Fishing in Curaçao: The Complete Guide
Curaçao is known for its clear blue water, warm weather and beautiful coastline, but there is another side to the island waiting just offshore. With deep Caribbean waters close to the coast and a wide variety of pelagic species, Curaçao offers exciting offshore fishing throughout the year.
From yellowfin tuna and wahoo to mahi-mahi, sailfish and marlin, you never quite know what the next bite might bring.
Whether you're visiting Curaçao and considering your first fishing charter or you're an experienced angler looking to fish new waters, here's what you need to know about fishing in Curaçao.
What fish can you catch in Curaçao?
One of the best things about offshore fishing in Curaçao is the variety.
Depending on the season, conditions and where the fish are moving, some of the main species we target include:
Yellowfin tuna
Wahoo
Mahi-mahi
Sailfish
Blue marlin
White marlin
Fishing changes throughout the year, and no two days offshore are exactly the same. Some days may produce tuna or wahoo, while on another trip the opportunity could be a sailfish or marlin.
That's part of what makes fishing here exciting.
Can you fish in Curaçao year-round?
Yes. Offshore fishing in Curaçao is possible throughout the year.
Different species and fishing opportunities become more prominent at different times, while weather, currents, bait and water conditions can also influence what's happening offshore.
If you're travelling specifically to target a certain species, it's always worth contacting us before booking. We can tell you what we've been seeing recently and what the current fishing has been like.
Later, we'll also publish a complete Best Time to Fish in Curaçao guide covering the different species and seasons in more detail.
What is offshore fishing in Curaçao like?
One of Curaçao's advantages is that you don't need to spend hours travelling before you can start fishing.
Speedy departs from Fisherman's Wharf at Caracasbaai, and deep Caribbean water can be reached relatively quickly after departure.
Our fishing trips start at 6:00 AM, giving us the morning to head offshore and fish the conditions of the day.
Depending on what's happening, the crew may use different techniques and locations in search of fish. Offshore fishing is never completely predictable — and that's exactly what keeps it interesting.
Do you need fishing experience?
Not at all.
You don't need to be an experienced angler to book a fishing charter in Curaçao. Our crew handles the setup and fishing equipment and guides you through what to do when it's your turn.
At the same time, experienced anglers are very welcome. If you have specific fishing experience or a species you'd particularly like to target, tell us before the trip.
How long should you go fishing?
At Speedy Boat Trips, we offer 4-hour, 6-hour and 8-hour private fishing charters for groups of up to six guests.
4-hour fishing trip
A good choice if you want to experience offshore fishing but don't want to spend the majority of your day at sea.
6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
6-hour fishing trip
The extra two hours give us more time offshore and more opportunity to explore different areas.
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakfast and drinks are included.
8-hour fishing trip
Our longest standard charter gives us the most time to fish and adapt to what is happening offshore that day.
6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Breakfast, drinks and a light lunch are included.
For anglers primarily interested in maximizing their time fishing, we'd generally recommend the 6- or 8-hour charter.
Is the fishing charter private?
Yes. Speedy's fishing charters are completely private, with a maximum of six guests.
That means you won't be placed on a boat with another group. It's your group, the captain and crew for the duration of the trip.
Fishing gear, tackle, bait and lures are provided, so you don't need to bring your own equipment.
Can you keep the fish you catch?
Depending on the species and catch, part of the fish can be prepared for you to take with you.
We can fillet up to:
Yellowfin tuna – 6 kgWahoo – 5 kgMahi-mahi – 2 kg
Sailfish, blue marlin and white marlin are strictly catch and release. We want these incredible game fish to return to the water safely and help protect Curaçao's billfish fishery for the future.
What should you bring?
We provide the fishing equipment and drinks, but there are a few things worth bringing yourself:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing and any personal medication you may need.
If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking motion-sickness medication before departure rather than waiting until you're already offshore.
Where do fishing charters depart from?
Speedy Boat Trips departs from:
Our standard offshore fishing charters depart at 6:00 AM.
Because all of our charters are private, you'll be fishing with your own group rather than joining a shared charter.
Ready to go fishing in Curaçao?
Whether you're hoping to catch your first offshore fish or you're coming to Curaçao with marlin, sailfish, tuna or wahoo on your mind, every day on the Caribbean Sea is different.
We'll provide the boat, crew and fishing equipment.
You just need to be ready when the line goes.
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