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

A private Bertram charter takes you beyond Cancun’s hotel zone in search of barracuda, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, sailfish, marlin, shark, and other Caribbean fish. The most appealing part is the freedom of a private boat for up to six people, with rods, bait, crew, ice, water, and soft drinks included. 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 at sea.

The main caution is that the short two-hour option may be better suited to lagoon or nearby fishing than a full offshore outing. On longer trips, travel time can eat into fishing time. You should also budget for the $10 fishing license per person and the $14 Caribbean Sea dock fee per person.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat is private: Your group has the charter to itself, with a maximum capacity of six people.
• Two hours is the short option: It is described for lake fishing, while longer trips head farther offshore.
• Fish can include barracuda, tuna, mahi mahi, shark, wahoo, sailfish, and marlin: The catch depends on conditions and luck.
• Crew quality varies by captain and language ability: Willie, Antonio, Jorge, Jesus, Christopher, and Noah have all been praised for attentive service and hard work.
• The advertised price is $399 per group: This is for the boat, not a per-person fare, so the price does not shrink if part of your party stays home.
• Sea conditions matter: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, while seasickness has ended some trips early.

Choosing between two, four, six, and eight hours

The first decision is trip length. The two-hour option costs less and can work well if you want a taste of fishing without giving up most of your day. It is described as a lake-fishing option, which means you should not book it expecting a long offshore chase for marlin.

The four-hour trip gives you a better chance to reach productive water. One report described about an hour going out, about an hour returning, and roughly two hours of active fishing. That is a useful reality check. A four-hour booking does not necessarily mean four straight hours with lines in the water.

The six- and eight-hour options make more sense if fishing is a major reason for your Cancun visit. The boat may travel between three and 20 miles from shore, depending on the selected trip and sea conditions. Longer outings give the crew more time to try trolling and bottom fishing, change areas, and search for larger fish.

Still, longer is not automatically better. Seasickness can turn a full day into a rough one, especially if you are not used to open water. If this is your first saltwater trip, four hours is a sensible middle ground. Experienced anglers or people determined to target larger game fish may find the longer options worthwhile.

What happens at Cancun Sunset Marina

The meeting point is Cancun Sunset Marina, at Caminos Boulevard Kukulcan kilometer 5.8, next to the Krudo restaurant in the Hotel Zone. Look for staff wearing or representing Cancun Fishing Tours when you arrive.

The trip ends at the same marina. Pickup is offered, but the basic information does not state that hotel transportation is included in the $399 price. If you need a ride, confirm the arrangement and any extra cost before the morning of your charter.

After boarding, the crew prepares the rods and bait and gets you underway. The exact sequence depends on the water and the length of your booking. One important detail is that bait collection may use part of your scheduled time. A short trip can feel especially brief if the crew spends a large share of it getting bait before moving to the fishing grounds.

Trolling, bottom fishing, and the catch

The charter offers two basic styles. Trolling places baited lines behind the moving boat and is used while searching for larger, faster fish. This is the method that can bring the excitement of tuna, wahoo, sailfish, mahi mahi, or a billfish, though no catch is guaranteed.

Bottom fishing is slower and usually targets fish closer to the sea floor. Barracuda, snapper, grouper, and smaller reef fish may be more realistic targets. A family looking for action may prefer this approach because it can produce more bites than waiting for one large offshore strike.

The waters around Cancun and Isla Mujeres can produce a wide range of fish throughout the year, including white and blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, shark, and barracuda. That list is a possibility, not a promise. One group caught barracuda in the lagoon when rough weather prevented an offshore trip. Another caught barracuda, tuna, bonito, and a shark on a four-hour outing.

This is why I would set expectations carefully. You may return with a memorable fish, or you may spend much of the trip moving between spots. The crew’s job is to find productive water, but fishing remains dependent on conditions, season, and luck.

The crew makes the biggest difference

Several captains and mates received especially warm praise. Captain Willie and crew members Christopher and Noah were singled out for making a couple’s trip memorable. Captain Antonio and Jesus were described as friendly and attentive, with Jesus working quickly to keep lines baited and untangled.

That hands-on service matters. On a fishing charter, the mate often handles bait, lines, hooks, and the practical work that lets you concentrate on the rod. Families also appreciated crew members who helped children and returned a seasick group to shore early.

The level of explanation can be less dependable. Some crew members speak limited English, and first-time anglers have sometimes found themselves unsure about what was happening. If you want a lesson in offshore fishing, ask for an English-speaking captain or mate when you reserve. The crew may be excellent fishermen without being strong English-speaking guides.

