Is it a WHALE or a SHARK??

6/8/2018

During the summer months, tourists flock to the Riviera Maya with a specific excursion in mind... to snorkel with whale sharks! These docile beasts are herbivores, and the largest known fish species known to man, with lengths up to 40 feet or more! Snorkeling with whale sharks is truly a magnificent way to make memories of a lifetime during your Mexican vacation. These gentle giants swim gracefully close to the surface, making your snorkeling experience up close and personal. Our professional guides will help you get the most from your excursion and as always, safety is first. Despite their size, whale sharks are a vulnerable species and are not aggressive or dangerous by any means, but we always maintain a safe distance and respect the animals in their habitats.

We offer excursions from Cancun and Isla Mujeres, where whale sharks are most commonly seen from May 15 to September 17 each year. We can arrange transportation for you from anywhere in the Riviera Maya. Contact us for more details!

5 Reasons to Choose Pezcaribe Ocean Tours

11/16/2015

5. We can customize a trip just for you!

It's true! Whether you're looking for a romantic day trip with someone special or an fun-filled adventure with friends, Pezcaribe can customize a trip for you! You can add lunch, snorkeling at various reef locations, time at a beautiful and serene private beach, wine, and more! Special requests, just ask! As always, all trips are all-inclusive, so there are no hidden fees or extra charges accrued during your trip. Tips are always welcome!

4. We're family owned and operated!

None of that big business, huge fleets, and shared tours stuff! We want each guest to feel like life-long friends after spending the day with us. We started as a small business and like to keep the feeling that sets us apart from large tourism companies in the Riviera Maya. We only book private tours twice a day, so you will receive the personal and special attention that you deserve for the duration of your trip.

3. Excellent customer service!

You are able to reach us via phone or email any day of the week from 7am-9pm, and after hours email and texting/Whatsapp is always available, and we will respond within 24 hours of your inquiry. You can feel comfortable booking with us far in advance, as we will stay in touch up to the date of your trip.

2. We are conveniently located!

We are easily reached by hotel shuttle, taxi, public transportation, or rental car to any of our boat docks along the Riviera Maya. Our docking areas are well-known by any driver, and you are able to be dropped off and picked up less than a block from the boat.

1. We have the best team around!

Our boat captains have over 30 years' combined experience on the water and are sure to make your trip fun-filled and enjoyable. We offer excellent guide service in all types of fishing: deep-sea, trolling, jigging, top water, and fly, as well as spearfishing (apnea). We also ensure a safe and scenic, interactive snorkeling experience, available to guests of all ages and swimming abilities.

Who Else Wants to Go Snorkeling?

11/1/2015

Snorkeling and fishing excursions are fast becoming the most popular choices for tourists in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and across all Caribbean destinations. The serene feeling you experience while floating along the turquoise blue surface, meanwhile gazing at the incredible untouched coral reefs below, is an unforgettable experience and appeals to people of all ages and ocean experience.
While snorkeling in Playa del Carmen with Pezcaribe, you can expect to see an array of aquatic wildlife, including starfish, sea turtles, thousands of tropical fish from different species, sting ray, and beautiful coral. Did you know that the reef system that runs through the Riviera Maya is the second longest in the world, next to the Great Barrier Reef?!

Many of our guests opt for the six hour fishing trip that includes snorkeling at a beautiful private beach and freshly prepared sashimi and ceviche snacks, and they never leave disappointed. The area is safe for families and large groups, and parents can feel comfortable with their children coming along, due to the shallow, calm waters near the beach and our expert snorkeling guides to show you the way and ensure that your experience is meaningful and filled with excitement! All snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided, and all swimming levels are encouraged to join.

Become part of an unforgettable Caribbean experience and book your fishing and snorkeling excursion with us today!

5 Questions Answered about Fishing in Playa del Carmen!

10/26/2015

5. Is Playa del Carmen safe? – The Riviera Maya has remained one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, per USA Today travel and the US Government travel websites.

4. How do we get from our hotel to the boat? – There are taxis and shuttles that will take guests directly to 14th street and the beach where the boats are. All drivers are familiar with the area, and you can be dropped off just steps away from the sand.

3. What do I do with my catch? – Large game sport fish are fished by catch and release (after taking some awesome pictures, of course!) but any others you catch (snapper, grouper, barracuda, etc.) can be filleted for you by the crew, and you can take them back to your hotel for the chef to cook, or it can be prepared for you beachside at a wonderful restaurant for only about $6 per person.

