Spring Break is a fantastic time for a fishing getaway. And if you’re wondering where to head, how about somewhere where the beaches are beautiful and the bite is always hot? Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic… They’re all a quick flight away. Check out our top Spring Break fishing destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean and get inspired to get away!
From Pacific shores to pristine Caribbean islands, the angling in these parts is simply amazing during spring. It’s a time when many bucket list fish are caught, whether they be Roosterfish, Marlin, or something entirely different. Dive into the list with us and get ready to plan your spring adventure.
Cancún, Mexico
White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, luxurious resorts, and non-stop nightlife – Cancún has everything you need for some quality rest and relaxation. And thanks to its position right at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, the city also offers excellent access to the Caribbean Sea and its thrilling angling.
Around mid-March, more and more Billfish start showing up offshore from Cancún, setting the stage for some of the most exhilarating fishing on the planet. Besides Marlin and Sailfish, you can also expect Blackfin Tuna and Mahi Mahi to go for your bait. And on the bottom, there’ll always be at least a Grouper or two to toss into the cooler.
It’s Spring Break, so when you’re done fishing, you’ll discover that Cancún is a fantastic destination to party. Beaches teeming with people, pool parties that resemble movie scenes, DJs that blast your favorite songs throughout the night – Cancún offers all of this and more. Or, forgo all this and explore the nature around the city. Nearby, you’ll find several natural underwater reservoirs, known as cenotes. Each of these is stunning and worth visiting if you’re looking for a quick reprieve from the parties.
Jacó, Costa Rica
Situated just an hour and a half west of San José, Jacó falls among the most popular destinations on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It offers the perfect combination of world-class fishing, beautiful beaches, and great parties. And spring is the peak season to enjoy all three of these.
In terms of fishing, Spring Break falls around the end of Costa Rica’s dry season. By May, the rainy days will take over. Still, this is an amazing time to reel in Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, and Tuna – to name a few! Inshore, the Roosterfish bite will be as solid as ever, giving you a shot at scratching those off your bucket list.
You’ll find charter captains both in Jacó and the legendary Los Sueños Marina in the nearby Playa Herradura. Besides fishing, make sure to spend some time exploring the various beaches in the area, such as Playa Hermosa and Playa Blanca. Or, head half an hour north and visit the scenic Carara National Park.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan offers all the excitement of a big city, blended with a beautiful shoreline and incredible nature around it. It’s both the capital and the cornerstone of Puerto Rico’s history and culture. And, if you’re from the US, you don’t even need a passport to travel there! To top all this off, some of the best fishing grounds in the Caribbean lie only a few miles offshore.
The fishing spot you’ll typically head to out of San Juan is called “Blue Marlin Alley.” The name should already tell you plenty about the action you can expect! However, in addition to Marlin, species such as Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna also frequent these waters. Meanwhile, along the brackish inshore channels, you can battle Snook and mighty Tarpon.
If you’re looking to party on your Spring Break getaway, look no further than Isla Verde. You’ll find various bars and clubs where you can let loose. For a more tempered vacation, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy around San Juan, too. Pay a visit to the El Yunque National Forest – the only rainforest in the US – and marvel at some on nature’s wonders.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Cobblestone streets, a scenic coastline, vibrant nightlife, and, most importantly, excellent fishing – Puerto Vallarta has it all. Nestled on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this resort city offers a pleasant mix of authentic Mexican culture and all the attractions you’d expect from a tourist destination. As such, it’s the perfect place to escape to during Spring Break.
Puerto Vallarta faces the Bay of Banderas, where you’ll get the opportunity to wrestle inshore favorites such as Roosterfish, Jack Crevalle, and Snapper. Meanwhile, if you head offshore, you’ll encounter all kinds of big game fish. These include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and Mahi Mahi, among more. Best of all, spring is the prime time to reel in most of these.
