Amberjack fishing in the Riviera Maya is at its best right now: our fishing calendar rates amberjack as excellent from October through March. These big, bullheaded jacks live on the deep reef and drop-offs just off Puerto Aventuras, and a private charter to go after them starts at $450 for the whole boat for 3 hours.
Anglers call the greater amberjack the "reef donkey" for a reason. It hits hard, then tries to drag you straight back down into the rocks. This guide covers what an amberjack is, when and where they bite off this coast, how the crew catches them, whether they are good to eat, 2026 charter prices and how many hours to book.
Quick answer: amberjack are best from October to March off the Riviera Maya, fair in September and rare from April to August. They're caught on deep reef structure with live bait, cut bait and heavy jigs, often on the same trip as snapper and grouper. Book 4 hours for a good shot, or 6 hours to mix reef fishing with trolling.
What is an amberjack?
The fish most people mean is the greater amberjack, the biggest member of the jack family. It's a thick, powerful fish built for short bursts of brute strength, and it's found on reefs and wrecks in warm water all over the world, including the Caribbean side of Mexico.
How to spot one
A dark diagonal band runs from the nose through the eye toward the back, like a mask, with a faint amber stripe along the side. The back is olive to brown and the belly is silver.
Typical size
Most amberjack hooked on a charter are in the 15 to 40 pound range. Fish over 100 pounds exist, but they are rare.
Why "reef donkey"
Once hooked, an amberjack turns for the bottom and pulls like a mule. It doesn't jump or run far. It just digs in, which makes it a real test of arms and back.
Amberjack are curious fish, too. When one is brought up to the boat, others in the school often follow it to the surface, which can turn one bite into several.
Amberjack fishing season in the Riviera Maya
Amberjack are a cool-season fish here. The Fishing Info page rates them excellent from October through March, good in September, and rare from April through August. That makes them one of the best targets for fall, holiday and winter visitors, when the summer mahi mahi run has slowed down. The Fishing Info page also has the latest fishing reports if you want to see what has been biting this week.
Where do they live? Off Puerto Aventuras, the Mesoamerican Reef runs along the coast and then drops away into deep blue water. Amberjack hang on that deeper structure: ledges, rocky bottom and the edge of the drop-off, where the current pushes bait past them. The drop-off is only about 15 minutes from the marina, so you spend most of your trip fishing instead of running.
How the crew catches amberjack
You don't need any experience. The captain finds the structure on the sonar, the mate rigs everything, and you take the rod when something bites. Here's what a typical amberjack session looks like:
- Live and cut bait. Amberjack love a lively baitfish or a fresh strip of bait dropped right down to where they are holding. This is the most reliable way to get a bite.
- Heavy jigs. When the fish are fired up, the crew may have you drop a metal jig to the bottom and work it back up fast. It's hard work and a lot of fun.
- The first ten seconds. The bite is sudden and the fish heads straight for the rocks. Hold on, keep the rod up and reel when the crew says reel. Win those first few seconds and you'll usually win the fight.
- Heavy tackle, all included. Amberjack need strong rods and reels, and every charter includes all rods, reels, tackle and bait. There's nothing to buy or pack.
The same reef spots also hold snapper, grouper and barracuda, and the blue water just outside holds bonito, kingfish and tuna. Most trips mix a bit of everything.
Are amberjack good to eat?
Yes. Amberjack has firm, white to light pink meat with a mild, clean flavor, and it's great grilled, seared or as ceviche. On board, the crew makes fresh ceviche and guacamole with the catch of the day, and they will clean, fillet and bag your keepers on ice to take with you. Several spots around Puerto Aventuras Marina, within walking distance of the boats, will cook your catch for you.
A couple of honest tips. Smaller and medium amberjack are the best eating, and many crews in the Caribbean prefer to release the really big ones. You may also notice small white worms in the tail section of a fillet. They're common in amberjack, harmless once cooked, and the crew simply trims that part away. Catch and release is always an option, and billfish are always released.
