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Tag: cubera snapper fishing

  • Crocodile Bay Lodge

    Crocodile Bay Lodge

    Sailfish released beside a Crocodile Bay boat, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
    Marlin alongside the Front Runner at Crocodile Bay, Golfo Dulce
    Crocodile Bay sportfishing fleet running Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula
    Evan Peterson with a dorado on a Crocodile Bay boat, Golfo Dulce
    Lagoon pool, cabanas, and guest wings at Botánika Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jiménez, at dusk

    Puerto Jiménez, Osa Peninsula

    Crocodile Bay

    Golfo Dulce — sailfish, marlin and more

    Roosterfish and snapper, inshore

    Corcovado

    Crocodile Bay Overview

    Crocodile Bay still runs the fishing on the Golfo Dulce. The rooms are at Botánika Osa Peninsula, in Puerto Jiménez, with Corcovado National Park on one side and the Pacific on the other. Offshore is sailfish and marlin. Inshore is roosterfish, snapper, cubera, and the estuaries. A non-fishing partner has a real resort to stay in.

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    The fishing program is the same operation anglers have booked for years: a short run to blue water, inshore along the Osa coast, and days built around sailfish from January through March. What changed is the property around the dock. Guests sleep in studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, eat at Tierra a la Mesa and Driza Bar & Grill, and use a lagoon pool, a 2,600-square-foot gym, and a rainforest spa.

    The marina next to the resort is growing into a seaside village: yacht club, ships chandlery, shops, and more slips for larger boats. The spa, the pool, the restaurants, and the beach club are operating now.

    Sailfish, marlin, dorado, roosterfish, snapper on the Golfo Dulce

    Puerto Jiménez, Osa Peninsula — Corcovado on one side, the Pacific on the other

    Botánika — suites, lagoon pool, spa, two restaurants

    Fleet — 24’/25′ Whalers, 33′ Strikes, 36′ Front Runner

    Sailfish prime — January through March. Dorado and marlin build from October.

    Call or use the form for a Crocodile Bay week at Botánika. Our services are free.

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Call us 860-434-9624

    Fishing at Crocodile Bay

    Blue water is about half an hour from the marina. The published fleet is 24′ and 25′ Boston Whalers with twin 200 hp Suzuki outboards (up to four anglers), 33′ Strike towers with 430 hp Cummins diesels (up to six), and a 36′ Front Runner with triple 300 hp Mercury outboards (up to seven). Boats leave the pier around 6:30 a.m. and are back between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m.

    A charter day includes the boat, captain, Costa Rica fishing license, tackle, bait, fuel, and a cooler with lunch, beer, water, and soft drinks. January, February, and March are prime sailfish. Sailfish numbers drop in mid-April as marlin show up. May and June slow for billfish and often bring spinner dolphins with yellowfin. July and August are marlin and tuna, including a shot at black marlin. October is when dorado show in numbers, with marlin behind them. December can hold marlin, dorado, tuna, and sailfish in the same week.

    Inshore, the volcanic coastline and the Golfo Dulce estuaries fish all year in 80–83°F water. Roosterfish, snapper, and cubera are the fish most people add a day for.

    Sailfish released beside a Crocodile Bay boat, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
    Roosterfish at Crocodile Bay, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
    Inshore fishing on Golfo Dulce at Crocodile Bay, Osa Peninsula
    Offshore fishing out of Crocodile Bay, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
    Sailfish released beside a Crocodile Bay boat on the Pacific
    Cocodrilo XIV, a Crocodile Bay sportfishing boat, at Puerto Jiménez
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    Lagoon pool, cabanas, and guest wings at Botánika Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jiménez, at dusk

    Botánika, the Resort at Crocodile Bay

    Botánika Osa Peninsula sits beside the Golfo Dulce and the Crocodile Bay marina. Rooms run from studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites and garden villas, with air conditioning and terraces on the rainforest or the lagoon pool. A one-bedroom suite is about 944–956 square feet with a kitchen and a sofa bed. A two-bedroom is about 1,405 square feet.

    Tierra a la Mesa serves breakfast from 5:30 to 10:00 a.m. and dinner from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Driza Bar & Grill is open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. by the pool. In-room dining runs 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The spa uses rainforest treatments: hot stone, coffee scrub, chocolate wrap. The gym is 2,600 square feet. The beach is a boat ride to Cahui Beach Club at Preciosa Beach. The daily resort charge covers Wi-Fi, that beach boat, the Puerto Jiménez airport shuttle, and small fishing and spa credits.

    Marina on site

    Lagoon pool

    Tierra a la Mesa

    Driza Bar & Grill

    Rainforest spa

    2,600 sq ft gym

    Cahui Beach Club

    Puerto Jiménez airport

    Crocodile Bay marina beside Botánika, Puerto Jiménez
    King guest room with a rainforest view at Botánika Osa Peninsula
    Cahui Beach Club at Preciosa Beach, reached by boat from Botánika Osa Peninsula
    Rainforest on the Osa Peninsula near Botánika and Corcovado National Park
    Entrance to Botánika Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jiménez
    Lagoon pool and cabanas at Botánika Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jiménez

    The Osa Around Crocodile Bay

    Puerto Jiménez sits on the Golfo Dulce, with Corcovado National Park inland. Scarlet macaws and toucans are routine. Howler monkeys, sloths, and the occasional tapir are in the forest. Dolphin pods use the gulf, and humpback whales from both hemispheres come through with calves.

    Days off the boat are Corcovado hikes, a zipline, a sloth or chocolate-farm visit, kayaks in the mangroves, horseback, and the beach club. The full list sits further down the page.