2. How is spearfishing done in Playa del Carmen? – Tanks are not allowed for spearfishing, so you must free dive, or apnea, and at least be able to hold your breath long enough to go under and spear something. You may also use a snorkel and fish from the surface.

1. How far from the coast will we be fishing? – The beautiful, turquoise waters of the Caribbean allow you to deep sea fish less than a mile from the coast, which takes only about 20 minutes to reach while trolling. Also while trolling, you are still able to see the bustling tourist coast line, which may ease the minds of fishermen or guests prone to seasickness.

Taking our adventures to the great state of Texas!

12/14/2013

Every year, just before the hustle and bustle of the holidays, fishing charters and boat captains get a little down time during the lull of tourist season. This year we spent that time doing some good ole fashioned pond fishing in Central Texas.

Now pond, (or tank fishing, as we Texans like to call it) can be tricky. If you're fishing from the sidelines, your patience sometimes is tested due to the tricks that these Texas catfish like to perform to try and outsmart a fisherman. But with your cooler by your side, it can make for an excellent day anyway!

Captain Nahum quickly realized that Texas catfish are just a little different than what he's accustomed to in Playa del Carmen, but still never let his emotion and passion for the sport fade away.

The weather started changing and winter was rolling in, but he wasn't giving up! I guess for a man spent half his young life on the water, there's no such thing as hanging it up and going home empty handed!

Just when my own emotions started to fade, (and fingers froze up) I got a bite! About a 3 pound catfish was on the line, and that provoked another hour of competing with el Capitan to see who was the best catfish catcher.

All in all, it was a fierce competition, but a beautiful day anyway. He won, of course, because when your blood is filled with salt water, no rain, sleet, or snow can stop a man from wettin' a line!

Bull Shark Season: Protection and Awareness in the Riviera Maya

11/6/2013

Every year, November through March, the bull sharks infiltrate the Riviera Maya for their annual breeding season in the warm Caribbean waters of Mexico. This season lures experienced divers and thrill seekers from all over the world to catch an up close glimpse of these illusive creatures in their natural habitat. However, shark fishermen and poachers are causing havoc on the shark population, but with awareness and protection of these animals, they can continue sharing a respectful relationship with humans.

Read Article: "The Uphill Road to Protecting Mexico's Bull Sharks"

Spearfishing Playa del Carmen: The Greatest Thrill Under the Sea

6/13/2013

The greatest thrill I ever experienced was when I learned to spearfish in Playa del Carmen. I had watched YouTube videos and seen online articles and magazines about this newly discovered underwater adventure and the Caribbean Ocean was my playground; I had to try it out.

My long-time professional and personal mentor Alberto, of Alberto’s Scuba in Playa del Carmen, helped me build my first spear gun out of metal parts and pieces lying around, and I was pumped. After a few practice runs, I was ready to try this thing out.

Being a bit of a merman myself having spent many of my young 28 years in the ocean, I was already a pretty strong swimmer and determined to increase the time I could hold my breath underwater. I started practicing regularly and each time trying for a few seconds more, and a few seconds more, and pushing myself. The sport of spearfishing requires such stamina and patience in order to be successful. To a fish, a pretty good size guy like me probably looks like a grizzly bear creeping sideways, holding a palm leaf in front of his face for camouflage. So it is very important to always remain calm and maintain patience while respecting the ocean and its creatures.

Now I’ve spent a lot of time under water since starting this new hobby, and I’ve seen many a shark, especially during the winter months spearfishing in Playa del Carmen when its Bull Shark season and they are migrating around these parts. Would you believe that divers actually pay to go and stand in a swarm of them at the bottom of the ocean during a feeding frenzy?? I respect all of the ocean’s creatures and don’t mind a visual encounter every now and then but to me, that’s just crazy. Well as luck would have it, one day I was out spearfishing in a cove during shark season and I got my chance to live the tales I had only heard experienced divers talk about.

