Xcalak Paradise Lodge, Costa Maya, Mexico

Located at the southern tip of Mexico's Caribbean coast, just north of the Belizean border, Xcalak is a place where fly fishing—not tourism—is the main attraction.

Just 40 miles south of the cruise port of Mahahual, this sleepy fishing village is one of the Caribbean's last truly unspoiled saltwater fisheries.

While much of the Yucatán has grown busier, the vast flats of Chetumal Bay remain lightly pressured, offering exceptional sight fishing for permit, bonefish and tarpon, often with only a handful of other skiffs on the water.

Bordered by protected reefs, mangrove forests and the world-renowned Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, Xcalak remains one of the Mexican Caribbean's healthiest and most productive saltwater fisheries.

GUIDED Fly Fishing FOr PERMIT IN CHETUMAL BAY, XCALAK

To match the quality of the fishery, we've partnered with the new Xcalak Paradise Fly Fishing Lodge. Hosting a maximum of eight anglers, the lodge combines first-class guiding with comfortable air-conditioned rooms, excellent food, an open bar, a swimming pool, and warm, personal hospitality — all just a short stroll from the Caribbean beach.

Isolation Outfitters offers year-round fly-fishing packages, including fully hosted weeks, based at Xcalak Paradise Lodge. Every trip includes return road transfers from Cancún or Tulum, along with expert pre-trip advice to help you plan the perfect Riviera Maya itinerary.

Contact us to reserve your week in Xcalak.

  • XCALAK VILLAGE

PERMIT, TARPON, BONEFISH At XCALAK PARADISE LODGE

XCALAK PARADISE LODGE

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.

ACCOMMODATION & HOSPITALITY

Purpose-built for travelling fly anglers, Xcalak Paradise Lodge hosts a maximum of eight guests each week, ensuring a relaxed and personalised experience. Comfortable twin-share rooms feature air conditioning and private bathrooms, while the lodge also offers a swimming pool, open bar and inviting communal spaces to unwind after a day on the flats. Single-room upgrades are available within groups, subject to availability. Complimentary Wifi is available at the lodge.

The secluded property is staffed around the clock and can also cater for non-angling partners, with local sightseeing and activities available on request.

DINING

The dining experience is a highlight of every stay. Breakfast is served before departure each morning, while lunches are enjoyed on the water with chilled soft drinks, bottled water and local beers.

Each evening, guests gather for chef-prepared dinners celebrating the flavours of the Yucatán and Mayan cuisine. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, every meal is thoughtfully presented and paired with a relaxed atmosphere, making dinner one of the highlights of the day.

THE FISHERY

Fishing is centred on the expansive flats of Chetumal Bay, together with nearby channels and coastal flats surrounding Xcalak. Guides fish where conditions are best each day, adapting to tides, weather and fish movements to maximise opportunities.

Permit, bonefish and tarpon are the primary targets, while snook, barracuda, jack crevalle and other flats species provide exciting opportunities throughout the season. Wading is common, particularly for bonefish, while much of the fishing is conducted from purpose-built flats skiffs.

With only four or five guide boats operating from the lodge, anglers enjoy uncrowded water and exceptional sight fishing throughout the week.

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 7:30 am, returning in the late afternoon for cocktails, snacks and stories from the water.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Seven nights' accommodation at Xcalak Paradise Lodge
    (shared twin room; single-room upgrade available)

  • Six full days of guided fly fishing

  • Return road transfers from Cancún or Tulum

  • All meals, snacks and beverages, including local beers and house drinks

  • Fishing licenses and park fees

  • Daily housekeeping and laundry service on request

  • Complimentary use of lodge fly-fishing tackle if required

  • Expert pre-trip planning and itinerary advice from Isolation Outfitters

NOT INCLUDED

• International airfares

• Guide and lodge staff gratuities

• Travel insurance (we recommend Global Rescue Trip Insurance)

• Optional domestic flights between Cancún and Chetumal (available on request)

TRIP DETAILS AT A GLANCE

Destination: Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Season: Year-round (prime permit fishing March–June)
Target Species: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle
Difficulty: 6/10
Group Size: Maximum 8 anglers (single bookings welcome)

From US$4,500 per angler
Shared room • Shared boat • 7 nights • 6 guided fishing days • 2 anglers per guide

YOUR WEEK IN XCALAK

Our scheduled weeks are Saturday to Saturday.

Arrive into either Cancún International Airport (CUN) or Tulum International Airport (TQO), where you'll be met for the included private road transfer to Xcalak Paradise Lodge. The drive follows the spectacular Caribbean coastline before reaching the quiet fishing village of Xcalak. We recommend flying in on a Friday and staying a night before your transfer.

Enjoy six full days of guided fly fishing (Sun-Fri) across the flats of Chetumal Bay and the surrounding coastal fishery. Your experienced local guide will tailor each day to prevailing tides, weather and fish movements, targeting permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook, barracuda and other exciting flats species.

After each day's fishing, return to the lodge for cocktails, chef-prepared Yucatán cuisine and relaxed evenings swapping stories with fellow anglers before another dawn on the water.

Following breakfast on your final morning, you'll be transferred back to Cancún or Tulum for your onward journey. Schedule Tulum flights for mid-afternoon onwards and Cancun flight no earlier than 6pm.

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.

RATES FOR 2026/2027

Our standard package is US$4,500 per angler, based on twin-share accommodation and two anglers per guide, and includes seven nights' accommodation, six days of guided fly fishing (shared boat/guide), all meals and beverages, fishing licenses, park fees, daily housekeeping, laundry service and return road transfers from Cancún or Tulum.

Optional upgrades:

  • US$5,100 per angler – solo room, shared boat

  • US$5,600 per angler – shared room, solo boat

  • US$6,800 per angler – solo room, solo boat

Booking through Isolation Outfitters never costs more than booking direct, while providing expert pre-trip planning, itinerary advice and personalized service from your first enquiry until you return home.

BOOK YOUR TRIP

Whether you're joining one of our fully hosted weeks or travelling independently, Isolation Outfitters can help you plan the perfect Xcalak fly-fishing adventure. Contact us for current availability and to reserve your preferred dates. Xcalak Paradise Lodge is open year-round.

Our next fully hosted weeks are scheduled for peak Permit season. Come with us on either 15 – 22 May 2027 or 22 – 29 May 2027 and enjoy a full hosted experience from your arrival into Cancún and throughout the week. Bookings limited to first six anglers to reserve for each week.

TACKLE & GEAR

RECOMMENDED RODS

  • 9’ 9 wt single hand for permit and juvenile tarpon

  • 9’ 7/8 wt single hand for bonefish and snook

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

LINES & LEADERS
Floating lines, plus optional intermediate or sink-tip lines for deeper channels, 9-12ft leaders with 12/16/20/25 tippet

Flies: Permit crab patterns, bonefish shrimp, tarpon deceivers, baitfish imitations, and general flats flies

Detailed packing and gear lists are provided on your booking confirmation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

XCALAK PARADISE LODGE – 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 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). 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.

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.

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, subject to availability.

Please contact us to discuss your plans.