As for other activities, there are beach bars and nightclubs where you can party, as well as a charming city center full of attractions. Walk the Malecon – Puerto Vallarta’s boardwalk – or tour the historic Church of Our Lady Guadalupe. As an added bonus, hit the Cuale River Flea Market for some traditional souvenirs.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Situated at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana boasts the kind of beaches that resemble a dreamscape. White sand, see-through aquamarine waters, swaying palm trees… The coastline embodies the kind of scenery the Caribbean is famous for. But what else is this region known for? Fishing, of course!
During spring, you can expect to reel in a whole host of species while fishing from Punta Cana. These include Snapper, Amberjack, Barracuda, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and even the occasional Marlin. It’ll still be the dry season in the region, which means you can expect pleasant temperatures and calm seas.
Living in a popular vacation spot, Punta Cana’s locals are already familiar with what Spring Break is all about, and they’ll be ready when you come. Beach parties, boat parties, resort parties, bar crawls, night clubs… Should we keep going? And when all that’s done, there’ll be plenty of sunshine and ocean breeze to whisk away the consequences of a good night out.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Earlier in the article, we wrote about Cancún. Playa del Carmen lies just an hour south of it. And much like its northern neighbor, it’s a resort city famous for its turquoise waters and beautiful coastline.
Naturally, Playa del Carmen is also an excellent place to go fishing. Offshore, you can catch Snapper, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and mighty Billfish. There’s also the option of launching from the nearby island of Cozumel for an even smoother path to the deep seas.
Compared to Cancún and its megaclubs, Playa del Carmen offers a more tamed Spring Break experience. There’ll still be plenty of parties, of course, but not on the same grand scale as you’d experience up north. So if you’re in the mood for a more relaxed adventure, Playa del Carmen is the place to visit.
Aruba
Deep in the south of the Caribbean Sea, Aruba offers a different kind of Spring Break. This wonderful island is definitely not your standard party destination. But if you want to focus on getting some rest and relaxation – and experience world-class angling – Aruba will be perfect.
The seas surrounding the island are home to some of the finest angling in the Caribbean. From stealthy Bonefish that prowl the flats to ravenous Barracuda, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna, the range of species you can catch here during spring is amazing. The waters get deep almost as soon as you leave the harbor, which means you’ll get to wrestle big fish without having to go far offshore.
The main charter fishing hubs in Aruba lie in Oranjestad and nearby Noord. Visit either of the two and you’ll find stunningly gorgeous beaches where you can take a break and truly rest for a while. And once you’ve recouped your energy, there’ll be plenty of activities to enjoy. From swimming, diving, and snorkeling to exploring the local towns and their many attractions, Aruba is a place that’s easy to fall in love with.
Nassau, The Bahamas
Consisting of nearly 700 islands, the Bahamas is synonymous with tropical beauty. And Nassau, as its capital, is its beating heart. This Bahamian city is a fantastic place to visit regardless of when you get the opportunity. But in Spring Break, Nassau turns into a prime destination both for partying and fishing.
The waters that surround this city are simply legendary when it comes to angling. Elusive Bonefish and tough-fighting Permit stalk the flats, while Billfish, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo lurk offshore. Reef fishing is also productive throughout the year, just in case you need even more variety.
Meanwhile, in Nassau itself, you’ll find over 50 bars lined along the scenic shorefront. Spend your time lounging and carousing in any of these, hop on a cruise, tour the local waters, or maybe even visit a different island. Either way, you’ll be vacationing in the kind of setting we can only describe as paradise.
Spring Break Fishing: The Adventure of a Lifetime
And there you have it, this was our list of the eight best Spring Break destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Pick any of these and you’ll be set for both an exciting vacation and some world-class angling. Not to mention that each spot is blessed with absolutely glorious beaches and scenery! So if you’re planning to travel, let our article inspire you to experience your best Spring Break yet.
How did you like our list? Have you ever fished in one of these Spring Break destinations? Where are you planning on going this year? Let us know in the comments below!
