A Tarpon Tug-of-War: Two of the World's Most Spectacular Tarpon Lodges

Tarpon Cay Lodge and Isla del Sabalo share the same season, rate structure, occupancy, and ownership—leaving many first-timers wondering what makes each destination unique. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into their similarities and differences to help you find the perfect fit. 

Sage Experiences
The great news about both lodges is that they belong to our elite collection of Sage Experiences outfitters. Guests who prefer not to bring their own gear, or wish to utilize premium outfits from Sage and RIO Products that are perfectly suited to the fishery may do so at no extra charge at any point. These outfits are hand selected by the lodge so that their guests may enjoy an elite tackle experience onsite.  

Travel 
When traveling to Tarpon Cay Lodge, you’ll fly into Cancún, which is serviced daily by many major airlines. Customs is typically quick and painless. After collecting your bags, take a taxi or hotel shuttle to the Courtyard Marriott Cancún, where you’ll meet your driver for the 3-hour transfer to Río Lagartos. On departure day, you’ll be dropped off directly at the Cancún airport. 

For Isla del Sabalo, you’ll fly into Mérida and overnight at the Fiesta Americana Hotel or a similar property. The following morning, you’ll be picked up for the 2.5-hour drive to Isla Arena. Since flights into Mérida are less frequent, an inbound overnight flight is always required and occasionally necessary on your return as well. Mérida is rich in history and a great place to spend extra time. Please note that you can bring fly rods and reels into Mérida as carry-ons, but they must be checked on the way out due to a unique airport regulation. 

Overall, trips to Isla del Sabalo require a slightly more time-consuming itinerary, with fewer available flights that are more expensive. So, if these aspects of the trip are an important factor for you, it may be worth a closer look at Tarpon Cay Lodge.  

Accommodations
Tarpon Cay Lodge is based out of a small, boutique hotel called the Yuum Ha Hotel in Río Lagartos. This is a lively spot that’s popular with local tourists. The town has more activity than Isla Arena, with shops and ecotourists. Accommodations here are slightly more refined than those at Isla del Sabalo, but keep in mind it’s a small hotel rather than a dedicated fishing lodge, so expect to see non-anglers around the premises. The property has six rooms and can host six anglers, though some rooms may be occupied by other guests. Meals, served in the downstairs restaurant are a highlight and feature flavorful local dishes. The Typsy Tiki Bar next to the pool is a fun hangout after fishing, and your host José is usually on-site mixing cocktails and offering mezcal and tequila flights. 

Isla del Sabalo, by contrast, offers a more rustic experience. Guests stay in simple, double-occupancy cabanas with private bathrooms. Isla Arena is a sleepy fishing village, making Isla del Sabalo the better choice for those seeking peace and quiet. There is no bar on-site, but guests are welcome to bring their own wine or spirits. Only soft drinks are provided. Both lodges have air conditioning in the rooms. 

Overall, there are a few more creature comforts at Tarpon Cay Lodge than Isla del Sabalo. Also, the surrounding town of Rio Lagartos is much livelier with more modern conveniences. Isla del Sabalo is a better choice for those that do not mind a more basic lodging experience and are seeking a more adventurous and remote location. 

Fishing
A major distinction between the two lodges is fish size. Although it varies year-to-year depending on the size class of fish that are exiting the mangroves that season, Tarpon Cay generally offers tarpon in the 5–25+ lb. range, with 8–12 lbs. being average with some larger migratory tarpon showing up occasionally late-August through October. At Isla del Sabalo, tarpon can range from 5–40+ lbs., with an average in the low to mid-teens. Thanks to the underwater geography and deeper proximity to the Gulf, IDS does see larger sub-adults more frequently. 

The fishing zone at Isla del Sabalo features around 12 major estuaries spread out against a massive available area. While overall fish size can be somewhat larger, the larger available area can mean they can be tougher to find. So overall, we’d say that the fishing at Tarpon Cay can be more consistent with a smaller overall zone to find the fish.  

Both operations use classic 18-foot Mexican-style pangas with lean bars for sight fishing. The boats are very simple and powered by quiet and fuel-efficient 4-stroke engines capable of long distances in relative comfort.  

Casting ability is a key factor at both destinations. Anglers capable of accurate, 70+ foot casts will see more opportunities—especially for skittish or cruising fish. Shorter casts can work but are the exception, not the rule. Isla del Sabalo tends to see less angling pressure with deeper water zones that can be more forgiving for shorter presentations. Tarpon Cay’s shallow water flats tend to reward those that can make a long and accurate cast.  

As a general guideline for expectations, your access to available cruising fish is matched by your ability to quickly deliver the fly at a distance. A 30-foot cast may access 30% of the fish. A 50-foot cast will access 50% of the fish, while continuing up to a 70-foot cast accessing 70% of the available fish.  

Tides
Both locations have unique tides due to their geography. At Tarpon Cay, guides set the daily fishing schedule based on tides and weather. Some weeks feature a continuous morning-to-afternoon fishing day, while others have split shifts (morning and evening sessions with a midday break for lunch, siesta, rigging, and tying flies). At Isla del Sabalo, anglers primarily fish from morning to afternoon. Isla del Sabalo also has “prime tide” weeks with two diurnal tides, increasing tarpon movement and opportunities. Even during non-prime weeks, fishing remains solid, though fewer windows may arise. 

Guides
The guides at both lodges are knowledgeable and passionate. Tarpon Cay guides generally have better English skills, which makes for a more interactive experience and feedback. At Isla del Sabalo, guides speak limited English and usually just enough for directional casting and basic commands (“strip,” “set,” etc.). Isla del Sabalo is a great fit for bilingual anglers who want to practice their Spanish. All Isla del Sabalo guides are related by family and work closely as a team, using radios to share intel and coordinate during the day. If you are new to tarpon fishing and have limited knowledge of Spanish or are just getting started in the saltwater, we would recommend Tarpon Cay for this reason. 

Conclusion
There is simply nothing like teasing a tarpon to your fly in shallow water and watching it explode into the air. Both locations are professional tarpon lodges through and through, offering an elite collection of available tackle through Sage Experiences, comfortable lodging, uniquely friendly staff members, and unforgettable encounters with the Silver King. Many guests visit both locations over different weeks to compare them firsthand. If you’re still unsure which is the best fit for your preferences, feel free to reach out. Our staff has spent quality time at both locations over many seasons and is ready and willing to contrast the two for you any time.