Tarpon Cay Lodge

Not far from the bustling madness of Cancun, on the northern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula lies the quaint village of Rio Lagartos and Tarpon Cay Lodge. Tarpon Cay Lodge offers saltwater fly anglers unparalleled opportunities to target juvenile tarpon in the 6- to 25-pound class in shallow water with floating lines. This small operation caters to a maximum of six anglers at a time, keeping angling pressure low and offering exclusive access to guests. Two massive preserves protect these waters from commercial fishing and provide an expansive refuge for juvenile tarpon.

Here, roving schools of fish vary greatly in size from just a few tarpon to several hundred fish. Similar to their larger brothers and sisters, these juveniles can be sensitive to environmental conditions and may challenge even the most skilled fly anglers. The Tarpon Cay guides are highly-experienced and extremely skilled at scanning for rolling fish and spotting schools moving under the surface.

Fisheries:
Tarpon Cay Lodge is truly the standard in world-class fly fishing for "baby" tarpon. Ranging in size from 5 to 25 pounds, these fish reside in environs of open water turtle grass flats and mangrove lined lagoons, creeks, and bays. This habitat is also home to Snook and Barracuda. Most significantly, this incredible fishery has been designated a marine preserve, thus protecting this Tarpon "nursery" from commercial netting and fishing. The hallmark of the fishery at Tarpon Cay Lodge is the sheer numbers of baby tarpon that inhabit the region. On a calm day, it is not uncommon to observe pods of Tarpon rolling and slashing bait on the flats - an awe-inspiring moment to say the least ... don't forget to cast. Another highlight is during the months of June thru August, migratory Tarpon (40 to 100+ pounds) inhabit the waters near Tarpon Cay Lodge. If weather conditions allow (low wind) anglers can pursue these “Silver Kings.” Whether you are sight-casting to rolling tarpon on the flats or working the mangroves with your top-water pattern, fly fishing for tarpon is a pure adrenaline rush.

Fishing Program:
Tarpon Cay Lodge is the gold standard for world-class fly fishing for "baby" tarpon. Ranging in size from 5- to 25-pounds, these fish reside in open-water turtle-grass flats and mangrove lined lagoons, creeks, and bays. These fishing grounds are very close to the lodge and require only a 15- to 25-minute boat ride. Anglers at Tarpon Cay Lodge fish two per guide from spacious 18-foot pangas with level casting decks. All fly fishing is conducted out of these stealthy, stable, and comfortable fishing platforms. The guides at Tarpon Cay Lodge speak very limited English, but are competent in giving simple casting and fishing instructions.

A wonderful part of fly fishing at Tarpon Cay Lodge is that most of the fishing is done with floating fly lines, as the tarpon hold or cruise in areas as shallow as one foot deep. This shallow water pursuit demands lightweight (slow sinking) tarpon flies or top-water offerings such as floating Puglisi patterns, sliders, or crease flies. When conditions are prime, this makes for an exciting visual display - tarpon waking behind the fly and a top-water "blow-up" finale.

The hallmark of the fishery at Tarpon Cay Lodge is the sheer numbers of baby tarpon that inhabit the region. On calm days, it is common to see pods of tarpon rolling and slashing bait on the flats. Another highlight is that from June to August, migratory tarpon up to 100 pounds are present, and when the wind is low anglers can target these “Silver Kings.” Also home to snook and barracuda, this incredible fishery has been designated a marine preserve, thus protecting this tarpon nursery from commercial netting and fishing.
The daily fishing schedule is based on tides and weather conditions. Some weeks, guests fish from morning through the afternoon but on others, anglers have a split shift consisting of an early morning session, followed by a mid-day break (lunch, siesta, rigging, fly tying, etc.), and then an evening session lasting through sunset. Each week, guides determine the program based on the optimum timing of tides and weather. The guides have limited English skills but can communicate basic instructions.

Meals & Accommodations:
Guests stay in condominium style accommodations, located at the ocean’s edge in Rio Lagartos. Here, sea breezes and beautiful scenery refresh the spirit after a long day of tarpon fishing. Accommodations are comfortable, bright, and enriched with traditional Mexican decor. The property features comfortable indoor and outdoor seating for relaxing or dining. Each unit is separate from one another and each has three levels: first floor has a combined air-conditioned small kitchen and lounge area. The second-floor which also has air-conditioning features a bedroom and bathroom. Each bedroom has one queen and one king sized bed in each. On the last level, you walk up onto the roof of the building to an open air area to simply take in the views or relax in the plunge pool. Rooms are cleaned, and linens and towels are replaced daily. On the main property, there is an on-site kitchen and small bar where sodas, beer, or cocktails can be enjoyed after a day on the water. Boat dock on waters edge, so guests are picked up and dropped off at the property each day.

Meals are another highlight at Tarpon Cay Lodge. They feature hearty portions and are a unique and delicious mix of local flavors. Breakfasts are served promptly in the morning to assure an on-time start of daily fishing adventures. Lunches consist of fresh seafood and traditional Mexican sides. Dinner ingredients include fresh fish, chicken, pork, shrimp, and lobster, when in-season. The lodge can accommodate most dietary restrictions by letting the staff know ahead of time.

Typical Daily Schedule:
Your fishing program will be based on tides and weather conditions. On some weeks, you will fish from morning through the afternoon. Many weeks, the fishing program is based on a split shirt consist of early morning fishing through the AM hours, a 3 hour break mid-day (lunch, ”siesta”, rigging, fly tying, etc.), and then an evening session of fishing lasting through sunset. Your guides will determine the program based on the optimum timing of tides and weather.

Travel Logistics:
Guests need to arrive in Cancún prior to 1:00 PM on the day of their scheduled arrival at the lodge. There is one scheduled transfer from the Courtyard by Marriott Cancún Airport hotel to the lodge departing at 3:00 PM. If guests cannot arrive by this time, then they will need to arrive a day early and overnight in Cancún.

Guests are responsible for transportation between the Cancún airport and the Courtyard by Marriott Cancún Airport hotel. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service. After exiting the airport, guests will need to call 800-021-2006 or +52-998-287-2200 to request the shuttle. The hotel will provide stall information where guests can await pickup by the hotel's shuttle.

A representative of Tarpon Cay Lodge will meet guests in the lobby of the hotel around 3:00 PM (on the day they are schduled to arrive at the lodge) for the transfer into the lodge.

Note: Guests who arrive at the Courtyard by Marriott Cancún Airport hotel one or more hours after the 3:00 PM pickup time, may be responsible for a custom transfer fee (approximately $450 (USD).

Courtyard by Marriott Cancún Airport
Blvd. Luis Donaldo Colosio, Km. 12.5, Lot 1, SMZA. 301

Guests need to schedule a departing flight out of Cancún after 2:00 PM on the day they leave the lodge.