Xcalak, Mexico
MAY 2027 HOSTED TRIPS
Join Isolation Outfitters for one of two exclusive hosted weeks in Xcalak during May 2027. Choose either week: 15–22 May 2027 or 22–29 May 2027. We’ve timed these trips with the migratory tarpon run so pack your 11 or 12 weight rod!
Limited to just six anglers per departure, these trips combine outstanding permit and tarpon fishing with the camaraderie and support of traveling alongside experienced hosts.
From the moment you arrive in Cancún or Tulum, we'll take care of the logistics. Expect airport meet-and-greet, road transfers, pre-trip planning, loan tackle to try, evening fly-tying sessions, plenty of fishing stories, and a few cocktail recommendations after a day on the flats.
Whether you're chasing your first permit or adding another grand slam to an already impressive tally, our hosted weeks offer a relaxed, enjoyable way to experience one of Mexico's finest fly-fishing destinations alongside a small group of like-minded anglers.
TWO HOSTED WEEKS AT XCALAK PARADISE LODGE: MAY 2027
Your home for the week is Xcalak Paradise Lodge, a modern boutique lodge designed specifically for fly anglers. Relax in comfortable air-conditioned twin-share rooms, enjoy chef-prepared Yucatán-inspired cuisine, unwind by the pool or open bar, and experience the genuine hospitality that has quickly earned the lodge an excellent reputation.
Each day you'll explore the legendary flats of Chetumal Bay with expert local guides, sight fishing for permit, bonefish and tarpon across shallow turtle-grass flats, mangrove-lined shorelines and coastal lagoons.
Protected by nearby marine parks and the renowned Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, this is one of the Caribbean's last truly uncrowded saltwater fisheries, where it's common to spend the day sharing the water with only a handful of other skiffs.
Please contact us for availability on either of these two May 2027 hosted weeks.
PERMIT, TARPON, BONEFISH At XCALAK PARADISE LODGE
HOSTED WEEKS IN XCALAK
Join Isolation Outfitters for one of two exclusive hosted departures during peak permit season in May 2027. Limited to just six anglers each week, these trips combine one of Mexico's finest saltwater fisheries with the support, camaraderie and local knowledge that comes from travelling with experienced hosts.
From the moment you arrive in Cancún or Tulum, we'll look after the details. Airport meet-and-greet, road transfers, pre-trip planning, loan tackle, fly selection, evening fishing discussions and a well-earned cocktail at day's end are all part of the experience. Your focus is simple—fish hard, relax afterwards and enjoy a memorable week on the flats.
Based at Xcalak Paradise Lodge, you'll spend six full days exploring the renowned waters of Chetumal Bay with experienced local guides. Every day is different, with tides, weather and fish movements determining where you'll fish in search of permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook, barracuda and other prized saltwater species.
Back at the lodge, chef-prepared Yucatán cuisine, comfortable air-conditioned accommodation, an open bar and swimming pool provide the perfect setting to unwind, compare stories and prepare for another day on the water.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your hosted week includes:
Seven nights' accommodation at Xcalak Paradise Lodge
Six full days of guided fly fishing
Two anglers per guide aboard purpose-built flats skiffs
Return road transfers from Cancún or Tulum
All meals, lunches on the water, snacks and beverages, including local beers and house drinks
Fishing licenses and park fees
Daily housekeeping and laundry service
Complimentary loan fly-fishing tackle provided by us
Pre-trip planning and itinerary advice before departure
Full hosting by Isolation Outfitters throughout the week
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
International airfares
Guide and lodge staff gratuities
Travel insurance (Global Rescue recommended)
Optional domestic flights between Cancún and Chetumal
YOUR HOME FOR THE WEEK
Throughout your hosted trip you'll stay at Xcalak Paradise Lodge, an intimate boutique lodge designed with traveling fly anglers in mind. Accommodating a maximum of eight guests, it offers comfortable air-conditioned twin-share rooms with private bathrooms, together with an open bar, swimming pool and welcoming communal spaces to relax after a day on the flats.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge, while single-room upgrades can be arranged subject to availability.
Hospitality is a genuine highlight. Start each day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the water, enjoy lunches aboard your skiff, then return each evening to chef-prepared Yucatán-inspired cuisine showcasing fresh local ingredients. Relax over dinner, share the day's successes with fellow anglers and prepare for another day exploring the legendary flats of Chetumal Bay.
For a complete overview of the accommodation, facilities and dining experience at Xcalak Paradise Lodge, please visit our dedicated lodge page.
Non-angling partners are welcome, with sightseeing, lagoon cruises and visits to nearby Mahahual available by prior arrangement.
