Port Gentil Tarpon Experience

The Port Gentil Tarpon Experience is located on Gabon’s central Atlantic coast and offers adventurous anglers access to one of the world’s most exciting—and least pressured—tarpon fisheries. Each day begins in the bustling city of Port Gentil, with skiffs departing the marina and quickly reaching an expansive maze of mangrove-lined creeks, tidal lagoons, and surf-pounded beaches, where tarpon from 40 to over 200 pounds hunt aggressively in shallow water.

In addition to world-class tarpon, this area also holds solid populations of cubera snapper, African threadfin, jacks, and even Guinean barracuda. Fishing is done in 21-foot custom skiffs shared by two anglers. With a maximum of six rods in the program at any time, guests enjoy a flexible schedule, and a fishing experience shaped around maximizing tide and weather conditions.

The Port Gentil Tarpon Experience is based along Gabon’s wild Atlantic coastline, where sprawling mangrove systems, tidal lagoons, and open surf converge to create one of the most unique tarpon fisheries on the planet. From October through May, this remote region offers dedicated anglers the opportunity to target giant West African tarpon using fly tackle. Fish range from 40 to well over 200 pounds, and much of the action takes place in close quarters along the beach, in the surf, or deep in the estuary channels where big fish ambush prey in just a few feet of water. In addition to tarpon, anglers can regularly encounter powerful cubera snapper, giant African threadfin, jacks, and Guinean barracuda. Fishing is done from 21-foot custom skiffs outfitted with trolling motors and electronics, or directly from the beach and river mouths during peak tidal windows.

A seasoned local guide team leads the program, offering expert knowledge of tides, structure, and fish behavior. Each pair of anglers shares one guide, ensuring personalized attention and careful positioning during each session. Daily plans are made the night before based on the tide, weather, and fish activity, with early morning departures from the nearby marina. With just six anglers per week, the experience remains intimate and flexible, designed for serious anglers seeking an untouched and truly wild tarpon destination.

Guests stay at the Hotel Mandji which offers a comfortable, conveniently located base in the heart of Port Gentil. While Port Gentil is Gabon’s second largest city, it isn’t that large with under 140,000 people. It is known for its active port through which many natural resources are exported. Perched above the Atlantic, the hotel features 90 spacious rooms that blend modern amenities with warm Gabonese hospitality. Guests can enjoy ocean views from the infinity pool or unwind with a cold drink in the open-air lounge. In the evenings your guides will accompany you to various dining establishments in town where you can experience a mix of local and international dishes, including fresh Atlantic fish and Gabon’s national dish, Nyembwe.

Additional conveniences include high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, and easy access to Marina Social Beach, which is a local gathering spot just a short walk from the hotel. This is where the skiffs are moored and where each fishing day begins and ends. It's also a great place to grab dinner, enjoy an evening drink, and take in the laid-back rhythm of life in Port Gentil. Between the quality of the accommodations and the proximity to the marina, Hotel Mandji offers an ideal base for anglers preparing to fish one of the wildest tarpon fisheries in the world.

Visit Loango National Park. There are many tours and excursions based out of the area.

Day 1: Arrive Léon-Mba Libreville International Airport in Libreville, Gabon. Transfer from Libreville via a 25-minute domestic flight to Port-Gentil Airport. Transportation from the airport to the Hotel Mandji.

Days 2 - 7: Full days of guided fishing

Day 8: Charter flight back to Libreville for flights home or overnight

2026 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $7,950
• 4 night/3 ½ day package: $5,100

Included: Round trip flights between Libreville and Port Gentil, accommodations, breakfast and lunch in Port Gentil, bottled water and soft drinks on boat, guided fishing, park entry fees, fishing license

Not Included: International airfare, travel visa, Libreville hotel and meals, dinners in Port Gentil, alcohol, fishing tackle, gratuities

Species: Tarpon, cubera snapper, African
threadfin, jack crevalle, longfin jacks, and even Guinean barracuda

Season: September - April

Capacity: 6 anglers