If you’ve only fished Bonaire’s shallows, this is the next step. The Flying Fish trip takes you into deeper blue water where the action can come fast—while the crew stays focused on doing it right for the fish and for you.

Two things I’d put at the top: you get real hands-on fishing time with trolling lures/baits plus ready casting rods (and heavy fly gear if you want it), and you’ll leave with freshly cleaned fillets packed after you head back in. The other “nice surprise” is the ocean life: sea birds are common, and the crew often looks for dolphins and even the occasional whale.

One thing to consider: a marlin hook isn’t guaranteed. You can target it, sure, but you’re still signing up for weather and wildlife, not a guaranteed trophy at the end.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 6: you’re not sharing the boat scene with strangers.
• Live bait first, then a short run: they catch bait and move quickly to fishing grounds.
• Trolling + casting + fly rods: you’re set up for multiple styles depending on what’s biting.
• Marlin are released: a clear conservation rule right on the water.
• Quality handling of kept fish: bleed, ice, then deckhand cleaning and bagged fillets.
• Snacks, lunch, and non-alcoholic drinks included: less worry about what to pack.

Getting to the water: Kralendijk start, smooth and simple

Your day begins in Kralendijk, at 25 Kaya J. N. E. Craane. This is a private tour, so you’re meeting the crew for your group and then heading out together. The start location is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not planning on driving.

Pickup is offered, which matters in Bonaire because your time is better spent on the boat than bouncing around trying to line up a rideshare. The whole trip ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t get stuck with a “how do we get home” puzzle at the finish.

Duration is about 6 hours (approx.). In real terms, that means you’re getting a serious stretch of fishing time without turning it into an all-day marathon.

The 6-hour flow: what happens from first line to fillets

This charter runs on a simple, efficient pattern. The goal is to maximize your time with lines in the water and keep the experience organized from the moment you meet up.

Catching live bait, then heading out fast

The first step is catching fresh live bait. That’s a big deal because it changes how the fish behave around your lines. Once bait is ready, you take a short run—less than half an hour—to the area where they begin fishing.

That short run is a practical win. You’re not burning most of your charter just watching the coastline drift by. You’re moving toward the fish.

Fishing methods: trolling lures and baits, with casting on standby

Most fishing is done by trolling lures and baits, aiming at species like marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, and wahoo. The crew also keeps casting rods ready for fish that show up near the surface.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to feel the lure hit water and then make the next cast, this matters. It’s not only “sit and troll and hope.” You have a chance to react when the ocean offers opportunities right where you are.

And if you’re a fly person, the boat carries the gear for it: heavy rods and big flies for the same targets. Even if you don’t fly-fish all day, it’s worth knowing the option exists—because it shapes how the crew and the boat are prepared for action.

The ocean life bonus: birds, dolphins, whales, and turtles

Even with fishing as the main event, this is one of those Bonaire days where the water stays busy. You’ll see sea birds like frigates, boobys, and terns quite often. The crew also looks out for dolphins and sometimes whales.

There’s also a chance of a turtle or a mola mola (ocean sunfish). You can’t plan your whole day around that possibility, but knowing they keep their eyes open for it makes the trip feel less like a straight grind and more like a live ocean safari.

Where the swimming fits in: shallow Bonaire water time

This experience is also about getting a taste of Bonaire’s underwater world, not only fishing. The overall concept includes swimming in the shallow waters around Bonaire.

In practice, you may get a short window to enjoy the underwater life while you’re out. One of the most memorable parts people highlighted was exactly that kind of moment—getting out of fishing mode briefly to enjoy Bonaire’s scenery beneath the surface.

If you love that “both worlds” approach—catching fish and also seeing the water up close—this is the right kind of charter.

Who’s running the boat: crew professionalism and real names

A strong crew makes a big difference on a fishing day. Flying Fish Charters is led by an experienced captain (20+ years in fishing tourism), and multiple crew members show up in the feedback: Michael, Riley, Brian, and Carlito.