    The marina beside Crocodile Bay is still being built out: a yacht club, a market, a chandlery, and more slips. The spa, the pool, the restaurants, and the beach club are open. A pharmacy and a shopping street are part of the village under construction. Call us before you count on those as finished.

    Sloth in a palm on the Osa Peninsula, near Crocodile Bay
    Sloth in the forest on the Osa Peninsula
    Basilisk lizard on the Osa Peninsula near Crocodile Bay

    Crocodile Bay Charter Rates

    A package can mix full or half days of fishing with days off the boat.

    Crocodile Bay charter rates

    A fishing day is priced by the boat, whether one angler or four. Rooms are a separate quote.

    BoatAnglersFull day, plus tax
    24′ / 25′ Boston Whaler, twin 200 Suzuki1–4$1,695 per boat
    33′ Strike tower, 430 hp Cummins1–6$2,195 per boat
    36′ Front Runner, triple 300 Mercury1–4$3,995
    36′ Front Runner5–7$4,295
    Transfer packagePer person$495 + 13% tax ($559.35). One night in San José (double), ground transfers, and the round-trip flight to Puerto Jiménez.

    Room rates vary by season.

    Call 860-434-9624
    Email info@angleradventures.com

    Included on a Crocodile Bay Fishing Day

    • Boat, captain, and fuel
    • Costa Rica fishing license, tackle, and bait
    • Cooler with lunch, beer, water, and soft drinks

    Not Included at Crocodile Bay

    • The room at Botánika, unless it is built into a quoted package
    • Alcohol at the resort
    • The San José transfer package
    • International airfare, overweight baggage, meals in San José
    • Gratuities, taxes, and fees

    Crocodile Bay Deposit

    The deposit is $1,500 per guest, with the balance due 60 days before arrival. Cancel in writing at least 60 days out and the deposit comes back minus a $200 per person handling fee. Inside 60 days, or a no-show, the deposit is kept. U.S. citizens need a passport valid six months past arrival and a return ticket.

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    Getting to Crocodile Bay

    International flights land in San José (SJO). Most anglers overnight in San José, then take the scheduled domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez (PJM). Botánika is on the southeast side of that airport, and the resort shuttle is part of the daily resort charge. The fishing marina is on the property.

    Book the week through Angler Adventures: 860-434-9624 or info@angleradventures.com. The fishing days and the room stay one itinerary.

    SANSA plane on the ramp at Puerto Jiménez, the domestic flight to Crocodile Bay
    Inside the SANSA cabin on the flight to Puerto Jiménez for Crocodile Bay
    Anglers on the dock at Crocodile Bay, Puerto Jiménez
    Evan in an Angler Adventures hat at Crocodile Bay on the Osa Peninsula
    Anglers on deck aboard a Crocodile Bay boat on the Golfo Dulce
    Two anglers at the rail on a Crocodile Bay boat, Puerto Jiménez
    Releasing a sailfish beside a Crocodile Bay boat on the Pacific
    Penn International reel on a Crocodile Bay boat
    Looking over the Pacific from the bow of a Crocodile Bay boat

    Sailfish at Crocodile Bay

    Golfo Dulce and the Pacific, Puerto Jiménez

    Offshore at Crocodile Bay

    Sailfish carry January through March. Blue, black, and striped marlin show from mid-April and again in July, August, October, and December. Dorado build in October. Yellowfin often ride with spinner dolphins in May and June. Wahoo are on the offshore list in smaller numbers.

    Inshore at Crocodile Bay

    Roosterfish, snapper, and cubera are the inshore headliners along the volcanic coast. The estuaries and, when they schedule it, the surf fill a mixed day. Between fishing days: Corcovado, macaws, the gulf’s dolphins, and a boat to the beach club.

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    Marlin alongside the Front Runner at Crocodile Bay, Golfo Dulce

    Crocodile Bay FAQ

    Where do Crocodile Bay guests stay now?

    Fishing is still Crocodile Bay, on the Golfo Dulce at Puerto Jiménez. The rooms are at Botánika Osa Peninsula, on the southeast side of the Puerto Jiménez airport.

    What do you fish at Crocodile Bay?

    Offshore: sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, dorado, wahoo, and yellowfin. Inshore and the estuaries: roosterfish, snapper, cubera, and the coastal species. Surf is still part of the program they have sold for years. January through March is prime sailfish. Dorado and marlin build from October.

    What are the Crocodile Bay boat rates?

    A 24′ or 25′ Boston Whaler is $1,695 per boat per day plus tax. A 33′ Strike is $2,195. The 36′ Front Runner is $3,995 for one to four anglers and $4,295 for five to seven. Those are charter days. Rooms at Botánika are quoted separately.

    How do you get to Botánika and Crocodile Bay?

    Fly into San José (SJO). The transfer is $495 plus 13% tax ($559.35) per person: a night in San José, ground transfers, and the domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez (PJM). The resort shuttle covers the airport. A passport valid six months past arrival is required for U.S. citizens.

    Is there fly fishing at Crocodile Bay?

    Fly fishing is not the main attraction at Crocodile Bay. They will put a fly rod on the boat, inshore or offshore, if you want one.

    What is there to do at Crocodile Bay besides fishing?

    Days off the boat include Corcovado, a sloth or chocolate-farm visit, kayaks in the mangroves, a zipline, and the boat to Cahui Beach Club. Call us and we will build those days into the package.

    Off the boat at Crocodile Bay

    A week here is built for the person who wants a day, or three, away from the rods. These are the outings the resort runs on the Osa.

