|
|
A luxury lodge in a world-class fishery
For avid fishermen, it doesn’t get any better than the new Grand Slam Fishing Lodge in Ascension Bay, Mexico.
Here, just an hour’s drive south of Tulum is a pristine fishery in the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. It hosts some of the biggest permit in the world and enormous schools of bonefish. With tarpon and snook on hand, it’s one of the world’s best places to go for a Grand Slam or Super Slam.
The lodge provides a private guide for each angler. Both fly fishermen and spinning enthusiasts will find the expansive flats of Ascension Bay a thrill. You can try reef and offshore sports fishing too. If you don’t own the equipment you need, rent it in the lodge’s fully equipped shop.
Off the water, live the luxe life with one of 12 beachfront villa rooms, complete with air conditioning, king-sized beds, satellite television, wrap-around deck and locking rod racks. Cool off in the pool or have drinks delivered to you at your Bali beach bed. Dine on fresh-caught lobster and fish for dinner, then enjoy an aged rum and a Cuban cigar while swapping fishing stories.
Upon Return to USA: Take a PCR Test within 72 hours of Travel. A negative result is required for departure.
Contact Front Range Anglers Adventure Travel Manager Rob Kolanda for additional information and to BOOK!
When you BOOK with FRA Adventure Travel you never pay more for our services as we work for YOU and the Lodge!
INFORMATION
What to expect fly fishing Ascension Bay
Ascension Bay is one of the most pristine fisheries in the hemisphere. It’s part of the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. This 1.3 million-acre estuary is teeming with fish, birds and other wildlife. The fish naturally populate without human intrusion.
Yeah, it’s a fish factory.
The bay features miles and miles of shallow flats, a perfect breeding ground for crabs, the cherished delicacy of a permit, are the reason permit grow to world-record size here. The bonefish are plentiful, so your opportunities for landing these fierce fighters are numerous.
Although stalking cruising permit and tailing bonefish is the primary quarry, the variety of fish in the bay year-round provides plenty of fishing challenges. You’ll find rolling tarpon in the lagoons, making this one of the few places in the world where a Grand Slam is possible. Hook a snook on the same day for a Super Slam and then wind down at the Grand Slam Fishing luxury fishing lodge.
Typical Fishing Schedule
Start your morning with a good breakfast, and head for the dock with your gear to start your assault on Ascension Bay fish. Eight hours of fishing per day (except arrival and departure days) are included in your stay package, typically running 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the light is best for spotting fish.
We customize our fishing services to your desires. Want to sleep in and start later in the morning? How about splitting your fishing day with a mid-day lunch/siesta back at the lodge? A sunset session on arrival day? You can fish longer hours from sunrise to sunset, or just a half day. Anything is possible on your Ascension Bay fishing trip, although there may be an extra fee.
Good flats fishing is just minutes from the lodge; the best spots are a 20 to a 45-minute boat ride.
Your package includes two anglers with their personal guides in each panga, but you can have your own boat for a half or full day if you like.
All fishing in the biosphere reserve is catch-and-release. For fishing diversity, we can range north to Boca Paila lagoon and south to Ascension Bay on request.
Landing a Grand Slam
The Holy Grail in fishing is a Grand Slam: landing a bonefish, tarpon and permit in the same day. It’s like a hole-in-one for a golfer. Add a snook to the trio for a Super Slam. In Ascension Bay, your chances of earning this achievement have never been better. Plus, add an amazing nights stay at the Lodge in Ascension Bay to complete your trip!
“Skill is the fundamental thesis of a Grand Slam. Then you need a good guide to bring you to the fish, and a good cast to get the fish’s attention”.
The acknowledged strategy is to land a permit first since it is the most difficult to hook, and then go in search of tarpon since they may take time to locate.
Species Availability
Fishing Ascension Bay provides the best chance to land a Saltwater Fly Fishing Grand Slam for a Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish, all in one day. Throw in a Snook and you’ll have a Super Grand Slam.
Lodging Overview
Grand Slam Fishing Lodge is like an exclusive resort that happens to be run by fishermen, for fishermen (and their non-fishing companions).
