Fishing in Cancun offers year-round opportunities thanks to the convergence of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Winter months (December-February) excel for sailfish and wahoo, while reef fishing remains consistently productive for snapper and grouper. Spring (March-May) brings peak mahi-mahi action and stable weather conditions. Summer (June-September) is prime time for blue marlin, sailfish, and tarpon, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Fall (October-November) offers excellent tuna fishing as waters begin to cool, while blackfin tuna and kingfish return in greater numbers. The shallow reefs surrounding Cancun provide year-round options for bottom fishing, making it possible to have successful trips even when offshore conditions are challenging. The region's well-developed charter fleet operates throughout the year, with most boats offering both half-day nearshore trips and full-day offshore excursions to accommodate different species and seasons.

While Los Cabos boasts impressive fishing where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, Cancun offers several distinct advantages. The Caribbean waters are generally calmer than the Pacific, making for more comfortable fishing conditions and shorter runs to productive grounds. Cancun's extensive reef system provides reliable backup options when offshore conditions aren't ideal, something Los Cabos lacks. The variety of fishing environments – from shallow flats to deep blue water, all within close proximity – means anglers can target multiple species in a single day, whereas Los Cabos fishing often requires longer runs and more specialized trips. Additionally, Cancun's more consistent year-round climate means fewer canceled trips due to weather compared to the seasonal winds that can impact Los Cabos fishing.

Along the Costa Maya, several well-equipped marinas offer excellent fishing charter options. Starting from the north, Puerto Morelos Marina provides easy access to both reef and deep-water fishing grounds. Heading south, Puerto Aventuras Marina stands out as a premier facility with professional charter operations and modern amenities. The Marina V&V in Mahahual offers a more intimate experience with local captains who know the nearby reefs intimately. Xcalak's Marina maintains a small but experienced fleet ideal for accessing some of the region's most pristine waters near the Belize border. Each of these locations provides varying levels of service and accessibility, with Puerto Aventuras typically offering the most comprehensive range of charter options and amenities for serious anglers.

Cozumel's TMM Marina and Cozumel International Marina serve as ideal launching points for deep-sea and reef fishing adventures, operating exclusively outside the protected Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel. Their strategic location on the island's western side offers quick access to the deep waters of the Cozumel Channel, where currents attract large pelagic species year-round. The island's position provides unique advantages during rough weather, as boats can fish the lee side when conditions are challenging elsewhere. Cozumel's charter operations are particularly noted for their success with wahoo during winter months and their ability to target blue marlin as they migrate through the channel. While the National Marine Park boundaries restrict fishing along much of Cozumel's famous reef system, the island's professional charter fleet includes both larger sportfishing vessels for offshore trips and smaller center consoles that focus on productive areas beyond the park's limits.

Sport Fishing in Cancun Mexico

Cancun Fishing Calendar