Frequently Asked Questions

 --What species of fish will we fish for? 

The waters around Bonaire offer many different species of fish. The most common fish we catch trolling are blue marlin, white marlin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna. When bottom fishing, we mainly catch silk snapper, blackfin snapper, and almaco jacks. The ocean is full of surprises, so other species show up some times too, especially when bottom fishing.  Click the SPECIES tab above for pictures and a more complete list of the fish we catch.

--How many people can go on the boat?

The Flying Fish can carry 10 passengers. There is an additional charge of $15/hr for each  passenger above 6.

--Do I have to charter the whole boat? 

We usually run private charters where a person or group charters the whole boat. However, if you want to share the boat with others, we can sometimes put you and some others together to split the cost of the trip. 

--How much does it cost? 

Click the BOOK tab up top for current charter rates.

--How long are the trips? 

We offer charters as short as 5 hours, up to as long as you would like. Most trolling charters are 6 or 8 hours. Combined bottom fishing and trolling trips are usually 8 to 12 hours. Night fishing charters are 5 to 8 hours .   

--I would like something different than what is offered. Can I do some "off-menu ordering?"

Of course. All of our trips are custom-made to suit our clients. We also offer sunset cruises and New Year's Eve fireworks cruises at a reduced rate from our fishing prices. Let us know what you're interested in doing, and we'll make it happen.

--Are children allowed on the boat?

Absolutely!  We love helping kids catch fish.

--Will it be hard if I've only fished a little?

Don't worry. You will do fine. We have a lifetime of fishing experience and will coach you the whole way. We don't expect you to be a professional.

--How far do we have to run from the harbor before we start fishing?  

Depending on the fish we're targeting, we can often start fishing just minutes after leaving the dock. Typically we run less than 45 minutes before fishing. A really long run for us is an hour. 

--Can we keep the fish we catch? 

Yes! The fish you catch belong to you! When we return to the dock our deckhand will clean and bag the fish that we kept.

--Can we keep marlin and sailfish? 

No, these fish are released. Marlin and sailfish are great sportfish, can grow very large and very old, and deserve to be caught more than once. Therefore they are catch and release only on our charter fishing trips.

--Do you put the fish on ice? 

Yes! The Flying Fish is one of the only charter boats in Bonaire that ices your catch. We want you to have the highest quality fish to take with you.

--What language does the crew speak? 

English is primary, but we also speak Spanish and a little bit of Dutch. 

--Where is the boat located? 

The Flying Fish is docked in Nautico Marina in downtown Kralendijk. The marina is directly across the street from It Rains Fishes restaurant. We are on the left side of the dock.

--What time does the boat leave the dock? 

Most day trips on the Flying Fish leave the dock at 6am. For cruise ship passengers who don't arrive on the island until usually 8am, we run a 9am trip. Night fishing trips usually leave the dock at 6pm.

--Does the boat have air conditioning? 

Yes. The Flying Fish has a fully air conditioned cabin. 

--Is there a bathroom (head) on the boat? 

Yes. We have a full bathroom onboard.