Playa Blanca
The long, thin island that runs between Ascension Bay and Espiritu Santa Bay is called Punta Pájaros. This remote and private preserve rests in the middle of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Playa Blanca Lodge is at the southern end of the island and the northern tip of Espiritu Santo Bay, giving it immediate access to this “last frontier of Yucatan flats fishing.” Complex river systems run into Espiritu Santo Bay over limestone bottoms that are lined with thick mangroves. Mayan ruins, such as Chac Mool, sit just behind the lodge. Sand flats run along almost the entire edge of ESB together with lagoons and dense coastal jungle. A part of the Mesoamerica Reef system, with its rich biodiversity, makes Playa Blanca a sought after destination for anglers looking to experience saltwater flats fishing in a remote, unique, and unpressured fishery.
THE FISHING
Espiritu Santo Bay and the Santa Rosa Lagoon provide world class flats fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook. With its extensive flats being fed by multiple river systems and intermingling access to deep water, ESB has one of the healthiest flats fisheries in the Caribbean especially for permit. Some anglers will go for their shot at a grand slam, others will solely focus on the permit. The extensive sand flats along the bay allow anglers to wade or fish out of the skiff. Being truly remote, Espiritu Santo Bay also provides anglers with a very unpressured fishery.
Permit
Since its opening, Playa Blanca has been regarded as one of the best places in the world for anglers looking to target permit. Its direct access to the lightly fished and healthy ESB estuary system, home to a large number of permit, gives guests the ability to target them in multiple ways. With deep channels and drop offs, the bay can give anglers shots at permit while stripping shrimp patterns for cruising fish. Additionally, in a traditional manner, crab patterns can be bumped along the infinite sand flats for tailing fish. This can give those targeting permit multiple, thrilling ways, of landing this elusive fish.
Tarpon
Playa Blanca is home to many resident tarpon in the 20-60lb range. These fish can be targeted either in the mangroves or outside flats. Usually around April the migratory tarpon, up to 150+lbs, start to show up. These larger fish will be around until the end of August and can even be targeted directly in front of the lodge, especially in the calmer summer months.
Bonefish
The most commonly seen fish will be bonefish. Averaging 3-4lbs, the bonefish of Espiritu Santo Bay gives anglers chances at bonefish in the many mangrove lagoons and hard sand flats.
Snook
Snook can be found throughout the waters of Playa Blanca and most commonly inhabit the many mangrove lined shores. At times reaching 20lbs+, snook are an aggressive fish that put up a great fight.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Guest stay in one of the large duplex cabanas or the multiple bedroom Casa Redonda Suite. They are thoughtfully spaced among the lush palms, creating an inviting atmosphere that enhances the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. Each room is equipped with AC and its own private patio that overlooks the beautifully maintained grounds which provides views of the nearby Caribbean Sea. The interiors of the rooms are characterized by terracotta floors that not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also provide a cool surface in the warm tropical climate. The large bathrooms are equipped with marble vanities. Natural wood furnishings throughout complement the white interiors with accented tropical decor. WiFi is available throughout the main lodge.
Food
Playa Blanca (and its sister lodge Casa Blanca) are both well known for their food. Always fresh and well planned, the cuisine at Playa Blanca will rival any restaurant in the Mayan Riviera. All meals are eaten at the lodge's waterfront dining room. From fresh fruit, eggs, cereal, and French toast to Huevos Rancheros and Migas in the morning to their acclaimed three course dinners, guests get to experience a wide range of dishes with a Yucatan flare made from scratch daily.
Water
Drinking water and water used for ice is purified using reverse osmosis with an additional UV filter from an R.O. Plant. Drinking water is provided in every room. Water from the tap/shower is from a natural cenote (well). Due to its salt content it is not advised to drink, but fine for brushing teeth and showers.
7 Night, 6 Day All Inclusive Rates:
High Season (Feb-June)
All Inclusive Guided Fishing per Person Double Occupancy Rate: $7,192
All Inclusive Guided Fishing per Person Single Occupancy Rate: $9,610
All Inclusive Non-Fishing per Person Double Occupancy Rate*: $5,778
Low Season (July-Jan)
All Inclusive Guided Fishing per Person Double Occupancy Rate: $6,787
All Inclusive Guided Fishing per Person Single Occupancy Rate: $9,182
All Inclusive Non-Fishing per Person Double Occupancy Rate*: $5,336
5 Night, 4 Day All Inclusive Rates:
High Season (Feb-June)
All Inclusive Guided Fishing per Person Double Occupancy Rate: $6,074
All Inclusive Guided Fishing per Person Single Occupancy Rate: $8,164
All Inclusive Non-Fishing per Person Double Occupancy Rate*: $5,468
Low Season (July-Jan)
All Inclusive Guided Fishing per Person Double Occupancy Rate: $5,701
All Inclusive Guided Fishing per Person Single Occupancy Rate: $7,285
All Inclusive Non-Fishing per Person Double Occupancy Rate*: $4,774
All Included:
• Round trip private air charter: Cancun - Playa Blanca Fishing Lodge - Cancun on Saturday.
• Fishing guide
• Boat lunch and beverages
• Deluxe seaside accommodations
• All meals
• Non-bottled beverages
• Use of all recreational equipment
Wi-Fi. WhatsApp and Zoom work fine. (No streaming apps, movies, YouTube, etc.) This rate does not include alcoholic beverages; laundry, guide, and staff gratuities.