If you want to experience the fishing trip of a lifetime (or a combined fishing and snorkeling trip), then here’s something you need to ask …
Dear Fellow Fisherman … few experiences in life can measure up to the sheer excitement of deep sea fishing in the stunning Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, here on the beautiful island of Cozumel.
That’s because here on Cozumel we are lucky enough to have one of the world’s most magnificent coral reefs – second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Our reefs teems with fish of all sorts and so is ideal for both deep sea fishing and bottom fishing.
So good is it, that all the fishing charter boats from Playa del Carmen travel quite a distance to come to our fishing grounds.
So the irony is you’ll enjoy a far better experience and get a bigger bang for your buck if you ‘cut out the middleman’ and come direct to us in Cozumel.
Michael Lewis
Decorah, Iowa
November 2024
Visting Playa del Carmen - And had so much fun We Booked Captain Alberto Again"
My wife and I were visiting Playa del Carmen and we're excited to go fishing - thankfully we found Captain Alberto from Cozumel online!
He had a great boat with all the gear and plenty of drinks, but most importantly a WONDERFUL personality. We chatted and joked the whole trip (he spoke excellent English) and we had so much fun the first time out we booked him again!
Not only did we fish, but we did some great snorkeling as well to break up the trip. After snorkeling we caught six or seven fish of different kinds - none of which we've caught before, which was very exciting.
Captain Alberto really knows how to find the fish. Better yet, Captain Alberto's brother owned a restaurant by the marina and he cleaned and prepared all of our fish for us! It was the best ceviche we'd EVER had, hands-down. I can't think of a better way to cap off an outstanding day.
We'll definitely be coming back to Playa del Carmen again, and will DEFINITELY be booking another trip!
Hola … my name is Alberto Novelo and I and my family have been providing fishing trips in the beautiful world class fishing grounds off Cozumel Island for 37 years.
I personally have some 25 years experience as a fishing charter captain and prior to that I was a professional shark fisherman.
During those nearly four decades, we’ve delighted multiple thousands of fisher folks – both beginners and seasoned players - many of whom, just like Michael Lewis and his wife, enjoyed the first trip we lay on so much they want to repeat the memorable experience.
There is no fishing available on the coast of Playa del Carmen, which is why all the charter fishing boats from Playa del Carmen have to travel quite a way to our beautiful Cozumel fishing grounds.
That’s because our wonderful soft and hard coral reef - second only to the Giant Barrier Reef in Australia - absolutely teems with the very best game fish, such as …
Yellowfin tuna, Blue marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi (dorados) when going Deep Sea Fishing – and even the rarely-glimpsed blackfin tuna!
And if you decide to try your luck at Bottom Fishing you can catch Amberjack, Kingfish, Mackerel, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper, and Triggerfish. All of these are excellent eating fish.
Surprisingly, the Playa del Carmen charter boats are NOT docked at Playa del Carmen, but at two ports some distance down the coast. Depending on which charter you chose (and thus which port their boat is docked at) the journey time by car is either one hour or 50 minutes.
Add to that the hour or more needed to travel by sea to our fishing grounds off Cozumel Island and you have a total traveling of about two hours – PLUS another two hours for the return trip.
Contrast that with simply hopping on the regular ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, a trip that takes just 20-25 minutes (the fare is just $6USD per person each way).
Then, once you land on Cozumel, our boats are just a 3 minute taxi ride away.
So within 30 minutes or so of leaving Playa del Carmen you’ll be on board our beautifully equipped comfortable boat.
Then – roughly 10 minutes later – you’ll be over our stunning world class fishing grounds, feeling the excitement rising as you get ready to cast your first line.
Meanwhile, if you’d settle for one of the Playa del Carmen fishing trips you’d STILL be driving to get to the port where your boat is berthed. THEN you still have to spend between 60 and 75 minutes waiting to get to OUR fishing grounds.
All the extras you need are included, such as the Fishing License (plus the additional license to enter the Marine Park, if snorkeling), your Fishing Tackle, soft drinks, beers and bottled water, snacks and fresh fruit and lunch (on the eight hour trips).
We supply fresh bait to attract fish in droves and give you a far more successful day, because fresh bait is far more effective at attracting fish than the cheap lures used by most of the charter boats.
So, in stark contrast to other charters, we always ensure there is plenty of fresh ballyhoo bait on hand.
