Galapagos Islands Fishing Adventure
Targeting Striped and Blue Marlin | San Cristobal Island
Rising 2,400 feet above the Pacific, San Cristobal Island spans 215 square miles of dramatic volcanic peaks, lush tropical highlands, and pristine coastline. Celebrated as one of the world’s most reliable striped marlin hotspots, it draws anglers from across the globe to its legendary offshore banks.
Each fishing package is tailored for your private group of up to four anglers, ensuring a fully personalized experience—from the dock to the deep blue. With its own airport and a charming harbor town, San Cristobal serves as the easiest gateway to the eastern Galapagos, offering some of the most thrilling fishing adventures on the planet.
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Led by veteran explorers Peter and Al, our guides are more than experts—they’re lifelong anglers and Galapagos insiders. They know every current, every offshore bank, and every secret fishing spot around San Cristobal and Isabela Islands. With their experience, skill, and personal touch, they turn every trip into a safe, thrilling, and unforgettable fishing adventure.
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Fly Fishing
Targets: Striped and blue marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna
Experience: Best for skilled anglers; challenging and hands-on
Gear: Heavy-duty fly rods (12–14 weight), large reels, poppers or weighted flies
Highlight: Thrilling, skill-intensive connection with the fish
Conventional Fishing
Targets: Striped & blue marlin, tuna, dorado, wahoo, giant trevally
Experience: Suitable for all skill levels; higher catch rates
Gear: Trolling rods, reels, live or artificial bait
Highlight: Great for trophy hunting and group trips
Tip: Many trips combine both styles for variety and maximum action.
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Big Game / Offshore Species
Striped Marlin – The most sought-after species, especially in the eastern Galapagos.
Blue Marlin – Larger, challenging trophy fish.
Yellowfin Tuna – Common in offshore currents and deep waters.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – Fast, colorful, and excellent for sportfishing.
Wahoo – Fast and strong, great for experienced anglers.
Giant Trevally (GT) – Found near reefs and offshore pinnacles.
Inshore / Coastal Species
Roosterfish – On sandy flats and shallow areas.
Snappers and Groupers – Near rocky reefs.
Jacks and Barracuda – Often caught trolling or casting near the shore.
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Hotel Indigo
Stay in a standard double-occupancy room at Hotel Indigo, complete with a private balcony overlooking either the sparkling ocean or the lively city. Relax at the outdoor pool, unwind at the spa, or stay active in the fitness center. Located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the charming harbor town exudes a laid-back, welcoming energy.
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January through June
January
Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna
Peak striped marlin season; warm waters; excellent offshore action
February
Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna
Prime marlin fishing; ideal for trophy hunts
March
Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo
Offshore fishing at its best; consistent big-game action
April
Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado
Excellent marlin opportunities; slightly calmer seas
May
Striped Marlin, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna
Last month of peak striped marlin season
June
Blue Marlin, Tuna, Giant Trevally
Cooler, calmer seas; great for trolling and mixed-species trips
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2026 USD Rates:
4 nights / 3 days guided fishing
4 angler party - $7,098 per person
3 angler party - $8,613 per person
2 angler party - $9,780 per person
5 nights / 4 days guided fishing
4 angler party - $8,548 per person
3 angler party - $10,480 per person
2 angler party - $12,123 per person
6 nights / 5 days guided fishing
4 angler party - $9,996 per person
3 angler party - $12,343 per person
2 angler party - $14,445 per person
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing
4 angler party - $11,445 per person
3 angler party - $14,210 per person
2 angler party - $16,670 per person -
Fly Fishing Gear
Rods: Heavy-duty 12–14 weight fly rods for big-game species like striped and blue marlin.
Reels: Large arbor, high-capacity reels with strong drag systems to handle long runs.
Lines: Floating and intermediate lines for sight-casting, plus backing for long-distance runs.
Flies: Weighted poppers, large streamer patterns, and saltwater flies designed to mimic baitfish.
Other Gear: Strong leader and tippet material (usually 80–200 lb) to withstand big marlin strikes.
Experience: Fly fishing here is challenging, requiring skill and timing to cast and hook large pelagic species in offshore currents.
Conventional (Trolling) Gear
Rods: Heavy or extra-heavy offshore rods (50–80 lb class) for marlin, tuna, dorado, and wahoo.
Reels: Big-game lever-drag reels with high line capacity for long runs.
Lines: Braided or monofilament lines (50–130 lb), often used with fluorocarbon leaders.
Baits & Lures: Live bait (mackerel, squid) or artificial lures (trolled skirts, plugs, and cedar plugs).
Other Gear: Outriggers for multiple lines, downriggers for deep trolling, and gaffs for landing large fish.
Experience: Conventional trolling is more accessible and increases catch rates, making it suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced anglers.
