Fish Species & Seasonality

In the Riviera Maya, Blackfin Tuna are present year-round, but their abundance fluctuates with the seasons. The peak season for Blackfin Tuna fishing typically occurs between June and July, when warmer waters attract large schools of these energetic predators. While still present during the rest of the year, their numbers are less concentrated.

In the Riviera Maya, Blue marlin are present throughout the year, but their abundance varies with the seasons. The peak season for Blue Marlin fishing typically begins in late spring, with May and June being prime months for encounters with these magnificent fish. The warm waters and plentiful baitfish during this period create ideal conditions for Blue marlin to hunt and feed. While still present during the rest of the year, their numbers are less consistent outside of the peak season.

In the Riviera Maya, Bonito are present year-round, but their abundance varies with the seasons. The peak season for Bonito fishing typically occurs during the winter months, from December to February, when cooler water temperatures and abundant baitfish attract large schools of these fast-swimming predators. While still present during the rest of the year, their numbers are less concentrated.

In the Riviera Maya, grouper are present year-round, but their availability and behavior can vary depending on the species and season. The peak season for grouper fishing typically occurs during the warmer months, from April to October, when they are more active and aggressively feeding. However, some species, like the Black Grouper, can be caught throughout the year with the right techniques and knowledge of their preferred habitats.

It is important to note that there is a closed season for grouper fishing in Quintana Roo, the Mexican state where the Riviera Maya is located. This closure usually takes place from February 1st to March 31st, during the peak spawning season, to protect their reproduction and ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

In the Riviera Maya, mackerel is present year-round. However, their abundance and behavior fluctuate with the seasons and is specific to particular species:

Spanish Mackerel: The prime time for catching Spanish Mackerel typically occurs during the spring and summer months, from April to September, when warmer water temperatures and abundant baitfish attract them closer to shore.

King Mackerel: There are two main peak seasons for King Mackerel in the Riviera Maya:

• Winter: December to February, when cooler waters attract baitfish and larger King Mackerel closer to shore.
• Spring: May to July, when warmer waters bring an influx of smaller King Mackerel, often referred to as “Cero Mackerel”.

In the Riviera Maya, Mahi-Mahi can be found year-round, but their abundance varies depending on the season. The peak season typically occurs from late spring to early fall, with May to July being prime months for encountering large schools of Mahi-Mahi. During this period, the warmer water temperatures and abundant baitfish create ideal conditions for these voracious predators.

While still present during the rest of the year, their numbers may be less consistent outside of the peak season. However, anglers can still find success by targeting areas with floating debris, sargassum patches, or temperature breaks, where Mahi-Mahi often congregate in search of food and shelter.

In the Riviera Maya, sailfish are present year-round, but their abundance varies significantly with the seasons. The peak season for sailfish fishing typically occurs from late winter to early summer, with March through June being the prime months for encountering these magnificent fish. During this period, the warmer waters and plentiful baitfish attract large schools of sailfish to the region. While still present during the rest of the year, their numbers are considerably lower outside of the peak season.

Skipjack tuna are present year-round in the waters off the southern Riviera Maya coastline due to the consistently warm temperatures. However, there may be some seasonal fluctuations in abundance related to their migratory patterns and prey availability. Generally, peak fishing seasons for skipjack tuna in this region occur during the spring and summer months when water temperatures are highest and bait fish populations are abundant.

In the Riviera Maya, snapper species are present year-round, but their abundance and behavior can vary depending on the species and season. Generally, snapper fishing is excellent throughout the year, with certain species more readily available during specific months.

Spring and Summer (April-September): This is considered the peak season for many snapper species, including Red Snapper, as they move closer to shore for spawning and feeding.

Fall and Winter (October-March): While snapper fishing remains good, some species like Cubera Snapper and Yellowtail Snapper may be more prevalent during these cooler months.

In the Riviera Maya, triggerfish are present year-round due to the region’s warm, tropical waters. They inhabit various reef environments and can be encountered while snorkeling, diving, or fishing. However, their abundance and behavior can vary depending on the species and specific location.

Some species, like the Queen Triggerfish and Gray Triggerfish, are more common in shallower waters, while others, like the Ocean Triggerfish, prefer deeper reefs. While there isn’t a distinct peak season for triggerfish in the Riviera Maya, they tend to be more active and visible during the warmer months when food sources are abundant.

In the Riviera Maya, wahoo are present year-round, but their abundance varies depending on the season. The peak season typically occurs during the winter months, from November to February, when cooler water temperatures and abundant baitfish attract these apex predators.

While still present during the rest of the year, their numbers may be less consistent outside of the peak season. However, anglers can still encounter wahoo throughout the year, particularly in areas with strong currents, temperature breaks, or underwater structures where they tend to congregate.

During the peak season, wahoo fishing can be exceptional, with anglers frequently landing multiple fish in a single outing. Trolling with high-speed lures or live bait is a popular and effective method for targeting these lightning-fast predators.

In the Riviera Maya, White marlin are present throughout the year, but their abundance varies with the seasons. The peak season for White marlin fishing typically begins in late spring, with May and June being prime months for encounters with these acrobatic fish. The warm waters and plentiful baitfish during this period create optimal conditions for White marlin to hunt and feed. While still present during the rest of the year, their numbers are less consistent outside of the peak season.