In the U.S. charter examples reviewed for 2026, tuna trips range from about $1,800 to $2,200 for some full-day trips to $4,000 plus fuel for a 14-hour canyon run. Private overnight and multi-day trips can cost substantially more. These are advertised prices from specific operators—not a nationwide average—and the final bill depends on what the charter includes, how far it travels, and how many people share the boat.
What do tuna fishing charters cost?
These U.S. listings illustrate why it helps to compare the total trip rather than just the headline rate. Prices are operator-advertised examples for the stated 2026 schedules; they are not like-for-like packages.
| Operator and area | Listed trip | Price and basis | Key inclusions or exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riptide Charters, North Carolina | Full-day tuna, mahi, and shark | $1,800; maximum three people | Operator says tackle and state/federal permits or licenses are covered. Riptide Charters |
| ETR Offshore, Salem, Massachusetts | Bluefin tuna offshore | $2,200; up to six people | Operator says fuel, licenses, rods and reels, bait, captain, and boat are included. ETR Offshore |
| Boat Day Marine Group, Avalon, New Jersey | 14-hour offshore/canyon trip | $4,000 plus fuel; up to 75 miles offshore | Typical fuel is quoted at $1,800–$2,200. Its 10-hour inshore tuna-capable trip is $3,000 plus typical fuel of $1,200–$1,800. Operator says tackle, bait, ice, and cleaning are included. Boat Day Marine Group |
| Ocean Odyssey, San Diego | Whole-boat, one-day trip | $7,600–$9,900 depending on season and weekday | Permits/licenses and some beverages cost extra; a fuel surcharge applies above the stated diesel threshold. Passenger cap varies by trip. Ocean Odyssey rates |
| Pierpoint Landing, Long Beach | Private overnight offshore/tuna | $7,500–$8,000 | Weekday-dependent. California license/ocean enhancement, tackle, gratuity, and fish-cleaning fee are excluded; listed whole-boat capacity is 30. Pierpoint Landing charters |
| Pierpoint Landing, Long Beach | Private 1.5-day trip | $11,500–$12,000 | Weekday-dependent. California license/ocean enhancement, tackle, gratuity, and fish-cleaning fee are excluded; listed whole-boat capacity is 30. Pierpoint Landing charters |
A private boat’s total can be divided among the anglers actually booked to estimate a per-person share. That calculation is useful for group budgeting, but it does not make a private trip directly comparable to a shared fare unless the duration, destination, capacity, and inclusions also match. These listings do not establish a reliable nationwide savings percentage for private versus shared trips.
Why the price changes so much
- Trip length and distance offshore: A longer run can mean more time aboard and a much larger fuel bill. The New Jersey canyon example lists fuel separately, while the Massachusetts operator says its quoted price includes fuel.
- Price basis and group size: Confirm whether the quote is per angler or for the whole boat, and how many guests can be booked. A low total for a small boat is not necessarily the lowest per-person option.
- Season and departure day: Some operators publish different rates by season or weekday. Ask for the price for your exact date.
- What the base rate covers: Licenses, fuel, tackle, bait, meals, fish cleaning, beverages, and gratuity can be included, charged separately, or left to the guest.
How to estimate the all-in cost
Before paying a deposit, ask the operator for the total for your group and date. Request a written breakdown rather than assuming that “charter price” means every trip expense is covered.
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- Confirm the trip and rate basis. Ask about departure port, expected hours, destination or range, whether the rate is per person or per boat, and the passenger cap.
- Ask what can be added to the quote. Check fuel or fuel surcharges, passenger licenses, tackle or rod rental, bait, ice, food, beverages, fish cleaning, and any booking fee. For example, Pierpoint lists tackle, gratuity, and fish cleaning as exclusions, while Boat Day says tackle, bait, ice, and cleaning are included.
- Clarify deposit and cancellation terms. Ask when the deposit is due, what happens if you cancel or reschedule, and who decides whether weather makes a trip unsafe. Reel Deal Cape Cod says its deposit varies by trip, describes cancellation terms that depend on notice and captain weather decisions, and identifies a discretionary customary 18–20% gratuity; confirm its current terms directly. Reel Deal Cape Cod
- Calculate a group share carefully. Divide the whole-boat price only by the number of people actually booked, then add each person’s share of excluded costs. Do not count on a catch—or on selling a fish—to offset the expense; catch and retention depend on fishing outcomes and regulations.
Are licenses and permits included?
Sometimes, but the answer depends on the operator, location, and trip. Riptide says passengers are covered by its permits or licenses; ETR says licenses are included. Ocean Odyssey and Pierpoint identify certain permits or licenses as additional costs. Ask explicitly whether each guest needs a separate license and whether it is covered by the boat’s arrangements.
For Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS), NOAA Fisheries says: “An HMS charter/headboat permit is required for vessels taking for-hire passengers recreational fishing for Atlantic HMS.” That is a vessel permit, not a generic passenger fee. NOAA lists a $24 application fee for the vessel permit and says it must be renewed annually. NOAA also says an HMS angling permit is required to fish recreationally for Atlantic HMS in federal waters and most state waters for Atlantic tunas. NOAA Fisheries: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species resources NOAA Atlantic HMS charter/headboat permit
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- Roller Rod Design: This trolling rod features a roller guide system that ensures smooth line movement and reduces friction during intense battles with big game fish. The roller guides also help prevent line wear and improve casting distance for optimal performance
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NOAA requires anglers to report landings of swordfish, billfish, and bluefin tuna, including bluefin dead discards, and directs anglers to current statuses, notices, and regulations. Requirements and retention rules depend on fishery and permit type and can change, so check current rules for the destination and ask the captain what guests need to do. NOAA Fisheries: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species resources
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you bring?
Do not buy a rod-and-reel setup before checking with the captain: the sampled operators often include fishing tackle, and ETR says rods and reels are included. Ask what gear is supplied and whether any rental charge applies. A typical personal packing list may include polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, non-skid shoes, weather layers or rain gear, and food or water, but follow the operator’s specific instructions.
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