WhenToDive
Fish · 🐟

Atlantic Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean — capable of short bursts over 100 km/h — and for a few weeks each year they perform one of the most dramatic hunting events in the sea. From December through March off Isla Mujeres and Contoy in Mexican Caribbean waters, sailfish hunt massive balls of sardines at the surface, coordinating in groups to isolate and spear individual fish. The "sailfish run" is a snorkel experience (the animals are at the surface) and requires calm weather and the right boat. Nothing else in the ocean looks like it.

Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean — capable of short bursts over 100 km/h — and for a few weeks each year they perform one of the most dramatic hunting events in the sea. From December through March off Isla Mujeres and Contoy in Mexican Caribbean waters, sailfish hunt massive balls of sardines at the surface, coordinating in groups to isolate and spear individual fish. The "sailfish run" is a snorkel experience (the animals are at the surface) and requires calm weather and the right boat. Nothing else in the ocean looks like it.

The year at a glance

Global aggregated reliability — at any given month, how reliably can you find this species somewhere in the world?

Score 1–5 · global aggregated reliability Rare Moderate Reliable

Where to see them in April

Atlantic Sailfish is not reported at any destination this month. Check the full season breakdown below.

Full season breakdown

Peak Present Rare

Destination
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Notes
Isla Mujeres / Contoy sailfish run, snorkel only