Full Day Big Game Fishing

Puerto Plata’s north coast is your fishing ground on this private offshore charter, aboard a 34-foot Trojan with twin Yanmar engines. The aim is simple: spend a full day chasing larger fish with good equipment, a captain, and room for your own group rather than strangers.

I like the private format, which lets experienced anglers fish their own way while beginners can ask for hands-on help. I also like the practical inclusions: rods and reels, bait, lunch, snacks, water, beer, rum, soft drinks, and transportation are all arranged for you.

The main catch is the extra US$50 fishing license, paid directly at the port, plus the uncertainty that comes with any fishing trip. You can improve your odds with eight hours on the water, but no charter can promise a particular catch or calm seas.

Key points before you book

• Private 34-foot Trojan boat: The Diana IV is set up for offshore fishing and uses twin Yanmar engines with a total of 400 horsepower.
• Fishing gear and bait provided: You do not need to bring rods, reels, or tackle for the basic experience.
• Captain and crew support: Captain Willy and first mate Narciso can offer instruction and pointers, or give experienced anglers more freedom.
• Food and drinks included: You get a buffet lunch, snacks, bottled water, beer, rum, and soft drinks during the day.
• Hotel or port pickup: Pickup and return transportation are included, with an 8:00 am start.
• Budget for the license: The fishing license costs US$50 per group and is paid at the port, despite the main package including most fishing costs.

Eight hours on the north coast with your own boat

This is not a quick casting trip near the beach. You are booking an offshore charter for roughly eight hours, with the boat operating around Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete on the Dominican Republic’s north coast.

The vessel listed for the trip is the Trojan Diana IV, a 34-foot open-fishing boat with twin Yanmar engines producing 400 horsepower. That size gives your group a private base for the day without the price of hiring a large yacht. It also means the experience is centered on fishing, not sightseeing or luxury cruising.

The start time is 8:00 am. Pickup is offered from your hotel or port, and return transportation is included. You should have your pickup point ready when booking, especially if you are staying outside central Puerto Plata or arriving by cruise ship.

The advertised rate is US$980 per group of up to five people. Split five ways, that works out to US$196 per person before the separate license fee. For a couple, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are still paying for the boat, crew, fuel, equipment, food, drinks, and private transportation rather than buying individual seats on a shared trip.

One detail needs checking before you pay: the main rate covers up to five people, while the operator also says it can take groups of up to eight. If you have six to eight people, ask for the exact group price and boat arrangement. Do not assume the five-person rate applies to a larger party.

Leaving shore on the Diana IV

The boat is described as an open-fishing Trojan, which tells you what kind of day to expect. The focus is open water, fishing stations, and access to the gear. You should choose practical clothing and bring anything you personally need for comfort, though the supplied information does not specify a recommended packing list.

The twin Yanmar engines and 400 horsepower are useful for an offshore charter because the crew needs to reach fishing areas and return within the planned eight-hour window. Still, engine power does not remove the normal limits of weather and sea conditions. Your captain controls the final plan, and the exact fishing area can depend on conditions.

The boat is private to your party. That matters more than it may sound. You can fish with family or friends, ask questions without worrying about slowing down strangers, and decide how much conversation or instruction you want. If someone in your group is new to offshore fishing, the private setup makes it easier to learn at a relaxed pace.

The boat name appears as Diana IV, while the operator is Mahi Mahi Fishing Tours SRL and the charter is also presented under Big Game Fishing Charter Mahi Mahi. Keep those names handy when arranging pickup so you know who to look for.

Fishing equipment, bait, and help from the crew

The charter supplies the basic fishing setup, including fishing equipment and bait. The equipment described in the boat information includes Penn International and TLD 50 reels with Star rods. Those are useful details for experienced anglers, since tackle quality can affect how confidently you fish for larger species offshore.

You do not need to pack your own rod and reel for this trip. That saves the trouble of transporting equipment through an airport or resort. If you have a favorite personal setup, ask the operator in advance before assuming it can be used.

Captain Willy and first mate Narciso are the key people on the boat. The crew can give instruction and pointers, which makes the charter suitable for different skill levels. Beginners can ask how to handle the equipment, while experienced anglers can request less coaching and more time at the rail.

The operator, Bartolo, is also involved in the guest experience and may handle hotel transportation. One especially useful detail is that he has personally collected and returned guests from their hotel. That can make the morning easier, particularly if you are unsure about the port or are arranging the trip from a resort.

The supplied feedback also praises Bart Parys alongside Captain Willy and first mate Narciso, suggesting that more than one member of the shore and boat team may be involved in the operation. Confirm the exact pickup contact when you book, since names appear in slightly different forms.

What your day includes between casts

Fishing takes up the main part of the day, but the charter includes enough food and drink to keep you from treating the boat like a bare-bones rental. You get a buffet lunch, snacks, bottled water, beer, rum, and soft drinks.

That open-bar setup is convenient, especially because you are away from shore for about eight hours. You will not need to plan a restaurant stop or carry a full cooler for the group. The lunch also helps make the private charter feel like a complete day out rather than simply a boat and fishing gear.

