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

This private 31ft Bertram charter is interesting because you are not sharing a boat with strangers. You pick the time length, you cruise out from Cancun, and you fish with a crew that keeps lines baited and working the water.

I also like that the trip includes the essentials most charters nickel-and-dime, especially fishing rods, bait, life vests, and cold drinks. One thing to consider: on some trips, comfort and communication can be uneven, so it helps to go in with realistic expectations about seating and English.

Quick hits before you cast a line

• Private boat, up to 6 people, so you can spread out and fish at your own pace
• Gear included, from rods to bait, plus life vests and safety equipment
• Trolling and bottom fishing, with the crew actively helping you keep lines in the right place
• Real catch potential year-round, with species like marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, wahoo, shark, and barracuda mentioned
• Extra costs are on you, like fishing licenses ($10 USD per person) and the marine dock fee ($14 per person)
• Short trips can feel tight on fishing time, since setup and travel take time too

Cancun Bertram 31ft charter, what makes it feel different

A lot of Cancun “fishing days” are really a group excursion with limited control. Here, you book a private boat, up to 6 people, and the crew focuses on running your charter.

You also get a clear “how it works” vibe. The pitch is basically, if you do not fish, you do not pay, and the crew is there to put you into the action. In real life, fishing can still be slow, but at least you are not watching everyone else catch while you sit and wait.

The real deal on price, fees, and value for up to 6

The listed price is $399 per group (up to 6), with the exact duration chosen from 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. Even if you do not catch a trophy fish, private boat fishing can be good value because you are effectively paying for access, time on the water, and a crew.

Now add the costs that are not included:

• Fishing licenses: $10 USD per person paid at the marina
• Dock fee: $14.00 per person for the Caribbean Sea

Here is a practical way to think about it. If you have a full boat of 6, the base is about $66.50 per person before licenses and dock fees. If you have fewer people, your per-person cost rises fast, since it is priced per group, not per angler.

One important nuance: there have been disputes when some people do not end up fishing. The company’s position is that the private charter price is the same whether you bring 1 or 6 people, because you are paying for the boat charter itself, not per head. If the “if you don’t fish, you don’t pay” promise matters for you, ask how they define it for individuals versus the whole group, and get it clear before you roll up to the marina.

Where you meet and how the day starts on the water

The meeting point is on Kukulcan Boulevard at CaminosBlvd. Kukulcan km 5.8, Mza 37, Zona Hotelera, Cancun. The marina is next to the KRUDO restaurant, called Cancun Sunset Marina, and you look for staff for Cancun Fishing Tours.

When you arrive, expect a quick setup and safety moment. Life vests are included, and the crew will get you ready before pushing off. From there, the ride is part of the experience. You cruise offshore between about 3 and 20 miles from shore, depending on what they are working that day.

Timing on the charter, choosing 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours

You have multiple duration choices:

• 2 hours (listed as lake fishing)
• 4, 6, or 8 hours for open water fishing

Here is the key reality check: travel and bait work eat time, especially on shorter charters. On some trips, the crew spends a chunk of the early time getting set up, and you might only get a couple of hours of real fishing within a longer outing because you still have travel in and out.

If you choose the 2-hour option, plan for a shorter fishing window and more time “in motion,” especially if conditions affect where they can fish. If you choose 4 hours, it often feels like a sweet spot, giving enough time to get lines into the water and still return without feeling rushed.

For 6 or 8 hours, you are buying flexibility. That extra time matters if the bite is slow, weather shifts, or the crew wants to try different areas. With the species list they target, longer sessions can increase your chances of hitting the kind of fish you came for.

How the crew fishes: trolling, bottom fishing, and line duty

This charter is set up as hands-on saltwater fishing. Your crew handles the heavy lifting: bait prep, line setup, and actively placing lines when fish are in the area.

The tour description highlights trolling and bottom fishing, and that matches what you can expect day-to-day. If you want to reel, not just watch, this is the style that gives you more action. You spend the time actually fishing, with crew support as you hook and bring fish in.

A few crew names came up in real trips, including Captain Willie, Antonio, Jorge, and Jesus, plus crew members like Christopher and Noah. Names can vary by day, but it is consistent that the crew is expected to be proactive and hands-on.

What you might catch around Cancun and Isla Mujeres

Off Cancun, the Caribbean Sea fishing is where your good odds come from. The description calls out fishing year-round around Isla Mujeres and the warm waters offshore.

The big list they mention includes:

• White and Blue Marlin
• Sailfish
• Tuna
• Dorado
• Wahoo
• Shark
• Barracuda, plus other tropical species

In practice, catches can range from quick action on smaller fish to slower battles with bigger ones. Some trips include barracuda in lagoon-side conditions when weather prevents going fully out. Other trips include mix fishing, like tuna and bonito, and even shark on the line for first-timers.

So I recommend going in with two mindsets at once:

1) Expect variety.

2) Keep your expectations flexible about what size fish shows up first.

