Backwater Tarpon & Snook FishingΒ 

4.8
(135 reviews)
Recent reports
Β Cooperativa de Pescadores Ramp., San Juan, 00772, Puerto Rico–

Backwater Tarpon & Snook FishingΒ 

San Juan, Puerto Rico
–
20 ft
4
4.8
(135 reviews)

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If you've heard about Tarpon fishing and would like to know what all the fuss is about, then look no further than Backwater Tarpon Fishing Charters.

Operated by Captain Clery, they are your resident experts when it comes to tackling the Silver King in his own backyard.

You'll be fishing on a 20' Hydra-Sports bay boat that is powered by a single 150 HP Suzuki engine. This vessel is perfect for Tarpon fishing as the flat deck gives you enough freedom to walk effortlessly around the boat while minimizing the risk of falling and/or getting the line tangled.

This vast lagoon is perfectly suited for marine life, providing infinite sources of bait all year round for the resident fish. Targeting the Silver King will be your main priority, but there are other fish around as well. The local Tarpon population can range anywhere from 20 lbs all the way up to 150 lbs.

Captain Clery will provide you with all the necessary rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for a fun time on the water. All you need to bring is a pair of polarized sunglasses, some sunscreen, and a go-getter attitude.

Once you've danced with the Silver King, you'll be hooked for life.

If you've heard about Tarpon fishing and would like to know what all the fuss is about, then look no further than Backwater Tarpon Fishing Charters.

Operated by Captain Clery, they are your resident experts when it comes to tackling the Silver King in his own backyard.

You'll be fishing on a 20' Hydra-Sports bay boat that is powered by a single 150 HP Suzuki engine. This vessel is perfect for Tarpon fishing as the flat deck gives you enough freedom to walk effortlessly around the boat while minimizing the risk of falling and/or getting the line tangled.

This vast lagoon is perfectly suited for marine life, providing infinite sources of bait all year round for the resident fish. Targeting the Silver King will be your main priority, but there are other fish around as well. The local Tarpon population can range anywhere from 20 lbs all the way up to 150 lbs.

Captain Clery will provide you with all the necessary rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for a fun time on the water. All you need to bring is a pair of polarized sunglasses, some sunscreen, and a go-getter attitude.

Once you've danced with the Silver King, you'll be hooked for life.

Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR
Charter Operator
Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR
15 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults β€’ 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour tripΒ starts at 6:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $285
Entire boat: 2 people
2 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour tripΒ starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $285
Entire boat: 2 people
2 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour tripΒ multiple starting times (11:30 AM, 1:30 PM)
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $285
Entire boat: 2 people
2 Hour Trip (Noon) (copy)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour tripΒ starts at 3:30 PM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $285
Entire boat: 2 people
4 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour tripΒ starts at 1:30 PM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $385
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4hrs Night Fishing Trips
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour tripΒ starts at 6:00 PM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $385
Entire boat: up to 3 people
4 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour tripΒ starts at 7:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $389
Entire boat: up to 4 people
EARLY LURES & SWIMBAITS TRIP 4HRS
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour tripΒ starts at 5:45 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $395
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour tripΒ starts at 12:00 PM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $525
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour tripΒ starts at 7:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+1
US $529
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
135 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (122)

What anglers say

94%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
79%
Caught fish

Reviews (135)

  • Scott Fuksa
    Scott Fuksa
    Repeat angler
    us
    Oklahoma, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Tarpon Bucket list…….check!!!

    6 Hour Trip (AM) on September 12, 2026Β β€’Β 1 adult

    From start to finish this trip was top notch. I turned the big 50 this week and booked this trip as a bucket list item. Alex (guide) was incredible. I am just a dumb Oklahoma bass fisherman and didn’t realize how technical Tarpon fishing is. Alex gave me a lesson and of course fish 1 jumped and i pulled. gone. Fish 2 jumped, I bowed got it to the boat. I though it was done. Of course it wasnt. Bad angle. gone. Alex again coached me. Fish 3 bucket list complete!!! My advice go with these guys. they are the best. Loved my trip.

  • Laura Ludwig
    Laura Ludwig
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Capt. Manne WAITED FOR US!!!

