Who is best suited to this destination?
Anglers who love the challenge of targeting permit, as well as bonefish, tarpon, and snook. Mayazul Lodge caters primarily to experienced permit anglers, but they will take less experienced anglers and they even have state-of-the-art spinning gear for those interested. The lodge also has premium fly-fishing equipment at no extra cost, for clients to use. This is a also a top pick for folks who appreciate nice accommodations and service.
Where is the lodge?
Mayazul Lodge is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, approximately 56 kilometers south of Tulum in the sleepy fishing village of Punta Allen, Mexico. It is located within the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve. The lodge is a short 5-minute ride south of Punta Allen.
How do I get there?
Guests can fly into Cancún (CUN) or Tulum (TQO) airports with several daily flights to each of the destinations. It is important to plan to arrive Cancún or Tulum no later than 2:00 PM and plan on departing after 1:00 PM to ensure adequate time to transfer to/from the lodge.
Once you arrive you will be transferred to the Sian Ka’an Reserve (2-hour drive from Cancún, 1- hour drive from Tulum) where you will take a boat to Punta Allen, the boat ride is approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival in Punta Allen, the lodge staff will be waiting for you and from there it is a short 5-minute drive to the Lodge.
When should I go?
Mayazul Lodge’s season runs from February to June and August to November.
How will I fish?
Fishing will be done from the boat with some occasional wading. Anglers fish up to two per boat in 23-foot traditional Mexican Pangas with two guides on every boat (typically one senior guide and one junior guide). Fishing is done with one angler at a time on the bow of the boat and both anglers will take turns fishing throughout the day. This system is incredibly effective in that it allows for two sets of “guide’s eyes” to be on the water at all times, giving anglers twice the chance to get a shot at the fish of a lifetime. Most often, the senior guide will be poling the boat while the angler and junior guide are stationed on the level casting deck of the panga. The junior guide is there at your side to ensure your line is tangle free and to jump out with you when chasing a school of fish on foot is necessary.
Is there wade fishing?
Yes, some wade fishing is available, although most of the fishing is done from the boat. In Ascension Bay, the bottom is often soft but there are certain areas suitable for wading. It is important to note that good areas for wading tend to be more pressured which can make fishing difficult in these zones. In some circumstances, the senior guide may determine that getting out of the boat and chasing the fish on foot gives you with the best possibility for success, so in these circumstances you will be on foot.
Where will I fish?
You will be fishing in Ascension Bay.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
Boats will pick you up right in front of the lodge, with the average ride around 15 minutes to 1 hour at the most.
What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Permit, tarpon, and bonefish are the main targeted species. There are, however, opportunities for snook, jacks, and barracuda.
How many fish will I catch?
Even one permit for the week is very good and multiple permit is often a rarity. When it comes to permit fishing, we tell folks to expect 0-3 for a week-long trip. Tarpon in the bay can be difficult at times but finding and hooking several fish is not uncommon for a week of fishing. If targeting bonefish, it should be possible to get five or more a day.
Will I see other anglers?
Yes, Ascension Bay is enjoyed by many different anglers staying with various lodges. Mayazul runs from Thursday to Thursday, as this helps avoid seeing other anglers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday which is when most of the other lodges do their turnover.
What are the guides like?
The guides are all proficient, English-speaking guides with a great knowledge of the fishery. Guiding is a competitive and lucrative profession in the region and the guides take their job seriously. Tempraments vary greatly within the guide pool and guest should not be surprised if individuals sometime express disappointment when opportunities are missed or fish are lost.
What are the physical demands?
Guests will need to be able to get in and out of the boats, balance on the front platform, and wade in the water. It’s very important to stay hydrated throughout your stay, as the weather is generally sunny and hot.
Are there any special skills required?
The most important skill that guests can bring with them is the ability to cast in the wind. Saltwater flats fishing is notorious for having windy days on the water. This will require a proficient double haul and the ability to cast from 20 to 80 feet.
Does the lodge provide equipment?
Yes. Quality equipment is available at the lodge, if guests decide to travel light without any of their own equipment. This is included at no additional cost. Please keep in mind that there is a charge of $250 that will be billed to you if a loaner rod is broken (covers cost of shipping/repair). Flies and leaders are also available at the shop for purchase.
What is your favorite setup for the trip?
