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

Cancun’s private Bertram charter gives your group its own boat, crew, rods, bait, drinks, and a real shot at fish ranging from barracuda to marlin. The two-hour option stays in the lagoon, while longer trips head 3 to 20 miles offshore toward the waters around Isla Mujeres. You are paying for the boat, not a seat per person.

I like the flexibility: you can keep costs down with two hours or spend four, six, or eight hours chasing larger species. I also like the hard-working crew, with names such as Captain Antonio, Captain Willie, Jesus, Christopher, and Noah earning praise for keeping lines baited and helping people land fish. The main caution is that communication can be limited, and the short trip may devote much of its time to travel or bait fishing.

Key points to know before you book

• A private 31-foot Bertram serves up to six people: The boat is reserved for your group, but six adults may find the fishing space snug.
• Two hours means lagoon fishing: Longer trips offer access to Caribbean waters, trolling, and bottom fishing.
• Common catches include barracuda, tuna, mahi mahi, bonito, snapper, shark, and occasionally larger game fish: Fishing is never a guaranteed parade of trophy catches.
• Rods, bait, ice, sodas, water, life vests, and crew are included: Bring money for the fishing license and dock fee.
• The slogan about not paying if you do not fish needs careful reading: The charter price applies to the boat, and a group that books the boat generally pays the full amount even if some people do not show.
• Sea sickness can change the day quickly: Dramamine or another suitable remedy may be worth discussing with your doctor before departure.

What the $399 private charter really buys you

The listed price is $399 per group of up to six people. That makes the trip potentially good value for a family or group of friends, since you are not paying six separate fishing-tour fares. A full group pays about $66.50 per person before the extra marina charges, while two people would pay about $199.50 each.

That value depends on your group size and chosen duration. The $399 figure is presented with the two-hour option, so confirm the current price for four, six, or eight hours before you pay. A longer trip costs more, but it also gives you more time to get beyond the lagoon and fish the Caribbean.

There are two required extras: a $10 fishing license per person, paid at the marina, and a $14 Caribbean Sea dock fee per person. The dock fee applies to sea trips, so ask how the total changes if you choose the two-hour lagoon option. Alcohol is not included, and the supplied drinks are soft drinks and water.

The phrase if you do not fish, you do not pay can easily cause confusion. The company explains that the boat is private and costs the same for one to six people. In practice, that means the charter charge is for reserving the boat. If some members of your party do not come, you should not assume the total price will drop. Ask for the policy in writing before booking, especially if your group size may change.

Finding Cancun Sunset Marina at Kilometer 5.8

The meeting point is Cancun Sunset Marina, beside the KRUDO restaurant at Caminos Boulevard Kukulcan km 5.8, Mza 37, Zona Hotelera. The staff use the name Cancun Fishing Tours, so look for that sign or ask for the company once you reach the marina.

Pickup is offered, but the basic details do not make clear whether it is included in the $399 price. Arrange it ahead of time rather than assuming a hotel transfer is part of the deal. One booking also arranged round-trip transportation as an add-on, so transportation appears to be available at extra cost.

The activity ends back at the marina. You receive booking confirmation at the time of reservation, and the experience is offered in English. That does not mean every crew member will speak fluent English. Several trips had mates who spoke little English, while other crews were praised for being friendly and attentive. If instruction and conversation matter to you, request an English-speaking crew when you book, but treat that as a request rather than a guarantee.

Choosing two hours, four hours, six hours, or eight hours

The length of your charter changes the character of the day.

Two hours: a short lagoon outing

The two-hour option is described as lake fishing, though the surrounding water is the Cancun lagoon rather than a natural inland lake in the usual sense. It is the sensible choice if you have limited time, young children, uncertain weather, or family members who may become seasick.

You should set modest expectations. The short outing may focus on barracuda and other lagoon catches rather than offshore sport fishing. One family had a good day in the lagoon when weather prevented a sea trip, catching several good-sized barracuda. That is a useful reminder: a weather-related change does not necessarily mean a wasted trip.

The drawback is time. A two-hour charter leaves little room for a long run, careful fish finding, and a relaxed return. One account of a short trip described roughly 45 minutes of travel before the fishing began. Another reported that a third of the two-hour outing went toward catching bait. Ask the crew where you will fish and how much time they expect to spend on the lines before you leave the dock.

