For the permit of the Yucatan, finding something positive in the mats of prop-fouling weeds isn’t hard at all. In fact, they actively look for it, find it, and eat it often.
Like a trendy new restaurant coming to town, the permit can’t get enough of the fresh, abundant eats: Portunus sayi — the sargassum swimming crab. This small pelagic crab inhabits and hunts the weed mats as they drift around the Caribbean. The sargassum provides a mobile, shaded ecosystem rich with life, including small fish, sea worms, and shrimp.
The local permit learned that these mats are transient buffets loaded with crabs — arguably their favorite food — and it didn’t take them long to figure out how to exploit them. Because the crabs float and swim around the weed edges, the permit learned to gently rise and sip them off the surface, not unlike, well… you know what.
For us fly fishers, this means we can target permit dry-fly style. I didn’t really believe it either, not even when my Mayazul guide insisted I tie on his custom, unweighted crab pattern. Time stood still when a nice permit turned toward my floating crab’s waking action, briefly sized it up on the pause, and created a small hole on the ocean’s surface before audibly sucking it down. After I released my permit and some high-fives, my guide said it:
That’s the 8th permit this week on that fly.
02 Mayazul · 24 Aug 2026.
03 From the crab-fly piece. Heavy brass eyes on the top fly, small bead chain on the bottom. The Mayazul pattern was lighter still: unweighted, and fished on the surface.
While the sargassum is quite unsightly heaped up along the jungle beaches, seeing a permit eat a crab fly on the surface is perfect and beautiful, and unforgettable. I’ll be bringing a box of floating crab patterns on my next trip to Mexico, and remembering the sargassum isn’t all bad.
04 Pesca Maya · 26 Aug 2026.
05 Sian Ka’an · 27 Aug 2026. Liam Rosati with a bonefish.
Fly fishing at its best in the UNESCO-listed Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an Lodge
UNESCO Reserve
Ascension Bay permit
Blue Safari / Keir
Overview
Sian Ka’an Lodge sits inside the UNESCO-listed Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on Ascension Bay — the southern reach of Bahia de Ascensión on Mexico’s Yucatán. Twelve ocean-facing rooms and in-house skiffs sit steps from a private jetty, with Blue Safari and the Keir family running the program. Punta Allen, a kilometre away, is the Atlantic permit capital.
Sian Ka’an Lodge sits inside the UNESCO-listed Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on Ascension Bay — one of the Caribbean’s great mixed-species flats fisheries. Operated by Blue Safari Fly Fishing in partnership with the Keir family, the lodge continues the legacy of Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge with Blue Safari’s guest experience and reservation support. Punta Allen, a kilometre away, is widely regarded as the Atlantic permit capital of the world.
Twelve ocean-facing rooms and six in-house skiffs (more available on demand) sit steps from a private jetty — roughly 50 metres from the lodge — so anglers are on the water without delay. That setup puts you on the Big Four — permit, bonefish, tarpon, and snook — with immediate access to sight fishing on crystal-clear flats. The lodge runs on solar power inside the biosphere, partners with Punta Allen on conservation initiatives, and welcomes non-anglers with cenotes, Mayan history, birding, and beach time on the Boca Paila Peninsula.
bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook + barracuda
Favorable weather conditions year-round
A varied fishing paradise inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere
exceptional accommodations and activities for non-anglers
Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing at Sian Ka’an Lodge.
Ascension Bay is a true mixed-species fishery. Most weeks you are chasing the Big Four — permit, bonefish, tarpon, and snook — with plenty of bonus shots at reef and edge species. Protected by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the bay offers miles of shallow flats, mangrove-rimmed lagoons, and white-sand beaches.
Permit are available year-round. Ascension Bay fish average 12–14 pounds with trophies well beyond that — fish here often show and eat more willingly than permit in many other destinations. Resident bonefish are abundant on firm wading flats and from the skiff. Migratory tarpon typically arrive late March or April and fish through November; juvenile tarpon hold in backcountry water year-round. Snook are year-round in brackish mangrove shorelines.
Days start with breakfast at the lodge, then two anglers per boat and guide typically leave the dock around 7:30 am. Lunch is packed for the flats. Bonefishing is from the poled skiff or by wading. Atlantic grey triggerfish, jack crevalle, barracuda, sharks, snapper, and reef species round out the week. Grand Slam and Super Grand Slam days are realistic here.
Sian Ka’an Lodge sits on a secluded stretch of beach on the outskirts of Punta Allen, inside the UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve. Twelve ocean-facing rooms ring a pool and shared deck that looks straight out over the bay — small enough that guests and guides are on first-name terms from the first morning.
Each room is fully air-conditioned with two king-size beds, a spacious en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, minibar, and kettle. The lodge runs on 24-hour solar power inside the biosphere. Full housekeeping and laundry are included.
A private jetty about 50 metres from the lodge puts you on the water without delay — six in-house skiffs with more available on demand. The communal palapa bar and restaurant overlook the Caribbean; the pool and deck are where the day’s fishing gets talked through over a cold drink.
Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge; lunch is packed for the flats. The kitchen draws on traditional Mexican cooking and international touches, with ingredients sourced from Punta Allen. Once a week, taco night has become a lodge institution.
The guide team knows Ascension Bay intimately — a legacy carried forward under Blue Safari Fly Fishing and the Keir family partnership.
A Typical Day at Sian Ka’an Lodge
Morning: Breakfast at the lodge, then two anglers per boat and guide leave the dock around 7:30 am.
On the water: Full day poling the flats, wading firm-bottom shorelines, or working mangrove edges — lunch packed on the skiff.
Evening: Shower, cold drink on the deck, flies compared and tomorrow’s plan made over dinner in the palapa.
