Fishing in Cancún is excellent, and the easiest way to do it well is a private charter from Puerto Aventuras Marina, about an hour south of the hotel zone, where deep blue water starts roughly 15 minutes from the dock. Private boats run 3 to 8 hours and start at $450 for the whole boat, with gear, licences, drinks and snacks included.
This guide covers what you can catch, what a Cancún fishing charter really costs in 2026, how long to book when you're driving down from Cancún, and how to get to the boat without any hassle.
Quick heads up: our boats don't leave from Cancún itself. They leave from Puerto Aventuras Marina, off Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, which is about 60 to 75 minutes from the Cancún hotel zone. Lots of Cancún guests make the trip because the fishing grounds start almost right outside the marina, and the boat is private for your group only.
Fishing in Cancún or a short trip south?
Cancún has a big, friendly charter scene of its own, and plenty of good crews fish out of the hotel zone and the north end of town. If you only want to be on the water ten minutes from your hotel, those are a fine pick.
Here's why a lot of Cancún visitors still choose to fish out of Puerto Aventuras for deep sea fishing in Cancún, Mexico and the wider Riviera Maya:
Blue water, fast
The reef drops off into deep water close to shore here. You're trolling for pelagics about 15 minutes after leaving the dock, so more of your paid hours go to fishing.
100% private
Every trip is a private charter. No strangers, no shared rail, no splitting the cooler. Just your group, the captain and the mate.
A crew guests rave about
A 2026 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice winner with an English-speaking captain and mate. They make ceviche from your first fish and bag your keepers to take home.
If you're splitting your trip between Cancún and somewhere further south, it's worth reading our guides to fishing in Playa del Carmen and fishing in Tulum too, since you'll be fishing the same water.
What you can catch on a Cancún fishing trip
The Mexican Caribbean is warm all year, so something is always biting. Out in the blue water, the headline fish are sailfish, blue and white marlin, mahi mahi (dorado), tuna and wahoo. Closer to the reef you'll find barracuda, kingfish, bonito, amberjack and snapper, which are great fun on lighter tackle and great eating too.
- Sailfish and marlin: the big prize. Spring into early summer is billfish time, and May and June are the peak. All billfish are released.
- Mahi mahi: fast, colorful and delicious. Strongest from spring into summer.
- Wahoo: one of the fastest fish in the ocean, and best in the cooler months.
- Barracuda and kingfish: reliable most of the year, and a great way to get kids on a bent rod.
Want to see which months are best for each fish? Check the Riviera Maya fishing calendar and reports before you pick your dates.
Cancún fishing charter prices for 2026
Every charter is private and priced per boat, not per person, so the more of you there are, the better the deal. These are the 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 on top. Fishing licences are included, so you don't need to buy one yourself. A 30% deposit holds your date, and it's refunded in full if the weather cancels your trip.
Every charter includes an English-speaking captain and mate, all rods, reels, tackle and bait, snorkel gear, a cooler with ice, water and soft drinks, a fruit platter, chips, plus fresh guacamole and ceviche made on board. The 6 and 8 hour trips add ham and cheese sandwiches. You're also welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks, or add beer, wine and unlimited margaritas ($30 per person) through additional services.
How long to book when you're coming from Cancún
Because you'll spend about an hour each way getting to the marina, it usually makes sense to book a little longer than you would if you were staying next door. Here's a simple way to choose:
- 4 hours: the sweet spot for most families and first timers. Enough time to get offshore, troll the blue water, and maybe drop a line on the reef.
- 6 hours: the right call if billfish are the goal. It gives the crew time to work the deeper water for sailfish and marlin.
- 8 hours: a full day for serious anglers who want the best shot at a trophy.
- 3 hours: fine for a quick taste, though with the drive from Cancún most guests feel 4 hours is better value.
A typical day from the Cancún hotel zone looks like this: leave your hotel early, arrive at the marina about 15 minutes before your start time, fish for 4 or 6 hours, then head back with your fillets in a cooler. The marina also has restaurants that will cook your catch for a small fee if you'd like lunch before the drive home.
Getting from Cancún to the marina
Puerto Aventuras Marina sits just off Highway 307, the main road that runs south from Cancún along the coast. From the Cancún hotel zone it's about 60 to 75 minutes by car, depending on traffic. From Cancún airport it's a little less.
- Private transport: roundtrip pickup in an air-conditioned van is listed from Puerto Morelos down to Tulum (Puerto Morelos is $200 for up to 6 guests). If you're staying in Cancún, just ask when you book and the team will let you know what's possible for your hotel.
- Driving yourself: easy and straightforward. Follow Highway 307 south past Playa del Carmen, and turn in at Puerto Aventuras.
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your charter starts, so the crew can get you settled and out on the water on time.
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 tough, classic sportfisher that rides well in a chop. Great for couples, families and small groups. From $450.
38' Luhrs Express
Up to 10 guests. Wide and stable with a smooth, dry ride. A great pick for bigger families. From $670.
45' Viking Express
Up to 15 guests. Big cockpit, flybridge and serious offshore range. Ideal for groups and long billfish days. From $700.
All three boats have shade, a clean head (toilet), good tackle and snorkel gear. See photos and specs for each one on the fishing boats page, or read our deep sea fishing guide for the Riviera Maya for more on how a day offshore works.
Tips for a great charter fishing day from Cancún
- Book early in peak season. Spring, summer and holiday weeks fill up first, especially the bigger boats.
- Take something for seasickness before you leave the hotel if you're prone to it. The crew can also head to calmer water near the reef.
- Bring 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 if they've looked after you well.
- Kids are welcome. Charters are family friendly, and the crew can make arrangements for older guests or anglers with limited mobility.
- Mix in a snorkel. You're fishing next to the second largest barrier reef in the world, and snorkel gear is on every boat.
Still comparing options around the coast? Our round-up of Riviera Maya fishing charters covers how private trips work from start to finish, or you can head straight to private fishing charters for the full details.
Ready to go fishing?
Private charters from Puerto Aventuras, about an hour from Cancún. English-speaking crew, licences and gear included, and your catch cleaned and bagged.
Check AvailabilityFrequently asked questions
Is fishing good in Cancún?
Yes. The Mexican Caribbean has warm water all year and deep water close to shore, so you can target sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, barracuda and snapper. Spring and early summer are best for billfish.
How much does a fishing charter cost from Cancún?
Private charters start at $450 for a 3 hour trip 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.
Do I need a fishing licence in Cancún?
You need one to fish from a boat in Mexico, but on our charters the licences are included in the price, so there's nothing extra to buy.
How far is Puerto Aventuras from Cancún?
About 60 to 75 minutes by car from the Cancún hotel zone, straight down Highway 307. It sits between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
What is the best month to fish in Cancún?
There's good fishing all year. May and June are the peak for sailfish and marlin, mahi mahi are strong through spring and summer, and wahoo are best in the cooler months.
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 from your first catch on board. Sailfish and marlin are always released.
Is a fishing trip OK for kids?
Yes. The charters are private and family friendly, and a 4 hour trip suits most kids well. The crew can also help older guests or anglers with limited mobility.