Barracuda fishing in Isla Mujeres is serious fun. This private tour in the Bay of Isla Mujeres lets you spend about 4 hours trolling, aiming for barracuda, sawfish, and other local species with a crew that’s big on teaching.
I especially like the hands-on help and the way the crew puts effort into getting you fishing success, not just getting you out on the water. I’ve also heard again and again about fish cleaning right after the catch, and even a follow-up stop where they can help you get your fish cooked. The main thing to factor in is the extra 500 MXN dock tax, which isn’t included in the tour price.
In This Review
- Key highlights before you go
- Isla Mujeres Bay fishing: a private outing built around catching fish
- 4 hours on the water: how the trolling time works out
- What you can realistically catch: barracuda, sawfish, and more
- The crew experience: teaching, good vibes, and fish handled for you
- Where you meet and how to plan your morning
- Private tour pricing: $499.51 for up to 6 people
- What’s included (and what you’ll pay for on the day)
- Fish cleaning and the post-fishing payoff
- Weather matters: what to expect if conditions change
- Who should book this private fishing tour (and who might skip it)
- Should you book Contoy Adventours in Isla Mujeres?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the private fishing tour in Isla Mujeres?
- How much does the tour cost?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- Is this tour private?
- What’s included in the price?
- What isn’t included?
- What kind of fishing do you do?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key highlights before you go
- Private boat for up to 6 people: your group stays together the whole time
- Trolling fishing for 4 hours: a focused morning window that’s long enough to land fish
- Crew know-how and teaching: guidance that helps you fish more on your own
- Fish cleaning included: your catch gets handled after the fishing
- English offered: the experience runs in English
- Dock tax extra (500 MXN): plan for it so you’re not caught off guard
Isla Mujeres Bay fishing: a private outing built around catching fish
If you want the usual “tourist boat” day, this isn’t it. You’re paying for a private fishing tour in the Isla Mujeres area, built around spending a solid block of time actually fishing. With trolling as the method, the day has a steady rhythm: get set up, fish through the water, then work with the crew when you hook up.
What makes this feel like good value is that it’s not sold as a vague sightseeing cruise. It’s a mission—4 hours on the water—plus a crew that seems to take pride in finding fish and helping you learn how to do it. That matters because fishing gets way more fun when you’re not just holding on and hoping.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Isla Mujeres.
4 hours on the water: how the trolling time works out
Your trip runs about 4 hours, starting at 8:30 am. That morning start is helpful because you get more “active” fishing hours and you’re back with the rest of your day still intact. Since the tour focuses on trolling, you’re not bouncing from one spot to another every few minutes—you’re fishing with purpose during that window.
In plain terms, you can expect a day that feels like: get underway, fish by trolling, react quickly when you get bites, and keep going until your time is up. The reviews back up that it doesn’t always start like a movie montage—sometimes you have a slow stretch—then the fishing can pick up.
What you can realistically catch: barracuda, sawfish, and more
The target list is clear: barracuda, sawfish (listed as saw), and other fish species. Even when the exact mix varies day to day, the fact that multiple species are on the table changes your odds and keeps the action interesting.
The best part is that the crew isn’t just chasing one “perfect” fish. People have reported hauling in multiple large barracuda and also other reef-style fish like snapper-type catches. If your goal is variety—small to large fish—it’s the kind of trip that can deliver that.
The crew experience: teaching, good vibes, and fish handled for you
For me, the standout theme is how much attention the crew pays to the group. The vibe isn’t stiff or distant. The captains and crew are described as hospitable and genuinely happy to help you learn, which is a big deal if this is only your second time fishing (or if you just don’t want to feel clueless on a boat).
You’ll also notice the practical side of their process. When fish come aboard, they handle the cleanup. That’s not just a nice bonus—it’s a time-saver and it makes the whole day feel more complete. Some people even mention that after cleaning, the crew helped take them to a place where they could get the fish cooked.
