Bonito fishing in the Riviera Maya is fast, splashy fun, and fall is the best time to do it: our fishing calendar rates bonito as excellent from October through December. These little members of the tuna family school up in the blue water just 15 minutes from Puerto Aventuras Marina, and a private charter to chase them starts at $450 for the whole boat for 3 hours.
This guide covers what a bonito actually is (and why people mix it up with other fish), when and where they bite off this coast, how the crew catches them, whether they are good to eat, what a 2026 charter costs, and how many hours to book. If you have kids along, bonito might be the best fish on the menu.
Quick answer: bonito are caught all year off the Riviera Maya, with October to December the peak and late spring the quietest time. They are caught mostly by trolling small lures along the reef edge and in deeper water, often on the same trip as kingfish, tuna and wahoo. A 4 hour private charter suits most families.
What is a bonito? Little tunny vs Atlantic bonito
"Bonito" is one of those fish names that changes from place to place. Off the Riviera Maya, the fish most captains and anglers call bonito is the little tunny, which is also known as false albacore or "albie" in the US. It's a small, chunky member of the tuna family and one of the hardest fighting fish for its size in the Caribbean.
How to spot one
A torpedo shaped body, a steel blue back covered in wavy, worm-like lines, a clean silver belly and a few dark spots just below the side fin.
Typical size
Most bonito landed on a charter are somewhere around 5 to 15 pounds, with the odd bigger one mixed in.
Not to be confused with
Atlantic bonito have straight, slanted stripes on the back, and skipjack tuna have stripes on the belly. All three are cousins, and all three pull hard.
Whatever you call them, they share one trait: once hooked, a bonito takes off on a blistering first run that makes the reel scream. Ask anyone who has fought one and the first word they use is usually "fast".
When and where to catch bonito in the Riviera Maya
Bonito are around for most of the year here. The Fishing Info page rates them excellent from October through December, good through the rest of winter and again in summer, and quieter in late spring. That makes them one of the best targets for fall and holiday visitors, right when bigger summer species like mahi mahi thin out. The Fishing Info page also has the latest reports on what's biting this week.
As for where: bonito follow the bait. Off Puerto Aventuras, the Mesoamerican Reef runs along the coast and then drops off into deep blue water, and schools of small baitfish gather along that edge. Bonito push the bait up to the surface, the birds see it and dive in, and that's often how the crew finds them. Because the drop-off is so close to the marina, you spend very little time running and most of the trip with lines in the water.
How the crew catches bonito
You don't need any experience. The captain and mate choose the spot, set the lines and hand you the rod when something bites. A typical bonito trip looks like this:
- Trolling small lures. Bonito like small, shiny lures pulled at a good clip, so the crew runs a spread of smaller feathers and lures along the reef edge and over deeper water, adjusting speed and depth through the day.
- Watching for birds. Diving seabirds and splashing bait are the classic sign of a feeding school. When the crew spots them, the boat works around the edge of the action.
- The strike and the run. A bonito hit is sudden, and the first run is the fun part. Keep the rod tip up, hold on and let the drag do its job. The crew will coach you the whole way.
- Doubles are common. Because bonito travel in schools, it's not unusual for two or three rods to go off at once, which gets everyone on the boat involved.
The same spread also catches kingfish, barracuda, tuna and wahoo, so there's usually plenty of variety. All rods, reels, tackle and bait come with every charter, so there's nothing to buy or pack.
Why bonito are perfect for kids and first timers
Big game fish like sailfish are a thrill, but they can take a while to find. Bonito are different. They tend to bite often, they're a size most kids can handle with a little help, and they fight far harder than they look. For a young angler, that first screaming run is the moment they get hooked on fishing.
They also make a great warm-up. Lots of families start the morning on bonito and kingfish, then spend the last part of the trip trying for something bigger. On a 4 hour trip there's even time to jump in with the snorkel gear on the way back.
Are bonito good to eat?
Bonito have dark red, rich meat with a stronger flavor than yellowfin tuna, so opinions are split. The secret is how they're handled: bled and iced right away, fresh bonito is very good, especially as ceviche or quickly seared.
On board, the crew makes fresh ceviche and guacamole with the catch of the day, and your keepers are cleaned and bagged to take with you. Plenty of anglers release their bonito, and captains often keep one or two as bait for bigger fish, since bonito strips are a favorite with sailfish and marlin. If you want to eat yours, several local spots around Puerto Aventuras will cook your catch. Billfish are always released.
Bonito 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, and fishing licences are included. A 30% deposit holds your date and is fully refunded if 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 bonito
- 3 hours: a quick run to the drop-off. Bonito are close, so even a short trip gives you a real shot.
- 4 hours: the sweet spot for families and first timers. Time for bonito, kingfish and barracuda, plus a snorkel stop if you like.
- 6 hours: warm up on bonito, then go looking for tuna, wahoo or billfish in season.
- 8 hours: a full day for keen anglers who want to try for everything.
Check availability
Pick your date, group size and trip length. We confirm by email, usually within 24 hours.
Which boat is best for bonito?
32' Blackfin
Up to 6 guests. Quick and nimble, ideal for a family chasing birds and breaking fish. From $450.
38' Luhrs Express
Up to 10 guests. Wide and stable, with room for everyone when two or three rods go off at once. From $670.
45' Viking Express
Up to 15 guests. A big cockpit and plenty of shade for larger groups and longer days. From $700.
See photos and specs on the fishing boats page, or compare the full lineup 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 |
Staying in Playa? Read our guide to fishing in Playa del Carmen. Staying further north? See fishing from Cancún.
Tips for your bonito fishing trip
- Go in the morning. The sea is often calmer and the birds are working.
- Hold on tight on the strike. The first run is fast, so keep the rod tip up and let the reel do the work.
- Decide early if you want to eat one. Tell the crew so they can bleed and ice it right away.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses. Polarized lenses help you spot birds and bait.
- Bring cash for the dock fee and a tip for the crew.
- Take seasickness tablets before you leave if you're prone to it.
Chase bonito off the Riviera Maya
Private charters from Puerto Aventuras with an English-speaking crew. Blue water 15 minutes from the dock, tackle, bait and licences included.
Check AvailabilityFrequently asked questions
When is bonito season in the Riviera Maya?
Bonito are caught most of the year. Our fishing calendar rates them excellent from October through December, good through the rest of winter and in summer, and quieter in late spring.
Is a bonito the same as a little tunny or false albacore?
Off the Riviera Maya, the fish called bonito is usually the little tunny, also known as false albacore. The Atlantic bonito is a close cousin with straight stripes on its back. Both are small members of the tuna family.
Are bonito good to eat?
They have dark, rich meat with a stronger flavor than yellowfin. Bled and iced quickly, they're good as ceviche or seared. Many anglers release them or keep them as bait for bigger fish.
How are bonito caught?
Mostly by trolling small lures at a good speed along the reef edge and in deeper water. The crew watches for diving birds and bait at the surface, which usually means a school is feeding.
How big do bonito get?
Most bonito caught on a charter here are around 5 to 15 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish. They fight much harder than their size suggests.
How much is a bonito 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.
Is bonito fishing good for kids?
Yes. Bonito bite often, they're a manageable size and they pull hard, so kids get real action. A 4 hour trip is the sweet spot for most families.