    Rainforest trail in Corcovado National Park, a day trip from Crocodile Bay

    Corcovado National Park

    A full day in the park, usually by car to the Los Patos ranger station. Corcovado holds Baird’s tapir, white-lipped peccaries, and a long list of birds and cats. The walk is demanding and it follows the weather. Two people minimum, with 12 hours’ notice.

    The sloth walk

    About three hours on the Valverde Quirós family land, thirty acres of garden and forest outside Puerto Jiménez. The walk is built around finding sloths, with tropical plants, fruit trees, and a snack from the family.

    Sloth in a palm on the Osa Peninsula, from a Crocodile Bay sloth walk
    Kayaks in a mangrove estuary near Crocodile Bay, Osa Peninsula

    Mangrove kayak

    A paddle through a mangrove estuary on a single or a double kayak. Roseate spoonbills, boat-billed herons, and white ibis use the river, and basilisk lizards run the surface. Howler and white-faced monkeys use these trees. Life vests and dry bags come with the boats. Two people minimum, 12 hours’ notice. The sunset departure is the same water later in the day.

    Canopy zip line

    Miramar looks over the Golfo Dulce. The platforms run nearly a mile of forest and reach 138 feet. A night departure leaves at 7:30 p.m. and is back by 10:30, the one anglers take when the boat day is already on the schedule. Osa Palmas is the second canopy: eight platforms, up to 120 feet.

    Canopy zip line over rainforest near Crocodile Bay, with the Golfo Dulce beyond
    Cocoa and fruit on a chocolate-farm visit near Crocodile Bay

    The chocolate farm

    The walk starts in a traditional cocoa planting, crosses a stretch of flat rainforest, and ends in the farm’s organic plots and a medicinal-plant garden. Toucans work the fruit trees. The visit closes with fruit from the farm, chocolate sauce, and baked plantains. Closed-toed shoes. Two people minimum, 12 hours’ notice.

    Horseback on the Osa

    Mountain paths and jungle trails inland from the gulf, with time to get off and walk the forest. Closed shoes and long pants.

    Horseback on a jungle trail on the Osa Peninsula, booked through Crocodile Bay

    Crocodile Bay also has Matapalo, a jungle night walk, birding, e-bikes, the boat to Cahui Beach Club, and gulf days for dolphins, whales, and turtles. Call 860-434-9624 and we will set the days that fit the fishing.

    Aerial of the Crocodile Bay marina and sportfishing fleet on Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula

    Plan Your Crocodile Bay Trip.

    Save Time on a Crocodile Bay Trip. We’ve Been Doing This for 43 Years.

    Call or use the form for Crocodile Bay fishing and a room at Botánika.

    Destination Inquiry
    Call 860-434-9624
    White-faced capuchin in the trees on the Osa Peninsula, near Crocodile Bay
    Spider monkey in the forest on the Osa Peninsula, near Crocodile Bay
    Brown-throated sloth on the Osa Peninsula, near Crocodile Bay
    Sloth resting in the canopy on the Osa Peninsula
    Sloth hanging in the forest on the Osa Peninsula
    Heliconia on the Osa Peninsula, near Crocodile Bay
    Fruit plate at Crocodile Bay on the Osa Peninsula
    Snacks at Crocodile Bay, Puerto Jiménez

    Crocodile Bay Lodge is the newest fishing and adventure tour lodge to hit Costa Rica. Situated in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world, no other fishing lodge can offer you these unique fishing opportunities, first class fishing accommodations, versatility of fishing boats and wide variety of eco tours.

    Fishing out of Crocodile Bay Lodge is truly unique as they are the only lodge to offer 4 distinct types of fishing, the best combination of inshore and offshore fishing in the world!

    Fly fishing can be done in all 4 types. Offshore Fishing, Inshore Fishing, Estuarine Fishing, Surf Fishing.

    Consistent annual water temperatures between 80 and 83 degrees insure that inshore fishing along the coastline, flats boat fishing the estuaries and surf fishing is good all year.

    Offshore fishing is available all year with the months of December through May being best.

    THE BOATS

    Crocodile Bay Lodge will keep you fishing ‘til you drop with their selection of boats, from the 17’ flats boats to the 21’ center consoles to the 24 – 27’ offshore center consoles to the 33’ cruisers. Hop aboard our new 33 foot Strike or one of our new 24 foot Whaler Outrages (twin 150 hp outboards) for a scenic 30 minute run (half of the time necessary from other local lodges) to blue water for Sailfish, Blue, Black & Striped Marlin, Wahoo, Dorado (dolphinfish, mahi) and tuna. It is common to raise 10 to 15 Sailfish a day with over 50 on a spectacular day.

    THE TACKLE

    Tackle and bait on all of Crocodile Bay’s fishing adventures is always included, but feel free to bring your own gear if you’d like.They use top of the line Shimano offshore 2 speed reels, top of the line fly rods and reels, Calcutta conventional & Baitrunner spinning outfits for  inshore and surf fishing equipment. They also have their own line of offshore, inshore and surf  fishing lures, made on the premises. Combined with other popular brands they have the best equipped fishing available.

    THE LODGE

    The lodge structures are strategically located throughout the landscaped property with the main building housing the restaurant, bar and reception. The main lodge also has a  tackle and gift shop, where one can purchase inshore or offshore fishing lures (made on the premises) for souvenirs or for use at another time, as well as locally made gifts of all kinds. The pool and jacuzzi were designed utilizing our unique property characteristics including waterfalls and jungle environment. They are conveniently accessible to all guests. The lodge is staffed by friendly, English-speaking and well experienced personnel guaranteed to make your stay an exciting and unforgettable one.

