Private Fishing
Charters in Playa del Carmen

With Captain Carlos, 15+ years on these waters. Your own private boat, up to 5 guests, from $290 per group.

★★★★★5.0 on TripAdvisor · 34 reviews Private charters only Beach pickup at your hotel English and Spanish on board

Why fish with Carlos

Captain Carlos holding an almaco jack aboard La Chulada

A local captain

15+ years on these waters. He knows where they bite.

Family with a marlin on the beach in Playa del Carmen after a private charter

Pickup at your hotel

Right on the beach, from Playacar to Punta Esmeralda.

Guests with a mahi-mahi haul on the boat near Playa del Carmen

Fresh ceviche on board

Made with your catch on the 6 and 8 hour trips.

Choose your adventure

Your group, your pace. Up to 5 guests.

Two guests holding a large amberjack aboard La Chulada off Playa del Carmen4 hours

Half Day

Perfect for first-timers. Barracuda, snapper and dorado.

What's included
  • Fishing gear and license included
  • Bait and lures
  • 6 beers + 10 waters on board
  • Bring your own drinks too, cooler on board
  • Fish cleaning at the dock
  • Fresh ceviche: +$20 USD add-on
$290USD / private group
Book this trip
Guests showing their mahi-mahi catch on the boat in the Riviera Maya6 hours

Combo

Fish in the morning, snorkel in the afternoon.

What's included
  • Fishing and snorkeling combo
  • All gear on board
  • 6 beers + 10 waters on board
  • Bring your own drinks too, cooler on board
  • Fresh ceviche from your catch
  • Flexible itinerary
$390USD / private group
Book this trip
Two anglers with a sailfish on board La Chulada in Playa del Carmen8 hoursMost popular

Full Day

Offshore for sailfish, wahoo, mahi-mahi and marlin.

What's included
  • All fishing gear and license
  • Bait, lures and live bait
  • 6 beers + 10 waters on board
  • Bring your own drinks too, cooler on board
  • Snacks on board
  • Fresh ceviche from your catch
  • Fish cleaning and filleting
$520USD / private group
Book this trip
Sea turtle up close on a snorkeling trip off Playa del Carmen4 hours

Snorkeling

Turtles, reef life and crystal-clear water. 6 and 8 hour trips too.

What's included
  • Snorkeling gear for everyone
  • Guide in the water with you
  • Best reef spots in the Riviera
  • Bring your own drinks, cooler on board
  • Reef-safe sunscreen only, please
$290USD / private group
Book this trip

A 50% deposit holds your date. If the weather cancels your trip, Carlos moves it or refunds you. Read the booking policy

Which trip fits your crew?

Carlos adapts the day to your group.

First-timers and families

Never fished? The crew shows you everything.

Experienced anglers

Offshore with live bait, chasing sailfish and marlin.

Snorkelers and reef lovers

Turtles and reef fish, with a guide in the water.

Friends and small groups

Up to 5 people, the boat is all yours.

What's biting, month by month

Not sure which month to pick? Ask Carlos what's biting during your dates.

In seasonBest monthsThis month
Mahi-mahi catch Playa del Carmen
Mahi-mahiDorado · all year
Wahoo catch Riviera Maya
WahooJanuary to April · peak season
Sailfish catch Playa del Carmen
SailfishMarch to July · best March to May
Blue marlin catch Mexico
Blue marlinMay to September · peak July and August
Tuna fishing Riviera Maya
TunaMarch to August
Barracuda catch Playa del Carmen
BarracudaAll year

5 stars across 34 reviews

Straight from TripAdvisor.

★★★★★

"Edwin and Giovanni chose a wonderful, shallow spot and guided us through the reef to see a wealth of live coral and marine life. We've snorkeled with several companies on the beach, and this was by far the best experience we've had. We were especially grateful for the refreshing ceviche while we relaxed on the secluded beach. If you're considering a snorkeling trip, I highly recommend La Chulada Tours. They are reasonably priced, communicate excellently throughout, and are always punctual."

CC
Charles C.Couples · Oct 2022 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"My wife and I had a great time! We caught lots of fish, from tiny yellowtail snappers to a 35-pound amberjack that took a 10-minute fight to land. The captain, who spoke excellent English, knew where the fish were, and we scored at almost every stop. The boat was fairly small but well-equipped with plenty of rods and stabilizers. It was sturdy enough for the job, and we had plenty of room."

CS
Cassie S.Las Vegas, Nevada · Oct 2022 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"We went on a 4-hour offshore fishing trip and had a fantastic time! The crew was wonderful; they know so much about fishing, it's incredible. I loved listening to their stories!"

KA
kat060600Chicago, Illinois · Oct 2022 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"Great day on the fishing and snorkeling boat. 10/10. Highly recommend. Very friendly. Great fishing. I caught some of the best fish of my life. I did some snorkeling in a beautiful bay with lots of wildlife. I took a nice piece of king mackerel back to a local restaurant where they cooked it for us. I would definitely go with these guys again."

DB
Dick BrysonArdrossan, United Kingdom · Dec 2022 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"I can't recommend Carlos and Jovanny of La Chulada Snorkel and Sport Fishing enough. Their professionalism and friendly service made my day. As an inexperienced angler and snorkeling enthusiast, it was an extremely memorable experience. Thanks, guys!"

