Private Fishing Charter in Cancun: Deep-Sea Sportfishing on the Caribbean

Tour overview

Treat yourself to one of the Mexican Caribbean's greatest days out: a full day of deep-sea sportfishing aboard your own private boat. This 100% private charter is yours alone — family, friends or that special someone — so there's no sharing the boat with strangers and no fishing on anyone else's schedule. You set the pace; the captain and crew put you right on the fish.

Cancun has a rare natural advantage: just offshore, between Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy, the seafloor drops off sharply into deep blue water. That offshore drop-off brings blue-water fishing almost to the shoreline, so within minutes of leaving the marina you'll be dropping your first line for marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna and wahoo — just a few of the hundreds of species that roam these waters.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or heading out for the very first time, this charter is built for you to enjoy: the crew walks you through the techniques, the pro-grade gear is already rigged and ready, and the day flexes around you.

Deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean: why Cancun is world-class

The underwater terrain off Cancun makes this one of the best sportfishing grounds on the planet. Because the fishing grounds sit so close to shore, you spend less time running out and more time with a line in the water.

• Blue-water species: blue and white marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi (dorado), wahoo and barracuda headline the action, depending on the season.
• Bottom species: grouper, snapper and amberjack bite year-round on the bottom-fishing runs.
•  Every skill level: with 500-plus species out here, there's great fishing for first-timers and hardcore anglers alike.

Trolling and bottom fishing: the two techniques of your trip

On board we mix the two most productive Caribbean methods, depending on the day's conditions and what you're after:

• Trolling: we cruise at a steady speed dragging lures or bait (ballyhoo) at depths of 100–300 ft. It's the go-to technique for big topwater species like marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi and wahoo.
• Bottom fishing: we anchor over the grounds and fish at depths of 200–600 ft — ideal for grouper, snapper and other bottom dwellers. It's a more laid-back approach and a great fit for beginners.

Your boat and pro-grade gear on board

Our fleet runs from 31 to 41 feet, rigged for serious sportfishing and set up for your comfort all day long.

• Fish-finding tech: navigation GPS and a fish finder to zero in on the best schools.
• Fighting chairs: each boat has 1 or 2 fighting chairs with safety belts, built to help you battle the big ones safely.
• Gear included: pro rods and reels (Penn 6/0 with 50 lb line and Penn 9/0 with 80 lb line), lures and bait.
• Expert crew: a local captain and deckhands who know the grounds and coach you every step of the way.

Family-friendly and beginner-friendly

You don't have to be a pro to love this charter. The crew teaches the techniques from scratch and tailors the day to your group. And because we want the kids to get hooked too, we offer the family-friendly Fishing Scouts option, complete with a kids' “fishing passport,” drinks (sodas, juices and water), and rods and bait sized for little hands. It's a great way for the whole family to catch the fishing bug on their first trip out.

What makes this charter different?

• A boat just for you: 100% private, never shared. You call the shots on pace, breaks and which technique to focus on.
• Fishing grounds minutes away: thanks to Cancun's offshore drop-off, we reach the fish fast and you get more rod time.
• Total transparency: we spell out the fees (like the dock fee) and optional add-ons up front — no surprises when it's time to pay.
• Honest about the catch: fishing depends on weather, currents and the season, so we can't “guarantee” a catch. What we do guarantee is giving you the best shot — expert crew, quality gear and the top grounds.
• Responsible fishing: we encourage catch and release for billfish (marlin and sailfish) to protect the ecosystem, while species like mahi-mahi or tuna can be kept for the table.
• Drinks included: a cooler on board stocked with beer, sodas and water for the whole trip.

Fishing calendar: what bites and when in Cancun

There's fishing in Cancun all year long, but each species has its prime season. Use this guide to plan your trip around the catch you're dreaming of:
 

Species

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Amberjack

Barracuda

Bonito

Grouper

Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)

Blue Marlin

King Mackerel

Sailfish

Snapper

Yellowfin Tuna

Wahoo

 

Season key:

High season

Medium

Low

 

Note: the calendar is a guide only. Actual fishing depends on the weather, currents, tides and a bit of luck.

