Isla del Sábalo Lodge

Isla del Sábalo is a small and intimate fishing lodge that allows anglers to enjoy one of the premiere juvenile tarpon fisheries on Earth. Though not completely off-the-grid, its location is quite remote and, with no other fishing operations nearby, guests at Isla del Sábalo are the sole beneficiaries of the thriving silver king population that inhabits the fertile inshore waters within a 40-plus-mile stretch of unspoiled Yucatan coast. Birds of many kinds—including flamingos, frigates, hummingbirds, tropical mockingbirds, ocellated turkeys, various raptors and many Yucatan native species abound. And other wildlife, from crocodiles to jaguars seen roaming once in a while, is also found in the region, adding to the experience.

The lodge is simple, intimate, colorful and comfortable. What it lacks in luxury it makes up for in charm and strategic location, and guests will find all the essentials for a pleasant stay, including air-conditioned accommodations, a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, great service—always with a smile— and good food and drink.

The west coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where Isla del Sábalo is situated, is renowned for its juvenile tarpon fishery, and with good reason, as 5- to 15-pounders are astoundingly abundant and frequently found in groups ranging from a few fish to large schools of more than 100. Now and then, 20- to 30-pound tarpon are also present, and an influx of much larger adults (of 40 to over 100 pounds) can spice things up during the annual May-through-August migration. In addition, visiting anglers are also likely to cross paths with snook, barracuda, mangrove snapper, jacks, and the occasional seatrout.

To make things even more exciting, the bulk of the action takes place in clear water only two to four feet deep, allowing anglers to track their targets’ movements with ease, and read their reactions to each presentation, thus bolstering chances for a hook-up. While some tarpon are spotted cruising or laid-up, many are seen rolling on the surface, especially in sheltered areas or in open water when the wind isn’t kicking up a chop. Lush grass flats extending from about 100 to more than 500 yards off the coastline are usual gathering areas, but plenty of tarpon also prowl the mangrove shorelines and the myriad coves, tidal lagoons, and river and creek mouths.

Isla del Sábalo guides, all seasoned veterans with more than a decade fishing in the region, are very familiar with the tactics and fly patterns best suited for their local waters. They also stay in touch via VHF radio and share information to ensure everyone gets in on the hot bites.

Fishing Schedule

Since mornings are usually calm and produce excellent action, every fishing day begins at daybreak (approximately 6 a.m., depending on the time of year). To take full advantage of the region’s seasonal weather patterns, you’ll either have lunch out on the water (the guides always find a shady spot) and fish until 2 or 3 p.m., when the wind turns and starts blowing toward shore, or head back to the lodge for lunch and a siesta instead. After the break, you’ll go back out in the early evening to cash in on another peak period of tarpon activity. Based on your guide’s game plan (with tides and weather forecast taken into account), the run to the fishing grounds can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as 45.

Boats 

Isla del Sábalo guides are equipped with custom, 18-foot pangas, tunnel-hull versions of a traditional open-boat design that is seaworthy, very maneuverable and lightweight. The boats run and float in extremely shallow water, and feature recent-year outboards, a spacious casting deck with leaning bar at the bow, comfortable seats, rod racks on the gunwales, and a poling platform at the stern that affords guides an elevated perch from which to spot fish with greater ease. 

Loaner Gear

The lodge does NOT have any fly outfits to lend guests, so you must bring you own gear (including at least one spare rod and reel), as well as plenty of flies, leaders and other essentials, like a rain jacket and polarized sunglasses. 

The lodge’s simple, clean and cozy, beachfront cottages are air-conditioned, furnished for single or double occupancy, and incorporate a private bath and an outside veranda overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. A beachside palapa (tiki-style hut) just outside the cottages is a great spot to rig your gear or hang out, while enjoying the view with your favorite libation. An outdoor dining area, spacious, shaded and also facing the water, is the designated place to enjoy meals and the daily appetizers alfresco. And guests inherently gravitate towards its ample, comfy seating to mingle and trade fish tales with fellow anglers or play cards. 