Booking with us maximizes the value you enjoy because you cut out the middleman. When you book online with us, you are dealing directly with us, giving you maximum value including many items that others would charge extra for.
That is in stark contrast to many of the other local fishing charters you’ll find advertising online who are, in fact, merely brokers who take a fat commission and pass a reduced amount to the folks who actually take you fishing.
So it’s easy to see how that will dramatically restrict the ability of the charter owner to give you a really great time with the finest equipment and best boats and why they will seek to increase their income by charging you for extra items we supply free of charge.
Our Fishing Grounds teems with the very best game fish all year round, such as …
Yellowfin Tuna, Blue marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi (dorados) when going Deep Sea Fishing – and even the rarely-glimpsed Blackfin Tuna!
And if you decide to try your luck at Bottom Fishing you can catch Amberjack, Kingfish, Mackerel, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper, and Triggerfish.
Our fleet of 3 Sport Fishing Boats - 38 ft Hatteras - fully equipped with both outriggers and downriggers for fishing with four lines at once (some of the local charters only have equipment for two lines).
We provide ample shading and comfortable seating and there is also an inside restroom for your convenience.
We only use the finest fishing tackle. That’s why we only use Penn International®, Penn Senator® and Shimano® equipment.
We will clean, fillet and pack your catch so you can take it away and cook it for your dinner. If you don’t have cooking facilities, then we will take you to our family-owned restaurant near the marina and you can feast on it there.
YOU'll have a professional captain and first mate who speak fluent English so your trip won’t be spoilt by a constant struggle to understand what they are saying.
Because – in situations like this – whether fishing or snorkeling - safety has to be top priority. So it’s vital you understand every word the instant your crew says it, without a second’s doubt or hesitation.
Our captains have 25 years experience and first mates have 15. So you can be sure they know and will use every trick in the pack to make sure you catch plenty of fish.
You’re dealing with a family owned and run business, unlike other fishing charters companies you might see online, which are actually operated by Sales Brokers from the comfort of their home back in Florida.
Most of the Captains and First Mates are my brothers, uncles, cousins or other close relatives.
What’s more, because this is a family business – not staffed by disinterested employees – every single member of my family is dedicated to making your fishing trip a memory you will cherish.
So you can be confident we will take far greater pride in the service we provide than other charter companies.
Barbara Thompson
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
November 2024
We came as strangers and left as Family"
We found Captain Alberto through his Website and decided to give him a shot.
All I can say is that it was the best decision we've made thus far in Mexico this time.
Not only was Captain Alberto a professional fisherman who runs a tight ship; but he also genuinely cares for his customers and goes way beyond the obligations that were paid for.
After the numerous fish we caught; we marched right over to a restaurant he deals with and we had our catch as lunch with basically all the other captains in town as well as the dive boat guys.
We will be back soon to fish with him and will be sending our friends to fish with him also.
We came as strangers and left as family.
Years in Business
Customers Served
Client Satisfaction
Five important things …
No other local Fishing charter business offers this unique combination, which is your guarantee of a stunningly memorable day.
Charles Young
Amherst, Massachusetts
November 2024
I've been in a couple of Deep Sea Fishing Trips, however none in this setting..."
The online booking went smoothly. The boat was amazing, the staff even more amazing and very friendly crew.
I went by myself and caught 3 Mahi mahi, a Mackerel and two very large Wahoos. The Wahoos both hit at the same time on different rods. I reeled one in, took pictures of it and the staff kept the second one on until i was ready for it.
I have been on a couple of deep sea fishing trips, however none in this setting.
It was by far worth every penny and I HIGHLY recommend Captain Alberto from start to finish. I will definitely be back and book with Captain Alberto!
As you can see, deep sea fishing is exciting and can be very spectacular …
But if you want to almost guarantee to catch some fish (about 95% of the time) then…
This technique usually produces the best eating fish, which we’ll be happy to clean and pack for you to enjoy for your dinner. Or - if you can’t wait that long, you can eat it at my brother’s restaurant at the marina.
William Moore
Brunswick, Maine
November 2024
And about an hour once we found that spot we had caught 5 large Amberjacks - Great Bottom Fishing Trip for an Experienced Fisherman or a Newbie"
We met Captain Alberto about 8:30 in the morning at the Marina. He was very friendly and welcoming from the start.
We tried two spots with no success, but the third was our Magic Spot. We were catching fish after fish. And about an hour once we found that spot we had caught five large amberjacks, ranging in size from 20 to 50 pounds.
