Costa de Cocos
Fly Fishing Lodge,
Xcalak, Mexico

Year-Round Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Mexico

For saltwater fly anglers, there are few places in the world as iconic as Xcalak and Chetumal Bay. At Costa de Cocos Fly Fishing Lodge, guests enjoy direct access to the finest permit, tarpon, bonefish, and snook fishing in Mexico, combined with the comfort of a relaxed beachfront lodge. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or on your own, this is the perfect base for exploring one of the Yucatán’s last untouched fisheries.

Getting here is easier than ever. Many guests fly into Cancun or the new Tulum International Airport, then take the new Maya Train south along the coast to Chetumal, where lodge staff and guides provide private transfers the final leg to Xcalak. In just a day’s travel, you’ll be stepping onto the skiff at dawn, casting to tailing permit in some of the most beautiful and lightly pressured flats in the Caribbean.

Costa de Cocos Fly Fishing Lodge is available for bookings year-round. All rates are fully inclusive of meals and drinks.

For anglers who prefer to travel with a group host, Isolation Outfitters is running a dedicated Hosted Week in Xcalak called the Costa Maya Slam, May 2026 — learn more about our hosted trip here.

From serious permit hunters to first-time saltwater anglers, Costa de Cocos offers an authentic experience that combines world-class fly fishing with the charm of a small Caribbean village. Add in easy access from Cancun or Tulum, an easy route down to Chetumal, plus a warm, welcoming lodge atmosphere – with adjoining restaurant and bar – and you’ve got one of the best fly fishing lodges in Mexico for both anglers and non-angling companions.

  • BEACHFRONT VIEW

  • DOUBLE BEDROOMS

  • ITS PERMIT TIME

  • QUAINT CABANAS

  • EPIC EVENINGS

  • STUNNING SUNRISES

  • GONE FISHING

  • FULL BAR INCLUDED

  • DOUBLE CABANAS

COSTA DE COCOS, XCALAK, MEXICO

SALTWATER FLY FISHING IN CHETUMAL BAY AND COSTA MAYA

DESTINATION & LOCALITY

Costa de Cocos is located in the quiet fishing village of Xcalak, on the Costa Maya coastline at the far southern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. With Belize to the south and the barrier reef just offshore, it is the gateway to Chetumal Bay, one of the most productive and unspoiled flats fisheries in the world.

Anglers come here for:

  • Permit Fly Fishing in Mexico – Chetumal Bay is widely known as the Permit Capital of the Yucatán.

  • Variety of Species – Bonefish, juvenile tarpon, and snook make Grand Slams a real possibility.

  • Authentic Caribbean Atmosphere – No mega-resorts or cruise crowds, just a laid-back village focused on fishing.

  • Proximity to Flats – Within minutes of leaving the dock you’ll be poling across endless shallow water.

ACCOMMODATION AND DINING

The lodge features private beachfront cabanas, built from local stone and hardwoods, each with air conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathrooms, and daily housekeeping. Designed for comfort in a tropical climate, the cabanas stay cool and breezy — ideal after long days on the flats. The relaxed, rustic style makes Costa de Cocos equally welcoming for serious anglers, couples, and non-angling companions.

The lodge comprises six single rooms, six double rooms and one double bedroom family unit. There is an onsite restaurant and bar.

Meals and drinks are included in our weekly rate. Expect hearty breakfasts, fresh seafood lunches, and multi-course dinners served in the main dining area. The full bar on site offers margaritas, ice-cold beers, and Caribbean cocktails, making evenings as enjoyable as the fishing. Packed lunches are part of the fishing program.

FISHING PROGRAM

Fishing days begin with breakfast, then a short walk to the dock where local guides and pangas (flats skiffs) are ready. You’ll spend full days on the water, poling the turtle grass flats of Chetumal Bay or exploring the barrier reef and mangroves near Xcalak.

  • Two anglers per skiff with experienced local guides.

  • Full 8-hour fishing days.