Cuisine

If you like Mexican food, you’ll love Isla del Sábalo, where you’ll enjoy authentic dishes cooked to perfection and served family style. Anglers here begin their day with fruit juice and coffee or tea, and a hearty breakfast that includes fresh fruit, eggs, bacon or other meats, pancakes, toast or tortillas, and other tasty accompaniments. Lunches include sandwiches, chips, fruit, and a sweet treat, and they are placed in every boat’s cooler before heading out in the morning. Mouthwatering appetizers are served when anglers get back from fishing, along with ice-cold beer, wine, margaritas or another cocktail of your choice. At dinner, guests get to sample various regional favorites, with fresh fish or seafood, chicken, pork or beef featured throughout the week. By the way, Isla del Sábalo’s staff will gladly meet most dietary restrictions, simply make sure your needs are relayed to the lodge at least two weeks prior to your arrival. 

Connectivity

Cell service from certain U.S. providers may work in Merida, but it is bound to become spotty at best shortly after you leave the city. Nevertheless, the lodge offers complementary Wi-Fi so you can stay connected.

Isla del Sábalo is a fishing-focused operation in a remote location. Therefore, non-angling activities are extremely limited. The surrounding area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, however, and those who come prepared may be able to see and photograph numerous species, including many exotics indigenous to the region. In addition, some interesting Mayan ruins can easily be explored by renting a car in Merida, a picturesque city with lots of restaurants, shops and various other attractions.

Anglers headed to Isla del Sábalo should fly to Merida International Airport (MID). We recommend you book a flight that lands no later than 3:30 p.m. and a return flight that departs no earlier than 1 p.m. to avoid overnighting in Merida on either end of your trip. If your arrival time is later than recommended, you’ll need to spend the night at the Fiesta Americana hotel before transferring to the lodge. 

Upon arrival, once you have retrieved your luggage and cleared Mexican immigration and customs at the airport, head for the exit. A representative of Isla del Sábalo will be waiting to direct you to an air-conditioned van for the 2 ½-hour drive to the lodge. If you spend the night at the Fiesta Americana, you’ll be met at the hotel lobby at 1 p.m. the next day and driven to Isla del Sábalo. At the end of your trip, you’ll be shuttled back to the airport, prior to your flight home.

No visas or vaccinations are required for U.S. citizens to enter Mexico, but they must have a valid passport that will not expire within six (6) months of the trip dates, has at least two blank pages remaining, and is not torn or damaged in any way. All minors (under 18 years of age) traveling to Mexico accompanied by only one parent or legal guardian must have a notarized letter from the other parent granting permission to travel. Single parents need a notarized divorce decree or death certificate of the spouse. Unaccompanied minors require a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents. 

MidCurrent’s services are completely free, so you never pay more than if you booked directly with the lodge or outfitter. All rates are per person and listed in U.S. dollars.

Double Occupancy 2024 (shared room and boat)
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing $4,895 per person
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing $4,450 per person
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing $3,965 per person
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing $3,490 per person
3 nights / 2 Days Fishing $3,000 per person

Single Occupancy 2024 (single room and single angler per boat)
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days $7,150 per person
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing $6,430 per person
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing $5,800 per person
4 Nights / 3 Fishing Days $5,095 per person
3 nights / 2 Days Fishing $4,390 per person

Included:

• The number of nights lodging specified in the package 
• Daily guided fishing
• Airport transfers on Saturdays (May through September). 
• All meals and soft drinks while at the lodge
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• All applicable Mexican goods and service taxes
• Fishing License 

Not Included:

• Airfare to Merida, Mexico 
• Hotel and meals in Merida (if necessary)
• Airport transfers on days other than Saturdays or outside of the May through September period ($350 surcharge divided by number of anglers in the group). 
• Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff
• Alcoholic beverages 
• Fishing tackle and flies
• Laundry service (available for a nominal fee)

Bookings are confirmed with a 50 percent deposit, made no later than seven days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency, deemed reasonable at MidCurrent’s discretion.

Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. Midcurrent’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that Midcurrent represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from MidCurrent’s terms, supersede any agreements between MidCurrent and a client.