TRIP DETAILS AT A GLANCE
Dates:
15–22 May 2027
22–29 May 2027
Destination: Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Season: May for prime permit fishing and migratory tarpon
Target Species: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle
Difficulty: 6/10
Group Size: Maximum 6 anglers (single bookings welcome)
HOSTED WEEK PRICE
US$5,000 per angler
Shared room • Shared skiff • 7 nights • 6 guided fishing days • 2 anglers per guide
Optional Upgrade
US$7,500 per angler – Private room/private skiff
Booking through Isolation Outfitters never costs more than booking directly. In addition to securing your place at Xcalak Paradise Lodge, you'll benefit from personalized trip planning, hosted support throughout the week, and the confidence of traveling with anglers who know both the destination and the fishery.
We have partnered with Xcalak Paradise Lodge to bring you an exceptional week enjoying one of the last unspoiled stretches of the Mexican Caribbean coast, on the southern end of the Costa Maya.
YOUR FISHING WEEK
Fishing is conducted on a two-angler-to-one-guide basis aboard traditional Yucatán flats skiffs, with private guide and boat options available on request.
Days typically begin around 6:30am for breakfast, departing at 7.30am and returning in mid to late afternoon for cocktails, snacks and stories from the water.
THE FISHERY
May is one of the most exciting times to fish Xcalak. The expansive flats of Chetumal Bay, nearby channels and Caribbean coastline offer outstanding sight fishing for permit and bonefish, while the annual migration of larger tarpon adds another dimension to the week.
Each day, local guides adapt to the tides, weather and fish movements, selecting the best water for prevailing conditions. Whether you're stalking tailing permit across shallow turtle-grass flats, wading for cruising bonefish or searching the coastline for migratory tarpon, every day presents new opportunities.
Snook, barracuda, jack crevalle and other hard-fighting flats species regularly feature throughout the week, ensuring there's always something exciting to cast at. With only four or five skiffs operating from the lodge, anglers enjoy lightly pressured water, uncrowded flats and one of the most rewarding saltwater fly-fishing experiences in the Mexican Caribbean.
TRAVEL OPTIONS
Fly Cancún (CUN)
Most international visitors arrive via Cancún. Your package includes a private road transfer to and from Xcalak Paradise Lodge, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey through Mexico's Caribbean coast. You’ll stop for lunch in Felipe Carrillo Puerto on your southbound transfer and Tulum on the return trip.
Fly Tulum (TQO)
Tulum International Airport offers a convenient alternative with a shorter transfer to Xcalak, making it an excellent option for travelers combining their fishing trip with time on the Riviera Maya. Ask us about some very special accommodation options in Tulum. You may also have time on Saturday morning to visit the local Mayan ruins.
BOOK YOUR HOSTED WEEK
To join one of our fully hosted weeks, contact us for current availability and to reserve your preferred week. Xcalak Paradise Lodge is open year-round for general bookings and we can advise on availability.
Bookings limited to first six anglers to reserve for each week.
GENERAL INFORMATION
HOSTED TRIP ENQUIRIES
Please contact us by sending us a message via our Contact Form, or calling us to discuss availability for either hosted week. We expect these to fill quickly given this is a brand new lodge.
We will share more trip information with you via email and can also phone to discuss trip details, answer your questions and understand more about what you’re looking for from our hosted trips.
SKILL LEVEL
You do NOT need to be an expert saltwater fly angler to enjoy this trip. And we can supply rods if you do not, for instance, have a suitable 12wt rod for migratory tarpon. We, together with your Xcalak 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 9 weight rods for permit, and 9/10 weight rods for juvenile tarpon and 11-12 weight rods for migratory tarpon in season.
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), possible hotter in May as summer intensifies. 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.
CONNECTIVITY
The lodge has wifi coverage for sharing photos and messages back home. We recommend getting a Mexican traveler SIM card or sim for your phone at Cancun or Tulum airport on arrival unless you choose a roaming package with your home cell operator. Cell coverage is limited along the Yucatán coast.
The guides have VHF connectivity in the skiffs and in the event of a medical emergency, the lodge will have 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. Individual anglers are invoiced separately or together as you wish.
Our fare for hosted trips is the same as for all other trips to Xcalak Paradise Lodge.
Currency: Payment can be made in US Dollars (USD$) into our Montana USA deposit account. If you wish to pay in NZ Dollars (NZD$) into our New Zealand bank account, 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 we provide a secure link for online card payments at time of reservation.
Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the fare is payable to confirm your booking reservation. 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 may need to show proof of comprehensive travel insurance and any required medical insurance at this time.
Additional Travel or Tackle: We can arrange additional road transfers if you need to fly in earlier or later, or air transfers into Xcalak/Mahahual 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.
We can also provide a cost for an additional 2-3 day add-on trip to Isla Holbox before you fly home out of Cancún. We have had great success here for large migratory tarpon and strongly recommend a visit.
SINGLE ANGLER EXPEDITIONS
Xcalak Paradise Fly Fishing Lodge is priced for two anglers sharing a room (twin-share or double occupancy).
If you are a single angler, we can provide single rooms on request at the quoted rate for single occupancy, however for hosted trips, this can be difficult. Talk to us asap to confirm your room.