Situated on a narrow, palm tree-studded strip of sand, the lodge faces the Caribbean on one side with the lagoon lapping on the other side. So you get great sea views plus easy access to Ascension Bay with our lagoon dock.
The main lodge has a tropical thatched-roof design with natural flair. It features a social area, a bar with swings for seats, and Kai Restaurant with a covered beachfront deck. There’s a library and fly tying station.
Lodging Details
Beach Villas Provide Ultimate Relaxation
Air conditioning, king-sized beds, a hammock and more…
You’ve been fishing the flats all day, you’re spent from the concentration, physical exertion, and adrenaline spikes, and you want to return to a cool, comfortable spot where you can put your feet up and savor the day overlooking the sea. Your Grand Slam villa is that place.
Here you’ll appreciate the air conditioning, 24-hour electricity and hot water, and no loud generator noise at night. Grand Slam is like a resort with king-sized beds, telephone, a flat screen television with satellite service and DVD player, an iPod docking station for music and a stocked mini bar in each room.
The lodge has six beachfront villas, each with two separate rooms featuring contemporary interiors. The ground floor unit has two king-sized beds, an ocean-view Jacuzzi, and a wrap-around deck with lounge chairs and a hammock. The second level bedroom has 2 king-sized beds, a living area, and a balcony with a hammock.
Fishermen will appreciate the personal rod racks and the fishing magazines in the rooms. There’s a safe for valuables and daily housekeeping service.
Food and Beverages
When you’re out on the water fishing all day, we know how you can work up an appetite. The chef in Kai Restaurant, (the Mayan word for fish) prepares meals that are hearty and satisfying with fresh local ingredients.
Enjoy a big cooked breakfast to start your day. Fishermen will have a packed picnic lunch, and the restaurant will serve those at the lodge during lunchtime.
Dine in the dining room at your leisure or outdoors on the covered deck overlooking the sea. There is no set time for meals and no buffets at Kai Restaurant – eat at the time that suits you, and enjoy cooked-to-order meals served to you by waiters. Breakfast is from 6:30 to 10:00 a.m. and dinner is served from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
The chef is happy to accommodate special diets and food requests – please indicate this on your pre-arrival questionnaire so the kitchen can be prepared.
General
You’ll appreciate the ease and affordability of air travel to Cancun (don’t forget your passport). We’ll arrange a private transfer from the airport to the lodge when you book your stay. It’s a three-and-a-half hour drive south of Cancun International Airport; most of the trip is on a smooth highway, but the last hour from Tulum to the lodge is on a rough dirt road.
Consider the transfer time when you schedule your flights. If you arrive in Cancun late in the day or have an early departure flight from Cancun, we can help arrange a hotel near the airport.
Fishing with a private guide is not included in your package rates on arrival and departure days. If you want to get a jumpstart on fishing, tell us on the pre-arrival questionnaire and we’ll make arrangements for a boat and guide for a sunset fishing session. Or fish on your own in front of the lodge or from the lagoon dock.
View the lodge location on the Riviera Maya (link to map of Riviera Maya highlighting Cancun, the airport, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, the lodge, Punta Allen and Ascension Bay)
How to Get There
Make sure you catch our daily transfer at either 10 am, 1 pm or 3 pm local time from Cancun International Airport.
You can opt to schedule a private transfer or spend the night in Cancun and we’ll pick you up at your hotel the next day! (Van transportation, maximum 8 passengers per van)
Documents Required
A valid Passport is Required for entry to Mexico.
Returning Home:
As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.
Travel Arrangements & Insurance
Front Range Anglers will assist with airline tickets, hotels, transfers, and all travel logistics for trips. Contact us at 877.935.2975 or 303.494.1375 or [email protected] for more details on airfare ticketing, travel services, and trip insurance.
FRA recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.