    After a day on the water, or returning from the thrilling adventure tour, enjoy your favorite cocktail or beverage at our open bar, take a relaxing swim, dine in our elegant air-conditioned restaurant or walk through our tropical gardens and feed our friendly crocodiles. Watch and listen for the sounds of local wildlife. At any given time you may see one of several species of monkeys or other mammals, crocodiles, lizards and other reptiles or perhaps a parrot or what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful birds in the world, the scarlet macaw.

    THE TOURS

    With such a wide variety of trips and tours available at Crocodile Bay Lodge, you are sure to live each day of your stay with us to it’s fullest!

    Eco Tours
    Full Day Jungle/River Hike
    Half Day Beach Exploring
    Full Day Jungle/River Horseback Trip
    Half Day Beach/Horseback Trip
    Full Day Gold-Panning Expedition
    Full Day Tiger River Tour
    Half Day Rain Forest Canopy Ascent
    Full Day Matapalo Tour
    Corcovado National Park Tour    		 Aquatic Tours
    Golfo Dulce tour
    Snorkeling tour
    Mangrove tour
    Crocodile tour
    Surfing tourKayak Trips
    Mangrove Estuary Paddle
    Golfo Dulce Coast
    Sunset Dolphin Watch
    Half Day Tiger River Tour

    All day trips are 8 hours in duration from 7:30am to 3:30pm Half day trips are 4 hours in duration – twice daily – times advised at booking. All times and durations subject to change. Since meals are inclusive at the lodge, box lunches will be supplied on all day trips.

    2020 / 2021 Season Rates Schedule
    (All rates subject to change)

    Packages & Prices: Packages at Crocodile Bay are totally customizable and we can personalize an itinerary to include as many or as few fishing days as you like. Please call or email and we will quote you a price based on your preferred package.

    Crocodile Bay Lodge fishing packages include: Lodging and fishing as customized, use of fishing gear, guide, fishing license, and all meals including non-alcoholic beverages.

    Not included: International airfare, first and last nights lodging at a hotel in San Jose, ground transfers between airport and hotels, roundtrip air transportation between San Jose and Crocodile Bay, alcoholic beverages, meals in San Jose, overweight seat and baggage, airport departure tax, change fees and gratuities. (See “Transfer Package” below)

    Seasons: Whether you are fishing inshore in our flats boats, or along the volcanic shoreline in our inshore boats, it is excellent all year long. Fishing offshore in Outrage 240 center consoles or Strike 33’s is also available 12 months a year. In terms of pricing, low season all inclusive accommodation packages runs from April 16th – December 14th. High season rates apply December 15th – April 15th.

    Please Note: For entry into Costa Rica, US citizens will need a passport, valid for 6-months past the return date and in good condition, and a round-trip/outbound airline ticket.

  • Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    Aerial of Tropic Star Lodge and the Bertram fleet in Piñas Bay, Panama
    Black marlin jumping off Piñas Bay near Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Marlin jumping on a green line off Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Tropic Star Lodge marina and sportfishing fleet at sunset, Piñas Bay, Panama

    Piñas Bay, Panama — marlin and sailfish:

    Tropic Star Lodge

    Black marlin

    Zane Grey Reef

    Bertram 31s

    Overview

    Tropic Star Lodge sits on remote Piñas Bay in Panama’s Darién Province, about 20 minutes from Zane Grey Reef. Guests fish black marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish offshore, and roosterfish and cubera on the inshore grounds, from Classic or Premium Bertram 31s. Twenty-three air-conditioned rooms and villas take up to 45 guests.

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    KEEP READING ↓

    Guests fly to Tocumen International (PTY) in Panama City, overnight, then take a 30-minute drive and a charter of just under an hour to Bahía Piñas. A short bus and 10–15 minute water taxi finish the trip to the lodge.

    Peak weeks (January–February) run as 7-night, 6-day packages and book 1–2 years out. Inshore (March–May) and Standard / blue marlin weeks (June–September and December) also offer shorter 3- and 4-day packages. The annual Billfish Tournament is in November; the Roosterfish Tournament is in May.

    Black marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, yellowfin, dorado

    Piñas Bay / Darién, Panama — Zane Grey Reef 20 minutes out

    23 rooms and villas — up to 45 guests

    Classic or Premium Bertram 31s

    Dates: Peak Jan–Feb · Inshore Mar–May · Standard Jun–Sep

    Call or use the form for information about billfish and inshore fishing at Tropic Star Lodge.

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Call us 860-434-9624

    Fishing Tropic Star Lodge

    Piñas Bay’s offshore bite is black marlin (heaviest in January and February), blue marlin (June–September and December), and sailfish that regularly top 100 pounds. Yellowfin tuna, dorado, and wahoo run with the billfish. Grand slams are common in July.

    Inshore, roosterfish are the draw from March through May, with fish over 70 pounds on the books. Cubera snapper, bluefin trevally, broomtail grouper, and tarpon in the backwaters keep a second rod busy. Local captains and mates — many second- or third-generation on this coast — run the Bertram 31s with GPS, VHF, tuna tubes, and live wells.

    Sailfish held alongside a Tropic Star Lodge boat, Piñas Bay, Panama
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    Sailfish held alongside a Tropic Star Lodge boat, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Anglers with a roosterfish at Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Angler with a bull dorado (mahi-mahi) at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Father and son with a dorado at Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Big-game rods and reels on the dock at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Black marlin jumping off Piñas Bay near Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Villa sitting room with jungle view at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    The lodge

    Twenty-three air-conditioned rooms and villas look over the bay or the garden. Options run from double-occupancy lodge rooms to two- and three-bedroom villas and private residences. The Palace is the three-bedroom villa with master suites and a view of Piñas Bay.