If you care about eating the catch, ask early what is likely to be keepable and what they recommend. There was at least one case where the crew advised only certain species were good to eat, but a chef later confirmed other fish were fine. You can avoid that disappointment by asking questions before you decide what to retain.

Weather, sea sickness, and when the captain adjusts plans

This is Mexico, open water, and the sea is not always polite. Some charters shift strategy if conditions limit offshore fishing. One trip had to stay lagoon-side because weather did not allow going out, but the day still produced good barracuda fishing.

If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. A practical tip that came up strongly is to take Dramamine or similar medication before you get out on the water. It can be the difference between enjoying the ride and spending the trip feeling miserable.

It also helps to know that in the event of seasickness, the captain can adjust timing and head back earlier. That is not a failure. It is smart seamanship when people are struggling.

Drinks, hydration, and what is actually included

Included in the charter:

• Ice, sodas, and waters (plus fresh water)
• Fishing rods and bait
• Life vest and safety equipment
• Crew

A private boat is great because you are not stuck sharing a small snack pack with ten other people. Having drinks ready and accessible matters, especially if you are out for hours and the sun is doing its thing.

Not included:

• Alcoholic beverages

So if you want beer or cocktails, budget for it separately. I also suggest bringing sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, even if you think you are “just going fishing for a couple hours.” Sun plus saltwater can sneak up on you.

Licenses and the dock fee, the two costs people forget

Two extra line items often surprise people:

• Fishing license: $10 USD per person, paid at the marina
• Dock fee: $14.00 per person for the Caribbean Sea

These are simple enough, but they affect your final cost. If you are comparing value to other Cancun fishing trips, include them in your math so you are not shocked at the dock.

Also, bring some cash or make sure you have the right payment method the marina expects for licenses and fees. The charter itself includes most of the gear, so the remaining costs are mainly about permissions and marina access.

Comfort, seating, and communication on board

The charter is private, but it is still a working fishing boat. That means comfort is not guaranteed the way it is on a big cruise vessel.

One complaint that showed up is that some boats can feel cramped, with not much seating space for everyone, and there can be pressure to move you to a larger boat. The big lesson: if seating comfort matters for your group, ask ahead how they handle 6 people and where everyone typically sits.

On communication, expect a range. Some crews speak limited English and keep instructions simple. Others are friendlier and more talkative. Either way, fishing is partly nonverbal, so pay attention when they demonstrate baiting and casting, and do not be afraid to ask for a quick repeat if you do not catch the first instruction.

The If You Don’t Fish You Don’t Pay promise, and what to clarify

This is the tagline you will hear: if you do not fish, you do not pay. It is a fair concept, because fishing is not a guaranteed activity. But the details matter.

There is evidence of disagreement when some people did not attend after booking and when only a subset of the group caught fish. The company’s stated position is that the charter guarantees your fishing party catches a fish during the trip, even if it is just one. They also emphasize that the price is for the private boat charter, so it does not change if your group size changes.

Here is what I recommend to protect your time and money:

• Confirm whether the promise applies per person or to the whole group
• If anyone might not make it, ask how that affects payment
• Be clear about what counts as fishing, especially if weather reduces fishing time

Fishing should be fun. Clarifying this up front keeps it from becoming a headache.

Best fit: who will enjoy this Cancun fishing charter most

This charter is a strong fit if you want:

• A private boat for up to 6 people
• Crew help with bait and lines
• A mix of trolling and bottom fishing targeting major saltwater species
• A flexible half-day to full-day schedule

It is also a good choice for first-timers, as long as you understand this is not a guided classroom. Expect hands-on action rather than a long tutorial. If you want a deeply educational, lecture-style fishing day, you might find you need more from the crew than they are able to provide in the moment.

Families, couples, and groups of friends often like it because everyone can take part. And if you have motion sickness concerns, plan for it early.

So, should you book?

I would book this charter if your main goal is practical, hands-on saltwater fishing from a private boat, with rods and bait handled and cold drinks included. The price can be a real value when you fill the boat, and the species list gives you a shot at big-game fishing around Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed comfort on board, or if you are extremely dependent on fluent English instructions. Also, if the “if you don’t fish you don’t pay” promise is your deciding factor, take ten minutes to clarify how it works for your specific group before you commit.

FAQ

How many people can be on this private charter?

The private charter is for up to 6 people.

How long is the trip?

You can choose 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours (the duration is approximately based on your selection).

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the meeting point is at CaminosBlvd. Kukulcan km 5.8, Mza 37 on Kukulcan Boulevard in Zona Hotelera, Cancun. The marina is next to the KRUDO restaurant (Cancun Sunset Marina).

What fishing gear is included?

Fishing rods, bait, and safety equipment are included, along with life vests.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get ice, sodas, and waters, plus fresh water.

Are fishing licenses and dock fees included?

No. Fishing licenses cost $10 USD per person at the marina, and there is a dock fee of $14.00 per person for the Caribbean Sea.

Is alcohol included?

No, alcoholic beverages are not included.

What language is support provided in?

English is offered.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.