Marlin and sailfish fishing Durban trips are long big game days offshore. Operators list black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish and short-billed spearfish off Durban, mostly in summer. Billfish are released.
Give your date and group size to check big game boats.
Request Availability & PricesBillfish Off Durban
- Sailfish. Caught most years, usually 15 to 30 kg according to the Durban Ski-Boat Club.
- Black marlin. Occasional, often hooked while boats are trolling for dorado in summer.
- Blue and striped marlin. Listed by operators for the November to April season.
- Other big game. Yellowfin tuna, dorado and wahoo on the same days.
Season
One Durban operator gives November to April for marlin and sailfish, with game fish still around in May. Another runs big game trips from September to March only.
Release
Operators we checked release all billfish. Expect tag and release, and photos at the side of the boat. Ask about the boat's release policy when you request prices.
Trip Length
Billfish trips are 8 to 12 hours, leaving around 05:00. Fewer anglers on board gives everyone more chance of a strike.
Big Game Prices
| Trip | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Deep sea or big game trip, 8 hours, whole boat | R9,000 - R15,600 |
| Big game trip, 10 - 12 hours, whole boat | R10,800 - R22,000 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures taken from rates published by Durban and KwaZulu-Natal 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:
- Aqua Nautical Adventures, Wilson's Wharf - harbour, deep sea and big game rates (FishingBooker)
- Simply The Best Fishing Charters, Wilson's Wharf - harbour, half-day, big game and deep drop rates (FishingBooker)
- Lynski Deep Sea Fishing Charters, Durban harbour - 3, 5 and 10 hour boat rates
- Hookup Fishing Charters, Wilson's Wharf - bay, backline and deep sea rates (FishingBooker)
- Just Fishing Durban, Durban harbour - harbour, backline and deep sea boat rates
Further Afield
Sodwana Bay in the far north of KZN is known for marlin, with the continental shelf close to shore.
Weather and Cancellations
Big game trips go far offshore and are often called off in strong wind or swell. Give a backup date.
Marlin & Sailfish Fishing Durban FAQs
When is marlin season in Durban?
Operators publish November to April for marlin and sailfish, with some fish still around in May.
Can I keep a marlin?
Operators we checked release all billfish. Expect tag and release.
Is a billfish guaranteed?
No. Billfish are never guaranteed, even on a good day.
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.
Marlin & Sailfish Fishing Durban. Request availability and prices for a big game trip.
Request Availability & PricesRequest Availability & Prices
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