Four hours: the practical middle choice

Four hours is the strongest choice for most first-time saltwater anglers. You have more time to reach fishing areas, and the crew can try trolling and bottom fishing rather than relying on one spot.

One four-hour group reported about an hour out and an hour back, leaving roughly two hours with lines in the water. That is not a criticism so much as a useful planning fact. A boat cannot teleport from the marina to offshore fishing grounds.

Four hours also gives you time to change tactics. A trip might begin with barracuda, move farther out for tuna or bonito, and produce a more exciting catch such as shark. One family described exactly that sort of progression. It is not promised, but the extra time gives the crew more chances to adjust.

Six and eight hours: for serious fishing days

The six and eight-hour choices make sense if fishing is a central reason for your Cancun visit. You have more time for offshore runs and can spend longer trolling or trying bottom fishing around the waters near Isla Mujeres.

The target list is ambitious: white and blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, shark, barracuda, snapper, and other species. Those possibilities reflect the area’s year-round fishing, not a guarantee that you will catch a marlin on a particular morning.

Longer trips also bring more exposure to sun, waves, and motion. If one person in your group is prone to sea sickness, an eight-hour booking may feel like a large commitment. I would choose the four-hour option first unless everyone is eager for a full fishing day.

What happens once the Bertram leaves shore

The crew prepares the fishing equipment and heads toward the selected area. Longer trips may run between three and twenty miles from shore, depending on the target species and conditions. The boat can use trolling, with lines moving behind the boat, or bottom fishing over suitable areas.

The equipment package covers fishing rods, bait, life vests, and crew. Ice, sodas, and water are also supplied. That is useful because you do not need to build a fishing kit before arriving, but you should still bring sun protection and any personal snacks you want. Alcoholic drinks are not part of the package.

The mate’s role is hands-on. On a productive trip, the crew may bait hooks, set lines, clear tangles, hand over rods, and help you bring fish to the boat. Jesus was singled out for moving quickly around the boat and keeping the hooks baited. That kind of practical help matters more than a polished speech when a fish suddenly strikes.

Still, do not expect a formal fishing lesson. Some crews speak limited English and may not explain every step. If you are new to offshore fishing, tell the crew at the start that you want clear instructions. Ask what species you are targeting, how to hold the rod, and what to do when a line pulls.

The fish you might catch around Isla Mujeres

Barracuda appears to be one of the most dependable catches on this charter. It is a strong, toothy fish, and even a short lagoon trip can produce several. For children or first-time fishers, barracuda offers a satisfying fight without requiring a full day offshore.

Tuna, bonito, red snapper, and mahi mahi are also possible. One family caught several tuna and a bonito after landing barracuda. Another took home red snapper and mahi mahi for the hotel chef to prepare.

Shark is possible on a longer outing. One four-hour trip produced a shark after the boat moved farther offshore, creating the sort of memory that makes a fishing day special. You should not book on the assumption that a shark or large fish will appear. This is fishing, not a fish delivery service.

The charter also advertises white and blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and other large game fish. These are exciting targets, but conditions, season, location, and luck control the result. If your main goal is a trophy billfish, ask directly about the day’s expected targets and the captain’s plan. If your main goal is simply to catch something and enjoy time on the water, the trip is a less risky choice.

Ask about keeping your catch before fishing begins. The handling of different species and the advice about which fish are good to eat can vary. If you plan to take fish back to your hotel, confirm which fish can be kept, how they will be cleaned, and whether the crew will help with that process.

Crew service, language, and the feel on board

The strongest part of this experience is the crew’s work ethic. Multiple trips praised mates and captains for staying busy, serving drinks, baiting hooks, and trying different areas. Names connected with especially warm service include Captain Willie with Christopher and Noah, and Captain Antonio with Jesus.

That praise comes with an important limit. Hard work does not always equal detailed communication. At least one group felt isolated because the crew barely spoke English and did not explain what was happening. Another family found the crew kind and helpful but received little teaching.

You can improve the odds of a smoother day by making your priorities clear at the marina. Say that you want explanations, not just assistance with the rod. If birthday decorations, food, or a sack lunch matter to you, ask about those add-ons before departure. Birthday packages and food options have been arranged, but they are not included in the basic fare.