    Dinner is four courses at the Bayview Restaurant, wine included. The Marlin Bar faces the water. A freshwater jungle pool and hot tub sit in the trees; the rainforest spa is part of shoreside packages (three treatments and three jungle excursions).

    23 rooms & villas

    Up to 45 guests

    Bayview dining

    Jungle pool & spa

    Villa sitting room with jungle view at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Jungle swimming pool at Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Villa exterior with pool in the jungle at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Balcony looking into the jungle at Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Tropic Star Lodge pier and dock house on Piñas Bay, Panama
    Gangway down to the Tropic Star Lodge dock and Bertram fleet, Panama
    Aerial of the Tropic Star Lodge dock and sportfishing fleet, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Guests hiking a jungle trail near Tropic Star Lodge, Darién, Panama

    Tropic Star Lodge 2026 rates

    Book through Angler Adventures. These 2026 figures are for a Bertram 31, two anglers, six fishing days (Doug, 25 August 2026). Season names below are the ones we quote: Peak, Inshore, and Standard. The lodge site lists the same windows as Black Marlin / Inshore / Blue Marlin.

    SeasonDatesPackageRateNotes
    PeakJanuary–FebruaryBertram 31, 2 anglers, 6 days$8,590Black marlin weeks. 7-night / 6-day packages.
    StandardJune–SeptemberBertram 31, 2 anglers, 6 days$7,750Blue marlin weeks.
    InshoreMarch–MayBertram 31, 2 anglers, 6 days$6,240Roosterfish and cubera.
    Transfer / charterYear-roundPanama City to lodge$745Per person plus room tax. VIP meet-and-greet, up to four ground transfers.
    2027Not postedAny week, including 26 Feb–6 Mar 2027Call 860-434-9624Lodge has not posted 2027 dollars yet.

    Rates still vary by boat (Classic or Premium Bertram 31), party size (1–4 anglers), and package length. Room upgrades extra. Seasonal discounts and other boats — call or email us.

    2027 lodge rates are not posted yet. Call 860-434-9624 for the week you want, including 26 February–6 March 2027. Our services are free.

    Included

    • 7 nights lodge accommodations (for 6-day packages)
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and wine with dinner
    • Daily guided fishing
    • Use of the pool, bars, restaurant, and spa
    • 3 spa treatments and 3 jungle excursions for shoreside guests

    Not included

    • Round-trip charter from Panama City ($745 per person)
    • Room upgrades
    • Gratuities for guides and staff
    • International airfare to Panama City
    • Travel insurance and personal items

    Getting to Tropic Star Lodge

    Fly to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. Lodge staff meet you and transfer you to the overnight hotel. In the morning a 30-minute drive and a charter of just under an hour land at Bahía Piñas. A short bus and a 10–15 minute water taxi finish the trip. Panama City to the lodge is about 2–3 hours of travel time after the overnight.

    ASK US
    CALL 860-434-9624

    Billfish at Tropic Star

    on Piñas Bay, Darién, Panama

    Black and blue marlin

    Peak January–February is the black marlin window. Blue marlin weeks run June through September and December. Sailfish over 100 pounds mix through both seasons.

    Roosterfish and inshore

    March through May is roosterfish, cubera, bluefin trevally, and grouper. Tarpon hold in the backwaters for a fly rod.

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    Black marlin jumping off Piñas Bay near Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    Tropic Star Lodge FAQ

    Where is Tropic Star Lodge?

    Tropic Star Lodge sits on Piñas Bay in the Darién Province of Panama. Guests fly to Tocumen (PTY) in Panama City, overnight, then take a charter of just under an hour to Bahía Piñas and a short water taxi to the dock.

    What do you fish at Tropic Star Lodge?

    Black marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish offshore, plus roosterfish, cubera snapper, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and more than a dozen inshore species. Zane Grey Reef is about 20 minutes from the lodge.

    What are the 2026 Tropic Star Lodge rates?

    Angler Adventures quotes a Bertram 31, two anglers, six fishing days at $8,590 Peak (January–February), $7,750 Standard (June–September), and $6,240 Inshore (March–May). Transfer / charter is $745 per person. 2027 lodge rates are not posted yet — call 860-434-9624.

    When is black marlin season at Tropic Star?

    January and February are Peak / black marlin weeks. Those dates book 1–2 years out and run as 7-night, 6-day packages. Blue marlin weeks run June through September and December. Inshore weeks (roosterfish and cubera) run March through May.

    How do I get to Tropic Star Lodge?

    Fly to Panama City (PTY). The lodge transfer ($745 pp round-trip) covers the VIP meet-and-greet, up to four ground transfers, and the charter to Bahía Piñas. International airfare to Panama City is separate.

    Does Tropic Star Lodge have a 2027 rate sheet?

    Not yet — tropicstar.com has not posted 2027 dollars. Call Angler Adventures at 860-434-9624 for the week you want, including 26 February–6 March 2027.

    Aerial of the Tropic Star Lodge dock and sportfishing fleet, Piñas Bay, Panama

    It’s time to begin planning your trip.

    Save time with Angler Adventures. We’ve been doing this for 43 years.

    Call or use the form for information about billfish at Tropic Star Lodge on Piñas Bay.

