A Trip to the Docks in Isla Holbox: Looking For the Catch of the Day

Nick Wharton Author Bio Picture

If there’s one thing everyone should try to do when staying near the beach, it’s to search for the local fishermen bringing in the catch of the day! We’ve done this in a few countries now and we decided to try it again during our stay on Holbox Island in Mexico.. and we’re really glad we did.

fishermen mexico
Look for the fishermen to get the freshest fish

If you hangout around the docks, or talk to any of the locals, they’ll know where the fishermen bring in their bounty. It helps to know a few words in the local language in order to bargain for the price – which almost always will be increased for foreigners.

Depending on where in the world you are, you should be able to get a medium-sized fish for about $3 in Mexico.

buying fish in mexico
Don’t drop it!

Just point to the fish of your choice, agree on a price, cook it and presto, dinner!

…or usually it’s that easy. In some cases, the fish hasn’t been gutted or scaled. You’ll have to get a knife and do the butchering yourself. Luckily, I don’t have to get my hands smelling of fish, I just leave the dirty work up to the expert, Nick.

buying fish in mexico
Cleaning a fish at sunset isn’t so bad

Going to the local vegetable market is usually the place to start searching for accompaniments for your meal. We love preparing a fresh salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers and carrots. Mix it all together with a little bit of cilantro, squeeze in some lime juice and drizzle with oil.

Rice, bread, boiled potatoes and fried vegetables also go well with a fish dinner.

vegetable market mexico
Fresh vegetables at the market

Not only is it fun to go out searching for a local fisherman and bargaining for his catch, but you can’t beat the flavour of freshly grilled or fried fish!

fish dinner in mexico
The finished product!

We highly recommend this independent way of enjoying a meal. Sometimes it’s nice to cook for yourself while on the road.

Check Out This Quick Video of Our Fishy Adventure!

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Nick Wharton Author Bio Picture

Written by

Nick Wharton

Nick is the co-founder, editor and author of Goats On The Road. He contributes to numerous other media sites regularly and shares his expert knowledge of travel, online entrepreneurship and blogging with the world whenever he can. He has been travelling and working abroad since 2008 and has more than 10 years of experience in online business, finance, travel and entrepreneurship. Nick's advice has been featured on the Lonely Planet, CNN Money, Business Insider,  WiseBread and Forbes and he spoke at the World Tourism Forum in Istanbul about the business of travel blogging. Learn more about Nick Wharton on the Goats On The Road About Us Page.

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