40 Boats Set Sail in Traditional Nuestra Senora del Carmen 2026 Fishing Tournament

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Forty boats set out to sea at 8 a.m. Sunday from Playa del Carmen’s Fundadores Park beach, marking the start of the traditional Nuestra Senora del Carmen 2026 Sport Fishing Tournament.

The starting signal was led by Estefania Hernandez Flores, Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction, accompanied by Conapesca representative Mario Martin Castillo, fishing judge Gamaliel Ek, tournament pioneer Jorge Fuentes, and the 2026 Carmen Fair queen Ana Matos Santos, among other guests.

Hernandez Flores said the event highlights Playa del Carmen’s name and strengthens the municipality as a tourist destination that promotes traditions and community coexistence.

“The instruction from our municipal president Estefania Mercado is to strengthen our sense of belonging, promote responsible fishing, honor our roots, and generate economic benefits for the families of Playa del Carmen,” she said at the event.

The tournament uses a catch-and-release format to encourage species conservation. Registered boats came from Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, Xpu Ha, and host city Playa del Carmen, among other locations in Quintana Roo.

Boats are expected to return starting at 4 p.m., with weigh-in closing at 6 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony. Prizes include 150,000 pesos for first place, 100,000 pesos for second, and 50,000 pesos for third, plus surprise prizes from sponsors.