Casa Blanca Lodge
Mexico
Located at the southern end of Ascension Bay in the heart of the 1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an biosphere preserve, Casa Blanca has established itself as Mexico’s premier saltwater destination. For nearly fifteen years Casa Blanca has mesmerized anglers with its endless expanses of turquoise flats and its exceptional service. The guides here are among the most experienced anywhere, and many have dedicated the majority of their lives to learning the subtle intricacies of this prolific fishery. In addition to bonefish, tarpon and permit, anglers can fish for numerous other species, including snook, barracuda, snapper and jacks, making this the ultimate destination for anglers keen on variety. Remarkably, the fishing in Ascension Bay is actually improving due to the biosphere’s protected status and a growing conservation ethic among its inhabitants. Whether you are a seasoned angler in search of permit, or a novice intent upon landing your very first bonefish, you will be eager to revisit year after year. For those who want the same great fishing with non-angling companions or family members, we suggest Playa Blanca. Located just nine miles south of Casa Blanca, Playa Blanca offers a more intimate setting, a wonderful beach, Mayan ruins, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Packages vary in length and include a private air charter flight to the island once Cancun is reached.
Casa Blanca Travel:
To get to Casa Blanca, you will need to make flight arrangements to Cancun, Mexico. From there, the lodge will provide an air-charter to fly you directly to the lodge. When making your flight arrangements you must plan to arrive in Cancun no later than 2 PM and schedule return flights no earlier than 11 AM. Any flights that do not fall within this time period must be approved 30 days in advance and may result in an air charter surcharge.
Note: Any flight changes received by the lodge less than 72 hours prior to arrival may incur a extra charter fee. If you arrive in Cancun the day you are scheduled to arrive at the lodge you will be met by a lodge representative in the Arrival Lobby after clearing customs. They will have a sign that has the words “Casa Blanca” and a bonefish printed on it. If you do not immediately see him, it is because he is transferring other guests to the charter plane and will return shortly. Do not leave the Arrival Lobby to find him. The representative will arrange for you and your baggage to be transferred to the General Aviation Terminal by car. You will then board a plane and take an approximately 50 minute flight directly to the Casa Blanca airstrip. If more than eight guests arrive in a 2 hour period, the later arriving guests may have a layover of up to two hours in the terminal. The terminal has a comfortable lounge and a small bar which serves drinks and sandwiches. If you arrive in Cancun the day before your flight, then a representative from the lodge will contact you at your hotel by phone or fax the day of your arrival to tell you what time you need to be at the General Aviation Terminal to meet your charter flight to the lodge. Upon arrival in Cancun, you will be responsible to arrange your transportation from the airport to the hotel and then to the General Aviation Terminal for your charter flight the next day. In Spanish the terminal is referred to as Aviation General.
Please fax or email your flight itinerary to Fly Water Travel as soon as you have made your arrangements so that we can coordinate your charter flight to the lodge. If you prefer to spend the night in Cancun prior to your departure to the lodge, you will need to provide us with the name, address, phone and fax numbers of your hotel.
Casa Blanca Documentation:
You must have a valid U.S. 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 $12 (US) departure tax when leaving Mexico.
Casa Blanca Fishing Program:
Located on the northern tip of a private island in the heart of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve at the southern end of Ascension Bay, Casa Blanca is considered the region’s premier destination. The fishery focuses on sight fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon, but snook, snapper, jacks and barracuda are also present. Much of the fishing is done from 16ft Dolphin Skiffs but wade fishing is also common. Catch and release fishing is practiced for all of the primary species. Casa Blanca provides the region’s most experienced guides who are well suited to both beginning and expert anglers alike.
Casa Blanca Accommodations and Meals:
Casa Blanca has ten rooms, all with large baths, ceiling fans, and AC. Anglers and non-anglers may also enjoy a professional massage ($55/hour) during their stay as well.
Casa Blanca 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.
Casa Blanca Season:
Feb 17 – June 2 (High Season); Oct – December (Low Season)
Casa Blanca Fish Species:
Bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, snook, jacks
Casa Blanca Lodge Capacity:
20 anglers (Casa Blanca); 8 anglers (Playa Blanca)
Casa Blanca 2008 Rates:
$4165 High Season; $3380 Low Season
Included:
Accommodations, meals, guide fees (if fishing package is selected), and transfers from Cancun airport to the lodge, maid service and hand laundry.
Not Included:
Alcoholic beverages, phone service, gratuities (see above), transfers in Cancun, flies, departure taxes. Note: the lodge does not accept credit cards.