SR
Sophie R.Dec 2022 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"An incredible experience! Carlos and his team were fantastic and gave us a unique perspective on the Caribbean. The trip was very personalized; they didn't treat us like typical tourists. They are truly passionate about what they do. The snorkeling was spectacular: we saw turtles, manta rays, lots of fish, starfish, and squid."

JO
jorgedc1981Dec 2022 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"I contacted Carlos directly, and it was great working with him to schedule a fishing trip! We had the best time: great music, excellent ceviche on board, and it was clear to me that they worked hard to provide us with a great experience. They had snorkeling gear and drinks on board. We came home with fish for everyone! Carlos speaks Spanish and English and provided excellent customer service."

AS
Allison StewartDec 2022 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"I highly recommend Lachulada Fishing. Carlos and Giovany are very friendly and do everything they can to ensure we have a great trip. Even with challenging conditions, we ended up with two trophy wahoo. Not a huge catch, but the ones we did catch were excellent and memorable. Thanks again, Carlos and Giovany, for everything."

BY
ByamineMontreal, Canada · Jan 2023 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"My kids and I had a blast today with La Chulada. Captain Carlos and his crew really must know all the good spots because we caught two sailfish and three triggerfish during our half-day fishing trip. We also swam with stingrays in a fantastic spot for my kids to swim in. The crew was so friendly and fun. Highly recommended!"

TN
Troy N.March 2023 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"Carlos and his staff are excellent! They know where to find the best fishing spots, and if snorkeling is your thing, they won't disappoint! The bay they take you to is amazing! Their staff is very attentive, and the ceviche they make is the best! You have to try it! Quality and excellent service are hard to find together."

BE
BettotulumTulum, Mexico · July 2023 · TripAdvisor
Captain Carlos with two amberjacks on his boat in Playa del Carmen Captain Carlos holding an almaco jack aboard La Chulada

Meet Captain Carlos

"These are my waters. I know where they feed, where they run, and when they bite."

Carlos grew up here and has fished the Riviera Maya for over 15 years. He speaks English and Spanish and stays in touch with you on WhatsApp before your trip.

Questions travelers ask before booking

Still wondering? Ask Carlos on WhatsApp.

Ask Carlos
How much does a private fishing charter cost in Playa del Carmen?
Prices are per private group of up to 5 guests, not per person. 4 hours: $290 USD. 6 hours: $390 USD. 8 hours: $520 USD. Snorkeling trips are the same price for the same length of time.
Do I need fishing experience?
Not at all. Carlos and his crew help beginners and experienced anglers alike. All trips are suitable for first-timers and families.
How many people can come?
La Chulada takes up to 5 guests. Every charter is private, so it's just your group on board.
Where do you pick us up?
Right on the beach in front of your hotel. Carlos covers the whole stretch from Playacar to Punta Esmeralda. Send him the name of your hotel when you book.
What's included on each trip?
Fishing trips include all the gear, your fishing license, bait and lures, and 6 beers + 10 waters on board. Fresh ceviche from your catch is included on the 6 and 8 hour trips, and it's a $20 USD add-on on the 4 hour trip. Snacks come with the 8 hour full day. Snorkeling trips include gear for everyone and a guide in the water with you. On every trip, you're welcome to bring your own drinks: there's a cooler on board for you.
What should I bring?
A hat, comfortable shoes and your camera. Bring your own drinks too if you like, there's a cooler on board. Everything fishing-related is provided.
Going snorkeling? Use reef-safe sunscreen.
Regular sunscreen contains chemicals that damage coral reefs. If you're joining a snorkeling trip, please bring a Coral Reef Safe sunscreen, mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). It protects both you and the reef.
What fish can we catch, and when?
Mahi-mahi and barracuda bite all year. Wahoo runs January to April, sailfish March to July (best March to May), tuna March to August and blue marlin May to September (peak July and August). Closer to shore you'll also find snapper and other reef fish. See the fish calendar
Booking, deposit and cancellation policy
Deposit: a 50% deposit confirms your date. You can pay it by PayPal or by Mexican bank transfer. Carlos sends you the details on WhatsApp.
Weather: if Carlos decides the sea isn't safe, your trip is moved to another date or refunded.
If you cancel: the deposit is not refunded when the cancellation comes from your side.
What if the weather is bad?
Carlos watches the conditions closely and makes the call. If the sea isn't safe, he moves your trip to another date or refunds you.
Can we keep our catch?
Yes! The crew cleans and fillets your fish dockside. Many guests bring it to a local restaurant to have it cooked. Want a trophy? Carlos also offers taxidermy with worldwide shipping, customs handled.
Does Carlos speak English?
Yes. Carlos speaks English and Spanish, and he stays in touch with you on WhatsApp before your trip.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible, especially in high season (December to April). Message Carlos on WhatsApp to check availability and hold your date with the deposit.

Let's get you on the water

Tell Carlos your dates and group size. He replies fast.

Message Carlos on WhatsApp

A 50% deposit holds your date. If the weather cancels your trip, Carlos moves it or refunds you. Read the booking policy

Pickup areaOn the beach in front of your hotel, Playacar to Punta Esmeralda, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

© 2026 La Chulada Sport Fishing · Playa del Carmen, Mexico