Alcohol deserves a practical note. Beer and rum are included, but you are still spending the day on an offshore boat and handling fishing equipment. If you drink, pace yourself and keep water in the rotation. The tour provides bottled water, so you have a nonalcoholic option throughout the trip.

The included food is described as a buffet lunch and snacks, but no menu is given. If you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or strong food preferences, ask before departure. Do not assume the buffet will meet a particular diet without confirmation.

The real value of a US$980 private charter

At first glance, US$980 is a steep price for a day of fishing. The calculation changes when you fill the boat. Five people bring the base cost to US$196 each, with the US$50 license adding about US$10 per person if divided evenly. That is before considering the value of transport, gear, bait, lunch, and drinks.

For a group of friends who already planned to spend the day fishing, the package is fairly easy to understand. You avoid separate equipment rental, transport costs, food purchases, and the hassle of finding a boat at the port. The private arrangement also gives you all eight hours with your own group.

For two people, the price is harder to justify unless private fishing and a full offshore day are central to your holiday. A shared boat would usually spread costs across more people, but this experience is specifically built around privacy. The right comparison is not a cheap beach activity. It is a full-day charter with transport and supplies included.

The separate license is small beside the total price, but it should be in your budget. The information is inconsistent about the license being included, yet the specific payment instruction is clear: the US$50 license is paid directly at the port. Treat it as an extra cost.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would look first at this charter if you are traveling with a family or friend group of up to five and at least one person genuinely wants a serious fishing day. The private boat means nonfishing companions can still share the outing without being mixed with strangers.

It also works for mixed skill levels. The crew can provide pointers for beginners, while experienced anglers can focus on the rods and the water. Children may participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The listing says most people can participate, though it does not give specific medical, mobility, or age requirements.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed catch, a short excursion, or a sightseeing cruise with a fishing option added on. The day is long, the focus is offshore fishing, and the result depends on conditions and luck.

The tour may be operated with a multilingual guide. If language support matters to your group, ask which languages are available on your date rather than assuming a particular guide.

What the positive feedback tells you

The strongest praise centers on the people, not just the boat. Bartolo is described as a helpful host who collected a guest from the hotel, offered a fair price, and returned the guest after the trip. That is valuable because transport can be one of the more awkward parts of a port-based fishing day.

Captain Willy and first mate Narciso receive specific credit for the offshore fishing service. The boat is described as comfortable and well equipped, with Penn International and TLD 50 reels and Star rods. Those details matter more to an angler than generic claims about a great boat.

The fishing itself has also produced strong results for at least some outings, including a day with a large number of fish caught. That is encouraging, but you should read it as evidence of potential rather than a promise. Fishing varies by season, conditions, location, and luck.

The small number of published ratings is worth keeping in mind. A perfect score from two ratings is a good sign, especially with detailed praise for the crew, but it is not the same as a long record covering every season and weather condition. I would book for the private format and the crew setup, not because anyone can guarantee the big one.

Practical planning for your morning

The start time is 8:00 am, and pickup is available from your hotel or port. Confirm the pickup time, exact meeting point, and return plan in advance. The operator says confirmation is received at booking, so keep those details accessible on the morning of the trip.

The experience includes a mobile ticket, which is useful if you are moving between a resort, port, and boat without printing paperwork. You should still keep the operator’s contact information and the names Bartolo, Captain Willy, and Narciso available.

The fishing license is paid at the port and costs US$50 per group. Bring a way to pay that fee and treat it separately from the main booking price.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:00 am start. Canceling or changing the booking less than 24 hours before departure does not qualify for a refund, and the cutoff uses local time. That is a reasonable window, but it does not protect you from last-minute changes.

Should you book the Puerto Plata big game charter?

Book it if you have a group of up to five, want a private offshore day, and value a crew that can work with both beginners and experienced anglers. The included gear, bait, meals, drinks, and transportation make the US$980 group price more practical when the boat is full.

I would be more cautious if you are a couple watching every peso, if you need a guaranteed catch, or if your main goal is a scenic cruise. Ask about the six-to-eight-person option, confirm the separate US$50 license, and clarify food needs before committing.

For a fishing-focused day with Captain Willy, Narciso, and the support of Bartolo, this is a solid choice for a full group. Just book with realistic expectations: you are paying for time, equipment, access, and a better chance, not a guaranteed fish.

FAQ

How long is the fishing charter?

The experience lasts about eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

Where does the fishing take place?

The charter operates offshore along the north coast of the Dominican Republic, including the waters around Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete.

How many people can join the private charter?

The advertised price is for a private group of up to five people. The operator also says it can take groups of up to eight, so larger groups should confirm the exact price and arrangements before booking.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel or port pickup and return transportation are included.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and bait are provided. The boat information refers to Penn International and TLD 50 reels with Star rods.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. The package includes buffet lunch, snacks, bottled water, beer, rum, and soft drinks.

Is the fishing license included in the price?

The fishing license is an extra US$50 per group, paid directly at the port. Although one part of the description refers to a license as included, the specific payment instruction identifies this fee as separate.

Can beginners and children join?

Instruction and fishing pointers are available, and most people can participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult.