Fishing in Tulum has a rhythm of its own. It starts early—usually just after sunrise—when the town is still quiet and the sea feels like it belongs to you. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, a boat rental in Tulum offers the perfect way to experience this serenity. The boat drifts past the shoreline, and for a moment, everything slows. No noise, no traffic, just water and peace.
Best Time of Year to Book a Fishing Trip with a Boat Rental in Tulum
Unlike other coastal spots that are packed with resorts and busy marinas, Tulum offers something more low-key—more connected to the natural pace of the coast. The surrounding waters stretch from shallow flats full of movement to deep blue channels where larger fish roam. Bonefish, tarpon, barracuda, and marlin all have their season here, and there’s no shortage of opportunity if you’re willing to follow their patterns.
Whether you’ve been fishing for years or are thinking about casting a line for the first time, having your own boat makes a big difference. You can choose where to go, how long to stay, and what kind of day you want to have. And if you time it right, the water will do the rest
Best Time of Year to Book a Fishing Trip with a Boat Rental in Tulum
Tulum is one of those places where fishing is possible pretty much year-round—but that doesn’t mean every month offers the same kind of action. Some times of the year are better than others depending on what you’re hoping to catch and how you want to spend your day on the water.
Spring to Early Summer (March – June)
This stretch of the year is often the sweet spot for anglers. The dry season is still hanging on, the winds are calmer, and the water is warming up—creating ideal inshore and offshore conditions. Permit and bonefish tend to be especially active on the flats during these months, while the deeper waters start attracting sailfish and marlin. If you’re after a combination of smooth cruising and high chances of success, spring and early summer are hard to beat.
Summer (July – August)
The heat kicks in during mid-summer, and so does the offshore fishing. This is when many anglers chase trophy fish like blue marlin, white marlin, and dorado. These warm, deep waters just off Tulum’s coast come alive with energy, and boats head out early to take advantage of the best bites. It’s a great time for those targeting bigger species, but be ready for humidity and the chance of afternoon storms.
Fall (September – October)
This time of year is part of the rainy season, and it does come with a higher chance of storms or even hurricanes. That said, there are still calm days in between, and some locals swear by the action during this window—especially for reef species like snapper and grouper. If you’re flexible with your dates and okay with watching the forecast, it can be worth it. Just know that last-minute rescheduling is sometimes necessary.
Winter (November – February)
While the water cools slightly, the fishing doesn’t slow down. In fact, this is a popular time for anglers who enjoy a more relaxed, scenic experience with steady chances of catching bonefish, permit, and barracuda. Sailfish also begin showing up in stronger numbers, especially early in the year. The dry season brings cooler air and calmer seas, which makes winter a great option if you’re after comfort and reliability on your trip.
Prime Fishing Seasons by Species
Permit (Flats)
Tulum’s Ascensión Bay is nicknamed the “Permit Capital,” and these hard-fighters are most active in spring and early summer. Permit fishing is excellent from about April through July, tapering off in late summer. You’ll still find permit (and bonefish) in the mangrove flats all year, but catches are typically bigger and more frequent in the warm months.
Bonefish (Flats)
Bonefish are nearly year-round fixtures on the flats around Tulum. Their season is broad – rated excellent from spring through fall (roughly March–October) with very good fishing even in winter. In practice, anglers have success on bonefish any time of year, but spring and summer often offer the calmest waters and most consistent sightings.
Barracuda (Reefs & Flats)
Great barracuda are plentiful around Tulum year-round. Barracuda fishing is strong year-round, with almost every month rated excellent. These speedsters cruise both reefs and open water; their presence is reliable in the dry and wet seasons alike. If you want some fast action, any trip could yield a barracuda bite, though January and December are rated just a notch below (very good) compared to other months.
Billfish (Offshore – Sailfish/Marlin)
Tulum sits on a deep underwater canyon, making big-game fishing easy off the coast. Sailfish, blue and white marlin, and swordfish are caught year-round, but they tend to bite hardest in the summer months. Long, hot days from May through August often see the best billfish action. Local migratory patterns also bring sailfish close in winter – January through March is known for sailfish runs – so there is useful off-season sport as well.
Why a Private Charter Beats a Group Trip?
Booking a private fishing charter in Tulum means the boat is all yours – you decide the schedule, the pace, and the targets. This exclusive style trip comes with many perks:
Custom Itinerary
You can focus on your preferred species and fishing style (e.g. flats or deep sea) without being limited by other anglers’ plans.
More Time Fishing
Private charters save time. You’re not waiting for other guests to gather or for group approvals. Your captain can immediately head to the best spots for the species you want.
Personal Attention
The captain and crew devote their full attention to your party. They’ll tailor the baits, tackle and location to match your skill level and preferences – and everyone gets instruction and assistance.
Comfort and Privacy
Relax on a spacious boat without strangers. You’ll have room to move around, enjoy snacks or beverages, and store personal gear. Many luxury yachts offer amenities like cabins, cushioned seating and shade areas.
Fishing Vessels Options
Luxury Yacht Rental Cancun offers a fleet of premium boats for fishing in Tulum. Here are a few highlights from our collection:
La Favorita (24-ft Fishing Boat)
A nimble panga-style fishing boat, La Favorita is perfect for small parties or family groups. Its shallow draft lets you reach skinny flats in Ascensión Bay and Boca Paila easily. It’s equipped for serious fishing, yet small enough to give a personalized, laid-back feel.
58 ft Azimut (Luxury Motor Yacht)
This elegant yacht blends comfort and performance. With indoor cabins and a spacious deck, it’s great for anglers who want a bit of luxury on the way to deep-water fishing spots. There’s ample room for gear and for relaxing between casts.
48 ft Azimut (Motor Yacht)
Slightly smaller, this 48-ft Azimut still offers high-end amenities. It’s agile and fast, making for quick runs to both offshore reefs and inshore waters. The interior lounge provides a cool retreat, and the deck has space for up to a half dozen anglers.
85 ft Azimut (Superyacht)
For large parties or those wanting a “wow” factor, the 85-ft Azimut superyacht is the ultimate choice. It features multiple decks, cabins, and all the trappings of a superyacht. You’ll fish in grand style while still having access to all top equipment and guides.
Pick and choose the best boat rental in Tulum that suits your preference.
75 ft Sunseeker Gambler Yacht
- Type: 75 ft sunseeker luxury yacht
- Base: Cancun
- size: 75 ft
- Price: starting at $3,699 plus marine taxes
small catamaran cancun
- Type: Small Catamaran
- Base: Cancun
- size: 36 ft
- Price: 1099 plus marine taxes
overnight boat charter
- Type: Overnight Boat Charter
- Base: Cancun
- size: 51 feet
- Price: Contact us for price per night
2 night Charter Cancun
- Type: Boat Airbnb and Charter
- Base: Cancun
- size: 51 feet
- Price: Contact us for price per night
adult only cancun party cruise to isla mujeres
- Type: adult only cancun party cruise to isla mujeres
- Base: Cancun
- size: each boat has 30-35 people
- Price: $139 usd / 7 hr tour
booze cruise to isla mujeres regular
- Type: Booze cruise to isla mujeres on smaller catamarans
- Base: Cancun
- size: each boat has 30-35 people
- Price: $119 usd / 7 hr tour
50 ft all inclusive luxury yacht
- Type: Power Yacht
- Base: Cancun
- size: 50 feet
- Price: from 4 hour rental
51 ft power catamaran
- Type: Power Catamaran with slide (slide extra cost)
- Base: Cancun
- size: 51 feet
- Price: $ 2999 / 4 hrs
68 ft luxury sea ray yacht
- Type: Luxury mortor Yacht
- Base: Cancun
- size: 68 feet
- Price: $ / 6 hrs
55 ft Sunseeker power yacht cancun
- Type: Sunseeker power yacht
- Base: Cancun
- size: 55 ft
- Price: $599 per hour
SWIM WITH THE WHALE SHARKS
- Type:Whale Shark Tour
- Base: Cancun
- size: motor boat
- Price: From Cancun 195 usd per person From Playa del Carmen 205 usd per person From Akumal and Tulum 215 usd per per person
Hip Hop Boat Party Cancun
- Type: hip hop party boat Cancun
- Base: Cancun
- size: 50
- Price: 109 usd per person for 3.5 hrs
Rockstar boat party
- Type: Rockstar party boat cancun
- Base: Cancun
- size:50
- Price: 109 usd for 3.5 hours
La fovorita fishing boat
- Type: Fishing Boat Cancun
- Base: Cancun
- size:24 ft
- Price: 599 usd 4 hrs / 899 usd 6hrs / 999 usd 8 hrs usd
Isla mujeres catamaran platinum tour
- Type: NON-PRIVATE catamaran tour
- Base: Cancun
- size: each boat has 30-35 people
- Price: $139 usd / 7 hr tour
Large Power Yacht Azimut
- Type: Big azimut yacht
- Base: Cancun
- size: 100 feet
- Price: $11,999 / 8 hrs
Cancun Party Boat
- Type: Large Motor Boat for up to 250 people
- Base: Cancun
- size:
- Price: $13,350 / 6 hrs/ 150 people / 89 usd x extra guest
85 ft Azimut Motor Yacht
- Type: Luxury Superyacht
- Base: Cancun
- size: 85 feet
- Price: $9,999 / 8 hrs
Cancun Luxury Superyacht
- Type: Luxury yacht charter
- Base: Cancun
- size: 69 feet
- Price: $3,999 / 6 hrs
Let us know how many people, which city and if you have a budget in mind to send you a quote that fits yours boat needs.
Top Fishing Spots Around Tulum
Fishing diversity is a key draw in Tulum. Within easy reach of port, you’ll find world-class flats, reefs, and open ocean.
Ascensión Bay (Bay of Ascension)
Often called the Permit capital of the world, Ascensión Bay is a shallow mangrove lagoon system ideal for inshore species. Here you can cast for bonefish and permit on flat, sandy shallows just minutes from dock. Tarpon also wander through the bay in season. Because the bay is well-protected, it offers calmer waters when the open sea is rough.
Boca Paila (Sian Ka’an Biosphere)
Just north of Tulum, the Boca Paila flats (part of the Sian Ka’an Reserve) mirror Ascensión Bay’s action. Bonefish, permit, snook and even rolling tarpon abound amid the mangroves. The shallow backcountry here is tranquil and scenic – a great spot for fly-fishing or light-tackle adventures.
Mesoamerican Reef (Offshore Reefs)
Tulum lies directly on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere. Reef fishing is excellent for snapper, grouper, jacks and barracuda. Beyond the reef, currents funnel big gamefish like sailfish, marlin and dorado (mahi-mahi) along the coast. In summer you may pull up a wahoo or yellowfin tuna, while winter brings the celebrated sailfish migrations. A typical deep-sea charter will cruise the reef edges and drop lines right where the reef meets the blue canyon.
Tips for First-Time Anglers in Tulum
Fishing off Tulum is straightforward, but a few tips will help make your experience smooth and enjoyable:
Get a Fishing License
All anglers in Mexico need a valid fishing permit. The good news is that charter captains include this in your booking cost, so you usually won’t have to worry about buying one yourself. Just make sure your captain has it handled before departure.
Pack Smart
Bring reef-friendly sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses to protect against the strong tropical sun. Wear light, quick-dry clothing. Even on a warm day you may want a light rain jacket or windbreaker for when you head offshore early in the morning.
Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks
It’s easy to get sunburned or dehydrated. Carry a refillable water bottle. Charters often provide light refreshments (and many have open bars on deluxe boats), but you can also pack snacks you enjoy.
Anti-Seasickness Measures
If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding. Over-the-counter motion sickness pills or bands can help. The mornings are usually calmer, so starting the trip early can also reduce rocking and help avoid nausea.
Listen to Your Guide
Your captain and crew are local experts. They’ll advise you on what bait or lures to use and where to fish. Communicate your interests (catch-and-release or keep, target species, etc.) and skill level; they’ll adjust the trip accordingly. Learning from them will improve your chances of landing fish.
Bring a Camera and Storage Bag
You’ll want photos of any trophy fish. A waterproof camera or phone case is handy. Also have a small bag ready to hold sunglasses, keys and other valuables while you fight a fish.
Plan for Tips
It’s customary to tip the captain and crew for good service (usually 10–20% of the charter price). Consider bringing small bills in USD or pesos for tipping at the end of the day.
Ready to Fish in Luxury?
Tulum’s fishing grounds are world-class, and Luxury Yacht Rental Cancun makes it easy to enjoy them in style. Book a private fishing charter through our website to secure the best date. Our fleet of premium vessels and experienced crews will ensure your trip is seamless and successful. Visit Luxury Yacht Rental Cancun now and reserve your boat rental in Tulum for an unforgettable angling adventure!