Yellowfin tuna fishing in the Riviera Maya is closer than most people expect: the reef off Puerto Aventuras drops into deep blue water about 15 minutes from the dock, and that's where yellowfin and blackfin tuna hunt. A private charter starts at $450 for the whole boat for 3 hours, with an English-speaking crew, tackle, bait and licences included.
This guide covers the two kinds of tuna you can catch off this coast, the best months to go, how the crew finds and catches them, what fresh tuna is like straight off the boat, what a tuna fishing charter costs in 2026, and which boat and trip length give you the best shot.
Quick answer: our fishing calendar rates tuna as good from July through March and fair from April to June. They're caught by trolling the drop-off and deeper water, often on the same trip as wahoo, kingfish and bonito. A 4 hour private charter suits most groups, and 6 hours gives the crew more time to follow the birds.
Yellowfin vs blackfin: the tuna of the Riviera Maya
Two kinds of tuna feed in the warm Caribbean water off the Riviera Maya, and you can catch both on the same trolling spread.
Blackfin tuna
The smaller cousin, usually under about 20 pounds, with dark finlets and a bronze stripe along the side. The tuna you're most likely to meet on a typical trip, and a hard fighter for its size.
Yellowfin tuna
The bigger prize. Bright yellow fins and finlets, a torpedo body and serious power. Yellowfin show up less often, which is exactly why landing one feels so good.
Both great eating
Deep red, rich meat that's perfect for sashimi, poke, ceviche or a quick sear.
Pound for pound, tuna are some of the strongest fish in the ocean. They don't jump like a sailfish or a mahi mahi. Instead they dive and pull, and a good-sized tuna will make you work for every turn of the reel. Ask anyone who has fought one and they'll tell you about their arms the next day.
When and where to catch tuna in the Riviera Maya
Tuna are a year-round fish on this coast, but they're most reliable in the second half of the year and through the winter. The Fishing Info page rates them good from July all the way through March, and fair in April, May and June. It's also where you'll find the latest reports on what's biting this week.
That makes tuna one of the best targets for fall and winter visitors. When mahi mahi become rare after the summer, the crew puts more focus on tuna, wahoo, kingfish and bonito. In spring the spotlight moves to billfish and mahi, so if you're visiting in May or June, read our mahi mahi guide and marlin and sailfish guide too.
As for where: tuna follow the bait. Off Puerto Aventuras, the Mesoamerican Reef runs along the shore and then falls away into deep water, with the current pushing baitfish along the edge. Tuna feed along that drop-off and in the open water beyond it. Because it's so close to the marina, very little of your trip is spent running, and most of it is spent with lines in the water.
How the crew catches tuna
No experience is needed. The captain and mate pick the spot, set the lines and hand you the rod when a fish hits. Here's how a typical tuna fishing trip works:
- Trolling the drop-off. The boat pulls a spread of lures and rigged baits along the reef edge and over deeper water. The crew changes lures, speed and depth to suit the day.
- Watching for birds. Diving seabirds and bait breaking the surface are the classic sign that tuna are feeding below. When the crew spots them, the boat works the area.
- The strike. A tuna hit is a hard, steady pull rather than a jump. Keep the rod tip up, keep winding and let the drag do its job. The crew will clear the other lines and coach you through it.
- At the boat. Tuna often circle under the boat at the end of the fight, so be patient. The mate gaffs or lifts the fish once it's beside the boat.
The same spread also catches wahoo, kingfish, bonito and barracuda, so even on a slow tuna day there's usually plenty of action. All tackle and bait come with every charter, so there's nothing to buy or pack.
Eating your tuna: sashimi and ceviche on board
Few fish are better fresh than tuna. The meat is deep red, rich and buttery, and there's nothing quite like tasting it an hour after it left the water.
On board, the crew makes fresh ceviche and guacamole with the catch of the day, and tuna ceviche is a favorite. Your keepers are cleaned and bagged to take with you. If you're staying somewhere with a kitchen, slice it thin for sashimi or poke, or give it a quick sear and leave the middle rare. Many restaurants around Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen and Tulum will happily cook your catch for you. Billfish are always released.
Tuna 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, 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 tuna
- 3 hours: a quick run to the drop-off. You can catch tuna, but there's less time to search for feeding fish.
- 4 hours: the sweet spot for most families and first timers. Time to troll for tuna plus wahoo, kingfish and bonito.
- 6 hours: the best pick if tuna are your main goal. The crew can push into deeper water and follow the birds.
- 8 hours: a full day for keen anglers who want to try for everything, from yellowfin to billfish in season.
Snorkel gear is on every boat, so it's easy to add a quick swim on the reef on the way back.
Check availability
Pick your date, group size and trip length. We confirm by email, usually within 24 hours.
Which boat is best for tuna?
32' Blackfin
Up to 6 guests. Quick and nimble, great for a small group trolling the drop-off. From $450.
38' Luhrs Express
Up to 10 guests. Wide and stable, with room for everyone when a tuna starts pulling. From $670.
45' Viking Express
Up to 15 guests. A big cockpit and real range for longer days in deeper water. From $700.
See photos and specs on the fishing boats page, or read how a longer day in the blue water works in our deep sea fishing guide.
Getting to Puerto Aventuras Marina
The marina sits right off Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, so it's an easy trip from most of the coast. 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 further north? See our guide to fishing from Cancún. Staying close by? Our Akumal fishing charters guide covers the short drive from Akumal.
Tips for your tuna fishing trip
- Go in the morning. The sea is often calmer and the birds are working.
- Pace yourself on the fight. Tuna pull hard and steady. Short, smooth pumps of the rod beat trying to crank them in all at once.
- Bring a cooler bag for the ride home if you plan to eat your tuna, and get it on ice or into the fridge quickly.
- Plan a sashimi night. Pick up soy sauce, wasabi and limes before the trip so dinner is ready to go.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses, plus cash for the dock fee and a tip for the crew.
- Take seasickness tablets before you leave if you're prone to it.
Chase tuna 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 tuna season in the Riviera Maya?
Tuna are caught all year here. Our fishing calendar rates them good from July through March and fair from April to June, so fall and winter are a great time to target them.
Can you catch yellowfin tuna near Cancún and Playa del Carmen?
Yes. Yellowfin and blackfin tuna both feed in the deep water off this coast. Our boats leave from Puerto Aventuras, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and the blue water starts about 15 minutes from the dock.
How much is a tuna 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. Licences, tackle and bait are included.
What is the difference between yellowfin and blackfin tuna?
Blackfin are smaller, usually under about 20 pounds, with dark finlets. Yellowfin grow much bigger and have bright yellow fins and finlets. Blackfin are the tuna you're most likely to meet on a typical trip, and a yellowfin is the bigger prize.
How are tuna caught here?
Mostly by trolling lures and rigged baits along the drop-off and over deeper water. The crew watches for diving birds and bait schools, which often mean tuna are feeding underneath.
Can we eat the tuna we catch?
Yes. The crew makes fresh ceviche on board with the catch of the day, and your keepers are cleaned and bagged so you can have them cooked or served as sashimi.
How many hours should I book for tuna?
4 hours suits most families. If tuna are your main goal, 6 hours gives the crew time to work deeper water and follow the birds.