PLAYA BLANCA LODGE
Destination Overview
Playa Blanca lodge, which is located ten miles north of its sister, the Casa Blanca Lodge, is located on the edge of Espiritu Santo Bay, which is loaded with Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon and Snook. All of this sits near the middle of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve which is one of the world’s largest protected areas and is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Within the preserve are Mayan ruins that can make for a very interesting side trip in addition to opportunities for nature observation. The pristine ecology of the preserve creates a nursery for one of the largest arrays of tropical fish in the world, and consequently it’s adjacent waters are one of the world’s most productive fisheries.
Playa Blanca Lodge is one of Yucatan’s best saltwater fly fishing lodges, offering its guests, in addition to the amazing fishing, the finest facilities and a professional lodge staff that is devoted to making your stay memorable. For that reason it has been selected by Kienes Fly Fishing Travel as one of the premier lodges available to our clients.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Snook
Location: Yucatan, MX
Seasons: All year
Lodge Capacity: 20
Nearest Airport: Cancun, MX
Electricity: 110 volts
Documents needed: Passport
Fishing Program
The daily fishing program at Playa Blanca starts with coffee delivered to your door, and a delicious breakfast served from 6AM to 7Am. You will then load your gear into the lodge truck and take a five minute ride to the lagoon pier where you will meet your guide and hop onto your skiff. Around 4pm you will be driven back to the lodge and be presented with appetizers and drinks as you relax before your gourmet meal.
Espiritu Santo Bay lies off the southern tip of Punta Pajaros which is often referred to as the last frontier of Yucatan flats fishing and it’s difficult to reach from anywhere other than Playa Blanca Lodge. At approximately half the width of Ascension Bay, Espiritu Santo is a smaller but equally impressive fishery.
The sea floor is covered with a rich sediment deposited by several tributaries that is a favorite habitat for Bonefish and Permit. The mangroves that line the tributaries are the perfect habitat for Tarpon and Snook. The opportunity for a Grand Slam is always present while a guest at Playa Blanca.
The bay is rimmed by vast sand flats that are perfect for wading while the deeper water is a great place to find cruising schools of Permit. Because Espiritu Santo Bay is remote, fishing pressure remains light. Travel time from the lodge to your fishing location can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour.
Best Fly Fishing Seasons
Fall-October through November
Weather is iffy but is made up for by the fact that angling pressure is light and the fishing remains excellent.
Winter-December through February
Great weather sometimes punctuated by a cold front and low humidity and light angling pressure. Fishing remains excellent.
Spring-March through April
Weather stabilizes and temperatures are moderate though winds begin to become a factor. Warming water makes the fish more active.
Summer-June through August
These are the hottest and rainiest months though with the warmest water of the year, the fish are at their most active. Lodge is generally closed during this period, though parties of 6 or more will be welcome.
Accommodations
Playa Blanca Lodge consists of large duplex cabanas that total seven rooms that are spaced among the coconut palms that line the beach. The rooms have large bathrooms, and have a modern tropical Caribbean feel. Some rooms have two queen size beds.
Rooms all have their own patios that overlook the grounds and the water. Rooms that sit back from the water have air conditioning where ocean front rooms enjoy the cooling sea breezes.
In addition to the standard cabana rooms Playa Blanca Lodge offers additional lodging options that will appeal to those who desire more privacy.
Casa Redonda & Suite
A short walk up the beach from the main lodge complex, is the Casa Redonda & Suite which is set by itself on a protective dune that fronts the ocean and miles of private beach. A tropical hideaway, it is perfect for couples and small groups.
Of the two buildings that comprise the Casa Redonda & Suite, one that is called the Main House is perfect for couples as it features two large suites with over-sized private baths, a full service kitchen, a living and dining area with a large ocean view and a spectacular waterfront deck.
The Suite is a beautiful one bedroom with a king size bed and sitting area, large private bath and a seaside soaking tub. It also has a raised patio overlooking the ocean.
On Site Amenities and Activities Include
Satellite Phone (fee)
Wi-Fi/internet access
Laundry (fee)
Bar
Gourmet Food
Non fly fishing activities: touring, snorkeling, nature viewing
The cuisine is as equal to or better than any restaurant in the Yucatan . . . even Cancun! You will dine at the beachfront restaurant and bar. Being that you are on a Caribbean island the chef’s specialty is of course fresh seafood seasoned with local spices.
Getting There
Cancun is the air hub serving Casa Blanca, which is about 45 minutes by air from the lodge. When you arrive at the airport you will be met by the lodge representative and transferred to a charter plane which will take you to the lodge. Upon arrival at the Casa Blanca Lodge airstrip you will take a short 3 minute boat ride to the main lodge where you will be met by staff and served your choice of ice cold margaritas or limeade. You will then board a lodge vehicle and take a thirty minute scenic drive to the Playa Blanca Lodge on the edge of Espiritu Santo Bay.
Rates
Prices are based on double occupancy.
October 3rd 2015 - February 6th 2016 and May 21st-October 1st 2016
7 night/6 days fishing: $4,349. per person
5 night/4 days fishing: $3,652. per person
February 1st through May 21st 2016
7 night/6 days fishing: $4,730. per person
5 night/4 days fishing: $3,992. per person
Call about single occupancy or adding an extra person.
Inclusions: Air charter from Cancun to the lodge. Deluxe seaside accommodations, all meals, non bottled beverages and use of all recreational equipment, guides and boats and Wi-Fi.
Exclusions: alcoholic beverages, use of the satellite phone (available for a small fee), laundry or guide/staff gratuities.