Xcalak, Mexico, Hosted Trip with Alex Suescun

Most of the fishing will be done from the casting deck on the bow of the boats (roomy 23-foot pangas with comfortable seats), but wading is possible in many areas, and it’s sometimes encouraged whenever the guides believe it could increase their anglers’ chances of hooking up. The available target species are as follows:

Bonefish, called “macabí” in Mexico, abound year-round. A number of lagoons and protected coves inside Chetumal Bay, as well as various flats that run parallel to its longer shorelines, consistently harbor schools that wander in and out with the tide. Most bones in Yucatan waters fall in the 2- to 3-pound class, but there are some 4- to 6-pounders mixed in, as well as the occasional larger specimen.

Permit, known locally as “palometa,” are also quite plentiful all year and not as heavily pressured as their counterparts in more accessible waters of Mexico and Belize. But permit are still permit, and they remain a challenging species anywhere. Various oceanside flats and a number of rocky channels and flats in Chetumal Bay hold permit of all sizes, from schools of little 4-pounders to packs of 10- to 20-pound fish, and trophies in the 30-pound range.  

Tarpon, called “sábalo” in Mexico waters, are permanent residents of Chetumal Bay. Most are juveniles in the 5- to 15-pound class found around some deeper mangrove shorelines and in “cenotes,” the Mexican name for blue holes or springs. However, an annual migration occurring from May through August brings an influx of adults of 40 to more than 100 pounds to the area.

Snook, known locally as “robalo,” are ambush predators usually found lurking in or near the mangroves, along the edges of channels, and off island points. While most range in the 5- to 8-pound class in and around Chetumal Bay, fish of 10 to 20 pounds are also encountered with some frequency. 

Various other prized inshore species, including barracuda, jacks, snappers and more, are also likely to show up now and then to spice things up.

Anglers coming on the hosted trip should fly to Cancun International Airport (CUN); several airlines offer direct flights from major U.S. cities. It’s recommended that you book a flight arriving by 4:00 pm so you’ll have time to settle in and join the group for dinner, and one departing after 2:30 pm to ensure a timely and relaxed airport transfer from Xcalak for your return home. 

After you’ve retrieved your luggage and cleared Mexican immigration and customs upon arrival, you should exit the terminal and take a shuttle or a taxi to the hotel where you’ll spend the night. Once a specific hotel is selected, closer to the trip dates, we will inform all members of the group with ample time to make their reservations.  

The group will convene at the chosen hotel lobby the next morning and be directed to an air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer to the lodge in Xcalak, a 5 ½-hour drive on good, paved roads (with the necessary bathroom stops along the way). 

No visas or inoculation 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. 

5 nights/4 days of fishing – $2,799 p/person (shared room and boat)

INCLUDED

• Round-trip airport transfers
• Accommodations and meals in Xcalak 
• Four days of guided fishing
• Daily happy-hour drink (beer, rum and tequila) and appetizers
• Fishing license
• Applicable Mexican VAT and hotel taxes 

NOT INCLUDE

• Airfare to Cancun, Mexico 
• Hotel and meals in Cancun 
• Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff
• Alcoholic beverages other than complimentary happy-hour 
• Fishing gear and flies

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 trip. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency, deemed reasonable at Midcurrent Travel’s discretion.

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