Akumal fishing charters are easy because the marina is almost next door. Private boats leave from Puerto Aventuras Marina, about 10 to 15 minutes north of Akumal on Highway 307, and you're trolling deep blue water roughly 15 minutes after leaving the dock. Charters run 3 to 8 hours and start at $450 for the whole boat.
This guide covers what you can catch off Akumal, what a private fishing trip costs in 2026, how to get to the boat, and which trip length works best for families, couples and serious anglers.
Good to know: our boats leave from Puerto Aventuras Marina, the closest full service marina to Akumal, not from Akumal Bay. It's one of the shortest commutes on the coast, so you can be on the water before most Playa del Carmen or Tulum guests have left their hotel.
Fishing in Akumal: why the trip starts just up the road
Akumal is best known for its calm bays and the sea turtles that graze in them, and the local dive and snorkel shops do a wonderful job of showing visitors the reef. For a proper offshore fishing day, most Akumal visitors head a few minutes north to Puerto Aventuras, where the sportfishing boats are based.
Here's what that short drive gets you:
Blue water in 15 minutes
The reef drops into deep water close to shore off Puerto Aventuras, so more of your paid hours are spent with lines in the water.
100% private
Every charter is private. Just your group, an English-speaking captain and a mate. No strangers and no shared rail.
Real sportfishing boats
Choose from a 32' Blackfin, 38' Luhrs Express or 45' Viking Express, set up for sailfish, mahi mahi and tuna.
The team is a 2026 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice winner and fishes for guests all along the coast, from Playa del Carmen down to Tulum.
What you can catch on an Akumal fishing charter
The Mexican Caribbean stays warm all year, so there's always something biting. Offshore, the headline fish are sailfish, blue and white marlin, mahi mahi (dorado), tuna and wahoo. Along the reef edge you'll find barracuda, kingfish, bonito, amberjack and snapper, which are great fun on lighter tackle and excellent eating.
- Sailfish and marlin: the trophy fish. Spring into early summer is billfish season, with May and June the peak. All billfish are released.
- Mahi mahi: colorful, acrobatic and delicious. Best from spring into summer.
- Wahoo: blistering speed, and best in the cooler months.
- Barracuda and kingfish: reliable through most of the year and perfect for getting kids on a bent rod.
For month by month detail, check the Riviera Maya fishing calendar and reports. Chasing a specific fish? Read our guides to marlin and sailfish and barracuda fishing.
Akumal fishing charter prices for 2026
Charters are priced per boat, not per person, so the cost per head drops the more of you there are. Current rates in US dollars:
| Boat | Guests | 3 hrs | 4 hrs | 6 hrs | 8 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32' Blackfin | Up to 6 | $450 | $550 | $750 | $1,000 |
| 38' Luhrs Express | Up to 10 | $670 | $750 | $1,050 | $1,150 |
| 45' Viking Express | Up to 15 | $700 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,450 |
On top of that there's a $15 per person dock fee. Fishing licences are included. A 30% deposit holds your date, and it's fully refunded if weather cancels the trip.
Every charter includes an English-speaking captain and mate, rods, reels, tackle and bait, snorkel gear, a cooler with ice, water and soft drinks, a fresh fruit platter, chips, and guacamole plus ceviche made on board with your catch of the day. The 6 and 8 hour trips add ham and cheese sandwiches. Your keepers are cleaned and bagged to take home. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, or add beer, wine and unlimited margaritas ($30 per person) through additional services.
Getting from Akumal to the boat
Puerto Aventuras Marina sits right off Highway 307, the main coastal road. From Akumal it's a short hop north, roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on where you're staying.
- Driving yourself: the easiest option if you have a rental car. Head north on Highway 307 and turn in at Puerto Aventuras. There's no long drive to dread at either end of the day.
- Taxi: a quick, simple ride from most Akumal hotels and rentals.
- Private transport: air-conditioned vans pick up anywhere from Puerto Morelos down to Tulum, so Akumal is right on the route. The price depends on your location and group size, so ask when you book. For reference, roundtrip pickup from Tulum, which is further away, is $180 for up to 6 guests.
