If you’re looking for the ultimate Mexican Caribbean experience, you can’t go wrong with Alfonso Tours fishing out of Playa del Carmen. Captain Alfonso Arcos is a knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced local who specializes in nearshore and offshore guided trips. He’s a true expert on the Caribbean with 30 years of commercial and sportfishing experience.
He invites you to spend the day aboard “Calipso III,” a 27’ Imemsa saltwater fishing center console that can comfortably accommodate up to 4 anglers. This beauty comes with a Yamaha F100 BETX engine, top-notch marine electronics and safety gear, along with plenty of shade. It also features outriggers, downriggers, 2 fighting chairs, an ice-box, and snorkeling gear for 4 passengers.
The captain will show you a variety of techniques and take you fishing in the hottest spots the area has to offer. You’ll get a chance to try your hand at bottom fishing, jigging, and trolling, based on the season and what you’re after. All 4 anglers can fish at the same time when bottom fishing, and rotating while trolling. The captain can take you up to 20 miles in pursuit of various A-listers.
Fishing in the area is excellent year-round, especially for Tuna, Wahoo, and Barracuda. During spring and summer, you’ll be trolling for big game species such as Blue and White Marlin, Mahi, and Sailfish. If you want to go after Amberjack, jigging for them is exceptionally efficient October–March. To get the most out of your Caribbean adventure, you can always combine epic fishing with some relaxing snorkeling.
Alfonso Tours will provide you with state-of-the-art Penn International and Shimano gear, lures, licenses, and drinks. Snacks are available on 8 and 6-hour trips. Live bait is caught during the trip, and complimentary fish cleaning is done after the trip. You just need to bring any food you’d like, sunscreen, and a desire to catch fish.
Captain
Alfonso Arcos
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (807)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
89%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish
92%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on June 15, 2025
My family and I had a great with Captain Alfonso and deckhand Paulo. His communication leading up to our trip with timely and clear, he was ready to go at the meeting spot and was very friendly and professional. He pointed out a sailfish, some flying fish and a giant sea turtle along the way, had apples, mangos, water, Gatorades, sodas and even a few beers on board along with some great sandwiches. He put us on the mahi-mahi, which was our dream catch and we snagged a barracuda too. We even even both Alfonso and Paulo to dine with us at the restaurant near where he picks up as they grilled our mahi-mahi. Great man, great captain, would 100% fish with him again. Muchos gracias, Captain Alfonso!
My family and I had a great with Captain Alfonso and deckhand Paulo. His communication leading up to our trip with timely and clear, he was ready to go at the meeting spot and was very friendly and professional. He pointed out a sailfish, some flying fish and a giant sea turtle along the way, had apples, mangos, water, Gatorades, sodas and even a few beers on board along with some great sandwiches. He put us on the mahi-mahi, which was our dream catch and we snagged a barracuda too. We even...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on June 12, 2025
Our time in Playa Del Carmen Mexico overall was a little disappointing until we went on our fishing trip with Alfonso and Mariano! This was the best experience we could have hoped for! I am 7 months pregnant and they made me feel super comfortable and accommodated me where I needed it. They made the best of some rough waters, which turned out good because we caught 6 Mahi Mahi and a Sailfish! They took us to the restaurant Así where the restaurant staff prepared the Mahi Mahi 4 different ways and we enjoyed the best meal we’d had since arriving in Playa Del Carmen! We could not have asked for a better experience! Thank you Alfonso and Mariano!
Our time in Playa Del Carmen Mexico overall was a little disappointing until we went on our fishing trip with Alfonso and Mariano! This was the best experience we could have hoped for! I am 7 months pregnant and they made me feel super comfortable and accommodated me where I needed it. They made the best of some rough waters, which turned out good because we caught 6 Mahi Mahi and a Sailfish! They took us to the restaurant Así where the restaurant staff prepared the Mahi Mahi 4 different ways...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on May 24, 2025
We almost skunked, not because of the captain but simply because it wasn't our day. After 4 hours of trolling, I said we should leave, then bam we caught a mahi mahi! We had caught another one, but it got away. I could tell Alfonso was so torn, and disappointed with dissatisfaction on how the trip went, but we set no expectations and really just tried to enjoy the experience. Alfonso is very professional and polite. If you're looking for someone who's a smooth talker, or someone who will entertain you while on board, it's not him. He's just a straightforward man who is professional ensuring your safety/success on board. We ended our trip early due to me being extremely sea sick, but it was perfect timing for lunch. The beach front El Taj hotel restaurant grilled up our mahi mahi for us and we invited Alfonso and his crew mate to eat with us. It was amazing, and we'd do it again. Thank you Alfonso!
