Two weeks every October, Cabo belongs to the marlin
Bisbee's 2026 runs October 12–24 in Cabo San Lucas, and for those two weeks the marina is the busiest place in Baja. Sportfishing boats from across North America fill the docks, crowds line the boardwalk every evening for the weigh-ins, and the town takes on an energy you won't find any other time of year.
The series started in 1981 with six teams fishing for a $10,000 purse. Today the Black & Blue is billed as the world's richest sportfishing tournament, and the week before it, the Los Cabos Offshore has become an event in its own right.
Whether you're fishing, watching from the dock, or using the trip to scout a second home, here's everything you need: the full 2026 schedule, how to watch like a local, and why so many visitors leave Bisbee's week asking what it takes to own here.
Two tournaments, back to back
Most people say "Bisbee's" as if it's one event. In October it's actually two, held a week apart, with the same format: registration, three fishing days, then an awards night.
Los Cabos Offshore, "The Little Bisbee's"
- Dates: October 12–17, 2026
- Fishing days: October 14–16
- Entry: $1,500 USD base, $36,000 USD all-in
Awards: October 17 at La Antojería Cabo Black & Blue, "World's Richest Tournament"
- Dates: October 19–24, 2026
- Fishing days: October 21–23
- Entry: $5,000 USD base, $84,500 USD
- All-in Opening ceremonies: October 20 Awards: October 24 at The Place at Cabo
If you only have one week, come for the Black & Blue. Opening night and the bigger purse bring the bigger crowds.
The full Bisbee's 2026 schedule
Every event below is in Cabo San Lucas. Registration, the captains meetings and the weigh station are at Puerto Paraíso Mall, next to the marina.
Los Cabos Offshore: October 12–17
Monday, October 12 3:00–6:00 PM: Pre-registration (no bag pickup), Puerto Paraíso Mall
Tuesday, October 13 3:00–7:00 PM: Registration and bag distribution, Puerto Paraíso Mall 7:00 PM
Captains meeting, Puerto Paraíso Mall stage Wednesday–Friday, October 14–16 7:00 AM
Shotgun start 5:00 PM
Lines out of the water 2:00–9:00 PM
Weigh station open in front of Puerto Paraíso Mall Saturday, October 17 6:00 PM
Awards celebration at La Antojería Cabo, The Place at Cabo (between H & I docks)
Black & Blue: October 19-24
Monday October 19 3:00–6:00 PM: Pre-registration (no bag pickup)
Puerto Paraíso Mall Tuesday, October 20 3:00–7:00 PM
Registration and bag distribution, Puerto Paraíso Mall 7:00 PM
Captains meeting, Puerto Paraíso Mall stage 7:30 PM
Opening ceremonies, Puerto Paraíso Mall Wednesday–Friday, October 21–23 7:00 AM
Shotgun start 5:00 PM
Lines out of the water 2:00–9:00 PM
Weigh station open in front of Puerto Paraíso Mall Saturday, October 24 6:00 PM
Awards celebration at The Place at Cabo (in front of H, I & J docks)
The Black & Blue opening ceremonies include flag honors with a Mexican Navy escort, the national anthem, a pre-Columbian New Fire dance, the lighting of the tournament torch, and live music. Schedule per the official Black & Blue and Los Cabos Offshore pages. Check them before you go, since times can change.
How to watch Bisbee's like a local
You don't need a boat to enjoy Bisbee's. The best show in town is free, and it happens on the dock every evening of the fishing days.
- Make the weigh station your evening plan. It's in front of Puerto Paraíso Mall and opens at 2:00 PM on every fishing day. Lines come out at 5:00 PM, and boats inside the harbor entrance by 9:00 PM can still weigh, so the busiest stretch is usually from late afternoon into the evening.
- Don't miss opening night. The Black & Blue opening ceremonies start at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, October 20. It's the one night of the tournament that's built for spectators.
- Catch the 7:00 AM shotgun start. Boats have to be behind the line by 6:45 AM. Get to the waterfront early for coffee and a view of the fleet heading out.
