Kingfish fishing in the Riviera Maya is good for most of the year, and our fishing calendar rates kingfish as good from June all the way through February. These fast, toothy king mackerel hunt along the reef edge just off Puerto Aventuras, and a private charter to go after them starts at $450 for the whole boat for 3 hours.
If you have ever watched a reel scream while a kingfish rips off line on its first run, you know why anglers love them. This guide covers what a kingfish is (and which "kingfish" we mean), when 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: kingfish are good off the Riviera Maya from June through February and fair from March to May. They are caught by trolling spoons, diving plugs and rigged baits along the reef edge and the first stretch of blue water, about 15 minutes from the dock. A 4 hour trip is plenty for a good shot, and 6 hours lets you add the deeper blue water for tuna and wahoo.
What is a kingfish?
Here in Mexico, and in the US Gulf and Atlantic, "kingfish" means the king mackerel, the biggest member of the mackerel family. Anglers just call them kings. In Australia and New Zealand the same word means the yellowtail kingfish, which is a different fish entirely (it's a cousin of the amberjack). This guide is all about the king mackerel.
How to spot one
Long, sleek and silver, with an iron gray back. The giveaway is the line along the side, which dips sharply down below the second dorsal fin. Young kings have yellow spots that fade as they grow.
Typical size
Most kings caught on a charter here are in the 8 to 25 pound range. Big fish over 40 pounds, which anglers call "smoker kings," turn up now and then.
Why anglers love them
Kings hit the bait at full speed, sometimes clearing the water, then make a long, blistering first run. It's one of the most exciting bites on the reef.
Kingfish are easy to mix up with their relatives. The Spanish mackerel is smaller and keeps its yellow spots its whole life, and the wahoo has bold tiger stripes and an even longer, pointier face. All three bite on the same trolling spread, so don't be surprised if you catch more than one kind.
Kingfish season in the Riviera Maya
Kings are one of the most reliable fish on this coast. The Fishing Info page rates them good from June through February, and fair from March through May, so there is a real chance at a king on almost any trip. They are a great target for fall, holiday and winter visitors in particular, when the spring sailfish and mahi mahi runs are over. 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 off into deep blue water. Kingfish patrol that edge, chasing schools of baitfish such as ballyhoo, sardines and small jacks. The drop-off is only about 15 minutes from the marina, so you spend your time fishing, not running.
How the crew catches kingfish
You don't need any experience. The captain picks the spots, the mate sets the lines, and you take the rod when one goes off. Here's how a typical kingfish session works:
- Trolling the reef edge. The boat pulls a spread of lures and baits at a steady speed along the drop-off, where kings wait for bait to pass by.
- Spoons, plugs and rigged bait. Shiny spoons and diving plugs get the lures down to where kings feed, and a rigged ballyhoo or a live bait often draws the bigger fish.
- Wire leaders. Kings have razor sharp teeth that slice through regular line, so the crew uses a short wire leader to keep them on.
- The first run. When a king hits, let it run. Keep the rod tip up, don't touch the drag, and start reeling when the crew tells you to. The crew will gaff or net the fish for you.
- All gear included. Every charter includes rods, reels, tackle and bait, so there's nothing to buy or pack.
The same trolling spread also catches barracuda, bonito and Spanish mackerel, and a few minutes further out you are in tuna and wahoo water. Most trips turn up a bit of everything.
Are kingfish good to eat?
Yes, especially smaller kings. The meat is rich and full flavored, a little oilier than a snapper or mahi, and it is great grilled as steaks, smoked or turned into fish dip. On board, the crew makes fresh ceviche and guacamole with the catch of the day, and they will clean and bag your keepers on ice to take home. Several spots around Puerto Aventuras Marina, a short walk from the boats, will cook your catch for you.
A few honest tips. Fish under about 15 pounds are the best eating, so many anglers keep one or two and release the big ones. Eat it fresh, because the flavor gets stronger after a day or two. And because larger king mackerel carry more mercury, US health guidance suggests pregnant women and young children choose a different fish. Catch and release is always an option, and billfish are always released.
Kingfish 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 and it can't be rescheduled.
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), a 12 pack of beer (from $20) and more through additional services.
How many hours to book for kingfish
- 3 hours: a quick troll along the reef edge. A fair shot at a king, barracuda or bonito, and good for younger kids.
- 4 hours: the sweet spot for most groups. Time to work the edge properly and try a few spots if the first one is quiet.
- 6 hours: troll the reef edge for kings, then push out into the blue water for tuna, wahoo or a seasonal sailfish.
- 8 hours: a full day for keen anglers, with time for trolling, a bit of bottom fishing and a snorkel stop.
Check availability
Pick your date, group size and trip length. We confirm by email, usually within 24 hours.
Which boat is best for kingfish?
32' Blackfin
Up to 6 guests. Quick, nimble and easy to keep on the reef edge. Great for a family or a small group. From $450.
38' Luhrs Express
Up to 10 guests. A wide, stable cockpit with room for several rods to go off at once. From $670.
45' Viking Express
Up to 15 guests. The most deck space and shade, ideal for bigger 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 kingfish trip
- Go early. Kings often feed hardest in the morning, and the sea is usually calmer too.
- Keep your hands away from the mouth. Those teeth are sharp, even on a small king. Let the crew unhook it.
- Tell the crew if you want to eat one. They'll keep a good eating size and ice it straight away.
- 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.
Hook a king this season
Private charters from Puerto Aventuras with an English-speaking crew. Reef edge 15 minutes from the dock, all tackle, bait and licences included.
Check AvailabilityFrequently asked questions
When is kingfish season in the Riviera Maya?
Kingfish are good from June through February and fair from March through May, so you have a real chance at one almost any time of year. Fall and winter are a great time to target them.
Is a kingfish the same as a king mackerel?
Yes. In Mexico and the US, kingfish is the common name for the king mackerel. In Australia and New Zealand, kingfish means the yellowtail kingfish, a different fish related to the amberjack.
How do you catch kingfish?
Mostly by trolling spoons, diving plugs and rigged baits like ballyhoo along the reef edge. Kings have sharp teeth, so the crew uses wire leaders. All tackle and bait are included.
How big do kingfish get?
Most kingfish caught on a charter here weigh about 8 to 25 pounds. Kings over 40 pounds are caught now and then, and the biggest can top 90 pounds.
Are kingfish good to eat?
Yes, especially fish under about 15 pounds. The meat is rich and a little oily, great grilled, smoked or as fish dip. Eat it fresh. Larger kings carry more mercury, so pregnant women and young children should choose another fish.
What is the difference between a kingfish and a Spanish mackerel?
Spanish mackerel are smaller and keep their yellow spots for life. Adult kingfish lose their spots and have a lateral line that dips sharply below the second dorsal fin.
How much is a kingfish 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. A 4 hour trip starts at $550.