I had just speared a ten-pound Jurel (of the Amberjack family) when a bull shark suddenly appeared smelling the fresh fishy flesh, of course. My first thought was wow, what a beautiful animal. My second thought was wow, what a huge POWERFUL animal that’s probably hungry and wanting to rob my dinner from me. Just then another appeared. And another. I was surrounded by three, 5-7 foot Bull Sharks in a cove in the Caribbean. I tried to maintain focus and sanity as my heart started pounding 90 to nothing in my chest. “I’m in their environment,” I thought to myself. “If I remain calm and don’t appear as a threat, everything will be ok. They’re not dangerous killers out of a horror movie.” Which they’re not. Contrary to popular belief and scenes from Jaws, the majority of shark attacks happen out of pure curiosity. When the shark realizes what he tasted was not his usual delicacy, he’s not interested anymore and will generally leave it alone. About the time I found my composure and made my escape plan back to the boat, one of the sharks came at me and quickly brushed across my side and darted the other direction, in a football player move kind of way. It was obvious he wanted my dinner and I didn’t feel very willing to share, so I knew it was time to change my location (and my shorts).

All in all, I came out safely and with my fat Jurel but three things were learned from this experience: One, don’t go spearfishing in that cove during shark season. Two: be willing to give up your hard earned catch of the day and if not, number three: bring a change of shorts!

- Captain Nahum Alberto Castillo
Pezcaribe Ocean Adventure Tours
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen Fishing Tournament 2013

6/7/2013

This weekend, May 31st and June 1st, the 35th Annual Playa del Carmen Fishing Tournament took place in the Caribbean, with meeting points at Parque Fundadores in Downtown Playa. Captains and fishermen came from as far as New Zealand to join in the excitement and try their luck at winning big. Prizes from a truck to motorcycles and cash prizes were given out to the first 12 lucky places. Seventy-seven boats entered the two-day tournament but only one came out with the grand prize: A 250lb Blue Marlin, and the most points of the weekend, placing Captain Jorge Daniel Martinez and his boat, "Sum Beach" from Puerto Aventuras, above the competition and taking home the trophy.

The two-day tournament kicked off Thursday night at the Captain's dinner with special messages and rules and regulations led by Playa del Carmen Port Captain, Jose Florentino Gallardo. Sponsors such as Cristal, Sol, and the Solidaridad Government prepared and served a delicious spaghetti dinner and complimentary beverages to the Captains, their families, and tournament teams.

On day one of the tournament, 77 fishing charters and teams from all over the Riviera Maya and countries near and far lined up for the 8am embarkation with hopes to snag the elusive Blue Marlin trophy fish. Each catch was scored by weight and size and given a certain amount of points depending on species of fish, with Blue and White Marlin being worth the most points.

Other top winners of the fishing tournament included Captain Victor Santin with his boat, "Ya Ni Modo Que Remedio" out of Playa del Carmen and the 2nd Place Marlin of the tournament. Captain Nahum Alberto Castillo of Pezcaribe Ocean Adventure Tours in Playa del Carmen hooked a huge Mahi Mahi on Day 1 and placed 7th overall in that category of the tournament. Third place overall went to Captain Javier Zetina Gonzalez of Cozumel after bringing in an extra large Wahoo on Day 2.

Pezcaribe Goes to Bat for Playa's Delfines and "Pitch-In Playa"

4/16/2013

Far outside the hustle and bustle of Downtown Playa del Carmen, in an up and coming area filled with new construction, universities, and new highways, lies the shell of what could potentially be Playa's own Field of Dreams.

Along with Ex Pat friends and local baseball moms, we are working together to bring awareness to a group of fun-loving and deserving adolescents, with one thing in common: A love for the game. I had the pleasure of being a spectator at this weekend's Saturday game between Playa's Los Delfines and the team from Chetumal, both competing for a place at the Semi-Finals in Hidalgo, Mexico on May 1st.

I grew up playing softball and it was my life. There was no better excitement for me as a youth, putting on that new jersey and matching socks, oiling my glove and readying my bat bag for opening ceremonies. Little League was the favorite past-time of families all over, and was one of the times in my life with certainly the most vivid memories. But here in Mexico with the main sport being soccer, baseball seems to get overlooked entirely, and the audience is nearly non-existent. With spreading awareness of the love of the sport and the help of our new organization, Pitch-In Playa, and our beloved Delfines, we hope to turn that potential audience into a crowd of loyal fans and baseball fanatics.

