A 27-foot Boston Whaler Conquest cuts through the Vaitape swell as Captain Manui, who moved from Hawaii to Tahiti in 2009, points toward the outer reef. With twin 150 HP Yamahas pushing the boat at 30 knots, the shallow lagoon drops away into deep blue water where yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi patrol the drop-offs. Bora Bora fishing charters maintain a 4.6 / 5.0 average rating across 26+ reviews on FishingBooker, with particular praise for the crew’s enthusiasm and local knowledge.
Bora Bora fishing charters maintain a 4.6 / 5.0 average rating across 26+ reviews on FishingBooker.
If you’re after a half-day lagoon trip with snorkeling or a full-day deep-sea run targeting marlin and wahoo, Bora Bora’s charter scene delivers. The catch varies by season, the boats are well-equipped, and the crew handles everything from gear to fillets. Just know that cancellation policies vary by operator, and the best full-day trips book out well in advance.
This guide breaks down the top charter options, the species you can expect to hook, the best fishing grounds around the island, and the practical booking details that can make or break your day on the water.
Comparing Bora Bora’s Top Fishing Charters
Three main operators dominate the Bora Bora charter scene, each offering a different experience depending on your group size, budget, and target species. The table below lays out the key differences at a glance.
| Charter | Boat & Capacity | Duration | Price (per group) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bora Bora Fishing Charters | 27′ Boston Whaler · 4 guests | 4–8 hours | $1,000–$2,000 | Flexible lagoon & deep-sea trips |
| Tom’s Catch | 29′ boat · 4 guests | 4–8 hours | €1,306–€3,059 | Family-tradition, keep-your-catch policy |
| Fish Bora Bora | 50′ boat · 6 guests | 4 hours | ~PHP 281,724 | Larger groups, luxury experience |
Note: Prices are sourced from operator listings and are subject to change. Always confirm current rates directly with the charter before booking.
Hooking the Big One with Bora Bora Fishing Charters
The 27-foot Boston Whaler Conquest is the backbone of Bora Bora Fishing Charters. Built in 2006 and equipped with a fighting chair, outriggers, and a Garmin GPS fishfinder, this boat was purpose-built for chasing pelagic species. Captain Manui, who grew up deep-sea fishing in Hawaii before moving to Tahiti in 2009, has spent over a decade fishing French Polynesian waters. His six years running this charter mean he knows exactly where the yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blue marlin are holding.
Fishing techniques vary by target. For trolling, the charter uses four Shimano Tiagra 130s. For popping around the nearby islands, they rely on Stella Shimanos 14000 or 18000 reels. The half-day trip ($1,250 per group, up to 4 guests) starts at 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM, giving you four hours on the water. The full-day deep-sea option ($2,000 per group) runs eight hours and pushes farther offshore to the outer reefs where the bigger fish roam.
Book the Full Day Deep Sea Fishing trip if you’re serious about marlin or wahoo. The 8-hour window gives you time to reach the outer reefs where the blue water drops sharply, and the crew can fillet your catch for you to take to a nearby restaurant.
Giant trevally are usually released on this charter, but other species can be kept. The crew cuts fillets for guests and can recommend a local spot to cook them up. Pickup from your hotel or jetty in Bora Bora is included in the trip rate.
Tom’s Catch: A Family-Tradition Charter
For a different pedigree, Tom’s Catch brings a family tradition to the table. Captain Kevin has over 10 years of experience, with a family fishing tradition passed through generations. He speaks English, French, and Arabic, and specializes in bottom fishing, trolling, and spinning. His 29-foot boat, built in 2026, is powered by a single Suzuki 350HP engine and equipped with an ice box, tuna tubes, outriggers, and a fishfinder.
The pricing structure here is straightforward: a half-day deep-sea charter (4 hours) runs approximately €1,306 per group, while the full-day option (8 hours) is €3,059 per group. A 20% deposit is paid at booking to secure the reservation, with the remaining balance paid to the captain on arrival. Tom’s Catch accepts cash only for the balance.
Tom’s Catch allows you to keep your catch, and the captain can recommend local restaurants to prepare it. This is a big plus if you’re staying in a resort without cooking facilities.
One of the strongest policies here is the bad weather guarantee: if conditions turn sour, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. The deposit, however, is non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before you book. Tom’s Catch is child-friendly and accommodates up to 4 passengers per trip.
