Galapagos Islands Fishing

The Galapagos Islands

World-Class Marlin and More
The nutrient-rich waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands attract an incredible variety of pelagic species, making it a premier destination for big-game anglers. Blue, black, and striped marlin are abundant, with blue marlin found throughout the archipelago. Certain areas consistently produce more bites, giving anglers the chance to target prime marlin waters.
The Galapagos is especially renowned for its striped marlin action, with daily raises of 10, 20, 30, and even 50+ fish not uncommon during peak season. In addition to billfish, anglers can enjoy thrilling topwater tuna and wahoo action, as well as productive bottom fishing.

San Cristobal Island

Striped Marlin Capital of the Galapagos
San Cristobal Island is world-renowned for its high-volume striped marlin and tuna fishing. The striped marlin bite here is legendary, with most days producing 5 to 50 raises—and on exceptional days, anglers may see over 100 fish in the spread. Several productive marlin banks lie within a 13- to 68-mile radius, with average daily runs of just 25 to 35 miles. Striped marlin feed here year-round, making for a consistently rewarding experience.
Blue and black marlin are more abundant during the warmer months from December through June, when sea temperatures average 74 to 80°F. The fishing grounds are generally no more than 37 miles from the pier, providing quick access to the action.

Tesoro Sportfishing Charters

Tesoro Sportfishing
Founded by the late Captain Nico, a passionate advocate for sustainable sportfishing, Tesoro Sportfishing proudly upholds the strict catch-and-release laws of the Galapagos and IGFA standards. Nico’s legacy continues through the use of circle hooks and responsible fishing practices that help preserve the region’s unique marine ecosystem.
The Tesoro
The Tesoro is a 33-foot Florida-built John Allmand Sportfisher, powered by twin 300 HP Suzuki engines and cruising comfortably at 24 knots. The vessel features a 5kW generator, an air-conditioned galley, and top-quality trolling gear and tackle.
All charters are private—exclusively for your group of one to five guests—and can be customized to suit your needs. Led by an experienced captain and crew. Non-angling tour options are also available for guests who wish to explore the Galapagos beyond fishing.

The Fishing Program:

Season:  Fishing is available year-round in the Galapagos. Peak season runs from January through June, when the seas are warmest and calmest—ideal for chasing blue marlin on heavy tackle. From December to June, anglers can expect the best conditions for targeting blue and black marlin.
The Boat:   You’ll fish aboard a 33-ft. John Allmand Sportfisher, powered by twin DF 300 HP Suzuki motors. The boat features an air-conditioned cabin for comfort during full fishing days.
Captain and Crew:  Led by tournament-class captains and professional crew, Tesoro’s team provides expert coaching from start to finish—welcoming both beginners and seasoned anglers.
Fishing Methods:  Target marlin and other species using light tackle, fly fishing, spin gear, pitch baits, or lures. Most trips focus on lure fishing, but techniques can be customized to suit your skill level and preferences.
Pitch Bait Option:  Available by request. Please notify in advance to arrange bait shipment to the Galapagos.
Equipment:  The fishing package includes top-tier gear such as: Shimano Talica 20# CFW reels, Penn Squall 50# rods custom-made by Connley, limited use of 80# and 130# conventional tackle. A detailed list of what to bring will be in your confirmation packet.
Park Fees:  A fishing license is not required, but all guests must pay a $200 Galapagos National Park entrance fee upon arrival.

All Fishing Equipment is Provided.

San Cristobal Big Game Fishing

Accommodations and Meals

Accommodations:  Stay in comfortable, mid-range hotels with the option to upgrade to higher-end accommodations based on your preferences. All lodging is conveniently located and carefully selected for quality and guest experience.
Meals:  All meals are included according to the itinerary.
Breakfasts are served at your hotel.
Lunches and snacks are provided during fishing days and tours.
Dinners are enjoyed at local restaurants (included), offering a taste of authentic island cuisine.
Alcohol:  Complimentary soft drinks and beer are provided while fishing. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at restaurants and hotels.

