Fishing in Cancun

Cancun is a great Fishing destination with excellent conditions both inshore and offshore. Thousands of Anglers head to Cancun because it is one of the best places for Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo and Dorado fishing. In inshore fishing, the main species are bonefish, jacks, tarpon, permit and snook.

Fishing in Cancun is possible all year round. But if you are looking for specific Species or a specific Fishing technique, you may want to check the Cancun Fishing Calendar to come in the right Season.

Spring

With fewer people and good weather, spring in Cancun and Playa del Carmen brings many exciting Species, both inshore and offshore. On the apartments north of Cancun, the inlets and lagoons Bonefish, Larger Tarpon and Permit are starting to show up. Fishing for snapper is also excellent on the reefs.

Spring is the best time for billfish fishing in Cancun and the entire Yucatan area. Sailfish are at their peak from February to July, while white marlin, blue marlin and mahi mahi are at their peak from late March to early August. Therefore, spring is definitely the best time to go deep sea fishing and marlin fishing in Cancun.

The weather in Cancun in spring is humid and you can expect little rain and mild temperatures in general, with an average of 80 degrees.

Summer

Tarpon up to 40 pounds are plentiful and action packed in the summer months in Cancun. Bonefish, Permit and Barracuda are also very active in the shallow waters and apartments during the summer months.

Offshore, in the deep blue waters of Cancun, pelagic fish are still around. Fishing for White Marlin, Sailfish and Blue Marlin is good until the end of August. Summer is also ideal for Mahi-Mahi until early September.

July and August are the hottest months of the year in Cancun. The average temperature during the summer in Cancun is around 28° C / 83° F. As the season progresses, the probability of rainfall increases, with September being the rainiest month of the year. Hurricane Season in Cancun is between June and November. Although Cancun has not been hit by a hurricane since 2005, they are most likely to occur during the months of September and October.

Fall

September and October are the rainiest months of the year. November is the start (All Saints Day) of the tourist season and the weather returns to dry.

Enjoy the early fall to catch the last Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish on the flats. Snook, Jack Crevalle and sea trout will take their place in the shallows.

Trolling for wahoo, mackerel and barracuda is available.

Winter

Fishing season in Cancun is a year-round sport. Baby Tarpon and Snook can be found year round in the Cancun and Isla Blanca area. Snook fishing in Cancun is excellent from February to August, with the high season being from November to January.

Fishing on the reefs with cut bait for example, you will find Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Amberjack....

Towards the end of December the first sailfish appear.
Barracudas, Snappers, Jacks, Trout and Dogfish can be fished all year long.

Barracuda, Snapper, Horse Mackerel, Sea Trout and Ladyfish are present all year round.

Besides fishing in Cancun, you can also enjoy the area by biking, visiting the ruins of Cozumel or El Rey, playing golf, snorkeling or scuba diving, sailing, hiking, shopping, enjoying the best spas, and much much more.

Discover the local customs and food in the hundreds of bars and restaurants in the area.

Fishing in Cancun requires a fishing license. Remember that Fishing charters usually already have a collective fishing license so you don't need to buy one if you are hiring a Boat.

You can buy a license for a day, a week, a month or a year at CONAPESCA. For more information visit Conapesca.

Depending on the Boat and the Duration of your Fishing trip, you will pay more or less for the trip. The Price for a 4 hour Fishing trip in Cancun with a small Boat is $350. A half-day trip with a 40-foot charter is about $800, while an 8-hour Fishing trip will cost you between $1,000 and $1,100. Sure, there are bigger Boats that are more expensive, but for that you also have more comfort.

What is included in the Price?

The Price usually includes the Captain, fishing tackle, fuel, bait and lures and licenses. In each listing we indicate if drinks and food are Included. Some Fishing charters also offer pick-up (free of charge) and transportation to and from the hotel. If your accommodation is far from the Boat, there may be a surcharge for transportation.

Once the Booking is made, the Captain will contact you to arrange the meeting point and departure time. In addition, we recommend that you contact the Captain a couple of days before the excursion to confirm the weather forecast.