Amberjack fishing charter prices for 2026
Every charter is 100% private and priced per boat, not per person. 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 |
There's a $15 per person dock fee, paid in cash at the marina, and fishing licences are included. A 30% deposit holds your date and is fully refunded if bad weather cancels the trip.
Every trip 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. The 6 and 8 hour trips add ham and cheese sandwiches. You're welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks, or add unlimited margaritas ($30 per person), beer and more through additional services.
How many hours to book for amberjack
- 3 hours: a quick run to the nearest structure. Doable, but it doesn't leave much time to move around if the fish aren't home.
- 4 hours: the sweet spot for most groups. Time to work a few reef spots for amberjack, snapper and grouper.
- 6 hours: fish the reef for amberjack in the morning, then troll the blue water for tuna, wahoo or sailfish.
- 8 hours: a full day for keen anglers who want to try a bit of everything.
Check availability
Pick your date, group size and trip length. We confirm by email, usually within 24 hours.
Which boat is best for amberjack?
32' Blackfin
Up to 6 guests. Quick and easy to position over a reef spot, ideal for a small group. From $450.
38' Luhrs Express
Up to 10 guests. A wide, stable cockpit with room to fight a big fish while everyone watches. From $670.
45' Viking Express
Up to 15 guests. The most deck space and shade for larger groups and full-day trips. From $700.
See photos and specs on the fishing boats page, or compare everything on the private fishing charters page.
Getting to Puerto Aventuras Marina
The marina sits right off Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Private, air-conditioned roundtrip transport is available:
| Pickup from | 1 to 6 guests | 1 to 14 guests |
|---|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen | $160 | $200 |
| Tulum | $180 | $200 |
| Tulum hotel zone | $220 | $240 |
| Puerto Morelos | $200 | $240 |
Want the bigger picture? Read our guide to deep sea fishing in the Riviera Maya, or if you're based in Playa, see fishing in Playa del Carmen.
Tips for your amberjack fishing trip
- Go in the morning. The sea is often calmer, which makes it easier to hold the boat over a reef spot.
- Use your legs, not just your arms. Brace against the gunwale and let the crew coach you through the fight.
- Tell the crew early if you want to eat one. They'll keep a good eating size and ice it right away.
- Wear gloves if you have them and pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses.
- Bring cash for the dock fee and a tip for the crew.
- Take seasickness tablets before you leave if you're prone to it. Bottom fishing means sitting still over a spot.
Go after a reef donkey this season
Private charters from Puerto Aventuras with an English-speaking crew. Deep reef 15 minutes from the dock, heavy tackle, bait and licences included.
Check AvailabilityFrequently asked questions
When is amberjack season in the Riviera Maya?
Amberjack are best from October through March, when our fishing calendar rates them excellent. September is good, and from April through August they are rare.
Where do amberjack live off the Riviera Maya?
On deeper reef structure, ledges and the edge of the drop-off, where current carries bait past them. Off Puerto Aventuras that structure is about 15 minutes from the marina.
How do you catch amberjack?
Mostly by dropping live or cut bait down to the structure, or by working a heavy jig from the bottom up. Strong tackle is a must, and it's all included on every charter.
How big do amberjack get?
Most amberjack caught on a charter here are around 15 to 40 pounds. Greater amberjack can top 100 pounds, but fish that size are rare.
Is amberjack good to eat?
Yes. It has firm, mild white meat that's great grilled or as ceviche. Smaller and medium fish are the best eating, and many crews release the biggest ones. The crew will clean and bag your keepers.
Why is amberjack called a reef donkey?
Because once hooked it turns for the bottom and pulls stubbornly, like a mule, instead of jumping or running. It's one of the toughest fights on the reef.
How much is an amberjack fishing charter?
Private charters start at $450 for the whole boat for 3 hours on the 32' Blackfin (up to 6 guests), plus a $15 per person dock fee. Tackle, bait and licences are included.