Coconut Reef — Private Fishing Charters on a 38ft Power Catamaran
Year-round private fishing charters from Simpson Bay targeting wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna aboard a stable power catamaran.
Why Go
Coconut Reef runs private fishing charters aboard Blu Bi U, a 38-foot power catamaran that provides something most fishing boats do not: stability. The catamaran hull means less rolling in open water, which translates to more comfortable fishing for passengers who get queasy on monohulls. Half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day options cover everything from reef fishing close to shore to offshore big game trolling for wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna.
The Experience
Charters depart from Simpson Bay and a Philipsburg location through a partnership with Reel Charters SXM. The half-day trip runs five hours with deep dropping or reef fishing targeting snapper, grouper, and jacks in nearshore waters. The three-quarter-day adds trolling and jigging over seven hours, reaching offshore structure where wahoo and dorado run. The full nine-hour trip targets the big game species — tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi — with extended trolling time on blue water. All trips include professional gear, tackle, bait, drinks (beer, water, soft drinks), and light snacks. Catch is cleaned onboard and yours to keep — many guests take it to a local restaurant for cooking. Some trips combine fishing with a snorkeling or beach stop, making the day more varied for non-fishing members of the group.
What to Try
The three-quarter-day trip is the sweet spot — seven hours gives enough time for both reef fishing and offshore trolling without committing to a full day. If your group includes non-anglers, ask about the combo trips that add snorkeling or beach time. The catamaran platform is genuinely more stable than a traditional sportfisher, making this a better option for passengers concerned about motion sickness.
Insider Tip
The Philipsburg departure option (via Reel Charters partnership) is useful for cruise ship passengers who cannot get to Simpson Bay easily. Request an early departure for the best offshore bite — wahoo and mahi-mahi feed most actively in the first few hours of daylight. If you want your catch cooked, ask the crew to recommend a restaurant that does fish cook-ups; several Simpson Bay spots will prepare it for a fee.
The Practical Stuff
Based in Cole Bay with departures from Simpson Bay and Philipsburg. Premium pricing for private charters. Half-day (5 hrs), 3/4-day (7 hrs), and full-day (9 hrs) options. All gear, tackle, bait, drinks, and snacks included. Catch cleaning included; keep your fish. Advance booking required. Year-round operation.
Pair It With
- Lagoonies Bistro & Bar Guide — Cole Bay waterfront bar for post-fishing drinks and fish stories
- XQUISITE HAIR — Cole Bay service — listed for proximity, not direct pairing