Playa Blanca
Located in a remote and secluded setting, Playa Blanca is a fishing lodge that offers a top-tier fishing program akin to its renowned sister lodge, Casa Blanca. Though it is primarily focused on fishing, it is also an excellent choice for couples or families seeking a private and remote Caribbean getaway.
Anglers staying at Playa Blanca can enjoy exclusive access to both Espiritu Santo Bay and the expansive Santa Rosa Lagoon system, which harbor abundant populations of bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and other shallow-water species. Due to the limited fishing pressure, it is an ideal destination for anglers who prefer solitude.
Species
Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook and Permit
Season
Year around
Accommodations
7 guest cabanas with a capacity of 14 anglers
Perfect For
Hardcore fisherman, couples, groups and families.Fly Fishing
Playa Blanca Lodge is a hidden gem among anglers with unparalleled access to the flats frontier of Espiritu Santo Bay and its virtually unfished waters. It is an ideal destination to fish for Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, and Snook. The bay offers a unique opportunity to catch huge numbers of naive, unpressured Permit, making it a must-visit destination for all Permit fishermen. With rivers, lagoons, and classic sand flats, there are endless possibilities to wade or fish from the boat.
Espiritu Santo Bay lies off the southern tip of Punta Pájaros, often referred to as the last frontier of Yucatan flats fishing. Multiple river systems pour into the bay over limestone bottoms, depositing rich sediment, where Bonefish and Permit are often found tailing. The mangroves that line these rivers provide perfect habitat for Tarpon and Snook and an ideal situation for a Super Grand Slam. The bay itself is edged by vast sand flats, perfect for wading, while the deeper water is great to find cruising permit schools. Due to the remoteness of Espiritu Santo Bay, fishing pressure remains light.
A typical day at Playa Blanca Lodge starts with breakfast at 7:00 am and then a trip to the quay with your guides and gear for an 8:00 am start. Anglers load into the lodge truck for a five-minute ride to the Santa Rosa Lagoon pier or a ten-minute ride to Sacrificio flat, where skiffs and guides await. Fishing grounds can be anything from a ten to forty-five minutes run. The Lodge uses 16-foot Dolphin Super-Skiffs, smaller and more maneuverable than the traditional pangas used elsewhere in Mexico. Fishing is mostly with fly, but there are plenty of chances for spinning if preferred.
Much of the fishing is from skiffs, depending on the target fish, but there are also plenty of opportunities to walk and wade. A packed lunch is provided along with soft drinks. One guide typically accompanies two anglers, and all guides speak good English. The skiffs have VHF radio and all safety kit onboard, along with well-maintained engines to ensure safety.
TRAVEL PLAN
To reach Playa Blanca Lodge, all guests are required to book flights to Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is easily accessible with direct daily flights from most cities in the U.S. and abroad. Upon arrival at Cancun, Playa Blanca Lodge offers a charter service that will transport you to the lodge. (Included in the price of the trip.)
LODGING
Located ten miles south of Casa Blanca, Playa Blanca Lodge is a luxurious and secluded sister-lodge that offers unparalleled privacy and access to the exceptional fishing in Espiritu Santo Bay. This bay is accessible only by two lodges – Playa Blanca and ESB lodge – both of which are situated well to the south, providing guests with an exclusive experience away from the crowds.
The lodge boasts spacious and deluxe accommodations, with large duplex cabanas nestled among the palms near the beach. The rooms feature en-suite facilities, sizable bathrooms with marble vanities, natural wood furnishings, and white interiors with tropical themes. Each room comes with a private patio overlooking the grounds and the Caribbean. The lodge has seven rooms that can accommodate up to fourteen guests. Oceanfront rooms benefit from the sea breezes, while rooms set back from the ocean have air-conditioning.
Guests can enjoy the peace and tranquility of this remote location, surrounded only by pristine tropical paradise, including white sandy beaches, palm trees, and turquoise ocean. Socializing with other guests is optional, and the lodge’s bar and restaurant provide a perfect setting to mingle and share stories about the day’s activities.
The lodge’s beachfront restaurant and bar serve all meals, with food that rivals the best restaurants on the Yucatan coast. Breakfast is a favorite meal, offering coffee, juices, platters of assorted tropical fruits, and cereals, as well as a selection of hot dishes such as pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, and omelettes. The kitchen can cater to any special dietary requirements. For guests heading out on a full day of fishing, an extensive lunch buffet is provided with daily changing selections, including sandwiches, salads, shrimp and fish dishes, fruit, cookies, chips, and more. Alternatively, guests staying in or participating in non-angling activities can opt for a lunch of their choice served in the dining room or a customized picnic basket to enjoy outdoors.
Each afternoon, upon returning from fishing, the chef prepares delicious appetizers to enjoy with a cold beer or cocktail. The evening meals are three-course affairs, with the chef’s rotating menu consisting of everything made from scratch daily, including bread, soups, salsas, and desserts.
For non-fishing guests, a range of activities is available, such as snorkeling, kayaking, cycling, hiking, and walking along the beaches, as well as eco-tours. Alternatively, guests can opt for a swim or relax on the beach, basking in the tranquillity of this remote location.