You’ll feel the difference in how the crew runs lines, handles fish, and keeps everyone involved. One key theme from the experience is that the boat is set up so your group participates—not just watches.

If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group of skill levels, this matters. The crew is doing more than fishing instructions; they’re managing the energy onboard so it stays fun.

The fish plan: keeping only what they mean to keep

Here’s how the fish handling works, and why it matters for the quality you’ll take home.

If you keep fish, the process on the Flying Fish is straightforward: fish are bled and packed in ice to maintain top quality. Then when you return to dock, the deckhand cleans your fish and puts the fillets in bags for you.

That “ice right away, clean on arrival” workflow is exactly what you want on a charter. It takes the guesswork out of quality and makes the fish feel like a proper take-home meal instead of an afterthought.

There’s also a conservation rule that’s clearly stated: all marlin caught are released. So if your dream is marlin, you can chase it—but you’re doing it in a way that respects their policy.

Lunch, snacks, and what you’re not expected to bring

Food is included, and it’s planned to keep you fueled without slowing the day down.

Included:

• Snacks
• Soda/Pop
• Bottled water
• Lunch
• All fees and taxes

Not included:

• Alcoholic beverages

So if alcohol is part of your usual “vacation routine,” plan ahead. The charter gives you what you need for hydration and energy, but you’ll want to sort out drinks outside the included list if that’s important to you.

Price and value: $1,250 per group, and how to think about it

The price is $1,250.00 per group (up to 6). To judge value, I like to think in per-person terms and in what’s actually included.

If you fill all six spots, that’s about $208 per person for ~6 hours of private deep-sea fishing with top-quality tackle, lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, and fish cleaning/fillet bagging (for whatever you keep). Even if you don’t fill all six, the “private” part still matters: it’s your group’s day on the water, not a mixed crowd schedule.

Also, your cost isn’t just “fishing access.” The charter includes:

• the tackle,
• bait setup,
• crew work for handling fish,
• and the dockside cleaning and filleting step.

That’s where value stacks up. Many trips get you on the boat and stop there. This one keeps going through the part you’ll care about later—what’s in your cooler (and how usable it is).

Weather reality: what to watch before you commit

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund (and the cancellation terms are free up to 24 hours in advance).

That’s worth treating like a normal charter condition, not a downside. Fishing days live and die by conditions, and the good news is they’re clear about it.

If your schedule is tight, still book, but keep a little flexibility. When weather is right, the day tends to feel smooth and fast from line-setting to line-fishing.

Who this charter suits best (and who might want something else)

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• a private six-hour fishing day in Bonaire,
• a mix of trolling + casting options,
• and a crew that keeps the experience active and not passive.

It also works well for groups because it’s set up for people to participate, not just observe. If your group has both serious fish-chasers and people who mostly want to enjoy the ocean, you get that balance: fishing, birds/dolphins, and the shallow-water swim time.

It may not be ideal if:

• you’re only interested in one exact target (like marlin) and need a guaranteed outcome,
• or you want alcohol included as part of the package.

Bottom line: should you book Flying Fish Charters?

If you’re planning a Bonaire trip and you want one “real fishing day” that also respects the ocean and gives you practical take-home results, I think Flying Fish Charters is a smart choice. The combination of live bait, multiple fishing methods (including fly options), and the “ice, bleed, clean, fillet bags” process turns this into more than a boat ride.

Book it if your group can commit to the weather window and you like the idea of chasing tuna/mahi/wahoo while staying ready for surface-action with casting rods. Skip it only if you need alcohol included or you can’t handle the basic truth that marlin and other big fish can’t be promised.

FAQ

How long is the Fishing Charter 6 Hours?

It’s about 6 hours (approx.) on the water.

What is the price and group size?

The price is $1,250.00 per group, for up to 6 people.

Where do we meet for the charter?

You start at 25 Kaya J. N. E. Craane, Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What fish are you targeting?

The charter targets species such as marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, and wahoo. Casting rods are ready for fish that come near the surface, and there are heavy rods and big flies for fly fishing.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included. Snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, and lunch are included.

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