this at booking. For other outdoor activities in the region, the Tour Operators directory lists additional options beyond fishing.

How to choose a charter

The first decision is boat type. Pangas are open fiberglass skiffs, typically 22 to 26 feet, and they are the most affordable option. They are well-suited to inshore fishing for roosterfish, snapper, and smaller species, and experienced panga captains know the local structure extremely well. Cruisers (sportfishers) range from 28 to 60-plus feet, are fully equipped for offshore work, and can handle larger groups and rougher open-ocean conditions. For billfish and yellowfin tuna in deep water, a cruiser is the right call.

Shared (party) charters put your group on a boat with other anglers and lower the per-person cost significantly. Private charters give you the full boat and are worth it for groups of four or more who want flexibility on target species, departure time, and how the day is structured. As an estimate range, shared half-day inshore trips on a panga run roughly $75 to $150 per person. Private full-day cruiser charters for offshore billfish territory typically range from $600 to $1,500 or more depending on vessel size, fuel load, and season. Those are estimate ranges only; confirm current pricing directly with the operator.

Most private charters include bait, tackle, fishing licenses, and water or soft drinks. Ice, fish cleaning, and packing for travel home are sometimes included and sometimes add-on costs. Ask explicitly before you book. Peak season for the overall charter fleet is October through May; October in particular is prime for both marlin and dorado. If you are staying at one of the best all inclusive resorts, the concierge desk often books fishing trips and can connect you with reputable operators. For local dining after a long day on the water, the Restaurants directory lists spots that will prepare your fresh catch.

18 fishing charters in los cabos

Ranked by rating and review volume
Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours - Cabo Fishing — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours - Cabo Fishing

5

Fishing Charter · 2.8k reviews

F Dock, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Cabo Sportfishing Crew — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Cabo Sportfishing Crew

5

Fishing Charter · 707 reviews

IGY Marina E Dock, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 18, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Pisces Sportfishing Fleet — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Pisces Sportfishing Fleet

4.8

Fishing Charter · 423 reviews

Muelle - O Centro, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Marina Puerto Los Cabos — Marina in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos

Marina Puerto Los Cabos

4.7

Marina · 404 reviews

Blvd. Mar de Cortes s/n, 23403 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.

Tag Cabo Sportfishing — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Tag Cabo Sportfishing

4.9

Fishing Charter · 251 reviews

esquina marlin 1, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina S/N, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Cabo Magic Sportfishing — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Cabo Magic Sportfishing

4.9

Fishing Charter · 199 reviews

IGY Marina C Dock, P.º de La Marina 18, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Land's End Charters — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Land's End Charters

4.6

Fishing Charter · 266 reviews

Hotel Tesoro, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 9-y 10, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Top Anglers Sportfishing Charters Cabo San Lucas — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Top Anglers Sportfishing Charters Cabo San Lucas

4.8

Fishing Charter · 161 reviews

Finisterra 1, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters

4.8

Fishing Charter · 145 reviews

Cabo Marina, C Dock 16, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Mar Vida Sportfishing — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Mar Vida Sportfishing

4.7

Fishing Charter · 152 reviews

Blvd Marina #39 Local E Marina Plaza, El Medano Ejidal, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Picante Sportfishing — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Picante Sportfishing

4.5

Fishing Charter · 181 reviews

Puerto Pariso Mall, Local 39-A, Agua Marina, El Medano Ejidal, Marina, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Fishing 4 Cabo — Tour Agency in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Fishing 4 Cabo

5

Tour Agency · 88 reviews

Marina Cabo San Lucas, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Daliken Sportfishing — Fishing Charter in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos

Daliken Sportfishing

4.6

Fishing Charter · 119 reviews

Calle de la Playa La playa, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.

Abigail Sport fishing — Fishing Charter in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos

Abigail Sport fishing

4.9

Fishing Charter · 77 reviews

23403 Muelle B Marina Puerto, 23403 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.

Exotic Fish Cabo — Fishing Charter in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos

Exotic Fish Cabo

4.9

Fishing Charter · 65 reviews

386H+2P8 Bd tiburon, La playa, 23403 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.

Jaqueline Sport Fishing — Fishing Charter in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos

Jaqueline Sport Fishing

4.9

Fishing Charter · 63 reviews

23403 San José del Cabo, BCS

Capricho'sportfishing — Sports Club in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos

Capricho'sportfishing

4.9

Sports Club · 50 reviews

Blvd. Tiburon, 23403 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.

Armada Sport Fishing & Private Fishing Charters Cabo — Fishing Charter in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos

Armada Sport Fishing & Private Fishing Charters Cabo

5

Fishing Charter · 44 reviews

J Dock, Agua Marina Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to go fishing in Los Cabos?

October is widely considered the single best month, combining peak marlin numbers with strong dorado and the Bisbee's tournament energy. November through May is excellent for striped marlin and tuna. June through September brings the best dorado fishing and warm water but also summer heat and hurricane-season swells. There is productive fishing every month of the year.

Do I need a fishing license in Mexico?

Yes, a Mexican fishing license is required for all anglers aboard. Most licensed charter operators include the cost in the charter price, but confirm this when you book. Licenses are issued by day and are not the same as a US fishing license.

What is the difference between a panga and a cruiser?

A panga is a smaller open boat, typically under 26 feet, best for inshore species and budget-conscious anglers. A cruiser is a larger, enclosed sportfishing vessel suited for offshore work targeting billfish, tuna, and dorado in deep water. Cruisers can handle more people and rougher conditions. For offshore blue water fishing, a cruiser is the standard choice.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Catch-and-release is standard practice for billfish (marlin, sailfish) in Los Cabos. Most reputable captains encourage it. Dorado, tuna, and smaller table fish can generally be kept within the legal limits set by your fishing license. If you want your catch prepared for dinner, many local restaurants will cook fish you bring in; see the listings in the Restaurants directory.

How far in advance should I book a fishing charter?

For October (peak marlin season) and the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's, book at least 4 to 6 weeks out. The rest of the high season (November through April) books up 2 to 4 weeks ahead for private cruisers. Pangas and shared trips are easier to get last-minute outside of peak windows, but popular operators fill up faster than you might expect.

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