We had one more on line, but it broke and that one got away. Captain Alberto is an absolute beast jigging those fish. We were catching them in about 150 to 200 feet and reeling them in was tough, exhausting work.
I have new respect for these guys that reel in those huge fish with nothing to support themselves to the boat.
Captain Alberto and his helper could not have been nicer and more accommodating. Thank you for such a great morning on the water!
Or why not enjoy the best of both worlds by combining…
Just like David Anderson and his party from Ellensburg, Washington did the last time they went fishing with us …
David Anderson
Ellensburg, Washington
November 2024
Deep Sea Fishing not for the faint of heart – Definitively recommend using Captain Alberto's Charter!"
Captain Alberto takes you on half day or whole day deep sea fishing trips.
Participants have an opportunity to catch multiple fish species, from grouper, triggerfish, sailfish or sharks! You never know what you might catch and bring aboard. Like me that brought three groupers and two fierce sharks aboard for later release.
Very professional, knowledgeable and friendly captains and crews!
Definitely recommend using Captain Alberto's charter if you plan to do some deep sea fishing.
You probably noticed that part of Michael’s super day included a session snorkeling in the beautiful Cozumel Marine Park.
We are proud to be one of the very few businesses licensed to enter this heavily protected environment, because we operate well maintained boats that will not damage the delicate ecology of the park.
That means you can enjoy swimming among some of the most spectacular underwater coral reef scenery you’ll find anywhere on earth, with its magnificent variety of colorful fish, including turtles and graceful rays.
Mary Taylor
Beaufort, South Carolina
November 2024
Great Fishing and Snorkeling with the Family - We absolutely Recommend a Trip with Captain Fernando!"
Our family, with two children 4 to 7 years, went on a 6 hour tour with Fernando (Captain Alberto’s son) - fishing and snorkeling combo. It was very successful!
Fernando is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide, the boat is strong and the equipment is of good class. Free drinks and snacks included.
We tested different types of fishing and caught both large and small fish.
The snorkeling was very good, saw both turtles and rays. We absolutely recommend a trip with Captain Fernando.
Children, too! We allow children aged three and over to join in the fishing – provided they are closely supervised and we supply special light fishing tackle for them to use.
They can also enjoy snorkeling, if that is your wish.
A convenient start time for all Mayan Riviera Visitors...
Morning
Afternoon
Keep in mind that…
If you are coming from Playa del Carmen, the Ferry ride to Cozumel lasts 30 minutes, and costs only $6usd each way. Ferries depart every hour both ways starting at 7am until 11pm.
Make sure to catch a Ferry at least 1 hour before your scheduled depart time.
Meeting up is easy – even if you’re coming from Playa del Carmen...
We meet at the 'Marina Caleta', where your boat will be waiting, ready for you to embark...
Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll receive full directions with your Confirmation Email that will be instantly sent to you when you book your fishing trip.
Here's what you can expect from this Awesome Fishing Trip:
After taking the Ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, you’ll find our meeting place just 500 yards along the shore from the Cruise Pier at the Marina Caleta.
As we fire up the powerful eco-friendly marine engine your excitement will rise to fever pitch. Then, after just ten minutes or so at sea we arrive at the fishing grounds ready to start your big adventure.
Then, the magical moment arrives… When you take up your rod!
So just imagine being locked in an epic battle with a Marlin – like something out of a Hemingway novel …
Don’t forget to bring your camera, because you don’t want to miss the chance of getting those amazing photos of you standing proudly beside that giant blue marlin or sailfish you’ve just caught.
The tried-and-tested option to catch fish almost all the time. Go for Grouper, Snapper, Mackerel, Amberjack, Barracuda, and Triggerfish.
If you choose the favorite option among Families with Kids - the Fishing with Snorkeling combo…
Then you’ll be taken snorkeling to the beautiful protected Cozumel Marine Park, with reefs that are second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
And, if you’ve never snorkeled before, you’ll be given detailed instruction by our experienced crew who are also highly experienced in snorkeling.
Once you arrive back to the Marina, the Crew will clean, fillet, and pack your Fish for you.
So you can take it back to your Hotel or Vacation Home and cook it yourself, or we can put you in a taxi to a local restaurant that will cook and serve your Fish in a delicious meal.
Astounded at the amazing value you’ve enjoyed, you’re probably already planning your next trip with us, like so the many others of our delighted clients who return again and again.
You get all this – and much more for just...