Plan to be at the marina about 15 minutes before your start time so the crew can get you settled and out on the water on schedule.
How long to book from Akumal
With the marina so close, you don't need a long trip to make the travel worthwhile. That makes Akumal one of the best places on the coast for a short charter.
- 3 hours: a great taste of offshore fishing, especially for young kids or anyone unsure about seasickness. From Akumal it's very easy to fit around a beach day.
- 4 hours: the sweet spot for families and first timers. Time to troll the blue water and maybe drop a line on the reef.
- 6 hours: the best choice if sailfish or marlin are the goal, since the crew can work the deeper water properly.
- 8 hours: a full day for keen anglers chasing a trophy.
A typical morning looks like this: a short drive up the highway, a quick safety chat at the dock, and lines in the water within about 15 minutes. You can be back in Akumal for a late lunch, with fillets in the cooler and the afternoon free to snorkel with the turtles.
Check availability
Pick your date, group size and trip length. We confirm by email, usually within 24 hours.
Which boat is right for your group?
32' Blackfin
Up to 6 guests. A classic, tough sportfisher that handles a chop well. Great for couples, families and small groups. From $450.
38' Luhrs Express
Up to 10 guests. Wide, stable and dry riding, a favorite with bigger families. From $670.
45' Viking Express
Up to 15 guests. Big cockpit, flybridge and real offshore range for groups and long billfish days. From $700.
See photos and specs for each one on the fishing boats page, or read how a full day offshore works in our deep sea fishing guide.
Tips for deep sea fishing from Akumal
- Book early in high season. Spring, summer and holiday weeks fill first, especially the larger boats.
- Take seasickness tablets the night before and again in the morning if you're prone to it. The drive from Akumal is short, so don't rely on the car ride to give them time to work.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses. The sun on the water is strong.
- Bring cash for the dock fee and a tip for the crew.
- Kids are welcome. Trips are private and family friendly, and a 3 or 4 hour charter suits most children well.
- Add a snorkel stop. Gear is on every boat, and you're fishing beside the second largest barrier reef in the world.
- Have the catch cooked. Your fish comes back cleaned and bagged, and many restaurants in Akumal and Puerto Aventuras will happily cook it for you.
Comparing options along the coast? Our overview of Riviera Maya fishing charters walks through how private trips work, or go straight to private fishing charters for all the details.
Fishing from Akumal made easy
Private charters from the marina just up the road. English-speaking crew, licences and gear included, and your catch cleaned and bagged.
Check AvailabilityFrequently asked questions
Where do Akumal fishing charters leave from?
Our private charters leave from Puerto Aventuras Marina, about 10 to 15 minutes north of Akumal on Highway 307. Deep blue water starts about 15 minutes from the dock.
How much is a fishing charter in Akumal?
Private charters start at $450 for 3 hours on the 32' Blackfin (up to 6 guests). A 4 hour trip is $550 to $880 depending on the boat, plus a $15 per person dock fee. Prices are per boat, not per person.
Is there pickup from Akumal?
Yes. Private air-conditioned transport picks up anywhere from Puerto Morelos to Tulum, including Akumal. The price depends on your location and group size, so ask when you book. Many Akumal guests simply drive or take a taxi since the marina is so close.
What fish can I catch near Akumal?
Sailfish, blue and white marlin, mahi mahi, tuna and wahoo offshore, plus barracuda, kingfish, bonito, amberjack and snapper near the reef. May and June are the peak for billfish.
Do I need a fishing licence?
Fishing licences are included in every charter, so there's nothing extra to buy.
Is a fishing charter from Akumal good for kids?
Yes. Every trip is private, the crew is great with children, and the short drive makes a 3 or 4 hour charter easy to fit into a family beach day.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, for eating fish like mahi mahi, tuna and snapper. The crew cleans and bags them for you and makes ceviche on board. Sailfish and marlin are always released.