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Fish Species in Tulum

What's in the water

12+ species you can target in Tulum

From billfish to bonefish, Tulum's diverse marine environment hosts an extraordinary range of game fish year-round. Here's the complete guide to what's swimming in these waters.

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Atlantic Sailfish

Offshore · Year-round · Catch & Release

The signature species of Tulum's offshore fishery. Atlantic sailfish can reach 8 feet and 100 lbs, and put on spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They are the most sought-after billfish on the Caribbean coast of Mexico and protected under Mexican law — all sailfish must be released.

Season

Year-round

Peak

Nov–May

Avg. size

40–80 lbs

Keep?

Release only

🐬

Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)

Offshore · March–September

Perhaps the most exciting fish to catch offshore — fast, acrobatic, and strikingly colored in brilliant gold and green. Mahi-mahi are highly prized both for sport and the table. They congregate around floating debris, weedlines, and FADs, making them predictable once conditions are right.

Season

Mar–Sep

Peak

Apr–Jun

Avg. size

10–30 lbs

Table?

Excellent

🐟

Tarpon (Silver King)

Inshore Flats · March–August

The "silver king" — one of the most spectacular sport fish in the world. Tulum's coastal rivers, mangroves, and flats see massive tarpon migrations from March through August. Fish of 50–150 lbs are common. When hooked, tarpon can leap 10+ feet and make screaming runs that test even experienced anglers.

Season

Mar–Aug

Peak

Apr–Jun

Avg. size

50–120 lbs

Keep?

Release only

🦈

Wahoo

Offshore · November–March · Premier eating

One of the fastest fish in the ocean at 60+ mph and arguably the best-tasting. Wahoo peak in Tulum's cooler winter months and are targeted with high-speed trolling. The bite is explosive and the fight is a short, intense burst of speed that will strip your reel in seconds.

Season

Nov–Mar

Peak

Nov–Jan

Avg. size

20–50 lbs

Table?

Outstanding

Also commonly caught in Tulum waters

Blue Marlin Yellowfin Tuna Blackfin Tuna Permit Bonefish Kingfish Barracuda Snook Mutton Snapper Grouper Jack Crevalle Cobia

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