Sample schedule

• 7:00 AM approx. — Arrive at Chac Chi Marina (Hotel Zone, Km 3.2), check in and enjoy a continental breakfast.
• Morning — Head out; within minutes you reach the grounds and the fishing begins (trolling and/or bottom fishing).
• Midday — The fishing continues, with drinks on board.
• 2:00 PM approx. — Head back to the marina with your catch.

Note: times and duration (4, 6 or 8 hours) vary by boat. Since it's a private charter, everything flexes around your group.

The fleet and how to choose your private charter

Because it's a private service, you pick the boat that best fits your group from our 31–41 ft fleet. To choose well, keep four things in mind: how many of you there are, how many hours you want on the water, the type of fishing you're after and your budget. This quick guide helps you settle on a duration:
 

Duration	Best for	Fishing focus
4 hours	First-timers and families	Bottom and trolling close to shore
6 hours	The most balanced popular pick	Trolling + bottom fishing, more rod time
8 hours	Anglers after the big one	Running farther out to maximize blue-water fishing

 

Note: durations are a guide; availability and price depend on the boat. Tell us your date and party size when you request a quote and we'll recommend the ideal boat for your day on the water.

Comfort Line and Pro Line: choose your service level

Beyond duration, you can choose between two on-board service levels. The Comfort Line covers all the essentials for a great day of fishing, while the Pro Line adds premium extras — upgraded gear, live bait tanks, air conditioning and a fuller food-and-drink lineup — for anglers who want the most fully equipped experience. 

Here's what each level includes:

SERVICE	COMFORT LINE	PRO LINE
Fishing gear & bait	Yes	Yes
GPS & fish finder	Yes	Yes
Sodas, water & beer	Yes	Yes
Restroom	Yes	Yes
Continental breakfast	Yes	Yes
Premium fishing gear		Yes
Live bait tanks		Yes
Outriggers & catch flags		Yes
Air conditioning		Yes
Fruit & snack platter		Yes
Premium beer		Yes

 

What's included

• Exclusive private boat: a 31–41 ft boat just for your group, with a professional captain and crew.
• Complete fishing gear: pro rods and reels (Penn 6/0 and 9/0), lures and bait (ballyhoo).
• On-board tech: GPS, fish finder and fighting chairs with safety belts.
• Two fishing methods: trolling and bottom fishing.
• Cooler on board: beer, sodas and water for the trip.
• Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before your trip.

Not included

• Dock fee: a mandatory fee of about $20 USD per person, paid in cash at marina check-in.
• Hotel transportation: available for an extra charge; let us know when you book so we can arrange it.
• Meals: not included; you can add a meal option or bring your own on board.
• Crew gratuities (optional).
• Taxidermy or trophy-replica service (optional, on request).

What to bring

• Comfortable, lightweight clothing, ideally long sleeves for sun protection, plus a dry change of clothes.
• Non-slip shoes (sneakers or boat shoes) suitable for the deck.
• Hat or visor, sunglasses and reef-safe (biodegradable) sunscreen.
• Camera or phone in a waterproof case to capture your catch.
• Motion-sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness.
• Cash for the dock fee, gratuities and personal expenses.

Good to know

• Meeting point: Chac Chi Marina, Km 3.2 of the Cancun Hotel Zone. Hotel transportation is available for an extra charge (note it in the comments field when you book).
• Departures: available daily, subject to weather and to clearance from the Cancun Harbor Master.
• Fees: the dock fee (about $20 USD per person) is paid directly at the marina during check-in.
• Children: kids under 5 go free (they pay only the dock fee). Minors must be accompanied and supervised by an adult on board at all times.
• Safety: all boats carry safety equipment. Please follow the captain's and crew's instructions at all times.

 

Frecuently Asked Questions

What can you catch in Cancun, and when?

Do I need experience or a fishing license?

How many people can go on the boat?

Is hotel transportation included?

Do you guarantee we’ll catch fish?

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Is it good for kids and families?