We almost skunked, not because of the captain but simply because it wasn't our day. After 4 hours of trolling, I said we should leave, then bam we caught a mahi mahi! We had caught another one, but it got away. I could tell Alfonso was so torn, and disappointed with dissatisfaction on how the trip went, but we set no expectations and really just tried to enjoy the experience. Alfonso is very professional and polite. If you're looking for someone who's a smooth talker, or someone who will...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on March 25, 2025
Took my two kids fishing with captain Alfonso and his first mate Mariano. We did the 6 hr trip and had an amazing day. Caught a few smaller (but delicious) bonito. Then we landed 2 barracuda, one was a monster. One the way back we stopped for a quick snorkel too cool off. A friendly stingray hung out with us for a while (bonus to a good day). And we finished it off with a fish dinner, which was delicious. This was a great trip and will be a highlight for our vacation, I highly recommend captain Alfonso to anyone. He is an experienced local fisherman and both he and Mariano were great with the kids.
Took my two kids fishing with captain Alfonso and his first mate Mariano. We did the 6 hr trip and had an amazing day. Caught a few smaller (but delicious) bonito. Then we landed 2 barracuda, one was a monster. One the way back we stopped for a quick snorkel too cool off. A friendly stingray hung out with us for a while (bonus to a good day). And we finished it off with a fish dinner, which was delicious. This was a great trip and will be a highlight for our vacation, I highly recommend...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on February 5, 2025
We had an amazing 8-hour fishing trip with Alfonso and Mariano. I went with my 10-year-old son, and he had a blast reeling in countless bonitos! Later, Alfonso prepared a delicious ceviche for us while we enjoyed snorkeling on the reef. The service was top-notch—cold drinks and beer were available throughout the trip. Even though the sea was a bit rough, I managed to land a beautiful 8kg barracuda! After the trip, Alfonso took me to a restaurant where they cooked it for us, and six of us enjoyed an incredible meal. Alfonso truly knows what he’s doing—he understands where to go and how to adapt to his clients’ needs. His experience is evident, and I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
We had an amazing 8-hour fishing trip with Alfonso and Mariano. I went with my 10-year-old son, and he had a blast reeling in countless bonitos! Later, Alfonso prepared a delicious ceviche for us while we enjoyed snorkeling on the reef. The service was top-notch—cold drinks and beer were available throughout the trip. Even though the sea was a bit rough, I managed to land a beautiful 8kg barracuda! After the trip, Alfonso took me to a restaurant where they cooked it for us, and six of us enjoyed...
Alfonso Tours offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Alfonso Tours, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Alfonso Tours include:
Alfonso Tours offers the following types of fishing:
Alfonso Tours offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Alfonso Tours include:
Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Captain Alfonso fell in love with the ocean at a young age. When he was a boy, his father taught him commercial fishing introducing him to a new and fascinating world. That is how Alfonso's passion for fishing began. At the age of 22, Alfonso started to offer his first sportfishing trips, and at the age of 27, his family finally owned their own fishing boat. Alfonso was the only one of his siblings who was passionate about fishing, so soon the family boat became his own. Captain Alfonso is involved with all his heart and passion in the fishing community of Playa del Carmen. So much that he is a co-founder of the first fishing cooperation of Playa del Carmen and has organized the yearly sportfishing tournament of the years 2013 to 2016. Alfonso is a qualified captain, proud to show you the beautiful Caribbean waters and share his passion for fishing with you.
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Up to 20 miles
Reef Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Handline
Fighting Chair
2
Snorkeling Equipment
Always available for 4 guests
Outriggers
Ice Box
Rods, reels & tackle
Penn and Shimano
Live Bait
Caught during the trip
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
On 8 and 6-hour trips only
Drinks
Beer, soft drinks, and water
First Mate
Present on every trip, tips customary
Fishing License
Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Catch and Release Mandatory
Sailfish, Blue and White Marlin
Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash