Majo Fishing Lodge · Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos
You can fish for blue marlin, black marlin and Pacific sailfish in Panama on a private charter with Majo Fishing Lodge. On one-day trips from Vista Mar Marina, marlin are best in July–August and October–November, and sailfish peak from May to August. For the best odds at a black marlin, plan a 2- to 4-day trip toward the southern Pearl Islands and Piñas Bay.
- Private boat, price per boat
- Every billfish released
- IGFA-certified captain
Which billfish you can catch in Panama, and when
Panama’s Pacific holds blue marlin, black marlin and Pacific sailfish, and striped marlin can also show up on our multi-day expeditions. Our Panama fishing season calendar separates one-day trips in the Gulf of Panama from multi-day trips south of the Pearl Islands and toward Piñas Bay:
| Species | One-day trips · Gulf of Panama | Multi-day trips · south of Las Perlas and Piñas Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Marlin (blue and black) | Best July–August and October–November; good June, September and December; not a primary target January–April | Best July–February; good March–May |
| Pacific sailfish | Season May–December, best May–August; good in April | Good February–April and October |
“Best” means a high probability and “good” means consistent action. Conditions change from year to year, and nobody can promise a fish.
Black marlin in Panama: where the odds are best
Black marlin are highly migratory and can show up in many areas, including the Gulf of Panama. In more than 22 years of our own records, the best odds have been south of the Pearl Islands and toward Piñas Bay, where deep ocean water meets the continental drop-off close to reefs that hold a lot of bait, such as Zane Grey Reef, about 6–7 miles from Piñas Bay.
If a black marlin is your main goal, choose Hacienda del Mar (2 to 4 days) or a Pro Fishing Expedition; compare them in our guide to multi-day fishing trips. It is always a probability, never a guarantee. One-day trips mainly target blue marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado. Not sure what you saw? Read black marlin vs blue marlin.
How we find marlin and sailfish
We don’t run to a famous waypoint and hope. The crew reads sea-surface temperature, chlorophyll, current edges, bait, birds and recent reports, then sets a trolling spread with teasers where the water looks alive. If an area goes quiet, we move. More in how we read the water to find billfish.
Every marlin and sailfish is released; tuna, dorado and other table fish can be kept, and the crew cleans and fillets them. Read why we release billfish and our sailfish guide.
Which marlin trip to book
Pro Fishing, full day
Our offshore day in the Gulf of Panama for marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado. Departure usually around 6:30 AM.
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”US$2,850
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”US$2,400
Hacienda del Mar
Fish the Pearl Islands and surrounding Pacific waters, and sleep at the island hotel on Isla San José, breakfast included.
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”US$3,300 per day
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”US$2,700 per day
Pro Fishing Expedition
We follow the bite to Piñas Bay, the southern Pearl Islands, Pedasí or other productive areas, agreed with you in advance. Normally four fishing days.
- Hatteras 40 or Stamas 39By quote
Prices are per boat, not per person, and exclude taxes (ITBMS). A 30% online deposit confirms your date; every trip is paid in full before departure.
Our boats: Hatteras 40 “Makaira” and Stamas 39 “Majo V”
Hatteras 40 “Makaira”
Our flagship: a classic 40-foot Hatteras sport fisherman, fully remodeled, restored and updated in 2026, with flybridge, fighting chair, livewell and an air-conditioned salon.
Stamas 39 “Majo V”
Fast, stable and comfortable, with tuna tower, twin Yanmar diesels, Garmin electronics, air conditioning and a full head with shower.
Both are private for your group. Compare our fleet.
Departure: Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos
Every trip departs only from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos, Km 92 of the Pan-American Highway: a short drive from Coronado and Río Hato and about an hour and a half by road west of Panama City. You can add round-trip ground transportation when you book (Panama City US$300; Buenaventura or Río Hato US$100), and we send the meeting time and point by WhatsApp.
Your captain: Jorge Petti
A civil engineer by training and the founder of Majo Fishing Lodge, Captain Jorge Petti is an IGFA-certified captain and fishing guide in Panama, listed in the IGFA Captains and Guides directory. He has fished the Gulf of Panama for more than 22 years, has placed more than 50 satellite tags on marlin and sailfish for Smithsonian research and hosts the Navegante TV program. Majo Fishing Lodge is an IGFA Corporate Member. See recent catches in Captain Jorge’s fishing report.
Guests rate us 4.8★ on Google. Meet Captain Jorge · Fished with us? Leave a review
Marlin fishing in Panama: FAQ
What is the best month for marlin fishing in Panama?
On one-day trips, July–August and October–November. On multi-day trips south of the Pearl Islands and toward Piñas Bay, July to February. Sailfish are best from May to August on one-day trips. See the fishing calendar.
Can I catch a black marlin on a one-day trip?
It is possible, because black marlin are migratory and can show up in the Gulf of Panama, but our records give the best odds south of the Pearl Islands toward Piñas Bay. For the best chance, book Hacienda del Mar (2 to 4 days) or a Pro Fishing Expedition. It is a probability, never a guarantee.
How much does a marlin fishing charter in Panama cost?
A private full-day Pro Fishing charter costs US$2,850 on the Hatteras 40 “Makaira” or US$2,400 on the Stamas 39 “Majo V”, for up to 5 anglers. Hacienda del Mar is US$3,300 or US$2,700 per boat per day, and the Expedition is by quote. Taxes (ITBMS) are not included. More in how much a fishing charter costs in Panama.
Do I need experience to fish for marlin?
No. The crew rigs, sets and watches the lines and coaches every angler, from first-timers to tournament fishermen.
I’m staying in Panama City. Where do the trips depart?
Every trip departs from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos, about an hour and a half by road west of Panama City; we don’t run trips out of the capital. Round-trip transportation for Panama City costs US$300.
Ready to fish for marlin in Panama?
Choose your date and boat online, or send us your dates, group size and target species on WhatsApp and Captain Jorge will recommend the right trip.
WhatsApp +507 6306-0690
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