Xcalak's Finest
Saltwater Fishing
Xcalak's Finest
Saltwater Fishing
Planning your trip should feel as effortless as the days you’ll spend on the flats. We’ve answered the most common questions about travel, fishing, accommodations, and what to expect—so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
The XFlats is in Xcalak, Mexico, a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. Just north of the Belize border, Xcalak sits on the Caribbean coast within the Xcalak Reef National Marine Park. Remote and unspoiled, it’s one of the last quiet corners of the Mexican Caribbean—an ideal setting for world-class flats fishing.
We recommend flying into Tulum International Airport (TQO), which is the closest and most convenient option for reaching Xcalak. For those who don’t have direct flights to Tulum, Cancún International Airport (CUN) is also a reliable choice with more frequent connections. From either airport, we’ll arrange round-trip van transportation directly to the lodge.
All visitors need a valid passport to enter Mexico. Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, and the EU do not need a visa for stays of less than 180 days. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), or tourist card, which you must keep with your passport and present when departing. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
The area is safe. We ask that you take precautions when in the area the same as you would when traveling anywhere on vacation. Don’t leave your fly rods or valuables outside at night. Lock your room doors when you aren’t in them or while sleeping at night.
Yes, with any vacation involving plane tickets, luggage and lodging or inclusive package costs acquiring one of the many available travel insurance policies that fits your needs is recommended.
We recommend that you consider these options for Travel Insurance:
Basic trip cancellation insurance – Allianz Global Assistance.
For evacution insurance – Global Rescue.
If you’re headed outside the U.S. – Atlas Medical Insurance.
Yes. Round-trip ground transportation from both Tulum International Airport (TQO) and Cancún International Airport (CUN) is included in every fishing package. Our private vans will meet you upon arrival and bring you directly to the lodge in Xcalak, then return you to the airport at the end of your stay.
The shuttle from Tulum to Xcalak is around 2.5 hours. A little more if your group stops for shopping and dining, and a little less on the direct drive back to the airport.
While all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your package, alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the bar and are not included in the package price.
Yes, US dollars are accepted all over Mexico and we ask that tips for staff and guides be paid in US dollars. If you wish to do a little shopping out in Xcalak you will want a few pesos. Usually $100 per person is plenty for their week long inclusive trip to Xcalak.
We do not recommend drinking the water. You will be provided water for brushing your teeth and drinking that can be refilled daily.
There can be a lot of insects and bugs when the wind drops. Take precaution by staying covered up and use the recommended bug lotion listed on the packing page.
Tipping can be done in US Dollars or Pesos
Guides:$75.00-$100.00 per day per boat (ex: 2 anglers is $37.50-$50.00 each)
Lodge Staff: $30-$50 per day/ per guest.
Shuttle driver: Airport to lodging: $50 per group.
Yes, there is snorkeling available directly out front of most facilities we use for lodging. You will need to bring your own gear or pay a rental fee per day to the local dive shop.
Absolutely! Bonefish, permit, barracudas, snappers, jacks and more are all regular visitors to the beach front areas of most of our lodging facilities.
Yes. Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge and common areas. While it’s reliable for email and messaging, speeds can be limited due to our remote location—making it best suited for staying connected, not streaming or heavy use.
Yes! all lodge rooms now have air conditioning!
Yes, laundry service is available for $11 dollars per load at most lodging locations.
Yes. Each guest room is equipped with a secure safe for storing passports, cash, electronics, and other valuables during your stay.
Each skiff is limited to two anglers per guide, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of opportunities on the water. This setup allows for flexible rotations between casting, spotting, and resting while maximizing your time on the flats.
Your day begins with coffee and breakfast at the lodge before heading out around 7:30–8:00 a.m. Guided fishing runs most of the day, with lunches packed by your guide and enjoyed on the water. Boats typically return to the lodge around 4:00 p.m., just in time for an afternoon snack, a cold drink, and stories from the flats. Evenings wind down with a freshly prepared dinner around 7:00 p.m., followed by time to relax before the next day’s adventure.
Both. Depending on conditions and target species, you may stalk bonefish or permit while wading shallow flats, or fish from our skiffs while your guide poles through lagoons, bays, and channels. Many anglers enjoy a mix of both approaches during their stay.
We recommend bringing your own fly rods, reels, and lines suited for saltwater fishing, along with polarized sunglasses, wading boots, and protective clothing for sun and salt.
We don’t provide rods, reels, or flies at the lodge, so we encourage guests to bring their own setups. To make preparation easy, we’ve put together a detailed gear list with our partners at Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, which includes all the recommended equipment and fly patterns for The XFlats. You can view and purchase directly from that list to ensure you’re fully outfitted for your trip.
The XFlats welcomes anglers of all skill levels. Our guides are experienced teachers who enjoy working with both first-time saltwater fly fishers and seasoned veterans. Whether you’re chasing your first bonefish or hunting permit for the tenth time, we’ll tailor the experience to your ability.
The XFlats can accommodate groups and corporate retreats, and we’re happy to customize packages based on group size, trip length, and special needs. Whether it’s a gathering of friends, a hosted trip, or a company retreat, our team can help arrange lodging, fishing, and meals tailored to your group. Please contact us directly to discuss rates and availability.
Absolutely. Non-angling guests are always welcome at The XFlats. They can enjoy the beachfront setting, relax at the lodge, explore Xcalak, or simply unwind while others are on the water. We’re happy to create a comfortable experience for both anglers and non-anglers alike.
Yes. While most anglers book our standard week-long packages, we can often accommodate shorter or extended stays based on availability. If you’d like a custom itinerary, let us know and we’ll work with you to design a trip that fits your schedule.
