Fishing and Snorkeling in Cabo Catoche: Fresh Ceviche Lunch

Catch your lunch, then cook and eat it on the water

A fishing and snorkeling activity in Cabo Catoche, off Isla Holbox, where you cast for local species, snorkel the reef, and eat ceviche made from your own catch. The 45-minute ride from Holbox, all fishing and snorkel gear, pickup, and a meal of fresh ceviche with totopos and guacamole are included. A guide speaks English or Spanish and leads the full 5.5-hour outing; children from age 1 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fishing and snorkeling at Cabo Catoche

• Ride 45 minutes to Cabo Catoche
• Fish for around 2 hours
• Snorkel to see turtles and coral reefs
• Enjoy ceviche with totopos and guacamole
• Visit Santa Paula River for photos
• Return from Santa Paula River

The Experience

The day starts with a 45-minute boat ride to Cabo Catoche, where the water holds turtles, reef fish and the local species you'll be fishing for. Once there, you cast for around 2 hours using traditional Mexican fishing methods—the guide teaches you the names of what bites and what to do when it does. Conditions vary with weather and season, so the catch is never guaranteed, but the setup and the instruction are.

After fishing, you move to snorkeling in the same waters. Turtles, fish and coral reefs are the draw here, though again the visibility and what shows up depend on the day. You have the snorkel gear already—it's provided—so you just get in. Once you're done in the water, the captain prepares ceviche from the fish you caught, served with crispy totopos and fresh guacamole. You eat on the boat or ashore, depending on the weather and the captain's call.

Before heading back to Holbox, the route includes a stop at Santa Paula River, where the island separates from the mainland—time to walk, take pictures and stretch after the water. The whole outing runs 5.5 hours from pickup to return. Water, sodas and fruit come with the day; the guide speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Isla Holbox location.
• 45-minute boat ride to Cabo Catoche.
• all fishing equipment and instruction in traditional Mexican methods.
• 2 hours of fishing.
• snorkel gear and snorkeling time on the reef.
• fresh ceviche made from your catch, served with totopos and guacamole.
• water, sodas and fresh fruit.
• a stop at Santa Paula River on the return.
• guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Get Routa

Is this one for you?This works best for small groups or families who want a hands-on day on the water—you're fishing and snorkeling yourself, not watching a demonstration. The catch and the snorkeling conditions depend on the weather and the sea that day, so come ready for what shows up rather than a guaranteed outcome. Children from age 1 can join, though the boat ride and the full 5.5 hours matter for very young travelers.

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Top questions

What's the fishing like in Cabo Catoche?

You cast for 2 hours using traditional Mexican methods, targeting local species the guide will name. The catch depends on weather, season and the fish themselves, so there's no guarantee of size or quantity—but the fishing is usually rewarding. You keep what you catch and eat it as ceviche afterward.

Will I see turtles and coral when I snorkel?

Turtles, reef fish and coral are all in these waters, and you have a good chance of seeing them. Snorkeling conditions depend on the weather and water visibility that day, so what shows up is never certain, but the reef is the reason people come to Cabo Catoche.

Is the ceviche made from my fish?

Yes. The captain prepares ceviche from the fish you caught during the morning, served with totopos and guacamole. You eat it on the boat or ashore, depending on the day's conditions.

How long is the boat ride to Cabo Catoche?

The ride from Isla Holbox takes 45 minutes each way. The full outing, including fishing, snorkeling, the meal and a stop at Santa Paula River, runs 5.5 hours total.

What gear do I need to bring?

Bring nothing for fishing or snorkeling—all equipment is provided, including rods, tackle and snorkel gear. Wear sun protection, swimwear and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Water, sodas and fruit are included; bring a towel if you prefer your own.

Can children come on this trip?

Yes, children from age 1 are welcome. The guide can adjust the fishing instruction and snorkeling time to suit younger travelers, though the 45-minute boat ride and 5.5-hour day are factors to consider for very small children.