  • Opportunities for permit, bonefish, tarpon, and snook.

  • Peak seasons: March–June & October–December, though fish are present year-round.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 7 nights lodging (shared cabana).

  • 6 full days of guided fishing (2 anglers per skiff).

  • All meals, snacks, and open bar.

  • Roundtrip transfers from Cancun, Tulum, or Chetumal.

  • Use of lodge facilities.

NOT INCLUDED

  • International/domestic flights.

  • Gratuities for guides & staff.

  • Fishing gear, flies, and tackle.

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).

TRIP DETAILS AT A GLANCE

Location: Xcalak, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Target Species: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook

Season: Year-round, best March–June & Oct–Dec

Group Size: 2 anglers per skiff (single upgrade option), lodge can host larger groups

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

  • Day 1: Arrive Cancun – Maya Train to Chetumal – private transfer to lodge. Welcome dinner.

  • Days 2–7: Six full days guided fly fishing Chetumal Bay & Xcalak.

  • Day 8: Breakfast, transfer back to Chetumal (Maya Train) or Cancun for onward flights.

TRAVEL OPTIONS TO COSTA DE COCOS LODGE

Reaching Costa de Cocos Fly Fishing Lodge is straightforward, with several convenient options depending on your travel plans:

  • Fly into Cancun (CUN): The most common arrival point. Guests can either take a private road transfer south(about 6–7 hours) arranged through the lodge, or ride the new Maya Train down the Yucatán Peninsula to Chetumal, where lodge staff will meet you for the final transfer to Xcalak.

  • Fly into Tulum (TUY): A newer option with increasing international service. From Tulum, guests can either arrange a direct transfer south by road or connect to the Maya Train for a comfortable ride to Chetumal before meeting lodge guides.

  • Fly into Chetumal (CTM): The most direct choice, just two hours from the lodge. Lodge staff provide private road transfers from Chetumal Airport to Costa de Cocos.

Whichever route you choose, our team ensures smooth connections all the way to the lodge, so you’ll be ready to hit the flats the very next morning.

LODGE RATES

The Costa de Cocos Lodge weekly rate US$3,995 per angler including seven nights of shared room accommodation in Costa de Cocos inclusive of all meals and drinks, guiding each day (shared guide and skiff), and road transfers from Cancun or Tulum.

Single Angler rate is US$4,995. Single room or single skiff upgrades are available for individuals traveling within a group.

BOOK YOUR OWN DATES OR COME ON OUR HOSTED TRIP

Costa de Cocos is available for custom bookings year-round — perfect for couples, small groups, or solo anglers. Just contact us with your preferred dates and we’ll help you plan your travel and detailed itinerary at no charge with our fly fishing concierge service.

Note: Using Isolation Outfitters will never cost more than booking the lodge directly.

If you’d like to travel with a hosted group, Isolation Outfitters will be in Xcalak May 29 – June 5, 2026. Click here for full details on our Xcalak Hosted Trip.

FLY FISHING TACKLE AND GEAR TO BRING

Chetumal Bay is a classic Caribbean saltwater fly fishing destination, and anglers often ask what gear works best. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, we provide a detailed, practical guide covering our recommended tackle setups – rods, reels, lines, leaders, and flies for permit, tarpon, and bonefish at Costa de Cocos, Xcalak.

We also supply a full packing list for your full gear as well as specialist tips on traveling with rods into and out of Mexico (pro tip: don’t take more than 4 rods out of Mexico by place, ask us why).

TACKLE & GEAR

RECOMMENDED RODS (& MATCHING REELS)

  • 9’ 8 wt single hand for permit and bonefish

  • 9’ 6/7 wt single hand for bonefish and snook

  • 9’ 9wt single hand for juvenile tarpon

  • 8’6” or 9’ 10-12 weight for larger tarpon

LINES & LEADERS

  • Floating lines standard; intermediate or sink-tip optional

  • Permit/ Tarpon: 9–12 ft, 20–30 lb fluorocarbon

  • Bonefish: 9 ft, 12–16 lb fluorocarbon

Flies: Permit crab patterns, Crazy Charlie, Gotcha, bonefish shrimp patterns, small baitfish patterns, crab/shrimp flies, and general flats flies. Full list supplied on booking.

