Mexico

About the Destination

Pesca Maya is one of the Yucatan’s most popular fishing destinations. Located 90 miles south of Cancun in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the area boasts some of the Caribbean’s greatest flats fishing for bonefish, permit, snook, tarpon and other species such as jack crevalle and barracuda. Fifteen minutes south of the lodge by a flats boat or panga, you’re in Ascension Bay where there are 365 days of bonefishing and, unlike the Bahamas, wind protection. Made up of hundreds of square miles of crystal clear flats, this area is perfect for sight casting in skinny water while wading over a white sand bottom or casting to rolling tarpon from the boat in mangrove lagoons.

All of this is possible with both a traditional rod and reel and a tenkara fly rod. Pesca Maya offers the only tenkara program in Mexico and is home to the only Zen Certified Tenkara Guides in the Caribbean. Whether you use a rod and reel or tenkara setup, Pesca Maya caters to every skill level, provides the ultimate saltwater experience and offers an adrenaline rush like no other!

Check out Karin’s post for a deeper dive into this destination.

Lodging

Pesca Maya is virtually surrounded by water and sits on a narrow strip of barrier beach between the Caribbean Ocean on the east and the vast El Rio system of flats, channels and mangrove on the west. The intimate beachfront lodge accommodates 16 guests in 8 air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms and walk-in showers, and all have ocean views. The palapa is the center of all activities on site, where people gather to tell fish stories, tie flies, share photos and relax while enjoying incredible meals and cold drinks. It’s the perfect place to find your calm after an exhilarating day of fishing. You’ll also enjoy the white sand beach and turquoise water that offers amazing tropical views. Need a break from fishing? Explore the beauty of the coral reef located just 90 yards offshore. The lodge also offers eco tours and wild dolphin tours for non-anglers or for those who want to add another activity to their fishing trip.

Pesca Maya has its own fly shop and 8 pangas with Yamaha 40 HP outboard motors. These boats are well suited for both tenkara and traditional saltwater fly fishing. They’re spacious, have clean platforms that allow for movement and are comfortable to cross Ascension Bay in, even on rough days. Plus, with a 6-inch draft, they can get into any flat. With easy access from Cancun and offering an incredible saltwater experience, come to Pesca Maya and push your limits on the fly. This is for the adrenaline junkie who wants the ultimate fish story!

Included in your stay:

• Comfortable accommodations with A/C and private bath
• Private boat, guide and assistant guide
• Two rods per boat, fly or tenkara tackle for day trips
• Transportation as specified in your package
• Delicious meals, beer and wine on the table
• Liquor and cocktails

The Catch

• Bonefish
• Permit
• Tarpon
• Jack crevalle
• Snook
• Barracudas
• Spanish mackerels
• Snapper

Rod Recommendations

• Zen Kyojin (junior permit, junior tarpon, barracuda, larger bone fish, jack crevalle)
• Zen Taka (bone fish, junior permit, jack crevalle, snook, Spanish mackerels)
• Zen Sagi (bone fish, jack crevalle, snapper, perch)

Zen Insights

For a saltwater fishing getaway Pesca Maya is the place to go. It’s easy to get there with plenty of flight options to Cancun, and then it’s an easy drive due south. The beach and views are spectacular, accommodations are simple and comfortable and the food is delicious and satisfying … but best of all is the fishing. You have tons of opportunities for bonefish and permit whether casting to schools or single fish. The guides are so knowledgeable and are fantastic at getting you on fish, with or without a reel. They understand tenkara and know how to get you in the zone. As the only Certified Tenkara Guides in the Caribbean, Pesca Maya is the way to go if you want to add bones on a fixed line to your brag book. Plus, with 365 days of fishing, every season is a great season—you simply find the time and they’ll help you find the fish!.

Ready For Adventure

Join us for a fly fishing experience like no other!

Zen Dates

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