Forty miles offshore, inside a protected biosphere reserve. Permit, tarpon, and bonefish that have never seen a fly line — and we have the only permit to fish it.
Banco Chinchorro is a coral atoll off the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico — the largest platform reef in the country, ringing a lagoon of flats, seagrass, and sand that’s stayed almost entirely out of reach of fly anglers.
It’s been a federally protected Biosphere Reserve since 1996. There’s no town, no dock, no other boats. Just reef, water, and fish that have had the run of the place for decades.
Most fishermen have heard the name. Almost none have stood on the flats.
Protection is the reason it exists in the condition it’s in — and the reason it took us this long to get anglers out there.
We’ve been running exploratory trips since 2021 before opening it up this season. Learning which flats hold fish on which tide. Learning the weather windows that actually matter, four days out, before anybody commits a day to it. Learning where the tarpon stage, and just as important, which water to leave alone.
None of it was written down. We had to go earn it, trip by trip.
Tarpon, bonefish, and triggerfish — when it comes to these species, Chinchorro is a numbers fishery. You’ll see more shots at them here than you would on the mainland flats around Xcalak.
Permit are their own animal. Shots come in good numbers on the right day, but the real draw is quality: fish that have never learned to be spooky of a fly line, working water that’s barely seen pressure.
Either way, what you’re paying for is the shot itself.
Tarpon that eat with real intent, not out of habit. Bonefish in water clear enough that wading through it feels like an intrusion. Permit that give you more looks than a fish with that reputation has any business giving.
If that trade sounds good, you’ll love it out there. If you’re after a photo every hour regardless of species, the mainland flats will treat you well too — you’ll have a great week either way.
Banco Chinchorro isn’t a trip on its own. It’s an addition to a trip you’re already taking.
Already booked with us in Xcalak? We’ll build Chinchorro days into your week — same lodge, same guides, same flights already on your calendar.
Not booked yet? We’ll put together a week that includes it from the start.
Either way, you’re not adding logistics. You’re adding forty miles of water most anglers will never get to fish.
We helped produce a short film on the atoll — it shows what a website can’t.
No. It’s booked as an add-on to an existing or upcoming XFlats trip out of Xcalak.
The run is weather dependent. On a good weather day, you’re looking at about an hour and 15 minutes each way.
Rustic camping is available upon request. Contact us for details and availability.
We’ll offer a full refund of Chinchorro ad-on minus credit card fees, and we’ll get you fishing in Xcalak those days.
If there’s availability, we’ll always make it happen. That being said, boats are capped and there’s been a lot of interest, so booking ahead is always best.
We can typically add up to 3 days in a trip if weather permits. Reach out for availability and more details.
Yes, we always want to make it happen for you. A single daily rate will apply. Contact us for pricing details.
We can take a max of 3 boats a day, carrying up to 2 people per boat.
Departure from the dock is 7am, and boats typically return at 4:30-5pm.
Permit, tarpon, and bonefish — the same “big three” species XFlats is known for, in water that’s seen a fraction of the fishing pressure.
The strongest windows fall in the warmer months most travelers avoid in the Caribbean — which is exactly why the fish haven’t wised up.
No. If you can deliver a fly to a moving fish in wind, you’re ready. This is more about temperament than technical skill — you’re fishing for quality shots, not volume.
Reply and we'll add Banco Chinchorro to it.
We'll build your week around the atoll.