You should also ask questions during the trip. Find out where you are heading, what species you are targeting, and how much time remains at each spot. Clear communication will help you get more from the charter.

Is a Bertram 31 feet large enough for six?

The stated maximum is six people. That does not mean six anglers will have a roomy day. One complaint described limited seating and said the boat felt too small for a full party. Another account described an unwanted switch to a larger boat after an attempted upsell.

The practical lesson is simple: six is the maximum, not necessarily the most comfortable number. A group of four will likely have an easier time moving around the boat, handling rods, and avoiding crowding. Six can work, but you should ask exactly how many people will fish at once and where everyone will sit.

Confirm the boat model, available seating, and final vessel before departure. If the operator offers a different boat, ask whether there is an additional charge and why the change is being made. Written confirmation can prevent confusion at the dock.

What is included, and what costs extra

The $399 group price covers the private charter for up to six people. It includes fishing rods, life vests, bait, crew, ice, sodas, and bottled water. Those inclusions make the base rate attractive, especially for a group of four to six.

The price does not include the fishing license. Allow $10 per person, paid at the marina. You also pay a $14 per-person dock fee for a Caribbean Sea trip. Alcohol is not included, so bring only what the operator permits and confirm the policy in advance.

The value depends on how many people share the boat. For six people, the base price works out to about $66.50 each before the license and dock fee. For two people, the same private boat is a much more expensive outing per person. That is the trade-off for privacy and control.

The phrase if you do not fish, you do not pay needs careful handling. The operator explains this as a promise that you are not charged if you do not fish at all, but the charter price remains the same for one to six people. It does not mean the total price drops when someone in your party decides not to fish or fails to attend.

Seasickness, weather, and comfort

The Caribbean can look calm from the beach and feel very different offshore. Several people became seasick, while one family had to return early because children felt ill. The crew provided water and handled the early return kindly, but motion sickness can still cut your fishing time short.

If you know you are prone to seasickness, speak with a medical professional about suitable medication before the trip. Bring sun protection and wear clothing you do not mind getting wet. The supplied water and sodas help, but they do not replace your own preparation.

Weather can change the plan. Rough conditions may keep the boat on the lagoon side, where you can still catch barracuda and enjoy time on the water, but you will not get the same offshore experience. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The cancellation terms allow a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would recommend this outing to a family, couple, or group of friends that wants a private boat and does not need a polished fishing lesson. The strongest accounts describe hardworking mates, plenty of line handling, and exciting catches for first-time anglers.

It is also a good choice for a birthday or family activity. One couple booked it for a birthday, and add-ons such as transportation, food, and decorations may be available by request. Confirm those extras before paying.

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced sport fisher focused on one trophy species. You may find the crew shifts toward barracuda or bottom fishing when larger fish are not biting. That is a sensible way to keep the trip active, but it may not match your idea of a serious offshore expedition.

I would also think twice about bringing six people if everyone expects a seat and a turn on the rod at the same time. Four people gives you more room and may make the boat feel more relaxed.

Final advice: should you book it?

Book this charter if you value a private boat, flexible trip lengths, included gear, and a crew that will work hard to keep lines in the water. The $399 group rate can be a good deal for four to six people, especially when everyone wants to fish.

Before booking, confirm three things: the exact boat, the expected fishing area for your chosen duration, and whether an English-speaking crew member will be aboard. Add the license and dock fee to your budget, and do not treat the largest fish on the species list as a likely result.

For a first saltwater outing, I would choose four hours with four or fewer people. For a group that simply wants a quick activity, two hours may be enough. Choose six or eight hours only if you genuinely want a full fishing day and are prepared for sun, motion, and long stretches between bites.

FAQ

How many people can join the private charter?

The boat accommodates up to six people. It is a private activity, so only your group participates.

How much does the charter cost?

The listed price is $399 per group of up to six people. It is a private boat price, not a per-person rate.

What fishing durations are available?

You can choose two, four, six, or eight hours. The two-hour option is described for lake fishing, while longer trips can go offshore.

Are fishing gear and bait included?

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

Do I need to pay any extra fees?

Yes. The fishing license costs $10 per person and is paid at the marina. A Caribbean Sea dock fee of $14 per person is also not included. Alcohol is extra.

Where does the charter leave from?

Meet at Cancun Sunset Marina on Kukulcan Boulevard, kilometer 5.8, next to the Krudo restaurant in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The trip returns to the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The charter requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.