If you're staying in Tulum and want a real day on the water, you're in one of the best spots in the Caribbean for it. Fishing in Tulum means deep blue water just minutes from shore, hard-fighting sailfish and mahi-mahi, and calm mornings that are perfect for families. This guide covers where the boats actually leave from, the best time of year to go, what you'll catch, and how to lock in a private charter.
Where you'll actually fish near Tulum
The Riviera Maya coastline drops off fast. Thanks to a deep underwater canyon running close to shore, you hit blue water and real fishing depth just a few miles out. That means less time running and more time with lines in the water, which is exactly what you want on a half-day trip.
Boats out of Puerto Aventuras fish the stretch of Caribbean between Puerto Morelos in the north and Tulum in the south. You'll troll the drop-off for pelagic fish, and on calmer days mix in bottom fishing over the reef and a snorkel stop on the way back in.
Types of fishing near Tulum
A Tulum fishing charter isn't one-size-fits-all. Depending on the season, your group and how far you want to run, a day on the water can look a few different ways:
Deep sea (offshore) fishing
This is the big draw. Because deep water sits so close to shore, deep sea fishing near Tulum means trolling the drop-off for pelagic fish like sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna. It's fast-paced, it's where the trophy fights happen, and it's the reason most people book a private charter here.
Reef and bottom fishing
Closer in, over the reef structure, you'll drop lines for snapper, grouper and other tasty bottom fish. It's more relaxed, steadier action, and great when you've got kids aboard or the offshore water is up.
Fishing and snorkeling combos
The Riviera Maya sits on the second-largest reef system in the world, so a lot of visitors mix a few hours of fishing with a snorkel stop on the way back in. Every boat carries snorkel gear, so it's easy to do both in one trip.
Best time to go fishing in Tulum
You can fish here year-round, and the water stays warm every month. That said, the offshore action peaks in spring and summer. Sailfish start migrating through in March, and the marlin, tuna and mahi bite is strongest from late spring into summer. Here's what's running month by month:
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailfish | ||||||||||||
| Blue & White Marlin | ||||||||||||
| Mahi-mahi (Dorado) | ||||||||||||
| Tuna | ||||||||||||
| Wahoo | ||||||||||||
| Barracuda & King Mackerel | ||||||||||||
| Snapper & Grouper (reef) |
For an up-to-the-week look at what's actually being caught, check our live Riviera Maya fishing report before you book.
What you'll catch
The headliners offshore are sailfish, blue and white marlin, mahi-mahi (dorado), and tuna. Closer to the reef and on shorter trips you'll tangle with barracuda, king mackerel, wahoo, snapper and grouper. Billfish like sailfish and marlin are catch-and-release, but the good eating fish (mahi, tuna, snapper) get cleaned, filleted and bagged for you to take back.
A few worth knowing before you go: sailfish are the acrobats, famous for tail-walking across the surface, and the signature catch of the Riviera Maya. Mahi-mahi are gold-and-green speedsters that hit hard and eat even better. And wahoo, most active in the cooler months, are one of the fastest fish in the ocean and a serious test of your drag.
Half day or full day? Picking your trip
Most visitors fishing out of Tulum book a 3, 4, 6 or 8-hour private charter. Here's the simple way to choose:
- 3–4 hours is perfect if you have kids aboard, want to mix in snorkeling, or just want a taste of offshore fishing without a full day committed.
- 6–8 hours gets you farther offshore to the marlin and tuna grounds, with more time to hunt trophy fish.
Because these are private charters, the boat is yours. No strangers, no shared cooler, just your group and the crew.
The boats
Fish Riviera Maya runs a three-boat fleet out of Puerto Aventuras, all rigged with quality tackle, shade, a clean head, and snorkel gear:
- 32' Blackfin Sportfisher — up to 6 anglers, a rugged classic that handles chop well
- 38' Luhrs Express — up to 10 anglers, wide beam and a smooth, dry ride
- 45' Viking Express — up to 15 anglers, big-group space and offshore comfort
See the whole fishing fleet for full specs and photos.
Tulum fishing charter prices
Fishing charters here are private and priced per boat, not per person, so the rate covers your whole group. Here's what a private trip runs, straight from the current rate card:
| Boat | Max | 3 hrs | 4 hrs | 6 hrs | 8 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32' Blackfin | 6 | $450 | $550 | $750 | $1,000 |
| 38' Luhrs Express | 10 | $670 | $750 | $1,050 | $1,150 |
| 45' Viking Express | 15 | $700 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,450 |
Prices are in USD. A $15 USD per-person dock fee applies. Every charter already includes the captain and crew, all gear and bait, ice, water and soft drinks, a fresh fruit platter and chips, plus guacamole and ceviche made onboard from your catch. The 6 and 8-hour trips add ham and cheese sandwiches. Want cold beers, margaritas or extra food? You can add those through additional services.
Why book with Fish Riviera Maya
If you're going to spend a morning offshore, go with a crew that does this every day and has the reviews to back it up. Fish Riviera Maya is a fully licensed charter company out of Puerto Aventuras, and a 2026 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice winner, with hundreds of five-star reviews from anglers who booked out of Tulum and around the Riviera Maya.
