Overview
The Xflats at Tierra Maya is a privately-owned saltwater fly-fishing lodge established in 1982, located at the southernmost tip of the Yucatán Peninsula along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It blends the luxury of a boutique resort with the relaxed, authentic feel of beachfront life in the remote fishing village of Xcalak — a community of fewer than 400 people, worlds away from the tourist crowds of the Mayan Riviera.
The lodge sits within one of the world’s most consistent and productive permit fisheries, tucked along Chetumal Bay and the Mesoamerican Reef — the second largest barrier reef on Earth. With over 150 feet of private beachfront and a 200-foot pier where guides pick up guests each morning, Xflats is designed entirely around the angling experience without sacrificing comfort.
Description
The Fishery — Chetumal Bay
Chetumal Bay is a shallow-water flats fishery with depths ranging from less than 1 foot to over 5 feet — ideal conditions for sight fishing on foot as well as from the boat. The main concentration lies in the back bay directly behind Xcalak, a short 15–30 minute run from the lodge dock.
Permit are the primary target and Chetumal Bay is widely regarded as one of the best — if not the best — places in the world to chase them consistently. Guides use 23-foot pangas with a poling platform, elevated casting deck, and two guides per boat (one to pole, one to spot) to maximize every opportunity.
The lodge also fishes oceanside shallows and the Zaragoza Channel, which produce big permit, tarpon, barracuda, and large snook depending on the season.
Target Species & Seasons
- Permit — Year-round. Peak consistency: spring (Feb–June). Hardcore permit anglers consider summer the most consistent.
- Bonefish — Year-round across multiple flats, lagoons, and bays. Average 2–4 lbs; fish approaching 10 lbs are caught regularly.
- Tarpon — Baby tarpon (5–20 lbs) year-round in cenotes, blue holes, and lagoons. Large migratory tarpon (100+ lbs) from early June through July.
- Snook — Best mid-December through February during the annual snook migration along mangrove shorelines.
- Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Triggerfish, Boxfish — Present throughout the year.
The Lodge — Tierra Maya
Seven beachfront suites with Mayan-inspired décor, spacious air-conditioned interiors, private bathrooms, and large terraces overlooking the Caribbean. Each suite includes up to eight rod racks for fully rigged setups, hammocks, and a living area facing the bay. The property stretches across 150 feet of pristine, secluded beachfront where permit and bonefish are daily visitors.
Meals are served in the oceanside palapa-style restaurant with large windows facing the sea. Breakfasts feature fresh fruit, juices, coffee, and a chef-prepared dish of the day. Lunches are prepared by guides and eaten on the boats. Dinners showcase local Yucatán cuisine. The Fish Bar stays open late and is a gathering spot for stories, appetizers, ice-cold beer, and margaritas.