    4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 11, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adults

    This trip was our first time fshing for Tarpon. We have plenty of experience fishing fresh water in Minnesota, but not much for large fighting fish. We ran an hour late and our Captain was fast to respond to my text. Capt. Manne waited patiently and welcomed us with no concern for our late arrival. We had a slow start and didn't start seeing some action until about 11:30am. Our tour should have ended at 12:00pm. Both my husband and I ended up catching 2 Tarpon EACH!!! We had a fantastic time, and have many pictures to keep to share!!! The music play list was great and set the mood for a good time. Thank you Capt. Manne so much for showing us a great time and coaching me so I could land 2 nice size Tarpon!!! We would highly recommend this fishing outfitter to put you on the fish!!!

  • Fonzy Chavez
    Fonzy Chavez
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    mateo and our experience

    2 Hour Trip on March 12, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adults

    what an amazing experience! starting off with them suggesting differnt times becase of the luck they have had to ensure a great time for us the day before! The day of the adventure started off as a slow, no biting day, ended up being the catch of my lifetime! Mateo guided me through the whole experience of catching the Tarpoon! It was such a thrill, watching it fight and feeling my rush, making sure it didnt let go as it got tired! Mateo helped guide me through it all and made this an experience i will never forget! thank you!

  • Juan Capellan
    Juan Capellan
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    most amazing experience i ever had

    4 Hour Trip (PM) on September 13, 2026Β β€’Β 1 adult

    the captain was very good to me he also showed me step by step gave me little extra time cause they weren’t biting as much so I appreciate for everything welcome recommendation

  • Christopher Yanger
    Christopher Yanger
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Mateo was relentless kept it a dream trip for us!

    4 Hour Trip (AM) on March 21, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adultsΒ β€’Β 1 child

    We started slow but kept at it. Captain Mateo was relentless and kept pushing trying to put us on fish. In the last 30 minutes we hooked a good size tarpon but it broke off the line. It was a heart break for me but my son got the chace to feel the power of the fight against that fish and has the eternal memory of watching that tarpon explosion when it hit and the fight of a lifetime. Rest assured we will be back to catch the Silver King and full fill my fishing bucket list!

  • Calvin Schertenleib
    Calvin Schertenleib
    us
    Idaho, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Tarpon Action!

    4 Hour Trip (AM) on May 4, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adults

    Very knowledgeable local guide. Very patient and great teacher of local techniques! We hooked 7 tarpon in a 4 Hr trip. Guide took amazing videos and pictures. Also we Got some amazing local food recommendations as well! We felt very blessed to get the captain we did! Thank you! Calvin and Casey Schertenleib

  • Michael Teheen
    Michael Teheen
    Repeat angler
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Tommy was great, caught some Tarpon!

    4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 10, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adultsΒ β€’Β 1 child

    Captain Tommy took us into the lagoons and located some Tarpon. we hunted some big fish early without a lot of action then moved to another spot and my son reeled in several Tarpon. Tommy was very knowledgable and a great captain.

  • Brad Groleski
    Brad Groleski
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2022
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent Trip All-Around! Thanks Mateo!

    2 Hour Trip - 1:30 PM on April 23, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adults

    Great experience overall. Spent a lot of time out on the water. Great fight with a beautiful tarpon and even followed up with one by the dock. Mateo was a great guide and very knowledgeable.

  • Alexander Beck
    Alexander Beck
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    A reason to come back

    2 Hour Trip (AM) on August 25, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adults

    The tides weren’t ideal for the only time we had to fish so the fishing was slow, but captain Alex was great and very knowledgeable, and tried his absolute hardest to get us into the fish. Gives me a good excuse to come back to PR to get my tarpon!

  • Emanuele Vitabile
    Emanuele Vitabile
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Javier was our Captain and he never stopped working. He was in the fish and made sure we had a great time. We caught a snapper, a barracuda and 4 Tarpon!

    4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 6, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adults

    Javier was our Captain and he never stopped working. He was on the fish and made sure we had a great time. We caught a snapper, a barracuda and 4 Tarpon!