The good news is that by booking directly with us, you cut out the brokers who are particularly prominent in the local fishing charter business, instantly slashing about 40% off your cost.
What’s more, by booking online, you’ll save even more and enjoy the advantage of being able to instantly check if the day you want is still available.
What’s more, many of the items that other operators might charge you for - such as the Snorkeling Equipment (should you choose to do a combination of Fishing and Snorkeling), the entry fee to the protected Marine Park and the beer, soft drinks and water are all included in your fee.
Booking online is very straightforward and our fee for up to 6 adults and teenagers (13+) is just…
$445
Six Hours
Most Popular
$395
Four Hours
$495
Eight Hours
Keep in mind that...
You can choose from these activities …
Please note the combined fishing and snorkeling trip requires either a six or eight hour trip, because there’s so much to pack in.
On the 8 hour trip we serve lunch with our compliments.
Immediately after your payment is processed you’ll receive a Confirmation Email with full directions to our meeting point, and all your Reservation details.
If you can’t print the Confirmation Email because you don’t have access to a printer, simply make a note of the directions and arrive at our meeting point with your passport or any other photo ID.
And don’t worry about bad weather stopping our boat from leaving the harbor. In that unlikely event, I will immediately refund every penny of your payment or, if it suits you better, we can quickly reschedule for another day.
My Refund Policy has you covered:
We focus on QUALITY – rather than quantity. So we have just 3 of the finest quality boats and crews in our fleet.
And, because we are one of the most sought after fishing charters, both on Cozumel and in Playa del Carmen and a large number of our clients come from the cruise ships, which bring around 20,000 cruise visitors daily - we tend to get booked up lightening fast every day of the week.
This is particularly so with our combined fishing and snorkeling trip, because we are one of the very few charters licensed to enter the highly protected Cozumel Marine Park.
And that’s important for you to enjoy the very best snorkeling experience because that’s where you’ll see by far the most spectacular fish swimming around the unspoilt coral reef, which is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
So my advice is if you want to make certain day a particular day is the one that will carry the memories of this trip of a lifetime, then …
Remember, we only have 3 boats in our fleet.
So, if you want to ‘think about it’, then you risk coming back later and being gravely disappointed because the day you wanted has been taken.
That means, you might have to settle for a second rate trip from another fishing charter, which might not be able to boast of such highly maintained boats.
And, if you wanted to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the world together with your fishing, they probably won’t be licensed to enter the Cozumel Marine Park because very few boats are. But all three of OUR boats have passed the very stringent tests.
So you’ll have to make do with the far less spectacular reefs with greatly reduced fish numbers and species range. And, if you can arrange to snorkel, you’ll have to contend with a great deal more people doing the same thing.
What’s more, perhaps your day will be spoilt by having to struggle to understand your guide’s broken English
You can be smart, quickly decide which day you want to become the memory of a lifetime and book your boat, right away while it’s still available.
Then you can relax and look forward to your memorable day with growing excitement!
I and all my family are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you to Cozumel and sharing our amazing fishing (and maybe, snorkeling) experiences with you!
Richard Martin
Sebastopol, California
November 2024
My son had a great time, caught his first Mahi Mahi, and it was tasty – Great, easy to book Family Friendly fishing excursions..."
This is a very safe and professional outfit that was super easy to work with.
Easy to book online. Good website with detailed information. Very accommodating to families and those who just want to hang out rather than fish.
My son had a great time, caught his first mahi mahi, and it was tasty! Took it to a local restaurant to cook and eat straight off the boat. Delish!
You get all this – and much more for just...
The good news is that by booking directly with us, you cut out the brokers who are particularly prominent in the local fishing charter business, instantly slashing about 40% off your cost.
What’s more, by booking online, you’ll save even more and enjoy the advantage of being able to instantly check if the day you want is still available.
What’s more, many of the items that other operators might charge you for - such as the Snorkeling Equipment (should you choose to do a combination of Fishing and Snorkeling), the entry fee to the protected Marine Park and the beer, soft drinks and water are all included in your fee.
Booking online is very straightforward and our fee for up to 6 adults and teenagers (13+) is just…
$445
Six Hours
Most Popular
$395
Four Hours
$495
Eight Hours
Keep in mind that...
You can choose from these activities …
Please note the combined fishing and snorkeling trip requires either a six or eight hour trip, because there’s so much to pack in.
On the 8 hour trip we serve lunch with our compliments.