OTHER GEAR

  • Breathable wading apparel and wading boots

  • Polarized sunglasses, cap, suncream

  • Waterproof daypack and bum bag

  • Fly boxes, nippers, forceps, leader material

A full packing list is provided on booking confirmation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

TRIP ENQUIRIES

Please contact us by sending us a message via our Contact Form, or calling us to discuss availability.

We will share more trip information with you via email and phone to discuss this adventure, answer your questions and understand more about what you’re looking for from this trip.

SKILL LEVEL

You do NOT need to be an expert saltwater fly angler to enjoy this trip. We, together with your guide, will assist you every step of the way to improve your technique and help you connect with fish. However, you should be proficient at casting – able to confidently cast heavy flies in variable wind conditions using 7/8 weight rods for bonefish and permit, and 9/10 weight rods for tarpon.

WEATHER

Mexico’s tropical Caribbean climate means it’s warm and humid year-round, with daytime temperatures typically around 80-85°F (27-29°C) in late May. Expect occasional afternoon rain showers or squalls, often brief but sometimes intense. Wind can pick up, especially on the flats or while boating, so pack a light rain jacket, and a warm hoody or vest for cooler early mornings and breezy boat rides.

Sun protection is essential: bring high-quality sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, a Buff® or similar neckwear, gloves, a wide-brimmed hat (plus a backup), and chapstick to protect your lips. We’ll supply plenty of water to keep you well hydrated throughout your daily fishing adventures.

SATELLITE PHONE/MESSAGING

There’s a new StarLink connection at the Lodge now so you can connect back home via your smartphone.

On our hosted trips, we carry multiple Garmin Inreach Mini2 messaging devices, an Iridium Extreme Satellite Telephone and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) on every trip. You can use these to call home, send messages to cellphones as you wish, or message between teams.

In the event of a major medical emergency, we can make direct contact with Global Rescue (or whomever you are insured with) for urgent evacuation to the nearest medical centre.

FARE PAYMENT

The fare for this expedition is outlined on this page in US Dollars (USD$) and will not change after final confirmation of your booking (confirmed by receipt of your deposit payment to Isolation Outfitters), regardless of any fluctuations in international currency, fuel or travel costs. A detailed list of what is included is provided with your booking confirmation. Individual anglers are invoiced separately or together as you wish.

Currency: Payment can be made in US Dollars (USD$) into our Montana USA deposit account or our New Zealand bank account as you choose. If you wish to pay in NZ Dollars (NZD$), we will agree a suitable foreign exchange rate into NZD$ from your preferred currency at the time of booking.

Credit Cards: Alternatively you may wish to pay by credit card. We accept most major international credit cards and can provide a link for online payments.

Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the fare is payable to confirm your booking. Payment of deposit is deemed acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.

Remaining Fare: We require settlement of your full account 90 days before the trip proceeds. Anglers will need to sign a waiver online and we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and medical insurance to cover unexpected issues that may impact your journey.

Additional Travel or Tackle: We can arrange additional road transfers if you need to fly in earlier or later, or air transfers into if preferable, and we can also ship in fishing gear for you to retain after the trip is completed. Any costs for these will be invoiced directly to you and are payable before the trip commences. Any additional trip preferences, changes to the expedition travel, or specialist gear obtained on your behalf at your request will be payable on invoice.

SINGLE ANGLER EXPEDITIONS

Our rate for Costa de Cocos Fly Fishing Lodge is priced for two anglers sharing a room (double occupancy). If you are a single angler, we can provide single rooms on request at the quoted rate for single occupancy, or we will need to accommodate you another willing single angler. Please contact us to discuss any aspect of your coming adventure.