The captain and mate speak English, work hard all day, and know where the fish are in every season. And it's not only about the catch. On the ride back in, the crew turns your first fish into fresh ceviche and guacamole made right there on the boat, and cleans, fillets and bags the rest for you to take back to your hotel. First-timers, families with kids, and serious anglers all get looked after.
"They run a tight ship. The right crew to be with." — steveveloso, a fellow charter owner from Canada (Tripadvisor)
Ready to get on the water?
Private charters from Puerto Aventuras with hotel pickup from Tulum. English-speaking crew, all gear included, and your catch cleaned and bagged.
Book Your CharterWhat's included on a charter
A private trip with us covers the whole experience, not just the boat:
- Experienced English-speaking captain and mate
- All rods, reels, tackle and fresh bait
- Snorkeling gear for a reef stop
- Ice, bottled water, soft drinks, fresh fruit and chips
- Fresh ceviche and guacamole made onboard from your first catch
- Your keeper fish cleaned, filleted and bagged
- Optional roundtrip transportation from your Tulum hotel to the marina
Getting to the marina from Tulum
Trips leave from Puerto Aventuras Marina, a gated marina community about 30 to 40 minutes north of Tulum by car. If you're driving, it's a straight shot up Highway 307. If you'd rather not deal with a car, we offer optional roundtrip transportation from your hotel anywhere between Puerto Morelos and Tulum, so you get picked up, fish, and get dropped back off.
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your start time so the crew can get you aboard and briefed without eating into your fishing hours.
What to bring on your Tulum fishing trip
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat — the Caribbean sun is strong out on the water
- Sunglasses, ideally polarized, and a light layer if it's breezy
- A camera or phone for the catch photos (and the water is unreal)
- Cash for the crew tip and dock fee
- Any extra snacks or drinks you want beyond what's provided
Leave the gear at home. Rods, reels, tackle, bait and snorkel equipment are all on board. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, take a motion-sickness tablet before you leave the dock, since the water can pick up offshore.
Tulum vs Cancún vs Playa del Carmen for fishing
All three towns fish the same rich stretch of Caribbean, so the "best" spot really comes down to where you're staying and how far you want to travel to the boat. Puerto Aventuras sits right in the middle, which is why it's such a convenient home port for the whole Riviera Maya.
| Staying in | Drive to Puerto Aventuras Marina | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tulum | ~30–40 min north | Quick run up Highway 307, hotel pickup available |
| Playa del Carmen | ~20–25 min south | Closest town to the marina |
| Cancún | ~60–75 min south | Doable as a day trip with early pickup |
Wherever you're based, you're fishing the same water with the same crew. Check the live fishing report and our Riviera Maya fishing info to see what's running right now.
How to book fishing in Tulum
Peak months (spring and summer) fill up, so it's worth booking a week or two ahead. Send your date, group size and preferred trip length and we'll confirm availability and the best boat for your crew. Check the live fishing report to time your trip, then reserve your charter.
Fishing in Tulum: FAQ
Is there fishing in Tulum?
Yes. The Caribbean off Tulum has excellent deep sea fishing with sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna. There's no sport fishing marina in Tulum town itself, so charters depart from Puerto Aventuras Marina about 30 to 40 minutes north, usually with hotel pickup from Tulum included.
What is the best month to fish near Tulum?
Offshore fishing peaks from March through August. Sailfish migration starts in March, and marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi run strongest from May to August. Reef and inshore species like barracuda, snapper and king mackerel bite well all year.
How much does a fishing charter near Tulum cost?
Private charters start at $450 USD for a 3-hour trip on the 32' Blackfin (up to 6 people). Longer trips and larger boats cost more. Because it's a private charter, the price is for the whole boat, not per person.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. On a licensed charter the boat's permit covers everyone aboard, so you don't need to arrange your own Mexican fishing license.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Billfish like sailfish and marlin are released to protect the fishery. Eating fish such as mahi-mahi, tuna and snapper are cleaned, filleted and bagged for you to take back to your hotel or a local restaurant to cook.
Is it good for families and kids?
Absolutely. Shorter 3 to 4-hour trips with a snorkel stop are ideal for families. The boats have shade and a clean head, and the crew is great with first-timers and children.
How long are the fishing trips?
You can book a 3, 4, 6 or 8-hour charter. Shorter trips are great for families and reef fishing, while 6 to 8 hours gets you farther offshore to the marlin and tuna grounds with more time to hunt trophy fish.
Is the charter private or shared?
Every charter is private. The boat is yours and the price is for the whole group, so you're never sharing with strangers.
Do you offer hotel pickup from Tulum?
Yes. Optional roundtrip transportation is available from hotels anywhere between Puerto Morelos and Tulum, so you can skip the rental car and get dropped right at the marina.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first, so if conditions are unsafe the crew will work with you to reschedule or sort out a fair solution. Weather in the Riviera Maya usually clears fast, and the marina is protected. See the terms and conditions for the full policy.
Should I tip the crew?
Tips aren't required but are always appreciated for a hard-working crew. Many guests tip around 15 to 20 percent of the charter, and it's best to bring it in cash.