Caribbean fishing and chartering is world-class fun

The crystal-clear, sparkling water that surrounds the Caribbean islands draws onlookers of every kind. Some visitors are simply satisfied to view the startlingly blue waters from the sandy shores, while others are drawn out onto the sea. The Caribbean is home to some of the world's most popular fishing and sailing destinations, and visitors who choose to spend some island time on the sea with a chartered boat leave with experiences that are completely unforgettable.

Like most everything about these islands, there are many differences between them. Some of the best sailing locations in the world are the waters surrounding the Virgin Islands; meanwhile, the best fishing is found in Puerto Rico, with 30 world records set in its waters.

It's best to keep in mind that most of the Caribbean has areas for you to participate in such activities; but connoisseurs and new hands alike love particular areas, and few people have ever left them disappointed. There are plenty of reasons to spend time on the ocean when visiting the islands--rich fishing and beautiful sailing are just two of the most popular.

Fishing

The waters that surround the Caribbean islands are home to several types of fishing because of the vast differences in the underwater landscapes of the region. Some fish favor the shallow island edges; others are the bright fish of the coral reefs that have grown over centuries along the edges of some volcanic islands. There are also the large sport fish of the deeper waters that sportsmen travel from around the world to capture. From shallow shores to gorgeous reefs to deep water, there are plenty of fish in every region and plenty of people willing to try their hand at hooking one.

The shallow water fish of the region are said to be the pound-for-pound best fighters of all fish. These are called bonefish, and their species include tarpon, permit, pompano, wahoo, and the famous barracuda. Bonefish can be caught from the beach or from a small boat in many of the shallow waters of the Caribbean. Fishing from the shore can be less costly for budget-conscious travelers because there is no need for boat rental. It can be done as well from aboard a sailboat, which many resorts offer as part of your stay.

Live bait such as conch or squid is the best bet for reef fishermen looking to catch some very interesting fish. The most common fish in these areas are the grouper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and jack crevalle.

Deep sea and game fishermen will enjoy the plentiful populations of billfish, marlin, wahoo, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, and sailfish found in the Caribbean. There are many varieties of these deep water fish just off the shores where the sea floor drops down, so fishing can take place as close to a quarter of a mile from the islands.

When going out fishing, you'll especially need to keep in mind the cost of a boat charter that will take you out for the day. Deep-sea charters begin at about $400(USD) for a half day of fishing, and a full day may run you up to $1,000(USD). Offshore charters are slightly more affordable, ranging from $325(USD) to $650(USD) for a half day. A full day of bone and reef fishing can run between $300(USD) and $600(USD) generally, though a half-day is just $200(USD) to $400(USD). Meanwhile, a bonefishing guide will cost approximately $250(USD) per half day, per two people. These guides will help the unfamiliar find the fish they want to catch and can be helpful.

It can be best to consider the time of year you visit first and foremost, if you're planning a fishing voyage on your trip. Certain areas of the Caribbean offer better catches during the first half of the year, while others offer good fishing year-round. It's best to look into the areas you plan to travel to and make sure the time you're making your trip is the best time for fishing. Typically the best time for fishing, if there is one throughout the Caribbean, is between January and June.

So which island would best suit your angling desires, There are plenty of choices, but what follows are a few of the most popular ones. Puerto Rico is known as the fishing capital of the Caribbean, but it's far from the only hot spot. The Virgin Islands also have a reputation as good deep-fishing grounds and play host to the many local tournaments. They have also been home to several world records, including eight for blue marlin. Bonefishing is also popular in the Virgin Islands, beautiful waters. If you're looking for a certain type of fish or fishing, the Dominican Republic and Bahamas may cater to your specific fishing needs, and Barbados is a good place for both deep sea and coastal fishing. These and the many other Caribbean islands have plenty of fish to offer; the choice is yours.

So, when you're visiting the Caribbean islands, let the urge for adventure take you out to the water's edge to find out if you can hook one of the feisty bonefish, or let it draw you out onto the deep ocean where mighty game fish fight to the end.

