Casa Cangrejo

Fishing at Casa Cangrejo

Xcalak sits on the southern end of Costa Maya, where the world's second-largest barrier reef creates ideal flats and marine habitat. As a designated Mexican national reef park, these waters remain protected and productive with less angling pressure than nearby Belize.

The Fishery

Habitat:

• Extensive flats along barrier reef
• Protected national reef park waters
• Fertile bonefish flats
• Permit cruising grounds
• Tarpon channels and lagoons
• Mangrove-lined shorelines

Fishing Style:

• Wade and boat fishing
• Sight-fishing on clear flats
• 8am departure from lodge
• Most flats within 30-minute boat ride
• Return to lodge front for gear washing

Target Species

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus)
The primary draw to Xcalak.

• Size Range: 5-50 pounds
• Habitat: Flats along barrier reef, cruising productive areas
• Season: Year-round opportunities
• Pressure: Less than nearby Belize
• Techniques: Sight-fishing with crab patterns, technical presentations
• Abundance: Xcalak is permit fishing paradise

Bonefish (Albula vulpes)
World-renowned bonefishing in fertile waters.

• Size Range: Most 2-4 pounds, fish up to 7 pounds very common
• Numbers: Incredible numbers on flats year-round
• Habitat: Extensive fertile flats throughout area
• Season: Year-round fishing
• Techniques: Sight-fishing, wade and boat presentations
• Reputation: Waters have long been world-renowned for bonefishing

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
Year-round opportunities for all sizes.

• Size Range: All sizes from juvenile to adult
• Season: Year-round fishing opportunities
• Habitat: Channels, lagoons, flats
• Techniques: Sight-fishing, subsurface presentations

Bonus Species

Xcalak offers diverse fishing beyond the primary targets:

• Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) – Mangrove edges and structure
• Jacks (multiple species) – Aggressive flats predators
• Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) – Explosive strikes
• Sharks (multiple species) – Flats and deeper water opportunities

Typical Fishing Day

Morning:

• Delicious breakfast at lodge
• 8am pickup by guides in front of lodge
• Boat ride to flats (most within 30 minutes)

Fishing:

• Wade and boat fishing on productive flats
• Sight-fishing for permit, bonefish, tarpon
• Opportunities for bonus species
• Packed lunch on the water

Return:

• Guide drops off at lodge front
• Wash gear and equipment
• Head to common area for well-deserved beverage
• Happy hour with island cocktails and cold beer

Casa Cangrejo Lodge

Situated on the beach in the heart of Xcalak, Casa Cangrejo provides all the comforts needed for a perfect week of saltwater fly fishing in an unspoiled Caribbean village.

Guest Cabanas

Beautiful, well-appointed cabanas featuring:

• Soft comfortable beds
• Covered porches with ocean views
• Private accommodations
• Beachfront location
• Steps from common areas

Common Areas

Social Area & Bar:

• Relaxing gathering space
• Happy hour destination after fishing
• Island cocktails and cold beer
• Good laughs and fishing stories
• Ocean views

Dining Area:

• Open social dining
• Views of Caribbean
• Comfortable seating
• Lodge atmosphere

Dining

Top-notch culinary team prepares:

Breakfast:

• Fantastic morning meals
• Fuel for fishing day
• Fresh local ingredients

Lunch:

• Hearty packed lunches
• Sustenance on the water

Dinner:

• Delicious evening meals
• Freshest local seafood and produce
• True taste of Mexico
• Creative preparations

Happy Hour:

• Relaxing post-fishing tradition
• Island cocktails
• Cold beer
• Social gathering time

Lodge Location

• On the beach in Xcalak village
• Direct access to ocean
• Heart of small fishing community (375 inhabitants)
• Authentic Mexican Caribbean experience
• Away from tourist development

Travel to Casa Cangrejo

International Airport
Tulum International Airport (TQO), Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Airlines Serving Tulum

Major carriers with connections through Mexico City, Cancún, or direct from US cities:

• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Southwest Airlines (seasonal)
• Volaris
• VivaAerobus

Lodge Transportation (Included)

Ground Transfer:

• Casa Cangrejo staff meets you at Tulum Airport
• Comfortable van transportation
• Approximately 3-hour drive to lodge
• Mostly paved roads for comfortable ride
• 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Mahahual

Route:

• Tulum International Airport (TQO)
• South through Costa Maya
• Past Mahahual (cruise ship pier)
• Xcalak village at southern end
• Just north of Belize border

Entry Requirements

For U.S. Citizens:

• Valid passport (recommended 6+ months validity)
• Tourist card (FMM) issued on arrival
• No visa required for tourism stays under 180 days

Important Travel Notes

• Xcalak is remote and unspoiled
• Limited commercial development
• Small village atmosphere (375 inhabitants)
• Bring sufficient cash (limited ATM access)
• Lodge coordinates all ground transportation

Weekly Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival

• Fly to Tulum International Airport (TQO)
• Meet Casa Cangrejo staff at arrivals
• Comfortable van transfer to Xcalak (approximately 3 hours)
• Scenic drive through Costa Maya
• Arrive at beachfront lodge
• Check into cabana with ocean views
• Settle in and unpack
• Welcome dinner featuring local seafood
• Trip orientation with guides
• Rig rods and prepare gear
• Early night to prepare for fishing

Days 2-7 – Fishing Days (Six Full Days)

