San Diego trip length guide
San Diego Fishing Trip Lengths: Half Day to 10+ Days
The basic rule
A trip’s length is your time on the water. That time shapes what you might catch.
San Diego open-party snapshot
Trip lengths, shortest to longest
Typical price leads each row. The from price is secondary. Catch records show species recorded for each trip length.
01
Day trips
Half Day
Time: ~5–6 hours · same-day return · no sleep aboard
8 boats · 613 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$80
from $75
What boats caught
Recent records include Calico Bass, Bonito, Barracuda, and Yellowtail.
3/4 Day
Time: ~8–10 hours · same-day return · no sleep aboard
3 boats · 66 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$105
from $80
What boats caught
Recent records include Calico Bass, Barracuda, Bonito, and Yellowtail.
Full Day — Local
Time: under 11 hours · same-day return · no sleep aboard
2 boats · 49 upcoming trips
Thin sample: 2 boats.
Typical cost
$165
from $165
What boats caught
Recent records include Calico Bass, Yellowtail, Bonito, and Yellowfin Tuna.
Full Day — Offshore
Time: 11+ hours · same-day return · no sleep aboard
10 boats · 184 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$250
from $195
What boats caught
Recent records include Calico Bass, Yellowtail, Bonito, and Yellowfin Tuna.
02
Overnight to 2.5 Day
Overnight
Time: ~21 hours · overnight return rhythm · sleep aboard
16 boats · 142 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$360
from $340
What boats caught
Recent records include Yellowfin Tuna, Calico Bass, Bonito, and Yellowtail.
1.5 Day
Time: ~35 hours · multiday return rhythm · sleep aboard
22 boats · 115 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$555
from $490
What boats caught
Recent records include Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado, and Bluefin Tuna.
2 Day
Time: ~44 hours · multiday return rhythm · sleep aboard
31 boats · 202 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$926
from $464
What boats caught
Recent records include Yellowtail, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dorado.
2.5 Day
Time: ~59 hours · multiday return rhythm · sleep aboard
18 boats · 33 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$1,087
from $875
What boats caught
Recent records include Yellowtail, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dorado.
03
Multi-day
3–5 Day
Time: 3 to 5 days · multiday departure and return · sleep aboard
19 boats · 88 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$2,385
from $1,260
What boats caught
Recent records include Yellowtail, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dorado.
04
Long range
7–10 Day
Time: 7–10 days · multiday departure and return · sleep aboard
11 boats · 140 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$4,445
from $3,348
What boats caught
Recent reports mention Yellowtail, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, and Wahoo.
10+ Day
Time: 10+ days · multiday departure and return · sleep aboard
7 boats · 26 upcoming trips
Typical cost
$6,580
from $5,047
What boats caught
Recent reports mention Yellowtail, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, and Wahoo.
Questions people ask
Common questions
what should i expect on my first deep sea fishing trip
San Diego party boats are built for first-timers. The crew baits hooks, untangles lines, and coaches you through your first fish, and tickets, gear rental, and licenses are all handled at the landing. A half day trip on the local coast is the easiest way to start.
do i need a fishing license
Yes, if you are 16 or older. A California one-day sport fishing license costs about $21, and the landings sell them when you book. Kids under 16 fish without a license.
what do i bring on a fishing trip
A California fishing license (single-day licenses are sold at the landings), layered clothing, and food or money for the galley. Plan on tipping the crew about 20% of the ticket price plus whatever you buy on board. Rods, reels, and tackle can be rented at the landing or aboard most boats, so first-timers do not need their own gear.
will i get seasick
Maybe — it is common on a first trip. Motion is mildest on half day trips close to shore and stronger on overnight and multi-day trips in open water. Most anglers do fine by taking motion-sickness medication the night before and the morning of the trip, eating light, and staying on deck with eyes on the horizon.
what is long range fishing
Long range fishing starts at about seven days — enough time to run down to the Rocks and the Ridge. San Diego long range trips typically cost $4,445 for 7–10 days and $6,580 for 10+ days, and recent reports mention Yellowtail, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, and Wahoo.
Next step
See live trips
The trips page shows current San Diego departures and availability.