A fishing morning starts the night before. Get a few small things right at the villa and the day on the water is easy. Here's how we'd plan it, from packing to dinner.
The trips in this post are run by Gladiator Sportfishing, an owner-run charter in Sámara. We don't run boats ourselves. We send our guests to them, and Villas Dualis guests get 10% off trips booked through our link. The booking page shows the regular rate, and the 10% comes off your final payment.
Pick the trip first
Inshore fishing stays close to the coast, working rocks, beaches, and river mouths for roosterfish, jacks, snapper, and grouper. It runs four, six, or eight hours, and it's the crew's suggestion for a first fishing trip. Offshore fishing goes 22 to 40 km (14 to 25 miles) out for sailfish, marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi, and runs 4.5, six, or eight hours. First time out there? Read what to expect on a first deep-sea trip.
Have a target fish in mind? Tell the crew before you pick dates. They'll tell you honestly whether it's realistic.
The evening before
Pack one small bag and leave it by the door:
- Hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves for the run out
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sandals or water shoes that can get wet
- A dry bag for your phone, keys, and wallet
- A light layer if you burn easily
- Some cash, if you'd like to tip the crew
Gladiator has a full what to bring list. Leave hard-sided coolers behind, since they take deck space the crew needs, along with anything you'd hate to lose overboard.
Rods, reels, tackle, bait, water, soft drinks, beer, and snacks are all on the boat. Lunch is included only on eight-hour trips, so for a six-hour trip, make sandwiches in the villa kitchen the night before. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks, alcohol included, and the crew will keep them cold.
Tipping isn't required, but it's common and always your choice. Our money guide covers the rest.
The morning: an early breakfast
Morning trips leave at 7:30. Eat something light before you go. A slow breakfast on the terrace is one of the best parts of the villa, so save that for tomorrow.
Put sunscreen on before you leave, not on a moving boat. And use the bathroom before you go. There's no toilet on either boat, and a half day is at least four hours.
If anyone gets seasick, ask a pharmacist about a suitable option before the trip and follow its label.
Getting to the meeting point
The boats leave from the far end of Sámara beach, on the road toward Hotel Hideaway, about a 10-minute drive from the villa. There's room to park nearby, and the crew confirms the exact spot with you before the trip.
There's no dock. You wade through shallow water to a small shuttle boat, then step across to your fishing boat. Wear clothes that can get wet, and keep your phone in the dry bag for that part.
On the water
The crew speaks Spanish and fishing English, and they'll show you what to do. Roosterfish, sailfish, marlin, and jacks always go back in the water. Other fish follow the rules and the captain's call. No trip comes with a guaranteed catch.
Coming back, and dinner
The shuttle brings you back to the beach. Then it's a rinse, the pool, and a long lunch.
If you keep a fish, the crew fillets it for you on board. Several places in Sámara will cook your catch for you. Tell the crew, and they'll prepare it for that.
Or cook it yourself. Each villa has a full kitchen and a barbecue on the covered terrace. Gladiator suggests a soft cooler bag if you're taking fillets home. Fresh fish on the grill and a cold drink on your own terrace is a good way to end a fishing day.
When to plan it
Gladiator's season usually runs November through August, with a short break from mid-May to the end of June. Their season guide explains which fish show up when. They also have a guide on where to stay for a fishing trip. We're in it.
Fish in the morning, grill on the terrace at night. Check availability at Villas Dualis and book direct, then pick your day on inshore or offshore and book through our link for the 10%.