- Plan around the marina. Both weeks bring heavy traffic and crowds around the marina, the Puerto Paraíso area and downtown. Leave extra time, use a taxi or rideshare in the evening, and skip driving to the weigh-ins if you can.
- Book dinner now. Marina-front restaurants fill up fast during tournament weeks, especially on awards nights, October 17 and 24.
- Stay for both weeks if you can. Hotels and vacation rentals near the marina get booked early. If you're coming for one week, the Black & Blue week is the bigger draw.
Come for the marlin, stay for the view
I see it every October. People fly in for Bisbee's, spend a week on the water and at the marina, and by the awards dinner they're asking what it would take to own a place here. Tournament week shows you Cabo at its best: the town at full energy, the sea at its most famous, and the kind of crowd that comes back every year.
If that's you, here are three questions worth answering before you fly home:
- How will you use it? Tournament weeks and holidays only, half the year, or as a rental when you're not here. That decides the neighborhood and the building.
- Marina, corridor or beach? Walking to the docks and downtown, a quieter gated community a few minutes away, or a beachfront estate. Each comes with a different price point and different HOA costs.
- How will you hold title? Foreign buyers in Los Cabos buy coastal property through a bank trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation. Set that up with a notario before you sign anything.
Featured: Vista Vela 2 #2201
If you want a turnkey place close to everything, this is a great place to start. Unit 2201 at Vista Vela 2, in El Tezal on the Cabo Corridor, is a 2-bedroom condo of about 1,589 sq ft, fully furnished and listed at $498,000 USD.
What sets it apart is the view. It's one of the few units in the community with a full, unobstructed view of the Land's End Arch. It also has hurricane shutters, a water filtration system, and smart energy-saving air conditioning. Costco, restaurants and services are minutes away, and downtown and the marina are a short drive.
MLS 26-1110. Listed by The Oppenheim Group Cabo
Bisbee's 2026 FAQ
When is Bisbee's 2026 in Cabo San Lucas?
The Los Cabos Offshore runs October 12–17, 2026, and the Black & Blue runs October 19–24, 2026. Fishing days are October 14–16 and October 21–23.
Can the public watch the Bisbee's weigh-ins?
Yes. The weigh station is in front of Puerto Paraíso Mall and is open 2:00–9:00 PM on every fishing day. Watching is free.
Where are the Bisbee's opening ceremonies?
The Black & Blue opening ceremonies start at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, October 20, at Puerto Paraíso Mall, right after the captains meeting.
How much does it cost to enter the Black & Blue?
The base entry is $5,000 USD. Entering every optional category brings the all-in total to $84,500 USD. The Los Cabos Offshore is $1,500 base and $36,000 all-in.
What's the difference between the Los Cabos Offshore and the Black & Blue?
They're two separate Bisbee's tournaments held a week apart. The Los Cabos Offshore, known as "The Little Bisbee's," comes first and costs less to enter. The Black & Blue is the main event, with opening ceremonies and the larger purse.
Can foreigners buy property in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes. Foreign buyers can own coastal property in Los Cabos through a bank trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation. It's a well-established process. Work with a licensed agent and a notario.
Let's talk while you're in town
In Cabo for Bisbee's? I'm happy to meet for coffee near the marina, walk you through the market, or show you a few homes between weigh-ins. Message me on Instagram with the word "MARLIN" and I'll send you my current ocean-view shortlist, or email [email protected].
Alen Fabjan is the Managing Broker at The Oppenheim Group Cabo, working with buyers and sellers of luxury, pre-construction and investment property across Los Cabos and La Paz.
Disclaimer
Tournament dates, times and fees are from the official Bisbee's website as of October 9, 2026, and may change. This post is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bisbee's Offshore Tournaments. Listing details are from the MLS and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Price and availability can change without notice.
Sources
- Bisbee's tournaments, dates and entry fees
- Black & Blue 2026 schedule
- Los Cabos Offshore 2026 schedule
- Tournament history, 1981 start (Galati Yacht Sales)
- Vista Vela 2 #2201, Flexmls MLS 26-1110
For more Information or Question Reach out
Alen Fabjan
Managing Broker Oppenheim Group Cabo
[email protected] / +1.480.264.1006
