Deep sea fishing Sodwana Bay is known for marlin. Boats launch off the beach at Jesser Point and reach deep water quickly. Charters are private, small boats for 5 to 7 anglers, targeting billfish and gamefish under iSimangaliso rules.
Give your date and group size to check Sodwana Bay boats.
Request Availability & PricesSodwana Bay Fishing Trips
| Trip | Published details |
|---|---|
| Half day | 4 hours, starting 06:00 or 10:00, up to 5 anglers |
| Full day gamefish | 8 hours from 06:00, up to 5 or 6 anglers |
| Full day billfish | 8 hours from 06:00, targeting marlin and sailfish |
| Fishing packages | Lodge packages with accommodation and a fishing day, and multi-day fishing safaris |
Target Species and Seasons
| Species | Season (operator and Ski-Boat magazine guides) |
|---|---|
| Black, blue and striped marlin | November to May, best November to March. Big blues in April and May |
| Sailfish | All year according to one lodge, mainly June to November |
| Yellowfin tuna | All year. Big fish from June to September |
| Dorado | November to March |
| Couta (king mackerel) | All year, peaks reported February to June and July to September |
Billfish tournaments start in November, including the Billfish 15000 in mid-November. Boats book out early.
iSimangaliso Rules
- Gamefish only. Bottom fishing and vertical jigging are not allowed in the iSimangaliso marine area.
- Billfish released. Operators release marlin and sailfish, and tag and release is the norm.
- No-fishing zones. Sanctuary and wilderness zones are closed to fishing. Your skipper knows the boundaries.
- Launch limits. The park caps the number of boat launches per day at each site.
- Park fees. Entry fees apply at the gate, plus launch fees. Charter operators pay a daily activity permit.
- Charters must be run by iSimangaliso-approved operators.
- A dive zone from the launch site past Nine Mile reef is restricted for fishing.
Included and What to Bring
- Usually included: tackle, lures and bait. Some boats add snacks, drinks, fish cleaning and vacuum packing. One picks up within 5 km of your accommodation.
- Every angler needs their own recreational fishing permit, sold at Post Offices and online by the DFFE. Some operators include it, most do not.
- Bring: sunscreen, a hat, polarised sunglasses, seasickness tablets and a cooler box. One operator allows no alcohol on board.
Sodwana Bay Fishing Prices
| Trip | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Half day, 4 hours, whole boat (up to 5) | R6,000 |
| Full day gamefish, 8 hours, whole boat (up to 5 - 6) | R10,000 - R14,400 |
| Full day billfish, 8 hours, whole boat (up to 5 - 6) | R11,000 |
| Lodge package: 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast plus 1 fishing day, per person sharing (minimum 4, winter) | R4,532 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures taken from rates published by Sodwana Bay charter operators and rounded. They are not our prices or quotations, and no operator is bound by them. Most operators do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm it on every quote.
Sources:
- Skylar Blue Sportfishing, Sodwana Bay - 4 and 8 hour boat rates (FishingBooker)
- La Bleu Marlin, Sodwana Bay - 8 hour boat rate (FishingBooker)
- DLD Deep Sea Fishing, Sodwana Bay - 8 hour boat rate (FishingBooker)
- Sodwana Bay Lodge - winter fishing package
Park entry fees, fishing permits and lunch are usually extra.
Weather and Cancellations
The skipper decides on the day whether it is safe to launch. Wind and swell can cancel or shorten trips. Rescheduling and refunds follow each operator's policy.
Deep Sea Fishing Sodwana Bay FAQs
When is marlin season at Sodwana Bay?
November to May, with the best fishing from November to March and big blue marlin in April and May.
Can I keep a marlin caught at Sodwana?
No. Billfish are released. Operators support tag and release.
How many people fit on a Sodwana boat?
Published boats take 5 to 7 anglers.
Can I do bottom fishing at Sodwana?
No. Bottom fishing and vertical jigging are not allowed in iSimangaliso.
Do I need a fishing permit?
Yes. Every angler needs a recreational fishing permit, also on a charter boat, and most Durban operators say it is not included. Buy one at a Post Office or online from the DFFE before the trip.
Related Fishing Trips
Deep Sea Fishing Durban is a free quote-comparison service. We do not own or operate boats. Trips are run by independent charter operators and your booking is with the operator you choose. Ask each one for a written quote listing the boat, inclusions, departure point and cancellation terms before you pay.
Deep Sea Fishing Sodwana Bay. Request availability and prices from operators serving Sodwana Bay.
Request Availability & PricesRequest Availability & Prices
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