Included / Not Included –
Included: Accommodations (double occupancy) and meals at the lodge, private boat fishing, beer, soda and local liquor and cocktails, wine on the table, round-trip transfer from Cancun to lodge.
Not Included: Airfare, accommodations and meals in Cancun, imported alcohol, fishing license, staff and guide gratuities.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Pesca Maya Lodge you need to make flight arrangements to Cancun, Mexico. All guests need to schedule their flights to arrive in Cancun before 2pm.
Getting to the Lodge: A lodge representative will meet you at the Cancun airport and transfer you to the lodge by car.
Departure Information: On your departure day you will be driven to the Cancun airport.
Documentation Requirements:
You must have a valid US passport to enter Mexico. This will be used to obtain your Mexican Tourist Card. Keep your copy of the card with you during your stay. No inoculations are required. Expect to pay a departure tax of approximately US $20 when leaving Mexico. Many times this tax is already included in your ticket so check with your ticket agent.
Mexican law requires that if only one parent (or grandparent, or other guardian) is accompanying a minor under 18 into Mexico, they must bear a notarized letter from the child's other parent (or guardian) granting permission to enter Mexico with the child, including the dates of travel, the accompanying adult's name, contact information, and a notarized signature.
Currency:
The official currency of Mexico is the Peso. If you plan to spend time in Cancun we find it beneficial to exchange currency and pay in Peso’s. The guides readily accept US $ for all your incidentals and gratuities.
Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travels with approximately $300 - 500 for staff & guide gratuities, licenses, etc.
Gratuities:
For your guides we suggest US $40 per boat / per day. You can give this to your guide directly at the end of each day. For the lodge staff we suggest US $20 per person per day and you can give this to the lodge manager at the end of your stay.
Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are not included. Please be prepared to pay for these on-site with cash or credit card. See itinerary for details.
Climate:
Temperatures typically range from the low 70’s to the mid 90’s. Isolated afternoon thunder-showers are a possibility year round. Wind can be factor while fishing and the sun is very strong.
Medical Facilities:
There is a doctor in Punta Allen, about 5 km from the lodge. The closest hospital is in Tulum, at about 1 hour from the lodge. In emergency situations, a charter flight may be required to reach a medical facility. Guests may want to consider medical evacuation coverage. We recommend Global Rescue.
Power and Communications:
Power is standard 110 volt (same as US) and you will not need any plug converters for your electrical equipment. There is a cell phone available for use at Pesca Maya that is a satellite connection and the cost per minute is $5 US. Guest cell phones do not work at the lodge. Faxes and e-mails can be delivered from the office in Cancun on Tuesday and Friday. Wireless internet is also available at the lodge.
Water:
Bottled water is available throughout Pesca Maya Lodge. We do not recommend drinking water from the faucets.
Clothing:
Quick dry pants and shorts, long sleeved quick dry shirts, casual cotton pants, shorts and shirts, sandals, boat shoes or tennis shoes, hat with wide brim, sun gloves, light sweater, light rain coat, swim suits, “Buff” facial sun protector (www.planetbuff.com). Wet wading with flats boots (Simms, Patagonia) is the norm. Supportive sturdy flats boots are best, as many flats have tough marl bottoms. Boat fishing footwear: Non-scuff white soled deck shoes or sandals: Crocs work well and are comfortable.
Laundry:
Laundry service is not available. Please pack accordingly.
Beverages/Alcohol:
The lodge provides alcohol. Guests may bring in their own….
Tackle/Equipment List:
Rods: For bonefish we recommend 9ft fast action rods for 7 and 8 weight lines. For permit and tarpon 9-10 weights are ideal.
Lines: Floating Mastery saltwater tapers and bonefish tapers in the appropriate weights.
Reels: Any quality anodized, corrosion resistant, saltwater reel will work. Get the best reel you can afford such as Abels, Bauers, and the likes. Bonefish reels should have at least 125 yards of 20 or 30 pound backing and your permit/tarpon reel should have at least 200 yards of 30 pound backing.
Leaders: Bonefish leaders should be 9-10 ft long in 1X-3X. Bring additional tippet material in the same diameters. Permit leaders should also be 9-10 ft long in 0X-2X. Tarpon leaders should be pre-made in either 15 or 20-pound class with shock tippets ranging from 60-100 lb test.
Flies: Bonefish: A wide range of patterns are effective in sizes 4-8. Be sure to have un-weighted flies, moderate (bead chain eyes) weighted flies, and heavy flies with lead eyes to meet different conditions and water depths. The most popular patterns include, the Squimp in #4, Vervuka’s Mantis Shrimp, Peterson’s spawning Shrimp, tan Crazy Charlies, Christmas Island specials, Yucatan Charlies, various bitters, gotchas in tan and pink, and Clouser Minnows in tan and chartreuse. Permit: Light tan and cream color crab patterns are the top pick. Have them in #4-2. Popular patterns include the Raghead Crab, Bauer’s Fur Crabs, McCrabs, Del Brown’s crab, and #2-2/0 Clouser minnows in tan and chartreuse. Tarpon: Black patterns in #2/0-4/0 are the most popular patterns but cockroaches, Apte tarpon, sea bunnies, deceivers, and assorted poppers are also effective. Snook: Bring several poppers along just in case.
Waders & Boots: Wet wading with flats boots (Simms, Patagonia) is the norm. While fishing from the boat many choose to go barefoot or wear only socks, which offer protection from the sun. Quick dry shorts and especially quick dry pants are the everyday attire.
Note: The lodge has a small shop with bonefish, permit, and tarpon flies as well as leader material.
Miscellaneous: Polarized glasses, nippers, reel covers, reel lubricant, hemostats, pliers, tape measure, tape for blisters and stripping finger, fanny pack, Aloe gel for sunburn, SPF 25 or higher waterproof sunscreen, insect repellent, sun gloves, wide brimmed hat, and a small waterproof bag.