Rating

4.8
135 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (122)

What anglers say

94%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
79%
Caught fish

All reviews (135)

Frequently mentioned
ShowingΒ 1 – 5Β ofΒ 135Β reviews
Scott Fuksa
Scott Fuksa
Repeat angler
us
Oklahoma, US
Member since 2022
2 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Tarpon Bucket list…….check!!!
6 Hour Trip (AM) on September 12, 2026 β€’ 1 adult

From start to finish this trip was top notch. I turned the big 50 this week and booked this trip as a bucket list item. Alex (guide) was incredible. I am just a dumb Oklahoma bass fisherman and didn’t realize how technical Tarpon fishing is. Alex gave me a lesson and of course fish 1 jumped and i pulled. gone. Fish 2 jumped, I bowed got it to the boat. I though it was done. Of course it wasnt. Bad angle. gone. Alex again coached me. Fish 3 bucket list complete!!! My advice go with these guys. they are the best. Loved my trip.

Reported catch:
Tarpon
Laura Ludwig
Laura Ludwig
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Capt. Manne WAITED FOR US!!!
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 11, 2026 β€’ 2 adults

This trip was our first time fshing for Tarpon. We have plenty of experience fishing fresh water in Minnesota, but not much for large fighting fish. We ran an hour late and our Captain was fast to respond to my text. Capt. Manne waited patiently and welcomed us with no concern for our late arrival. We had a slow start and didn't start seeing some action until about 11:30am. Our tour should have ended at 12:00pm. Both my husband and I ended up catching 2 Tarpon EACH!!! We had a fantastic time, and have many pictures to keep to share!!! The music play list was great and set the mood for a good time. Thank you Capt. Manne so much for showing us a great time and coaching me so I could land 2 nice size Tarpon!!! We would highly recommend this fishing outfitter to put you on the fish!!!

Reported catch:
Tarpon
Westley Orr
Westley Orr
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Worth the money
2 Hour Trip on April 27, 2026 β€’ 2 adults

we had a amazing trip Javier was amazing and even when it started to rain and the bite slowed down he made sure to get us some action and moved around trying to pinpoint the the tarpon we wish we went with the 4 hour trip instead of the 2hr trip once you get out there it's hard to leave it's so beautiful and to see big tarpon jumping all around you is such a cool experience had a great fight with a tarpon and was worth every penny

Fonzy Chavez
Fonzy Chavez
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
mateo and our experience
2 Hour Trip on March 12, 2026 β€’ 2 adults

what an amazing experience! starting off with them suggesting differnt times becase of the luck they have had to ensure a great time for us the day before! The day of the adventure started off as a slow, no biting day, ended up being the catch of my lifetime! Mateo guided me through the whole experience of catching the Tarpoon! It was such a thrill, watching it fight and feeling my rush, making sure it didnt let go as it got tired! Mateo helped guide me through it all and made this an experience i will never forget! thank you!

Juan Capellan
Juan Capellan
us
Connecticut, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
most amazing experience i ever had
4 Hour Trip (PM) on September 13, 2026 β€’ 1 adult

the captain was very good to me he also showed me step by step gave me little extra time cause they weren’t biting as much so I appreciate for everything welcome recommendation

FAQs about Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing

Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $285 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 2 Hour Trip (2 hours)
  • US $285 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 2 Hour Trip - 1:30 PM (2 hours)
  • US $285 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 2 Hour Trip (AM) (2 hours)
  • US $285 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 2 Hour Trip (AM) (2 hours)
  • US $285 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - 2 Hour Trip (Noon) (copy) (2 hours)
  • US $385 per group - 4 Hour Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $385 per group, additional US $30 per person after 3 guests - 4hrs Night Fishing Trips (4 hours)
  • US $389 per group - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $395 per group, additional US $25 per person after 2 guests - EARLY LURES & SWIMBAITS TRIP 4HRS (4 hours)
  • US $495 per group, additional US $30 per person after 1 guest - 6 Hour Trip (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $499 per group, additional US $30 per person after 1 guest - 6 Hour Trip (AM) (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Live bait will be available if we catch them in the morning.we don't have any bait shops down here to buy them so we daily do our best to catch live bait before each trip.)
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Waters & gatorades will be provided )
  • Fishing license (No fishing license required in Puerto Rico )
  • Fly fishing equipment
Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing (We will be fishing in the backwaters lagoons surrounding the SJU international airport.)
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
  • Bowfishing
Top targeted fish species with Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing include:
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Ladyfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Tarpon

