Fishing in Punta Cana from Riu Palace Bávaro: The Fishing Experience You’ll Remember for a Lifetime

By Punta Cana Transfer

Our captain worked like a true champion all morning.

While three out of five guests from Riu Palace Bávaro battled seasickness in choppy waters, he never stopped changing bait, adjusting lines, and keeping our spirits up. “The fish are out there,” he repeated with the kind of confidence only a local pro can have.

And he was right. Two catches later, Mike reeled in a spectacular mahi-mahi and a 90-pound white marlin — and that’s when we all realized that fishing in Punta Cana isn’t just about the fish. It’s about the people who make a real adventure possible, with all its highs and lows. An adventure that blends nature, adrenaline, local cuisine, and Dominican culture.

Why Punta Cana Is a Paradise for Fishing Enthusiasts

The Dominican Republic is famous for its white-sand beaches, tropical climate, and crystal-clear waters, but few know it’s also one of the top fishing destinations in the Caribbean.

• Over 500 fish species thrive in its waters.

• Its location between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean creates nutrient-rich waters perfect for big game fish.

• Stable weather allows fishing nearly year-round.

Punta Cana has earned a spot on the world’s sport fishing map thanks to the abundance of blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. And the best part? You don’t have to be an expert — there are trips for beginners, families, and seasoned anglers.

Fishing Excursions from Riu Palace Bávaro resort

We pick you up directly at the entrance of Riu Palace Bávaro and take you to the dock where your adventure begins. You can choose the perfect option depending on your time, budget, and experience level.

*Approximate prices, may vary by season.

💡 Tip: If you want a better chance of catching large species like marlin or tuna, choose the 8-hour private trip. We can also customize any option to make it exactly as you imagine.

When is the best time to fish in Punta Cana?

Fishing is great all year, but each season has its stars. That doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish outside these times — just that certain months offer prime conditions for specific species.

📅 Quick Seasonal Guide:

• January – March: High chances for yellowfin tuna and wahoo.

• April – June: Blue marlin and mahi-mahi season.

• July – September: Big tuna and barracuda.

• October – December: Peak mahi-mahi season.

Meet the Stars of Punta Cana Fishing

🐟 Blue Marlin – The King of the Deep

• Why it’s special: The undisputed ruler of these waters. With its sword-like bill and fierce spirit, every marlin is a living legend.

• Personality: Proud and relentless. Every leap out of the water is a declaration of war.

• Why you’ll remember it: Catching a marlin is like facing the raw power of nature itself — a true mental and physical test. Many anglers call it “winning the gold medal” of sport fishing.

🐠 Mahi-Mahi – The Showstopper

• Why it’s special: Like the class clown, but built like an athlete. Changes color while fighting — from bright gold to emerald green — like an underwater light show.

• Personality: Unpredictable and acrobatic. It jumps, spins, and puts on a performance that feels personal.

• Why you’ll remember it: Stunning, photogenic, and delicious grilled. Every fight is part strength, part spectacle.

⚡ Wahoo – The Caribbean Lightning Bolt

• Why it’s special: The Ferrari of fish, reaching speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph) with razor-sharp teeth.

• Personality: Sneaky and explosive. Strikes without warning, rips line like crazy, then coolly plots its escape.

• Why you’ll remember it: A wahoo strike turns your world upside down in seconds. Pure, concentrated adrenaline.

🐟 Yellowfin Tuna – The Sushi Lover’s Favorite

• Why it’s special: Tender meat, mild flavor — perfect fresh, even raw, as sashimi or tartare.

• Personality: Powerful and tenacious. No flashy jumps, but unmatched stamina.

• Why you’ll remember it: Like doing crossfit in the water. The pull is intense, but reeling one in is pure satisfaction.

📌 Pro Tip: Always ask which species are most active during your travel dates it can make or break your fishing adventure.

Fun Fact

Did you know the blue marlin can reach speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph)? That makes it one of the fastest fish on the planet. In Punta Cana, catching one is considered a true achievement, and in local tournaments, marlin are released after capture to help preserve the species.

A Day of Fishing from Riu Palace Bávaro resort.

Step 1 – Hotel Pickup At the agreed time, your Punta Cana Transfer driver will be waiting right at the entrance of Riu Palace Bávaro with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to start your day worry-free.

Step 2 – Arrival at the Marina The scent of the sea and the sound of the waves mark the start of your adventure. You’ll meet the friendly crew, get a quick safety briefing, and choose your fishing gear.

Step 3 – Heading Out to Sea As the boat leaves shore, Punta Cana fades into the distance. Enjoy fresh coffee or tropical juice while the turquoise Caribbean surrounds you.

Step 4 – Trolling Begins The crew sets out multiple rods with shiny lures to target marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna.

Step 5 – First Catch & Photos When the rod bends, the excitement kicks in. With the crew’s help, you’ll reel in your fish and capture the moment in a perfect photo.

Step 6 – Snacks & Drinks Between catches, enjoy cold drinks, local beer, or a Caribbean cocktail, plus light snacks.

Step 7 – Return as a Champion Back on land, you can take your catch to a local restaurant for a Dominican-style feast fried, garlic butter, or fresh ceviche.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Wear light, comfortable clothing.

• Use waterproof sunscreen.

• If prone to seasickness, take preventative medication.

• Keep valuables in a waterproof bag.

💡 We can include a fishing kit and sun protection in your booking so you can simply enjoy.

Traveler Testimonial

"I never thought fishing could be this exciting. From the moment we got on board, the crew treated us like family. I caught a huge mahi-mahi, and later we had it cooked at a beachfront restaurant. Hands down, the best day of my Punta Cana vacation." — Michael R., Canada

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is fishing in Punta Cana safe for beginners? Yes, trips include professional crew, life jackets, and safe equipment.

2. Can I bring my kids? Yes, but we recommend it for children over 6 years old.

3. What if I don’t catch anything? While chances are high, the crew ensures you’ll still have a memorable day.

Ready to Write Your Own Punta Cana Fishing Story?

We’re sure it’ll be a story you’ll tell for years to come. Between the sun, the all inclusive resorts in punta cana, the sea, the taste of your own catch, and the thrill of the moment, this will be one of the most treasured memories of your trip.

🌊 Start picturing it… and when you’re ready, we’ll handle the rest.

About Punta Cana Transfer

Punta Cana Transfer is a leading company in personalized tourist experiences in the Dominican Republic, with more than 7 years creating memorable adventures for travelers from around the world. Specializing in premium transportation, exclusive excursions, and high-end sport fishing, we have a team of certified captains and local guides who are passionate about sharing the best of the Caribbean.