    Destination Inquiry
    Call 860-434-9624
  • Casa Blanca Lodge

    Casa Blanca Lodge

    Updated on

    Doug Schlink of Angler Adventures participated in the record-setting week at Casa Blanca, November 6th – 13th, 2004, when 18 anglers landed 56 permit on the fly and racked up 10 Grand Slams. Click here to read more about the record-breaking week for permit and Grand Slams at Casa Blanca & Playa Blanca. Dr. Ralph’s Cifaldi’s magic Permit crab fly, “the Gyno Crab” accounted for 17 of the 35 permit! Please click here for more information and tying instructions on the Gyno Crab.

    bonefish, permit, tarpon, cuba snapper, jacks, snook + baracuda

    Favorable weather conditions year-round

    A varied fishing paradise with expansive flats

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing!

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    Call us 860-434-9624
    In and around Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Lizard chilling on rock, looking around, contemplating taking up angling.

    Casa Blanca Lodge is located in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This beachfront lodge is situated on the southern lip of one of the world’s greatest flats fisheries, Bahia de L’Ascencion, better known as Ascension Bay.

    Ascension Bay comprises a large portion of the massive 1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve. The Biosphere is wild and virtually uninhabited except for the tiny fishing villages at Punta Allen and Punta Herrera on Bahia Espiritu Santo. The Sian Ka’an is home to over 100 species of mammals and over 330 species of birds and is managed to minimize human impact.

    Protected by the world’s second longest barrier reef, Ascension Bay offers miles of shallow bays, secluded mangrove-rimmed lagoons, white sand beaches fronting dense coastal jungle and countless miles of flats. Ascension Bay provides ideal habitat for the world’s top saltwater gamefish including bonefish, permit and tarpon. An angler landing all three of these species in a single day has just accomplished the coveted “Grand Slam”! Ascension Bay likely produces more Grand Slams and Super Grand Slams (add the snook as the 4th species) than any other fishery in the world.

    Fishing can take place anywhere for 3 minutes to 60 minutes from the Casa Blanca marina. In fact, many bonefish are caught on the flat where the boats are moored. And tarpon, permit, snook, cubera snapper, jack crevalle and a host of others have been landed from the beach or the pier at Casa Blanca. Guests typically leave the dock around 7:30 am, two anglers per boat/guide in a Dolphin Super Skiff flats boat, spending an 8-hour day on the water. Bonefishing is both from the poled skiff or by wading as Ascension Bay has miles of firm bottomed, wading flats. The Bay is blessed with a huge number of resident bones, and while smaller on average than their Bahamian brethren, the average size has increased over the years, thanks greatly to commercial fishing restrictions within the Biosphere.

    Permit are also available year round. They are sometimes caught while wading, but they typically prefer slightly deeper flats so the skiff fishing is usually

    more effective. Ascension Bay’s permit average around 12 – 14 pounds, but trophies to 30, 40 and even 50 pounds have been taken. For some unknown reason, Ascension Bay fish seem to take the fly much better than permit in others areas. The Casa Blanca guides are particularly adept at both finding permit but also coaching in the techniques needed to hook this challenging quarry.

    Ascension Bay is without question one of the world’s top permit fisheries and our top recommendation for flyrodders in quest of the elusive permit.

    Tarpon are more seasonal. The big migratory fish arrive in late March or early April and populate the bay through November. From December through March, tarpon on the flats should be viewed as a bonus species. However, resident juvenile tarpon are found year round in a few areas such as Los Rios and other brackish water spots near the back of the bay. Casa Blanca also offers trips to their secret tarpon lagoon where resident fish from 10 – 50+ pounds are available year round. This special fishery is strictly limited to 3 boats per week to minimize any negative impact from over-fishing. Tarpon lagoon days must be requested at the time you make your reservation and are allotted on a irst-come-first-serve basis.

    Snook are also year round residents of the bay, mostly in the backwater, brackish areas. While abundant (and big on average), snook can prove to be the most tricky to catch. They typically hold tight to cover (usually mangroves) requiring accurate casting into tight pockets. Unlike a tarpon, a hooked snook almost always runs for cover. It takes some skill and a stout leader to horse them out quickly so they don’t break or cut you off on a mangrove. On occasions, snook can be seen out cruising open flats, frequently mixed in with “the other three” species.

    Other species found in the bay include barracuda, sharks, jack crevalle, mutton and cubera snappers, ladyfish, tripletail and many other reef species.

    Commensurate with this world class fishery, Casa Blanca is truly one of the top saltwater fishing lodges in the world. Situated on the northern tip of a private island known as Punta Pajaros (Parrot Point), the lodge provides comfortable accommodations in spacious air-conditioned rooms, each with private bath. The main “Palapa” is a traditional Maya thatched-roof open air common area overlooking the beautiful white sand beach and the emerald and blue hues of the Caribbean. This is where most fishermen will land after a day out on the water to enjoy a cocktail and share tales of the day’s fishing before dinner. Adjacent to this is the dining room/bar/kitchen area where libations are poured and gourmet meals are prepared by their talented chef and served by an attentive wait-staff.

    The guides at Casa Blanca are among the most experienced and dedicated that you’ll find anywhere. Many of the guides have fished the bay for 20 years or more. They all speak sufficient English for the task, but more importantly they know the bay, the tides, and its sub-aqueous inhabitants intimately. And they love to get their anglers into fish and work hard to make it happen.

    Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge 2026 Rates

    HIGH SEASON (February – June)

    Package DetailsDouble OccupancySingle Occupancy
    7 Nights/6 Days (Saturday→Saturday)$7,192$9,610
    ↑ (1 non-fishing)$5,778Call
    5 Nights/4 Days$6,074$8,164
    ↑ (1 non-fishing)$5,468Call

    Low Season (July – January)

    Package DetailsDouble OccupancySingle Occupancy
    7 Nights/6 Days (Saturday→Saturday)$6,787$9,182
    ↑ (1 non-fishing)$5,336Call
    5 Nights/4 Days$5,701$7,285
    ↑ (1 non-fishing)$4,774Call

    Rates are per person in USD$ and subject to change. Contact us for seasonal promos.

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    Rates Include: Deluxe Seaside Accommodations at Casa Blanca; all meals; non-bottled beverages; use of boats; guide service; refreshments on-board boats; round-trip air charter between Casa Blanca and Cancun (Saturdays only); snorkeling; wind surfing; sea kayaking; bicycling; natural history excursions; birding; unlimited use of recreational equipment.

    Not Included: All scheduled commercial air transportation as required by itinerary from point of origin through return; alcoholic beverages; baggage overweight charges; surcharge if less than 3 passengers on charter aircraft; use of phone; laundry service; guide and staff gratuities.

    Partial Week Itineraries: Itineraries for partial week packages should begin or end on a Saturday. In general, the lodge will not accept reservations, which span a Saturday, since this would eliminate the possibility of booking two full week packages. We can occasionally make an exception if space is available. Additional air charter charges will apply for groups of less than 4 or for which extra flights are required. See Air Charter Surcharges.

    Air Charter Surcharges: The cost of the air charter from Cancun to the lodge is included in the rates listed, but these rates apply only to flights on Saturday. For itineraries requiring travel on days other than Saturday, there will be a surcharge based on the number of passengers on the flight. These surcharges will apply to all early/late arrivals or departures and to all Partial Week Itineraries. This includes extra charters required because of late arriving airline flights.

    The following rates are one way/per person charges for extra charters required because of late arriving, canceled, or delayed airline flights; or other delays out of the direct control of Casa Blanca: 1 passenger: $1,818; 2 passengers: $909 per person; 3 passengers: $606 per person; 4 passengers: $454 per person. These rates apply to all early or late departures on regular weekly packages. These amounts are to be added to all Partial Week Itineraries.

    Reservations and Deposit: To confirm reservations, a 50% deposit is required within ten days of booking. The balance is due 95 days prior to scheduled arrival at the lodge.

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing!

    Destination Inquiry

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    Call us 860-434-9624
  • Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge

    Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge

    Updated on

    Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge is located 90 miles south of Cancun in the amazing 1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve– Sian Ka’an is Mayan for “where the sky is born”. Situated on a long, narrow strip of barrier beach, the lodge is virtually surrounded by water. To the east lies the blue Caribbean and a few hundred yards off shore, the Palencar Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world, stretching from southern Belize to north of Cancun. To the western side lies the vast “El Rio” system of flats, channels and mangrove. 10 miles to the north is the famed inlet through the barrier beach known locally as the “Boca”. And 4 miles to the south lies the incomparable Ascension Bay, offering some of the world’s greatest flats fishing for bonefish, permit, snook, tarpon and more.

    bonefish, permit, tarpon, cuba snapper, jacks, snook + baracuda

    Favorable weather conditions year-round

    A varied fishing paradise with expansive flats

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Call us 860-434-9624

    Fly Fishing at Pesca Maya

    Ascension Bay

    The Fishing: The waters of Ascension Bay and the adjacent lagoon system are most noted for flats fishing. Pesca Maya’s location is ideal to fish both areas. The dock is a short walk from the lodge and productive fishing can begin immediately.

    When fishing Ascension Bay, the boats run 10 minutes south to the outlet of the lagoon into the bay. From there, running times to some of the most productive areas are: 5 minutes to Maravilla, 25 minutes to Cayo Culebra; 40 minutes to Tres Marias; 30 minutes to Esperanza or the tip of Vigia Grande. Blessed with the protection afforded by the barrier reef, the bay is a unique ecosystem providing literally miles of flats and ideal habitat for bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook. Ascension Bay is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest permit fisheries. The average size permit is around 12 – 14 pounds but the Bay has produced monsters topping the 50-pound mark! And for some unknown reason, Ascension Bay permit seem to eat flies better than permit in other areas. For flyrodders in quest of landing this most coveted and challenging of species, we know of no other fishery that produces more fly caught permit than Ascension Bay.

    While migratory tarpon up to 100 + pounds may be encountered on the flats anytime from April through November, resident juvenile tarpon are found near the back of the bay year round. Areas like Los Rios (The Rivers) bring fresh water into the bay providing an ideal brackish water environment tarpon favor.

    The back of the bay is also where you’ll find the snook. Ascension Bay produces some exceptionally large snook, some topping 30 pounds! They are typically found tight to the mangroves presenting dual challenges of getting the fly to them, and then landing them! But on occasion, you’ll find them crossing the flat. Seeing a 20 + pound snook cruising across shallow open water is a thing of beauty!

    The bay opens to the east and periods of strong easterly winds can make fishing difficult. One solution is to fish the El Rio lagoon system, which runs north and south and offers miles of flats protected from the easterly wind by the barrier beach and vast mangrove system.

    Fishing El Rio Lagoon

    Fishing the lagoon can begin at El Rio Lagoon, and fish are sometimes caught within poling distance of the Pesca Maya dock (one client caught a 20 pound permit within 100 feet of the dock!). Heading north the lagoon system are San Miguel Lagoon (20 minutes); the “Boca” and Boca Paila Lagoon (45 minutes); and the Campachen Lagoon (60 minutes). Bonefish and permit are found the entire length of the lagoon and there a few known hot spots for baby tarpon and snook.