Morning:

• Fantastic breakfast at lodge
• Prepare for fishing day
• 8am pickup by guides in front of lodge

Fishing:

• Boat ride to flats (most within 30 minutes)
• Wade and boat fishing on productive flats
• Sight-fishing for permit (5-50 lbs)
• Bonefish on fertile flats (2-7 lbs very common)
• Tarpon opportunities (all sizes)
• Bonus species: snook, jacks, barracuda, sharks
• Packed hearty lunch on the water
• Continue fishing through afternoon

Return & Evening:

• Guide drops off at lodge front
• Wash gear and equipment
• Relaxing happy hour in common area
• Island cocktails and cold beer
• Good laughs and fishing stories
• Delicious dinner featuring fresh local seafood and produce
• True taste of Mexico prepared by top-notch culinary team
• Evening at leisure on covered porch or beach

Day 8 – Departure

• Final breakfast at lodge
• Pack gear and luggage
• Comfortable van transfer to Tulum Airport (3 hours)
• Driven by Casa Cangrejo staff
• Connect to homeward flights

Package Rates

Hosted trips: 4,300

Nonh-hosted trips: $4,300

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and additional dates

What's Included:

• Seven (7) nights lodging at Casa Cangrejo
• Six (6) full days guided fishing
• Beautiful cabanas with ocean views
• All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Ground transportation roundtrip Tulum Airport to lodge
• Happy hour island cocktails and beer

Not Included:

• Airfare to Tulum International Airport (TQO)
• Mexico fishing license
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Reservation Policy

• At booking: Non-refundable 50% deposit to hold reservation
• 30 days before arrival: Remaining 50% due
• Payment accepted via PayPal

Important: All rates subject to change without prior notice due to currency fluctuation and season.

Cancellation Policy

30+ days before arrival:

• Can offer credit for another date (restrictions apply)

15-30 days before arrival:

• If total paid: 50% credit for another date (restrictions apply)

0-15 days before arrival:

• No refund of deposit

Early departure:

• No refunds on early departure

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends:

• Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue recommended)
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (highly recommended)

For insurance questions contact:Kim D'AmicoPhone: 617.459.4200Email: kdamico@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Mexico Flats Experts

Ready to experience Xcalak's permit paradise and world-renowned bonefishing? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about Casa Cangrejo, travel logistics, hosted trip dates, and what to expect on Mexico's unspoiled Costa Maya.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager
Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide and Sage Elite Pro with extensive saltwater fly fishing experience. He can provide detailed insights on permit fishing tactics, fly selection, and trip preparation for Xcalak.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator
John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Casa Cangrejo adventure is handled seamlessly from booking through international travel to Mexico to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Hosted trip dates and availability
• Permit fishing tactics for Xcalak
• Fly selection for permit, bonefish, tarpon
• Tackle recommendations (rod weights, reels, lines)
• International travel to Tulum
• Ground transportation coordination
• What to expect at Casa Cangrejo
• Xcalak vs. Belize comparisons
• Seasonal timing and conditions
• Mexico entry requirements
• Pre-trip preparation consultation

Contact Us:
Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater fly fishing gear and talk with our team about your Casa Cangrejo adventure.

What to Bring to Casa Cangrejo

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 8-9 weight rod for bonefish and smaller permit
• 9-10 weight rod for permit and tarpon
• Large arbor saltwater reels with strong drags
• 200+ yards of backing
• Floating tropical saltwater lines (primary)
• Intermediate lines for permit

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-12 foot leaders (variety of weights)
• Fluorocarbon tippet (10-16 lb for bonefish, 12-20 lb for permit, 20-40 lb for tarpon)

Flies:

Permit:

• Crab patterns (Merkins, Del's Merkin, Avalon Crab, Raghead Crab)
• Tan, olive, brown colors
• Variety of weights (#2-1/0)

Bonefish:

• Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, Squimp (#6-8)
• Shrimp patterns (tan, pink, white)
• Various weights (bead chain to lead eyes)

Tarpon:

• Toads, Black Death, Cockroaches
• Baitfish patterns
• Purple, black, chartreuse colors

Bonus Species:

• Clouser Minnows (various colors)
• Poppers for surface action

Wading Gear:

• Flats boots or wading shoes (non-marking soles)

Clothing for Mexican Caribbean

Sun Protection (Essential):

• Long-sleeve sun shirts (UPF-rated, quick-dry, multiple)
• Long fishing pants (lightweight, quick-dry)
• Wide-brim sun hat or flats cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Polarized sunglasses (amber or copper lenses)
• Sunglasses retainer/strap
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe, waterproof)
• Lip balm with SPF

On-Water Clothing:

• Quick-dry shirts (long sleeve, multiple)
• Quick-dry pants (long, light colors)
• Light rain jacket (tropical showers)

Lodge/Evening Wear:

• Casual comfortable clothes
• Shorts and t-shirts
• Light pants
• Comfortable sandals or shoes

Essential Accessories:

• Waterproof dry bag for gear
• Stripping basket
• Fishing pliers
• Nail clippers or nippers
• Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid U.S. passport (6+ months validity recommended)
• Return flight confirmation
• Cash (U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos for tips and incidentals)
• Credit card

Medications & Essentials:

• Personal prescription medications
• Sunburn treatment
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes in tropics)
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Pain relievers