And if you like seeing names tied to quality, Manuel and Captain Roberto are mentioned positively, with people praising their training and how effective they are at putting the group on fish.
Where you meet and how to plan your morning
You meet at Av Juárez 13, Centro, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. The end of the activity is back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to worry about transportation at the end of the day.
This location is noted as near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying somewhere central on Isla Mujeres. Starting at 8:30 am also means you’ll want to be ready to move promptly—early mornings are easier when you’ve already got your basics together the night before.
Private tour pricing: $499.51 for up to 6 people
The price is $499.51 per group (up to 6). That’s important because it shifts the math from per-person to “how many people are sharing the boat.” If you’re traveling as a pair or a small friend group, you’re still paying for a private setup, so the value comes from the fact that you’re not competing with a large shared crowd for attention.
In practical terms, you’re buying:
- a private fishing focus,
- a crew that handles setup and cleanup,
- and a 4-hour morning block on the water.
Also remember that dock taxes are extra, so the real cost on your day will include 500 MXN for dock taxes (not included in the listed price). When you factor that in, the trip still makes sense if you want a personal experience and better odds of actually fishing well.
What’s included (and what you’ll pay for on the day)
Included:
- Soda/pop
- Bottled water
Not included:
- dock taxes (500 MXN)
That’s a simple setup. You’re not buying into a huge package with lots of add-ons, so you’ll want to budget the dock tax and keep snacks/drinks expectations realistic. The included drinks are enough to cover the morning comfort side, but they’re not positioned as a full meal service.
Fish cleaning and the post-fishing payoff
Fish cleaning is part of the deal, and it’s one of those details that changes how you remember the trip. Getting the catch cleaned right away means you’re not dealing with it later or hunting for a service on your own.
Then there’s the cooking help. Some groups describe being taken to a place where they could cook the fish, which turns the day into more than just a catch-and-release story. If your ideal trip includes both catching and eating what you caught, this is the kind of structure that supports that.
Weather matters: what to expect if conditions change
This experience depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right and the tour needs to be canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s worth taking seriously because with any fishing trip, rough conditions can shut down the plan.
The upside is that you’re not left hanging with no options. The provider builds a response into the experience—either reschedule or refund—so you’re not stuck in limbo.
Who should book this private fishing tour (and who might skip it)
This tour is a strong fit if you:
- want a private experience in Isla Mujeres rather than a crowded group boat,
- enjoy fishing and want a crew that helps you learn while you fish,
- have a small group (up to 6) and like sharing the cost,
- care about fish cleaning as part of the overall value.
You might skip it if you’re mainly after passive sightseeing and don’t want the day to be focused on fishing time. Also, if you hate the idea of paying an extra dock tax or only want a fully refundable plan with no weather risk, you should weigh that up front since weather is a factor.
Should you book Contoy Adventours in Isla Mujeres?
If your goal is a focused morning with real fishing time, I think you’ll like this. The best evidence is the repeat themes: the crew’s willingness to teach, the effort to put people on fish, and the practical payoff of cleanup (and sometimes cooking help). Add in the private setup for up to 6, and the price starts to look more reasonable as a group purchase.
Just go in knowing there’s an extra 500 MXN dock tax, and that the trip is weather-dependent. If those two points don’t bother you, this is an easy “yes” for anyone who wants fishing in Isla Mujeres with a crew that treats your catch like part of the experience, not just an accident that happened on the water.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the private fishing tour in Isla Mujeres?
It runs for about 4 hours.
How much does the tour cost?
The price is $499.51 per group for up to 6 people.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:30 am.
Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet at Av Juárez 13, Centro, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are soda/pop and bottled water.
What isn’t included?
Dock taxes are not included, listed as 500 MXN.
What kind of fishing do you do?
The trip includes trolling fishing in the bay area, with the possibility of catching barracuda, sawfish, and other fish.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t receive a refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.