Immediately after your payment is processed you’ll receive a Confirmation Email with full directions to our meeting point, and all your Reservation details.
If you can’t print the Confirmation Email because you don’t have access to a printer, simply make a note of the directions and arrive at our meeting point with your passport or any other photo ID.
And don’t worry about bad weather stopping our boat from leaving the harbor. In that unlikely event, I will immediately refund every penny of your payment or, if it suits you better, we can quickly reschedule for another day.
Haven’t you worked hard to afford this trip to Cozumel and so don’t you deserve the best that is on offer?
Remember we ONLY have 3 boats and we often get overwhelmed with the bookings from the 20,000 cruise passengers that arrive in Cozumel daily.
I know you’d bitterly regret it if – now you know what a stunning day awaits you with our fishing charter - you don’t go ahead right away and get beaten to it by someone who books ahead of you.
So I strongly urge you to check the availability of your chosen day - right now – and then go ahead and book your charter.
Patricia Brown
Lindsborg, Kansas
November 2024
If you don't book a Trip with Captain Alberto, you will miss Something Outstanding!"
My husband Charlie and myself booked a private fishing trip and were lucky enough to sail on the Miss Allison II with Captain Fernando and First Mate Chuy.
To say the trip was a dream come true would be an understatement. My husband caught the first fish, a nice tuna.
I gladly took the second fish that turned out to be my elusive sailfish that I have tried for over 8 years to land. As I watched this fish jump out of the water my heart pounded and I could not contain my excitement.
I cried like a baby after we released it and could not believe the #1 on my bucket list was complete thanks to this fabulous fishing trip.
If you don't book a trip with Captain Alberto you will miss something outstanding.
YES. You take the short ferry trip (about 25 minutes) to the island of Cozumel where our boats are based. The meeting point is the “Marina Caleta” – just a mile along the shore from where you arrive on the ferry at the Ferry Pier.
Alternatively, a taxi from the Ferry Pier will get you to our boat in about three minutes.
YES. You meet us at the “Marina Caleta” on Cozumel – just a few minutes by taxi, which you’ll be able to hire right by the Cruise Pier.
You will arrive at the Ferry Pier, which is about a mile from where our boats are berthed at the “Marina Caleta”. You will receive full directions with the confirmation of your booking if you want to make the gentle stroll along the shore.
Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of taxis at the Ferry Pier. The fare for four people to the marina is just $8USD and the journey takes just a few minutes.
We can set off at any time to suite you from 8.00am to 2.00pm. We offer trips lasting four, six or eight hours. If you are fishing and snorkeling trips need to be of six or eight hours to fit it all in.
All 3 of our top quality fishing vessels can take up to 12 passengers.
Your wishes about your charter are paramount, because it is YOUR private charter for the duration of the trip.
So we would not put that in jeopardy by adding another party, with different requirements, to your private charter.
In short, only the best: Penn International®, Penn Senator® and Shimano® equipment. Unlike most local fishing charters, we also supply fresh bait, because this gives you far better results than the lures that most charters use.
You can check our website at any time, night or day, and get a constantly updated completely accurate picture of our availability.
But please note, that can change in a heartbeat.
So – if you see a slot you want – book it right away. Because so many of our charters are booked by the 20,000 daily cruise visitors, the free slots tend to disappear very fast.
You will need to catch a ferry at least ONE HOUR BEFORE our scheduled departure time.
The ferry runs every hour from 7.00 am to 11.00 pm. So, if you want to make an early start with us, take the 7.00 am ferry and you’ll be in good time for departure at 8.00 am.
Our meeting point at “Marina Caleta” is only a mile from the Ferry Pier, which is where you will arrive on Cozumel. You will receive full directions in the email confirming your booking.
Alternatively you can take a taxi from just by the Ferry Pier which will drop you off at the “Marina Caleta” about 3 minutes later.
NO. Unlike other fishing charters, the cost of your mandatory federal fishing license and (if applicable) the license to snorkel in Cozumel’s magnificent Marine Park, fishing tackle and fresh bait (the best kind) and cold drinks are all provided, with our compliments, free of extra charge.
On the eight hour trips we also provide lunch with our compliments!
YES. And we take care of your comfort with plenty of shade and comfortable seating on the boat.
NO. This is one expense you will have to carry, because it would not be fair to our clients who come from the cruise ships.
NO. This is another small expense you will have to carry.
In that very rare event, we would immediately issue you with a full refund.