I was fortunate to fish in Playa del Carmen, years before Marlin Magazine, Sportfishing Magazine and others named it one of the top sailfishing hotspots in the world.
Playa del Carmen is located an easy hour south of Cancun. In the last twenty years it has grown into a decent size city but still maintained its easy pace.
Several factors go into making this area such an angler's paradise. It all boils down to location, location, location.
The Gulf Stream is 1/2 - 1 mile offshore. The "ledge" drops off to 1200'. These nutrient rich waters act as a magnet to the migrating fish moving up from the south.
You are literally fishing ten minutes after leaving the dock! If you are from just about anywhere else you know how far you usually have to travel to the prime fishing areas.
Geography has blessed Playa del Carmen in other ways as well.
Not only does the shelf move close to the shore but Cozumel looms at the edge of the horizon. The migrating fish from the south are funnelled between the island and the mainland.
Although fishing is great, there are other reasons to visit Playa del Carmen.
Mayan Ruins are a big attraction. Coba is within easy distance. It is deep in the jungle. The pyramids just seem to go on forever.
Tulum is my personal favorite when it comes to tourist attractions. These ruins are beautifully located on high cliffs overlooking the Caribbean. The architecture is incredible. It's the site of some old temples, if memory serves me correctly.
The sands below the cliffs are beautiful and a favorite area for snorkeling.
The waters around Tulum are great for bottom fishing and my favorite spot to target large snappers and groupers.
There are wonderful boutiqe restaurants along the beach that serve wonderful food.
On occasion, we will take the boat from the marina at Puerto Aventuras. We then troll our way south to Tulum The fishing is usually great. Then get to Tulum. Spend a few hours and then troll our way back.
It's a wonderful trip.
You can't think about traveling Mexico without worrying about crime. The media pounds that image into our skulls every chance they get. You'd get the idea that it makes Somalia look safe.
The truth is so different. The stats really speak for themselves. The crime rate in Mexico is way below that of the U.S. And most of that crime is on the border and usually cartel vs cartel.
The whole Mayan Riviera is safer than most cities in the U.S.
Next time you are thinking of a fishing destination, think about Playa del Carmen. There is a lot of info about Playa del Carmen on the internet. Some of it is even true! LOL!
Seriously, there are almost always airline specials to Cancun and your stay in Playa can vary from rented condos to Five Star!
Playa del Carmen can be a cheap date!
Cheers,
Rico