EARLY RISERS TRAVEL
OVERVIEW
The dry fly permit destination where our film "What Lies Above" was filmed.
Xcalak On The Fly is a family-run fly fishing lodge offering world-class access to the elusive Atlantic Permit. Each fishing adventures all start on the dock a.k.a "The Dock of Destiny" (as Si calls it) with a warm welcome from expert local guides who specialize in sight-fishing the flats. You’ll fish from traditional pangas, occasionally jumping out and wading for a more stealthy approach. While permit are generally the primary focus, the area offers enough variety to chase a Grand Slam on the right day. After a day on the water, guests return to delicous meals, ice-cold drinks, and comfortable, air-conditioned rooms. What truly sets the experience apart is the people — a passionate, tight-knit team made up of friendly faces from near and far who ensure every detail feels personal. The atmosphere is relaxed, the fishing is great, and the connections made often last well beyond the trip. It’s a place where clients leave feeling more like friends.
Xcalak On The Fly features six oceanfront suites designed for comfort and simplicity, each with uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea. Rooms can be configured with either a king-size bed or two twins and include private bathrooms, air conditioning, high-speed internet, a rod rack, and a locking safe. Ground-floor suites open directly onto the sand with breezy patios, while upper-level rooms offer private balconies perfect for sunrise views and salty air.
Despite being fully off-grid and eco-friendly, the lodge delivers plenty of comfort. You’ll have access to bikes, snorkel gear, paddleboards, and kayaks — or simply unwind on 180 feet of maintained beachfront with cabanas, hammocks, and beach chairs. Meals and drinks are included in your stay, with hearty breakfasts, fresh local seafood, and authentic Mexican flavours served daily in the open-air palapa dining area and full bar.
The lodge is run by a warm, welcoming couple from the village of Xcalak, whose hands-on hospitality brings a personal touch to everything. Each day begins at the 200-foot dock — the heartbeat of the lodge — where you’ll meet your guide, practise your cast, or just watch the light change over the flats.
THE FISHING
Atlantic Permit are generally the primary target for anglers visiting Xcalak On The Fly and for good reason. There are plenty of them about. Although you have a high probability of getting many shots at fish, remember they are still permit.
You will head out directly from the dock on a panga captained by a local guide. These guys are as hungry for fish, if not more so than some guests and have honed their craft specifically with the fly angler in mind. They will get you to the right spots, and pole along while keeping wind direction and casting ability in mind while keeping an eye out from the poling platform for opportunities.
You have two general areas to fish. Either along the reef, or in the bay itself. Both options produce a unique fishing environment to enjoy.
Other than Permit, there are always plenty of Bonefish as well as Tarpon around, not to mention Jacks, Cudas, Atlantic Triggerfish and more.
One thing to note is that, like any destination on this coastline, it does at times, receive trade winds from the east. We recommend that guests who visit have had a bit of practice in slightly windy conditions before their trip to ensure that should a bit of a wind be around, it will not make the fishing un-enjoyable.
We run 7-9wt salt water friendly setups for everything the area can throw at us, sometimes taking a 10wt along if we plan on searching for Tarpon more.
GETTING THERE
Xcalak On The Fly is located in the small fishing village of Xcalak, on the southern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula — just north of the Belizean border.
To get there, you’ll fly into either Cancun International Airport (CUN) or Tulum International Airport (TQO). From the airport, a group shuttle will collect you and the rest of the week’s guests for the journey to the lodge — about 5.5 hours from Cancun or 4 hours from Tulum, depending on your starting point.
The roads are good, and with a couple of stops for food or drinks along the way, the time passes quickly. It’s also a great chance to ease into the trip and connect with your fellow anglers.
By the time you arrive in Xcalak, you’ll feel like you’ve left the busy world behind. The remoteness is real — and it’s exactly what makes this place so special.
LET'SFISH
Submission Successful!
Please check your email, if you don't receive an email from us within 10 minutes you may have entered your email address incorrectly.