Los Delfines have been invited to participate in the Semi Finals in Hidalgo but lack the resources and support to get them there. After reading a post on Soy Playense on Facebook, a simple plea for help from loving baseball mom and youth sports supporter, Bertha Sanchez turned into a success in the making and the organization was named Pitch-In Playa. My fellow Ex Pat friend, Heather Andersen, read the post about the team needing help getting to the tournament and immediately took action and brought in myself and our friend and pro blogger and social media guru, Lisa to help. Along with professional videographer, Ken Brownlee, we went to check out the Delfines game and very quickly saw what we'd all been missing; a group of boys ages 14-16 with a passion for baseball and and a huge appreciation for what we're trying to do for them. To meet some of the players and see what the Delfines are about, please check out our video.

Youth sports programs aren't only promoted as an extra-curricular activity and favorite past-time, but as a means to keep kids in a positive environment and away from the negative temptations that life presents them during adolescent years. It's a way to build teamwork skills and leadership, as well as something families can share together and support each other.

With your help we can develop the youth and adult baseball and softball programs in the Riviera Maya and give these kids a chance to live out their dreams on a ball field. The sports complex is severely lacking the field up-keep and maintenance necessary to create a safe playing field for all. Teams like the Delfines deserve a chance at reaching their goals and chasing their dreams of continuing a career in professional baseball. Pitch-In Playa is trying to make all these things possible but it takes effort from all ends. We're asking for sponsors to join Pezcaribe and give monetary donations, equipment for the players, and transportation to the tournaments. For more information on ways you can help, please visit us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].

Fishing Guides - 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Fishing Charter Boat

4/4/2013

1. Opting for a Half-Day Charter

Far too often, amateur and novice fishermen decide to take a half day charter without really knowing what to expect. In order to give yourself and your captain time to locate and grab the best beast in the ocean, you should plan on a full day or even multiple day trip with the same boat to really get the full fishing experience you are looking for. Depending on your expectations of the trip, 4 and 6 hour charters are still popular and a great deal, but with a limited amount of fishing time, not everyone has the luck of snagging a trophy fish in only a couple hours.

2. Picking the Cheapest Boat

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. It's worth it to pay a little extra for a fishing charter that is reputable with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Do they have a nice website with a lot of pictures of successful fishing trips? Are they on Tripadvisor or are there reviews for the business online? Most charters in the same area are competitive and fairly equal in price, but you're definitely better off for planning to save a little extra and pay for a better experience.

3. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Even in the best fishing areas, there will always be dry days. Maybe the weather isn't so great or the ocean is exceptionally rough that day. It's never a sure-fire, record-breaking day, every day. You might have your heart set on catching a Marlin, but if the barracuda are chewing off the boat propeller that day, you're better off being satisfied. The excitement of fishing comes with the full experience, from being treated well by the Captain, feeling safe and having fun during the trip, and feeling like you've been given a memorable experience to add to your vacation. Arriving with unrealistic expectations can put a damper on your trip if they are not fulfilled so come in with an open mind, hope for luck, and appreciate the beauty of all the ocean has to offer!

4. Failing to Do Your Research

Along with not opting for the first and cheapest fishing charter you see online, you also should really check out the business first. See what excursion packages they offer and make sure it meets the needs of your group. If you have children with you, you'll want to ensure the boat is equipped for children's size equipment and life jackets. You may have certain requirements for boat amenities that do not come standard on all fishing charters. Always look into the business first and don't be afraid of asking too many questions.

5. Being Unprepared for a Day Offshore

Number 1 fishing nightmare.: Missing the whole trip because you are doubled over the side of the boat, calling the sharks. If you are new to being on the water, you should definitely plan on taking motion-sickness medicine before embarking on your adventure. Research and experiment before hand with drinks and snacks that help an upset stomach. The motion and lack of vertigo feeling that you can experience while on any size boat can happen to even the most experienced fishermen.

Also be prepared for adverse weather conditions to hit at any time, especially in tropical climates. Just because it looked bright and sunny when you woke up this morning, does not mean that two hours into your trip will look the same way. Keep in mind also that sun and wind is a lot stronger on the open water. Bring a light jacket or rain gear, protection from the sun, and any other necessities you may need for a long day away from land.

Charter fishing is can be enjoyable for anyone when choosing a family-friendly charter like Pezcaribe. With a professional, highly experienced crew to complete your experience and help you along the way, avoiding these common mistakes is sure to give you the most welcomed memories of your adventure in the ocean.

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