Details about fly fishing at Grand Slam Lodge
Grand Slam Lodge Pricing (cost per angler):
PEAK SEASON (OCTOBER 1ST – JUNE 30TH) 2023
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
7/6———–$4,520.00….PRICE PER ANGLER
6/5———–$3,895.00
5/4———–$3,270.00
4/3———–$2,645.00
3/2———–$2,020.00
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
7/6———–$7,290.00
6/5———–$6,290.00
5/4———–$5,290.00
4/3———–$4,290.00
3/2———–$3,290.00
LOW SEASON (JULY 1ST– SEPTEMBER 30TH) 2023
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
7/6———–$3,855.00…PRICE PER ANGLER
6/5———–$3,325.00
5/4———–$2,795.00
4/3———–$2,265.00
3/2———–$1,735.00
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
7/6———–$6,940.00
6/5———–$5,990.00
5/4———–$5,040.00
4/3———–$4,090.00
3/2———–$3,140.00
Packages Include:
- Air-conditioned beachfront villa with king-sized beds
- Transfers to/from the airport
- Swimming pool
- Beach and pool butler service
- In-room safe
- Daily housekeeping service
- Card table, ping pong table, and dominoes table
- Coffee and coffee maker in each bedroom
- Two bottles of water per bedroom per day
- Books and magazines by the bar
- Board games
- Taxes
Packages do not include:
- $10 tourist tax per person
- Airfare
- Transfers to/from the airport
- Alcoholic beverages and bar orders
- Soft drinks, bottled water and beer in bedroom mini bar
- International wine selection from our wine cellar
- Private fishing boat; extra cost for solo boat/guide
- Offshore sports fishing; weather permitting, arranged at lodge
- Other special fishing options; spin and light trolling
- Tip for your fishing guide; lodge recommends $75-100 USD per day per boat
- Items for sale or rent in the GrandSlam shop
- Internet access in the lobby
- Computer in the lobby
- Satellite phone service
- Regional excursions
- Laundry service
- Tips for lodge staff; lodge recommends $20 USD per night per client
- Car rental
- Travel Insurance and Global Rescue
Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: KIM D’[email protected] – 617.459.4200
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FRA GENERAL TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY
Trip Insurance is strongly advised & recommended!
No Shows:
If you don’t show up on your arrival date, you’ll be charged the full amount of your vacation stay.
Last Minute Date Change:
If you don’t arrive on your confirmed arrival date (for example, if you miss your flight), but still plan to get to the lodge, inform us of your new arrival date. You’ll still be charged for the original vacation booking, and are entitled to the remaining nights in the reservation. If you add extra nights to your original booking, they will be considered a new booking, and standard rates and conditions apply.
Hurricanes:
Under the threat of a hurricane, we will evacuate the lodge. Refunds will not be granted. You may want to consider trip insurance.
Restrictions:
No smoking inside the villa or lodge. No pets.
Grand Slam Fishing Lodge Booking, Reservation and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19 Related Reasons
- 50% Deposit per person is due within 10 days of booking to hold both space and guides on all packages.
- Final payment will be due 60 days before the reservation.
- Final payment is due 20 days before arrival of anglers.
- For trips cancelled for the COVID-19 related reasons outside the 20 days, Grand Slam Lodge will offer a Full 100% Credit or Refund valid for one year from the original trip dates.
- For trips cancelled for the COVID-19 related reasons inside the 20 days, Grand Slam Lodge will offer a Full 100% Credit valid for one year from the original trip dates.
What are legitimate “COVID-19” related reasons??
- Level 4 Global or Country-Specific Health Advisory (DO NOT TRAVEL) issued by the US State Department
- Border Closures prohibiting non-residents travel in or out of the country
- Mandatory quarantine upon arrival to destination country
- Your personal illness and/or health complications due to COVID-19
What are some cancellation reasons that would not qualify??
**In these cases FRA’s Standard Cancellation policy will apply**
- Cancellation due to work related reasons
- Sickness, illness, or injury to yourself, a family member or travel partner
- Weather or Acts of god
- Trip interruption or cancellation due to unsafe weather
- Flight delays and missed connections (due to a variety of reasons)
Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: KIM D’[email protected] – 617.459.4200
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FRA GENERAL TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY
Trip Insurance is strongly advised & recommended!
TRAVEL PROTECTION
The only emergency response service that will rescue you from anywhere in the world.
BOULDER'S BEST GUIDES
Front Range Anglers is committed to providing you with the best Colorado fly fishing guides and guided fly fishing experience possible.
