This checklist separates useful personal gear from items that should be confirmed with the charter, so you can prepare for the boat without overpacking.
Documents and essentials
- Passport: bring the document required for your nationality and mode of travel. U.S. citizens arriving by air need a passport book; current U.S. guidance says it must be valid at the time of entry. Check your airline as well.
- Driver’s license: for rental cars or ID
- Fishing license: confirm in writing whether the operator obtains it or you must purchase it separately
- Travel insurance details: consider coverage for medical care, cancellations and activities included in your trip
- Credit cards: check your issuer’s travel and foreign-transaction policies
- Cash: pesos are the local currency; ask the operator which payment methods and currencies it accepts
- Copies of documents: store them securely and make key records available offline
Sun protection
Strong sun and glare off the water increase exposure throughout the day. Pack enough protection to use and reapply it properly.
- Broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+): bring enough to use and reapply as directed on the label
- Polarized sunglasses with UV protection: useful for reducing glare and seeing into the water
- Wide-brim hat or baseball cap with neck flap
- Light long-sleeve shirt: SPF-rated fishing shirt or rash guard
- Lip balm with SPF: the dry air and sun crack lips quickly
- Buff/neck gaiter: protects the back of your neck
Clothing
On the boat
- Quick-dry shorts or fishing pants
- Light long-sleeve shirt (sun protection)
- Fishing gloves: optional but helpful for fighting fish
- Non-marking boat shoes or deck boots with good grip
- Light jacket or windbreaker: mornings are cool, runs at speed are windy
- Swimsuit: only if you have separate swimming plans; do not expect to swim during a fishing charter
Evening and off the boat
- Casual shorts and t-shirts: Cabo is casual
- One nicer outfit: check the dress code for any restaurant you have booked
- Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
- Light sweater or jacket: evenings can be cool December-April
Fishing Gear
Many charters provide tackle, bait, and core equipment, but inclusions differ. Confirm the target species, tackle, bait, licenses, food, drinks, dock fees, fish processing, and gratuity policy before deciding what to bring.
Optional items:
- Favorite lucky lure: some anglers bring their own
- Personal pliers or tools: only if operator, airline and security rules allow them
- Tackle bag for personal items on the boat
- Leader material if you prefer specific brands
- Gloves for fighting fish
Health & Comfort
- Motion sickness plan: ask a pharmacist or clinician what is appropriate for you, then follow the product label or prescription. Some products cause drowsiness or interact with other medicines.
- Personal medications: bring enough for your trip plus extras
- First aid kit: band-aids, antiseptic, blister care
- Aloe vera gel: for sunburn relief
- Any over-the-counter medicines you normally use, packed and taken according to their labels
- Insect repellent: useful for some evening and outdoor activities
Tech & Accessories
- Camera or phone with waterproof case or dry bag
- Power bank: for charging devices
- Waterproof phone pouch: wear it around your neck on the boat
- GoPro or action camera: great for action shots
- Headlamp or small flashlight: useful if the operator recommends one for an early departure
For the Catch
If you plan to bring fish home:
- Airline policy: verify whether your carrier accepts fish, coolers, gel packs, dry ice, or wet ice and how each item must be packed
- Import rules: check the current customs and wildlife rules for every country on the itinerary
- Processor instructions: arrange legal processing and labeling before departure; Mexican sport-caught fish may not be landed as fillets at the dock
- Cold-chain plan: use only packing materials approved by the carrier and processor
What not to bring
- Rod and reel tubes: unnecessary unless you have custom gear
- Large tackle boxes: unnecessary unless the operator confirms a specific need
- Valuables: leave expensive jewelry and watches at home
- Large amounts of cash: carry only what you expect to need and confirm secure withdrawal and payment options
- Restricted items: check Mexican entry rules, airline security rules, and the import rules for the trip home
Quick Pre-Trip Checklist
Requirements change. Before travel, review the U.S. State Department’s Mexico guidance, Mexico’s immigration guidance, and our Mexican fishing-license and regulations guide.