Your operator

Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR
Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR

San Juan, Puerto Rico

364 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
1194 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2015

Backwater Tarpon PR fishing charters is currently the biggest fishing charter company in Puerto Rico. We have a 5 boat fleet with full permits, insurance & governments endorsements. We have 9 full time guides in our company, all them are fully bilingual & kiddos friendly. In combine we complete over 2,000 trips per year. We can work with groups up to 30 people between our five boats. If you want to hit the water with the pros' say no more & book with us. 'Owning and operating a fishing charter in San Juan PR is a dream come true. I was corrupted at an early age watching my fishing heroes on ESPN outdoors wrangle saltwater species of every variety – and from the time I landed my first Tarpon at the age of 6, I knew there was nothing else I'd rather do with my life.' Captain Clery Morales.

Our Team
Hiram A.

Hiram A.

Captain

Miguel M.

Miguel M.

Captain

Clery M.

Clery M.

Captain

Jorge M.

Jorge M.

Captain

Austin K.

Austin K.

Captain

Abimael V.

Abimael V.

Captain

Gabriel B.

Gabriel B.

Captain

Mateo S.

Mateo S.

Captain

Cody J.

Cody J.

Captain

Tommy F.

Tommy F.

Captain

Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR
Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR
Fully verified
364
reports
1194
reviews
2015
member since
~1h
response
Backwater Tarpon PR fishing charters is currently the biggest fishing charter company in Puerto Rico. We have a 5 boat fleet with full permits, insurance & governments endorsements. We have 9 full time guides in our company, all them are fully bilingual & kiddos friendly. In combine we complete over 2,000 trips per year. We can work with groups up to 30 people between our five boats. If you want to hit the water with the pros' say no more & book with us. 'Owning and operating a fishing charter in San Juan PR is a dream come true. I was corrupted at an early age watching my fishing heroes on ESPN outdoors wrangle saltwater species of every variety – and from the time I landed my first Tarpon at the age of 6, I knew there was nothing else I'd rather do with my life.' Captain Clery Morales.
The crew
Hiram A.
Hiram A.
Captain
Miguel M.
Miguel M.
Captain
Clery M.
Clery M.
Captain
Jorge M.
Jorge M.
Captain
Austin K.
Austin K.
Captain
Abimael V.
Abimael V.
Captain
Gabriel B.
Gabriel B.
Captain
Mateo S.
Mateo S.
Captain
Cody J.
Cody J.
Captain
Tommy F.
Tommy F.
Captain

The fish you can target

Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Ladyfish
Ladyfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Tarpon
Tarpon
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Ladyfish
Ladyfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Tarpon
Tarpon

Real catches by this captain

  • Javier was our Captain and he never stopped working. He was in the fish and made sure we had a great time. We caught a snapper, a barracuda and 4 Tarpon!
    Emanuele V.
    Emanuele V.
  • Great day of fishing!
    Sam S.
    Sam S.
  • Amazing Tarpon Action!
    Calvin S.
    Calvin S.
  • 82-5lb Tarpon!!!!πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™
    Timothy M.
    Timothy M.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
2009
Restored in
2023
Boat manufacturer
Hydra-Sports
Boat type
Bay boat
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
46 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Bowfishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Live bait will be available if we catch them in the morning.we don't have any bait shops down here to buy them so we daily do our best to catch live bait before each trip.
Lures
Drinks
Waters & gatorades will be provided
Fishing license
No fishing license required in Puerto Rico
Fly fishing equipment

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Kids above 3yrs old are more than welcome aboard. Any kids under 12yrs old will be required to wear a PFD 1 life jacket.
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Β Cash

Β Visa

Β Mastercard

Β American Express

Β PayPal

What’s biting in San Juan right now

Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
LadyfishLadyfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing
Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing
4.8
(135)
20 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+3
4 hour tripΒ β€’Β 4 persons
US $389