Fantastic experience! great fishing guides and the staff of X-Flats lodge made us feel like family. Waking up to the sunrise at the lodge is not to be missed! The guide staff is first rate, very knowledgeable and eager to put you on fish. The food was excellent, cocktail hour at the end of the day in the bar and sharing the events of the day will always be one of my best memories. The fishing ( we mainly targeted Permit) was beyond expectations! My daughter and son in law and I all caught our first Permit along with some great Bonefish. Im already planning my next trip to The X-Flats at Tierra Maya. A laid back fishing village at the very end of the road in the southern Yucatan. It is a saltwater Flyfishing experience you do not want to miss. Cliff and family from Oregon, USA
Cliff O September 25, 2023
Chill at the XFlats Dec. 11-18th my wife and I stayed at this little lodge for 6 incredible days of targeting bonefish . To be able to slip away from frozen Alberta just before the current covid wave was a much needed experience. It is a very laid back place with friendly, efficient staff that all seem to be related. The food was very good and served individually. Everyone was asked if they had any food restrictions. Lots of fresh seafood and fare was cooked with local recipes every day. Jesse the owner was a wealth of knowledge and was eager to share flies that were good for the area. His guides were knowledgeable and had basic to very good English so communication out on the flats was not a problem. Permit were absent during the week but we had daily shots at barracuda and even a snook. We need to go back.
lacombe_11 December 29, 2021
Amazing Experience! Jesse and his team at Xflats are amazing - they are welcoming, knowledgable and they like to have a great time as well! They treat you like family from the start. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you are a fisherman or just like an adventure, head down to Xcalak and hook up with Xflats/ Hotel Tierra Maya.Food was excellent, drinks were cold, vibes were high. Also, they have some amazing pups on property. Chula, Bambi, and baby Joey - we miss you already.
CDM April 1, 2021
For flats fishing, look no mas! The Flats has a beautiful property right on a huge reef, incredible sight fishing and great guides. Good company and a relaxing little town - 100% recommend for your next trip.
AlexDrex February 12, 2019
Mind Blown!! What happened during my time in Xcalak was truly amazing! I feel extremely lucky to know of a place where I can go out on the water everyday and have so many chances at multiple species. It's a true sanctuary and Alex and his guides will show you just what I mean by that. Alex is one of the most easy going, personable guys I've met and he and his all-star crew will not fail to put you on fish! You may think you have a good eye for fish, but just wait until you get out on the boat with one of the guides! They definitely have the eagle eye which helps your odds of getting hooked up tremendously. The hardest part wasn't catching the fish, it was leaving. The town of Xcalak is amazing! Laid back and tranquil. The people, the food, the vibe, the beer, and of course the fish are all calling my name to return.... And I will
pacox25 March 30, 2018
Best of the best Look no further. You have, without a doubt, found the best flats fishing experience in Xcalak. Our week w/ Alex and his guides was the most memorable trip of my life, so much so, that I am planning to return in a few months. As far as logistics...Alex left no stone un-turned when it came to making our Xclakan experience absolutely perfect. And not only was he an incredible host, but he quickly became a good friend. We really enjoyed the time we got to spend with Alex, and you better believe he will make you a better fisherman...even if that happens while sitting down over tacos and cervezas after a long day on the water. His breadth of knowledge is unparalleled and his passion for fishing is simply inspiring. But that's just Alex...his guides are some of the most talented fishermen I've ever encountered. Evaristo very quickly became my favorite guide of all time, but you can't go wrong with anyone on Alex's team. Chucho is a stud, as well. You want to catch a permit? Well, these are the guys to do it with. I kid you not, I saw 25-50 fish every day and had countless shots, and we caught multiple different species. Thanks again for such an incredible trip to Xcalak. Hope to be back soon!
Andrew L March 29, 2018
Say yes to the Best! Spent a week last month fishing with a buddy in Xcalak. Alex and his friends of Xcalak were completely dedicated to making this an experience not previously had, and likely can only be offered in a few rare places. True glimpse of life in rural mexico, some of the best food ever is offered from true luxury fine dining to the backyard with an open fire of an incredibly hard working family restaurant business, enjoying cerveza on the dock listening to Alex's pointers on how to entice that elusive permit to take your Verveka Mantis Shrimp, to getting that extra 15-20 feet of line out that you didn't think you had in you. Absolutely the best saltwater guiding experience I have ever had.
Pat B December 23, 2017