- 9-foot 7-weight or 8-weight rod with matching reel/floating line (for bonefish)
- 9-foot 9-weight or 10-weight rod with matching reel/floating line (permit, snook & tarpon)
- 9-foot 10-weight to 12-weight rod with matching reel/floating line (tarpon during the June-August only)
What are the top flies?
For permit:
- Casa Blanca Raghead Crab | COLOR: White & White | SIZE: 2, 4
- Raghead Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
- Tequila Twister | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
- ER Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
- Enrico Puglisi Spawning Shrimp | COLOR: Tan, White | SIZE: 2, 4
- Enrico Puglisi Ascension Bay Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
- Cathy’s Fleeing Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
- Various Enrico Puglisi Crabs | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
- Avalon Fly | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2
For bonefish:
- Gotcha | COLOR: Pearl | SIZE: 6, 8
- Bunny Gotcha | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 4, 6
- Crazy Charlie | COLOR: Brown, Tan, White, Pink | SIZE: 6, 8
- Beck’s Silli Legs | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 6, 8
- Bonefish Scampi | COLOR: Tan/Pink, Tan/Brown | SIZE: 6, 8
- Bonefish Junk | COLOR: Tan, Brown | SIZE: 6
- Pink Puff | COLOR: Pink | SIZE: 6
- Bonefish Bitter | COLOR: Amber | SIZE: 6, 8
- Veverka Mantis Shrimp | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 6
For Tarpon:
- Fishalicious | COLOR: Red / White | SIZE: 2/0
- Tarpon Toads | COLOR: Red/Black, Purple, Chartreuse, Brown, Tan | SIZE: 1/0 – 3/0
- Triple Threat | COLOR: Brown | SIZE: Large & Small
- Big-Eyed Tarpon | COLOR: Brown/Orange | SIZE: 1/0 – 3/0
- Green Zima | COLOR: Green | SIZE: 2/0
- Tarpon Snake | COLOR: Black | SIZE:3/0
- Various Clousers & Deceivers | COLOR: Green, Blue, Chartreuse, Black, White | SIZE: 3/0-2/0
What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
The lodge offers an eco tour with snorkeling. The lodge also has beach front property to enjoy.
What is a typical day like?
Mayazul Lodge’s typical schedule of the daily program.
- 6:30 am Coffee ready at the buffet table
- 7:00 am Breakfast
- 8:00 am Depart from the beach
- 4:00 / 4:30 pm Return to Lodge
- 4:00 pm Cocktail hour starts
- 5:30 pm Appetizers
- 6:30 pm Dinner
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
Mayazul Lodge is small by design, intimate, eclectic, and elegant. The lodge is outside the bustle of nearby Punta Allen, but close enough to utilize any services needed. The lodge itself is a beautiful structure of stained wood, finished with comfortable sofa-filled lounging rooms, thoughtful amenities, and four en-suite double bedrooms with queen size beds, and air conditioning. In addition to the dining and living areas, there’s a quaint bar and fly-tying area, and plenty of outdoor porches overlooking the sea.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge?
There is a lodge manager on site 24/7.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Meals are crafted daily by the lodge’s on-site chef and there will be an a la carte daily menu made with the best ingredients, to get a fresh local feel. Lunches each day are custom-order picnics with cold drinks, and these are taken on the boat in Yeti coolers. When arriving after a day of fishing, guests will be greeted with a delicious cocktail, appetizers, and dinner. If there are any allergies or dietary restrictions, the lodge will cater to everyone’s needs.
What is the alcohol policy?
An open bar is offered and part of your included package.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
The Lodge is a beach-front property with four en-suite double bedrooms (two queen-size beds and air conditioning in each room). Single rooms are provided at an extra cost if available. The Main Lodge has a dining room, living room, fly tying desk, an open bar, telephone, and Wi-Fi available. Full room cleaning service and nightly turndown service; laundry service available with a cost of $2.00 USD per item of clothes. These are some of the region’s nicest accommodations.
Is there internet and/or cell service?
There is Wi-Fi and a satellite phone available in the event of an emergency (additional costs for the use of satellite phone may apply).
Are there other activities?
Yes, there is an Eco-Tour with snorkeling.
Are there any other expenses?
Onsite extras are gratuities, laundry service and anything guests buy at the shop (flies, souvenirs, etc.)
Do I need a visa?
No visa is required.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances?
Bottled water is readily available throughout Mayazul Lodge. We do not recommend drinking water from the faucets.
In the summer months, sargassum grass can accumulate on the beaches and cause an unpleasant stench, and there are a few mosquitoes at times.
It is recommended that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
