Los Cabos is the undisputed 'Marlin Capital of the World,' with over 10,000 blue, black, and striped marlins caught (and mostly released) annually. The combination of Pacific and Sea of Cortez currents creates extraordinarily rich fishing grounds. Full-day charters targeting marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, and wahoo are available year-round from the marina.
Cabo San Lucas has called itself the Marlin Capital of the World since the 1960s, and the claim rests on geography. At the tip of Baja California Sur the cold, nutrient-rich Pacific current meets the warmer water of the Sea of Cortez, and deep water lies unusually close to shore — the Golden Gate and San Jaime banks and the Gordo Banks off San José del Cabo are all within an hour or two of the marina. Billfish are caught here in the thousands annually, with most striped marlin released under the catch-and-release practice that the local fleet has broadly adopted for billfish.
Charters depart from Marina Cabo San Lucas between 6am and 7am and run eight to ten hours. A full-day charter on a typical 28-32ft boat carrying up to six anglers runs roughly $450-800 USD depending on vessel size and season, usually including crew, tackle, bait, licences and ice; food and drink are commonly extra, and a crew tip of 15-20 percent is customary. Panga charters are cheaper for inshore fishing, while larger sportfishers with tower and outriggers cost considerably more. Mexican fishing licences are required for every person aboard and are normally arranged by the operator.
The target species rotate through the year. Striped marlin are present essentially year-round with a winter peak; blue and black marlin run from June through November alongside the warmest water. Dorado and wahoo peak in late summer and autumn, and yellowfin tuna, often found under porpoise schools, run strongest from June to October. Roosterfish, snapper and amberjack are the inshore quarry closer to the rocks.
Boats leave in the dark and run out past El Arco at first light, which is itself part of the experience. Seas are generally calmest early, and afternoons build wind. October brings the Bisbee's Black and Blue tournament, when the marina is at its busiest and boat availability tightens sharply. Booking one to two weeks ahead is sensible in high season, and dockside walk-up deals are possible but limited to whatever remains unbooked.
Good to know
- Hours
- Charters depart 6AM-7AM daily
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- fishing enthusiasts, group outings, lifetime travel list experiences
Location
Marina Cabo San Lucas, Cabo San Lucas, BCS 23450
22.8897, -109.9172 View on map
Highlights
- Fish the Golden Gate, San Jaime and Gordo banks where deep water lies within an hour of the marina
- Target striped marlin year-round and blue and black marlin from June through November
- Run out past El Arco at first light on a 6am departure from Marina Cabo San Lucas
- Chase yellowfin tuna under porpoise schools from June to October, plus dorado and wahoo in autumn
- Watch the Bisbee's Black and Blue billfish tournament fill the marina each October
Tips for visiting
- June-November for peak marlin season
- June-October for yellowfin tuna
- Book 1-2 weeks in advance in peak season
When to visit
June through November is the peak for blue and black marlin, dorado, wahoo and yellowfin tuna, while striped marlin fish well through the winter months. Departures at 6am give the calmest sea and best light, and boat availability is tightest around the October Bisbee's tournament.
Accessibility
Charter boats board from the fixed marina docks in Cabo San Lucas, which are level and wheelchair-reachable, but stepping aboard the vessel itself requires a downward step with no ramp or lift. Larger sportfishers have more stable boarding and a cabin head, while smaller boats and pangas have neither. Operators contacted in advance can sometimes arrange assisted boarding.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a charter take?
A full-day charter runs eight to ten hours, departing between 6am and 7am and returning mid to late afternoon. Half-day inshore trips of four to five hours are also available at lower cost.
What does a charter cost and what is included?
A full-day boat for up to six anglers typically runs $450-800 USD, generally including crew, tackle, bait, ice and fishing licences. Food, drinks and a customary crew tip of 15-20 percent are usually extra.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children who can handle eight hours at sea often enjoy it, and boats are chartered as a whole rather than per person, so children add no cost. Seasickness on the open banks is common, and younger children are better suited to a shorter inshore panga trip.
Can the catch be kept?
Edible species such as dorado, tuna and wahoo are commonly kept, and dockside services will fillet and vacuum-pack the catch, with many restaurants willing to cook it. The fleet releases billfish as standard practice under local conservation convention.