Non-Angler Tours

Traveling with non-fishing companions? Choose from a variety of tour day excursions and multi-day itineraries tailored for non-anglers. Options include:
• Galapagos Sea Safaris}
• Snorkeling with marine life
• Wildlife spotting (sea lions, iguanas, birds)
• Beachcombing
• Land-based adventures across volcanic landscapes and coastal trails
Whether it’s relaxing on a scenic beach or exploring the islands' rare wildlife, there’s something for everyone.
Add Tour Days to Your Itinerary
Design a Galapagos fishing adventure that fits your goals and interests. Add one or more custom tour days to your package—perfect for exploring the islands between fishing trips.
Visit iconic sites to see giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, lava tunnels, or panoramic volcanic viewpoints. With a wide variety of land and sea tour options, you can make the most of every day in the Galapagos.

Sample Itinerary
5-nights and 4-days Fishing

Day 1:  Arrival Day:
• Arrive San Cristobal Airport, Galapagos, Ecuador
• Meet your host/guide outside the arrival hall
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Welcome briefing and lunch
• Dinner and hotel night in Puerto Baquerizo
• Optional and under request:  Half-day excursion during the afternoon.
Days 2 - 5:  Billfishing Days
• Breakfast at the hotel
• 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. - You'll be picked up by a host or crew member and driven to the boat.
(You'll return to port about 4:30 p.m.)
Fishing Day Options:
• Outbound to marlin grounds at Espanola sea mounts. - Location: 27 miles away from the pier. The mount is 8 miles across. Its shallower spots rise to 500 ft., whereas the South and East drop to 2000/3000 ft. At the shallower end, a high congregation of striped marlin occurs where we care about the number of fish we raise, strike, and release.
Estimated navigation:  1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Outbound to Rosa Blanca sea mounts. Location: 37 miles away from the pier. It has two main fishing grounds, south and north head, with six miles in between. Striped and Blue marlin to pitch and bait.
Estimated navigation:  2 hours.
• Outbound to 0'30' sea mount. Location: 27 miles away from the pier. The sea mount hosts black, blue, and striped marlin, where striped bites all year around with dramatic underwater topography reaching shallower spots of 180 ft. and just a third of a mile drops to 1500 ft. The baitballs here have a diversity of mahi-mahi, bonito, albacore, and Peruvian congregations. Estimated navigation:  1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Outbound to North-head Rosa Blanca and Pitt Point. Location: 37 miles from the pier. The steep drops near the shore attract black marlin, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi near the FAD.
Estimated navigation:  2 hours
• Hotel nights
• Dinner included at the restaurant.
Day 6:  Departure Day:
• Breakfast in your hotel
• Hotel pick up at the agreed time by the host
• Private transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Airport

2024 USD Rates:

Billfishing & Adventure Santa Cruz – San Cristobal
7-nights and 6-days fishing
Standard Lodging:
5-anglers per boat:  $4,532.00 per person
4-anglers per boat:  $5,238.00 per person
3-anglers per boat:  $6,637.00 per person
2-anglers per boat:  $9,105.00 per person
Lodging Upgrade:
5-anglers per boat:  $3,620.00 per person
4-anglers per boat:  $4,125.00 per person
3-anglers per boat:  $5,211.00 per person
2-anglers per boat:  $6,913.00 per person
Request an information packet.

The Packages Include:

• Airport reception
Your adventure is monitored 24/7.
• English-speaking host
• All necessary land and water transfers in Ecuador
• One hotel night in Puerto Baquerizo or Puerto Ayora
• 5-nights standard lodging
• Breakfasts and dinners at the hotel
• Lunches on the boat
• Soft drinks, beers, and snacks onboard
• 4-days fishing on 33 ft. Sportfisher
• Captain and crew
• Use of all fishing equipment.

The Packages Do Not Include: