Cancún Fishing Charters
Cancún fishing charters head straight out from the hotel zone into the Caribbean for sailfish, white and blue marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
Top Rated Charters in Cancún
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Cancún, MX Fishing Guide
Cancún sits at the northern end of the Riviera Maya, with its fleet working directly off the coast where the Mesoamerican Reef drops into deep bluewater. Most charters depart from docks and marinas in the Hotel Zone or Puerto Cancún, putting anglers within minutes of trolling grounds. Half-day trips often troll along the reef edge for wahoo, mahi, and sails, or bottom fish for snapper and grouper. Full-day trips push farther into open water for marlin, tuna, and big dorado, with some captains also running combo trips that pair reef fishing with offshore trolling.
The seafloor here drops quickly, so pelagic waters are very close—boats can be fishing in 200+ feet of water less than 20 minutes after departure. The reef itself offers reliable action for barracuda, snapper, grouper, and amberjack, making it a productive option when seas are choppy. Many charters also combine fishing with snorkeling stops at reefs and wrecks, popular with families.
Fishing in Cancún follows seasonal migrations. Sailfish peak in spring, when boats often raise multiple fish in a single day. Summer brings blue and white marlin offshore, along with dorado and tuna. Wahoo are strongest in winter and early spring, striking lures along reef edges. Reef species like snapper, grouper, and barracuda are steady year-round. With short run times, consistent pelagic traffic, and sheltered reef structure, Cancún is one of the Caribbean’s most dependable sportfishing hubs.
Fishing Seasons in Cancún
Spring (March–May)
Spring is sailfish season off Cancún. Boats trolling ballyhoo and skirted lures often raise multiple sails in a trip, with wahoo still strong along the reef edge. Dorado start showing in better numbers offshore, while reef fishing stays steady for snapper and grouper. Calm seas make spring a top choice for both offshore billfish trips and mixed reef runs.
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings marlin and dorado. Blue and white marlin strike large skirted lures offshore, while mahi gather around weed lines and floating debris. Yellowfin tuna appear farther out, often mixed with dolphin schools. Inshore, barracuda and jacks stay strong along the reefs. Sailfish taper off, but pelagic variety is at its peak, making full-day offshore runs popular.
Fall (September–November)
Fall keeps the offshore bite alive, with dorado and tuna still steady and marlin possible early in the season. Sailfish start to return as waters cool. Reef fishing improves, with snapper and grouper biting well on cut and live bait. Weather can be less predictable, but fishing pressure is lighter, giving anglers more room on the water. Many captains split trips between reef and offshore this time of year.
Winter (December–February)
Winter highlights wahoo and sailfish. Fast-trolled lures along reef edges produce wahoo, while sailfish numbers build steadily offshore. Reef trips for grouper, snapper, and amberjack are reliable, and barracuda are ever-present. Northerly winds can affect conditions, but the reef’s close proximity ensures steady action even when offshore waters are choppy.
Gamefish in Cancún
- Sailfish – 60–100 lbs. Peak in spring and winter, offshore, best taken trolling ballyhoo and skirted lures.
- Blue Marlin – 150–400 lbs. Summer offshore target, hooked trolling large skirted lures and live baits.
- White Marlin – 60–120 lbs. Appear in summer offshore, often mixed with tuna and dorado schools.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – 10–30 lbs. Best in summer and fall offshore, taken trolling ballyhoo and casting lures.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20–80 lbs. Summer and fall offshore, caught trolling and chunking near schools of bait.
- Wahoo – 20–50 lbs. Peak in winter and early spring along reef edges, taken on high-speed trolling rigs.
- Barracuda – 10–30 lbs. Common year-round along reefs and wrecks, strike both bait and lures.
- Snapper – 2–12 lbs. Year-round on reef bottoms, best on cut bait and jigs.
- Grouper – 10–40 lbs. Reef residents year-round, taken on live bait or bottom rigs.
Cancún Fishing FAQs
Where do Cancún fishing charters depart from?
Most boats leave from marinas in the Hotel Zone or Puerto Cancún, with quick access to the Caribbean.
What types of trips are common in Cancún?
Half-day charters troll nearshore or fish reefs for snapper and barracuda. Full-day trips run offshore for marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dorado
Do I need a fishing license in Mexico?
Yes, all anglers need a Mexican fishing license, which charters usually arrange before the trip.
When is the best time to fish Cancún?
Spring is peak for sailfish and wahoo, summer is best for marlin and dorado, and winter keeps reef fishing and wahoo steady.
What techniques do Cancún captains use?
Offshore trolling with ballyhoo and lures is the main method. Wahoo respond to high-speed trolling, while reef species are caught with live or cut bait rigs.
What species can I catch on reef trips?
Snapper, grouper, amberjack, barracuda, and jacks are common on the reefs year-round.
How close is the fishing to shore?
The reef line begins less than a mile offshore, so pelagic fishing starts within 15–20 minutes of leaving the dock.
How many anglers can fish on a Cancún charter?
Pangas usually carry 2–3 anglers, while larger sportfishers accommodate 4–6 or more.
Are combo fishing/snorkeling trips offered in Cancún?
Yes, many charters pair half-day reef fishing with snorkeling at reefs or wrecks, making them popular with families.