Boat space is another point to discuss. The vessel is a 31-foot Bertram with a six-person maximum, but maximum capacity does not guarantee roomy seating for six adults. One group complained that there was little space to sit and felt pressured to accept a larger boat. Confirm the exact boat and seating setup when you arrive. If the company offers a different boat, ask whether the change affects the price or the agreed conditions.

Weather, seasickness, and the lagoon backup

The Caribbean can be calm, but it can also make a fishing trip uncomfortable. Several people became seasick, and one family had to return early. The crew handled the early return kindly, but no captain can remove the motion from a rough sea.

If you are prone to motion sickness, discuss prevention with a medical professional before the trip. Take the advice seriously even if you normally feel fine on ferries or calm water. Eat lightly, drink water, and tell the crew early if you feel ill.

Poor weather can cancel the sea portion or change the plan to lagoon fishing. The operator offers a different date or a full refund when weather causes cancellation. If the captain moves the group to the lagoon, you may still catch barracuda, but it will not be the same as an offshore sport-fishing day.

This flexibility can save a family outing. It can also disappoint a group that paid mainly for offshore species. Ask at the dock whether the captain expects to reach the Caribbean and what happens if conditions change after departure.

What to bring and what to confirm

The boat supplies the main fishing gear, bait, ice, sodas, water, and life vests. You should arrive with practical items rather than a suitcase full of equipment.

• Bring sun protection and clothing suited to a wet boat.
• Bring personal medication, including any motion-sickness treatment you have been advised to use.
• Bring cash or another accepted payment method for the $10 fishing license per person.
• Budget for the $14 per-person Caribbean Sea dock fee.
• Ask about hotel pickup, lunch, decorations, fish cleaning, and alcoholic drinks before the day begins.
• Confirm the exact fishing duration, especially for the two-hour option.
• Request an English-speaking crew if detailed instruction is important.

Mobile tickets make check-in simple, but the marina location can be easy to confuse with nearby restaurants and docks. Save the address and look for the staff associated with Cancun Fishing Tours.

Cancellation and who will enjoy this most

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Weather cancellations qualify for a different date or full refund.

I would recommend this charter to families, couples, and groups of friends who want a private boat without paying a separate fare for every person. It is especially suitable if some people are keen anglers and others mainly want to spend time on the water. The if you do not fish, you do not pay wording should not be treated as a promise that absent group members reduce a private charter price.

This is less suitable for anyone expecting a guaranteed marlin, a polished bilingual fishing lesson, or ample room for six adults. It is also a poor match for a group that cannot tolerate motion on the sea. The four-hour trip is the safest middle ground: long enough for offshore possibilities, short enough that a rough day does not become an endurance test.

Should you book the Cancun Bertram charter?

Book it if you value a private boat, want the crew working your lines, and can accept that fishing depends on weather and luck. At $399 for the group, it can be a strong deal for four to six people, especially when a hardworking mate helps everyone get a turn.

Choose two hours for a compact lagoon outing and a lower-cost introduction. Choose four hours for the best balance. Pick six or eight hours only when fishing is a main holiday goal and everyone is prepared for sun, waves, and an uncertain catch.

Before paying, confirm four things: the boat you will receive, the exact fishing area, all extra fees, and how the no-fishing policy applies to people who do not show. Those simple questions will help you enjoy the Barracuda, tuna, mahi mahi, or lucky shark that may make the day memorable.

FAQ

How many people can join the private charter?

The private Bertram charter accepts a maximum of six people. Only your group participates in the activity.

How much does the charter cost?

The listed price is $399 per group of up to six people. Prices may differ for the four, six, and eight-hour options, so confirm the amount for your selected duration.

What fishing durations are available?

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

What is included in the price?

Fishing rods, life vests, bait, crew, ice, sodas, and water are included.

What extra fees must I pay?

A fishing license costs $10 per person and is paid at the marina. A Caribbean Sea dock fee of $14 per person is also listed. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Where does the activity begin?

The meeting point is Cancun Sunset Marina beside the KRUDO restaurant at Caminos Boulevard Kukulcan km 5.8, Mza 37, Zona Hotelera, Cancun.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details do not confirm that it is included in the $399 price. Arrange and confirm any transportation before the trip.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include barracuda, tuna, mahi mahi, bonito, red snapper, shark, wahoo, sailfish, and white or blue marlin. The species and size of the catch are not guaranteed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For other cancellations, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.