Where to Drop Your Line: Top Spots from the Lagoon to the Outer Reef
The island’s fishing grounds are remarkably diverse. From shallow coral gardens to deep passes where the lagoon meets the open ocean, each spot offers a different experience. Here are three of the best locations covered in the research.
Other notable spots include the outer reef for marlin (thrilling for experienced anglers), the south lagoon for a peaceful session avoiding crowds, and the blue hole — a geological marvel that supports a rich marine ecosystem.
Planning Your Bora Bora Fishing Charter: Booking, Cancellation & What to Bring
Booking a charter in Bora Bora is straightforward, but the details matter. Most operators require a deposit to secure your date, with the balance paid directly to the captain on the day. Bora Bora Fishing Charters asks for a 10% deposit via FishingBooker, with the balance payable in cash, Visa, or Mastercard. Tom’s Catch takes a 20% deposit and accepts cash only for the remainder.
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links — costs you nothing extra. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Cancellation & Weather Policies
Cancellation terms vary significantly. Bora Bora Fishing Charters offers free cancellation up to 7 days before the trip; after that, you forfeit 100%. Tom’s Catch has a non-refundable deposit but provides a bad weather guarantee — if conditions are unsafe, you can reschedule or get a full refund. Always confirm the policy at the time of booking.
The 2.5% surcharge for credit card balance payments on Bora Bora Fishing Charters can add up on a $2,000 trip. Bring cash to avoid the fee.
What to Pack
Standard advice applies, but a few specifics are worth noting. Sunscreen should be cream rather than spray (spray can spook fish and is often banned by charters). Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish below the surface. A light jacket is useful for the boat ride back when the wind picks up. Bottled water is usually provided, but alcohol is not permitted on most charters.
If you want to document the action, a compact action camera like the DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle or a 360 camera like the Insta360 X5 is perfect for capturing the strike without getting in the way.
Tipping
A customary tip of 10–20% of the trip cost is standard for the crew. If the first mate handled all the gear changes and the captain put you on the fish, tipping at the higher end of that range is well deserved.
- Book full-day deep-sea trips early — they fill up, especially during peak season (May–October).
- Confirm the cancellation policy before you pay a deposit. It varies by operator.
- Bring cash to avoid credit card surcharges and to tip the crew.
- Specify your target species when booking so the captain can tailor the trip.
Before You Book a Bora Bora Fishing Charter
Do I need a fishing license?
No. French Polynesia does not require a fishing license for charter guests, and the cost is included in your trip fee. The charter handles all the paperwork.
What’s the cancellation policy?
It depends on the operator. Bora Bora Fishing Charters offers free cancellation up to 7 days before the trip. Tom’s Catch has a non-refundable deposit but offers a bad weather guarantee. Always read the fine print before booking.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, for most species. Bora Bora Fishing Charters releases Giant Trevally but lets you keep yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Tom’s Catch allows you to keep your catch, and the crew can fillet it for you.
What’s the tipping etiquette?
10–20% of the trip cost is customary for the crew. If the service was exceptional, tipping at the higher end is standard practice across French Polynesia.
Are these trips family-friendly?
Yes. Half-day lagoon trips and calm water spots like Coral Gardens are ideal for kids. Tom’s Catch explicitly markets itself as child-friendly, and most operators can adjust the pace for younger anglers.
Why a Fishing Charter Changes How You See Bora Bora
The same lagoon you see from your overwater bungalow holds a different character when you’re chasing yellowfin tuna at dawn. A fishing charter isn’t just about the catch — it’s about accessing the raw, powerful side of an island often seen as purely serene. The crew’s knowledge, the gear, and the specific spots they know all contribute to a day that feels a long way from the resort pool. For more ways to explore the islands beyond the reef, check out our guide to island hopping in Bora Bora.
References
FishingBooker. “Bora Bora Fishing Charters.” FishingBooker.com. ↗
Kwalmag. “Ultimate Guide to the Best Fishing in Bora Bora.” Kwalmag.com, 2025. ↗
Tom’s Catch. “Fishing in Bora Bora.” Tomscatch.com. ↗
Looking to round out your Bora Bora itinerary? Read our guide to Bora Bora under $500 for affordable adventures, or dive into the island’s culture with a black pearl farm tour. For a different kind of water experience, our Polynesian cooking class guide covers the best ways to taste the islands.
Explore Places to Stay in Bora Bora
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.