Costa Maya Fishing and Snorkeling: 3.5 Hours in Mahahual

Three hours trolling and bottom fishing, then an hour among coral and Caribbean fish

A 3.5-hour fishing and snorkeling activity in Mahahual, Costa Maya, where you board a 25-foot panga at Hotel 40 Cañones to fish coastal and deeper waters, then snorkel the Great Mesoamerican Reef. The operator has 50 years of experience in the area and provides Penn fishing equipment, semi-professional snorkeling gear, water, beer, sodas, fresh fruit and homemade guacamole on the boat. Guides speak English and Spanish.

The Experience

What does a day in Mahahual actually look like? You start at the booth in front of Hotel 40 Cañones, board a 25-foot panga, and head out for three hours of coastal trolling and bottom fishing at depths between 60 and 120 meters. Trolling in these waters can bring barracuda, Spanish mackerel, jacks, and if conditions align, wahoo, mahi, kingfish or billfish. Bottom fishing targets red snapper, amberjacks and Caribbean reef sharks. If children are in the group, the crew can shift to shallower casting in smaller areas instead.

After fishing, you move to the snorkeling portion of the day on the Great Mesoamerican Reef, right off Mahahual. The reef here holds French and Gray angelfish, Damselfish, Bluehead and Yellowhead wrasse, Stoplight parrotfish, Grunts, Puffers and more. Spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles show up sometimes. The operator provides semi-professional snorkeling equipment to keep you comfortable in the water, which they emphasize matters for how the day actually feels.

On the boat, you have water, sodas, beer (for guests 18 and older), fresh seasonal fruit and homemade guacamole. After you return, the beach area next to Hotel 40 Cañones is yours to use — hammocks are available, and you can take out kayaks or paddle boards if you want to stay on the water. The Barba Negra beach club is right there if you want food and drinks beyond what's on the boat.

What’s included

• Bottled water, snacks, beer (for guests 18+), fresh seasonal fruit and homemade guacamole on the boat.
• fishing equipment (Penn rods and skirted ballyhoo).
• semi-professional snorkeling gear.
• use of hammocks, kayaks and paddle boards on the beach after the activity.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by La Leyenda ECO-TOURS

Is this one for you?The booth is at Hotel 40 Cañones in Mahahual, so you don't need a car or a ride from your hotel — walk there or arrange a short taxi if you're staying elsewhere in town. After the activity, the beach and the Barba Negra club are right there, which means the half-day doesn't require planning a second location or waiting for transport back.

Traveler reviews

4.65★★★★★★★★★★

23 verified traveler reviews

5 ★19

4 ★0

3 ★4

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What kind of fish can I actually catch off Mahahual?

Trolling typically brings barracuda, Spanish mackerel and jacks; deeper bottom fishing targets red snapper, amberjacks and Caribbean reef sharks. Wahoo, mahi, kingfish and billfish show up when conditions are right. The crew adjusts for children by fishing shallower areas with casting equipment instead.

How deep do you fish, and what's the boat like?

Bottom fishing happens at depths of 60 to 120 meters. The boat is a 25-foot panga that departs from the booth in front of Hotel 40 Cañones, right in Mahahual.

What's included to eat and drink on the boat?

Water, sodas, fresh seasonal fruit and homemade guacamole are provided. Beer is available for guests 18 and older. The Barba Negra beach club is steps away if you want additional food and drinks after the activity.

What happens after fishing — do I have to leave right away?

After snorkeling, you can relax on the beach in hammocks, use kayaks and paddle boards, or spend time at the Barba Negra beach club. There's no rush to leave once the activity ends.

Do the guides speak English?

Yes, guides provide the experience in both English and Spanish to ensure clear communication throughout the day.

What kind of snorkeling gear do I get?

Semi-professional snorkeling equipment is provided. The operator emphasizes quality gear because comfort in the water is crucial for a good snorkeling experience.