    Bonefish are plentiful at Pesca Maya and will average 1 – 3 pounds in the lagoon system and 2 – 5 pounds in the bay. In recent years, the average size of the bones seems to have increased, and fish in the 6 – 8 pound class may be encountered in the bay. There are an abundance of good wading flats for bonefish on Ascension Bay, and permit are often taken by the wading fisherman.

    This fishery has produced more “Grand Slams” (bonefish, permit, tarpon in a single day) than any other fishery in the world, and the rare Super Grand Slam (the snook as the 4th) has been achieved a number of times. Other species you might encounter include barracuda, jacks, mutton snapper, ladyfish, triple tail and cubera snapper.

    Lock in a trip to Pesca Maya in 2025

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    Fishing from the Beach

    Fishing from the beach at Pesca Maya can also be productive. Beach fishing can be done on your own before or after the guided fishing day. Available species from the beach include: bonefish, barracuda, jacks and mackerel. For jacks and mackerel try poppers or sinking lines.

    Pesca Maya Boats

    Pesca Maya runs a fleet of 23 foot, shallow draft “pangas” powered by 50 – 60 hp 4-stroke Yamaha outboards. All 8 boats were completely redone with new gel coat and paint in 2013. The boats are equipped poling platforms and casting decks with optional leaning posts, rod holders, comfortable bucket seats for the anglers, radio and safety equipment including life preservers and first aid kits. These pangas are exceptionally seaworthy and feature higher gunnels, which provide added protection from splash on windy days.

    Pesca Maya boats carry 2 anglers, one guide and one “apprentice guide”. All of the guides speak English, (some better than others) and have years of experience. In fact the core of the guide staff have guided for the lodge since it opened in 1996. The apprentice’s are part of Pesca Maya’s innovative guide training program. Each must participate in the lodge’s “Guide School” (and pass) before spending several years as an apprentice guide. Those who excel ultimately are promoted to Guide. The apprentices are adept at basic guide skills including knot tying and spotting fish and can be a tremendous aid to the anglers, especially when wading.

    Pesca Maya’s rental tackle inventory has also been beefed up with the addition of 8 new top of the line Sage Xi3 rods with Hatch reels spooled with new Rio Bonefish taper flylines. 10 new Shimano spinning rods and reels are also available for spinfishers.

    Lodging at Pesca Maya - Bedroom 2
    Pesca Maya accomodations bedroom 1

    Accomodations at Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge

    Pesca Maya offers accommodations in a beautiful 4-bedroom house for up to 8 anglers at a time.  The house is located a few steps from our white sand beach.  Close enough where guests can enjoy the Caribbean breeze and the sound of the waves. The four double occupancy rooms are well appointed and very comfortable, each has air conditioning and a quality Starlink internet connection.  Pesca Maya uses solar panels to provide the electricity.

    The house has a comfortable dining room where Pesca Maya serves a variety of Mexican dishes for dinner.  Breakfasts are also expertly prepared and served in the dinning room. A lunch buffet is set out each morning consisting of a selection of meats, spreads, breads, condiments, fruits and other snacks for anglers to build their own designer lunch.  There is a comfortable sperate sitting area with a sea view where clients are often found enjoying a cold beer after a long day of fishing.

    While first and foremost a fishing lodge, non-anglers will feel welcome at Pesca Maya. Besides miles of world-class beaches to comb, the lodge can arrange a number of ecotours or sightseeing excursions including a boat trip to the Mayan ruins at Tulum.

    Fishing Calendar at Pesca Maya

    DatesWhat to Expect
    JANUARY – MARCHBonefishing and permit fishing is excellent. Some tarpon and snook may be taken
    APRIL – JUNEBonefishing and permit fishing remain excellent. The larger migratory tarpon arrive in early April and stay well into November.
    JULY – SEPTEMBERThese are rainy months but winds are usually light, which facilitates seeing and casting to bonefish and permit. There’s a “Little Dry” season in August. Tarpon fishing continues to be very good.
    OCTOBER – DECEMBERExcellent for all flat species. The rainy season diminishes through October, and November and December are dry months. An excellent time for “Grand Slams”. The migratory tarpon start to move out in late November.

    Pesca Maya 2025 Season Rates & Information

    Length of StayPrice Per Person
    7 night/6 day$4,962
    6 night/5 day$4,690
    5 night/4 day$3,972
    4 night/3 day$3,164
    3 night/2 day$2,401
    2 night/1 day$1,638

    (Rates are per person and subject to change) | Rates listed are still being confirmed as of Feb 11, 2025

    Take the guess-work out.

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    Included: round-trip ground & boat transfer from Cancun Airport to Pesca Maya; lodging in beach front cabana with private bath and air conditioning; three meals a day; flats skiff with native guide daily; use of lodge’s tackle (offshore trips only); use of lodge’s fly tying facility and materials; beverages, table wine, beer, liquor; Sian Ka’an entrance fee.

    Not included: air travel to Cancun; baggage overweight charges; airport departure tax; laundry bills and other items of a personal nature (NOTE: cellular phone service is available at camp for emergency use. Long distance and cellular charges will be added to your final bill); tackle; gratuities for guides (suggested $50 – $58 per boat per day) and kitchen/housekeeping staff (suggested $20 per person per day); fishing license; special transfer costs necessitated by late arriving, early departing or missed flights ($250 per vehicle trip); optional trips to fresh water lagoon and Mayan Ruins (arranged in advance with resident manager).

    Get a Grand Slam at Pesca Maya!