Use of custom-built trolling rods, spinning rods, conventional rods, Shimano reels, TFO fly rods with Mako reels, and tackle is included.
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They typically charter boats for private groups of up to four anglers per vessel, meaning your party gets the boat to yourselves and groups aren’t mixed.
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A prime example is the 33‑ft sportfishing yacht “Tesoro”, a classic Florida‑built vessel upgraded with twin 300 HP outboards, outriggers, GPS and fishfinder, a fighting chair, and a full complement of heavy‑tackle gear ready for marlin and other pelagic species.
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Day 0 – Arrival in Guayaquil: Fly into Guayaquil, where an SFGE representative will transfer you to your overnight hotel (Hotel Oro Verde or Hotel del Parque). Overnight stay included; dinner and drinks on your own.
Day 1 – Flight to San Cristobal: After breakfast, take a 1-hour 40-minute flight to San Cristobal. Your on-island host escorts you to Hotel Indigo. Enjoy a guided land tour, then poolside cocktails at 4:00 p.m.. Evening welcome dinner at Giuseppe’s Restaurant.
Departure Day: After breakfast, enjoy free time before your flight back to Guayaquil. Overnight at your hotel in Guayaquil; dinner is on your own.
Package Includes: First and last night hotel stays in Guayaquil, all transfers, San Cristobal airport welcome, guided tour, and welcome/farewell dinners.
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The Packages Include:
• English-speaking host throughout the trip
• First and last night hotel stay in Guayaquil
• All necessary ground transfers in the Galapagos
• Guided land tour upon arrival
• Two hotel nights—upon your arrival and departure from Guayaquil
• Breakfast at the hotel in Guayaquil
• Roundtrip flights between Guayaquil and San Cristobal
• Lodging at Hotel Indigo
• Starlink Wi-Fi
• Dinner at the hotel
• Breakfast, lunch, snacks, beer, and liquor while fishing
• Poolside cocktail hour with beer, wine, and liquor
• Guided fishing on a custom boat with a captain and crew
• Use of custom-built trolling rods, spinning rods, conventional rods, Shimano reels, TFO fly rods with Mako reels, and tackle
• All required fishing permits
• $200 Galapagos National Park Entrance fee per adult
• INGALA Transit Control Card
• Global Rescue coverage, $139 valueThe Packages Do Not Include:
• International airfare to and from Guayaquil, Ecuador
• Meals/drinks in Guayaquil (except hotel breakfast)
• Optional excursions and tours not listed in the itinerary
• Additional drinks beyond the boat and cocktail hour
• Gratuities to boat crew and arrival team
• Travel insurance
• Fuel surcharges may apply
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
San Cristobal Island and Surrounding Areas
San Cristobal Island, one of the easternmost Galapagos islands, rises 2,400 feet above the Pacific and is known for its volcanic peaks, lush highlands, and pristine beaches. The charming capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, offers a vibrant harbor, local restaurants, and artisan shops, while the surrounding waters teem with wildlife, from sea lions and marine iguanas to tropical fish and sharks.
The island is world-famous for big-game fishing, particularly striped and blue marlin, as well as dorado, tuna, wahoo, and giant trevally. Both fly fishing and conventional trolling are ideal here, thanks to offshore banks and rich pelagic waters. Kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and coastal hikes provide additional ways to explore its dramatic cliffs, volcanic formations, and coral-studded coves.
Nearby islets and eastern islands, such as Isla Lobos, Santa Fe, and Española, are perfect for day trips, offering more wildlife encounters and snorkeling adventures. Quieter than the central islands, San Cristobal combines thrilling fishing, abundant wildlife, and scenic landscapes, making it a top destination for anglers, nature lovers, and adventure travelers seeking a peaceful Galapagos experience.
A Typical Fishing Day
6:00 a.m. – Enjoy fresh coffee at the hotel.
6:50 a.m. – Meet your host in the lodge lobby for a short transfer to the water taxi dock.
7:00 a.m. – Depart for a full day of fishing. Breakfast and lunch are served on board as you chase striped marlin, blue marlin, and other pelagic species.
4:00 p.m. – Return to the dock in time for the daily poolside cocktail hour.
Evening – Your host coordinates dinner plans for the group, either at a local favorite restaurant or in the hotel’s dining area, concluding a rewarding day on the water.
About Hotel Indigo
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and style at Hotel Indigo, where every standard double room features a private balcony with sweeping ocean or city views. Lounge by the sparkling outdoor pool, rejuvenate at the full-service spa, or stay energized in the modern fitness center. Nestled in the heart of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s vibrant harbor town offers a relaxed, inviting atmosphere—making Hotel Indigo the ultimate gateway to the Galapagos.