Charters

Fishing might not be on the top of your list, but you may still want to spend time at sea. If this is the case for you then relax, boats can be chartered from nearly every island in the Caribbean by vacationers searching for an escape from dry land. You will be able to set your own path and go where you please, which is a must for some island adventurers. However, before you embark on a seafaring adventure, there are a few things you should know about boat chartering services. There are actually several ways in which you may charter a boat, so that the experience fits you best.

If visiting the sea is only a small part of your island plans, it's possible to take short trips with smaller charters or there are sailing vessels available through many resorts. These may be taken out for short picnic or sightseeing trips. For travelers more interested in staying dry, this may be the best choice for their vacation, offering a brief taste of the beautiful ocean surrounding the Caribbean islands without making a long-term commitment to the sea.

Before chartering a larger boat or yacht, there are a few details you should plan for. Prices of most chartered boats are comparable to the price of an all-inclusive hotel stay or cruise ship for the length of the journey. The duration of these voyages can vary, but generally run from ten days to two weeks.

Also, if getting a crewed yacht, the crew will need to be tipped at the rate of approximately 10% of the total charter price. Food is rarely provided in the cost and can be added through the company in most cases, though ships will generally come with sporting supplies and a fully stocked bar.

The three main types of charters are bareboat charters, captained charters, and crewed charters. When renting a bareboat, you are responsible for either being or finding a captain and crew. A captained boat comes with simply a captain, and you are responsible for crewing the boat. Meanwhile, there are also fully crewed boats that come with a chef, captain, and crew to provide you with everything you need to sit back, relax, and enjoy your time at sea.

Experienced sailors are the only ones who should consider a bareboat charter. If you are considering this type of charter, it's best to make sure you are familiar with the type of boat as well as the Caribbean. You should also travel with others who can help you and who have seafaring experience of their own. This can be extremely dangerous unless you know how to sail, and before renting bareboat, most charter companies will ask for credentials.

Chartering with only a captain may be best for sailors who are unfamiliar with the area or uncomfortable sailing in the Caribbean waters without a strong knowledge of the location. This is another route that should only be taken by those with some sailing experience. However, it is not necessary to have as extensive a knowledge of sailing when chartering a captained yacht. This can be a drawback financially, as a captained charter can sometimes cost as much as a fully crewed boat.

Crewed charters are the yachts for the rest of us. They allow passengers to sit back and relax in the Caribbean, though vacationers may also set the itinerary themselves or with the help of the knowledgeable captain and crew. No experience is necessary, but in this case finding the right crew is important. The crew is generally a small group of people who sail charters part of the year, and sail for themselves the remainder. They will know the best sites in the area for whatever you want to do. However, they will also be your living companions for the length of your charter, so it is imperative to find a crew that you feel comfortable with.

First-time charterers, especially, may wonder how they could possibly find the right boat or crew for them. It's been made surprisingly simple when you work through a charter broker. Charter brokers are paid by the boat owner or company to help attach the right boat or crew to the right vacationer to ensure that everyone has the best time possible. They are, essentially, paid to know the best of the best in the region and set you up with what they think your first choice would be--at no cost to you.

Many of the larger yacht chartering companies do not directly offer the services of a broker, but have experienced personnel to work with you. If you don't intend to book with a large company, a broker can be the best way to go.

When you've made your decision, you can chart a course to any island you wish. However, there are a few popular Caribbean sailing spots that ought to be considered. Most popular of all the islands are the Virgin Islands, known for their majestic beauty and peaceful waters. Antigua is another popular sailing spot for vacationers to visit. Keep in mind that the southwestern sides of each island will be most likely to offer peaceful sailing conditions as they are located away from the Atlantic Ocean's currents.

There are many wonderful sights that can only be seen from aboard a boat in the Caribbean. All you have to do is book a charter boat, or even a fishing boat, and you can experience the beauty of the tropical sunset over an island or a secluded spot untouched by humans.