Weekly rhythm: Taco night once a week; plenty of quiet beach time if you want a half-day off the water.
Traveling With a Non-Angler?
Not everyone in your party has to chase permit. Traveling partners often explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, cenotes, Mayan ruins, birding, and beach time while anglers are on the skiff — then everyone meets back at the lodge for dinner on the deck. Blue Safari offers fly fishing & leisure couple packages (shared or single skiff options); we can quote mixed itineraries — call or use the form below.
The lodge is open year-round. Standard packages run seven nights with six days fishing, but stays can be built to your length — extend when the permit are running hot, or compress the trip if your calendar is tight.
Sian Ka’an Lodge 2026–27 Rates
Most anglers book the 7-night / 6-day shared package — two anglers per boat. The 2026–27 rates are one price all year. Seven nights shared is $6,990 per person, including reserve levy and fishing licence (see table). Host sharing a room and skiff: $1,800 (4-night) / $2,790 (7-night). Single room + skiff, couple/leisure, and custom lengths — call or email us.
2026-2027 Rates for Sian Ka’an on Ascension Bay
Contact us for seasonal discounts, special offers or promotional pricing
Length of Stay
Shared package + levy (USD pp)
Single room + skiff + levy (USD pp)
Notes
7 Nights
$6,990
$10,930
Package + reserve levy and fishing licence. One rate all year (Blue Safari 2027).
6 Nights
$6,005
$9,410
5 Nights
$5,020
$7,890
4 Nights
$4,035
$6,370
3 Nights
$3,050
$4,850
Host supplement (host shares room + skiff)
$1,800 (4-night)
$2,790 (7-night)
Transfers, park fees, drinks. Single-basis host = upgrade fees.
Payment terms
50% deposit
50% 60 days prior
Blue Safari terms from 2027.
Rates are per person in USD and subject to change. One rate all year for 2026–27 (Blue Safari, Aug 2026). Totals include reserve levy and fishing licence. Deposit 50%; balance 60 days prior. Host sharing room + skiff: $1,800 (4-night) / $2,790 (7-night).
Our Services are FREE
Included in package
Round-trip transfers (Tulum / Cancún / Riviera Maya); beachfront accommodation; three meals per day; non-alcoholic beverages; bar (beer, wine, spirits); guided fishing; rod and reel loan; fishing license; conservation levy; laundry; taxes.
Not included
International airfare; Cancún hotel-zone transfers; travel insurance; premium alcohol; phone; tackle; gratuities for guides and lodge staff.
Getting There
Sian Ka’an Lodge is approximately 25 miles from Tulum International Airport or 105 miles from Cancún International Airport. Round-trip road and boat transfers from Tulum, Cancún, or the Riviera Maya are included in package rates — then you are steps from the private jetty and your skiff. Helicopter transfers can be arranged for larger groups.
Ascension Bay is one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated permit fisheries. Fish average 12–14 pounds, show and eat more willingly than in many other destinations, and share the flats with bonefish, tarpon, and snook — the Big Four in one week.
This page is archived. Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge has been rebranded as Sian Ka’an Lodge. For current rates, photos, and reservations, please visit the new page.
Updated on
Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge (formerly Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge) is a modern, luxurious lodge operation on one of the world’s greatest saltwater flats fisheries, the incomparable Ascension Bay. Located in the Riviera Maya, 1km from the village of Punta Allen near Tulum and only 2 hours by car from the new International Airport of Tulum . The Lodge is in the Sian Ka’An Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, also an UNESCO World heritage. Fishing in Ascension Bay is one of the best experiences in Mexico.
First impressions are pretty unanimous – “wow this place is unbelievable.”
With over-the-top accommodations, amenities and gourmet food and beverage service, it rivals any 5-star boutique resort hotel. And the fishing program rivals any of the top lodges in the Caribbean basin.
The Sian Ka’An Reserve is the perfect destination for saltwater anglers looking for a great variety of species. The Grand Slam fishing lodge provides anglers fly fishing and spin fishing with immediate access to incredible sight fishing opportunities for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook.
The Lodge is also the ideal destination for non-anglers wanting to enjoy nature and discover the Sian Ka’An Reserve.
permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook + baracuda
Favorable weather conditions year-round
world-class saltwater fly fishing in Ascension Bay
sight-casting in crystal clear waters
exceptional accomodations and activities for non-anglers
Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing!
As a fishery, Ascension Bay is a proven commodity, long considered one of the best locations in the world to accomplish the coveted “Grand Slam”; that landing a tarpon, a bonefish and a permit in one day. And the snook fishing can be excellent if you aspire to a “Super Grand Slam”. Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge was fortunate to recruit one of the most experienced and eminently qualified persons to manage the lodge and the fishing program. Bobby Settles spent the past 23 years on Ascension Bay as owner/manager and fishing director of Casa Blanca Lodge, located on the south side of the Bay as well as Playa Blanca Lodge. Bobby not only brings to the table his vast knowledge of Ascension Bay and how best to catch these fish on a fly, he’s brought with him a stable of loyal veteran guides, some of whom have guided the bay for over 20 years themselves. Under Bobby’s direction, the Grand Slam fishing program is as good as it gets.
Amazing Accommodtions at Grand Slam Lodge
Accommodations at Grand Slam Lodge are in six, two-story beachfront villas, each with two separate rooms featuring contemporary interiors. The ground floor rooms each have two king-sized beds, an ocean-view Jacuzzi, and a wrap-around deck with lounge chairs and a hammock. The second level bedrooms have one king-sized bed, a living area, an ocean-view Jacuzzi and a balcony with a hammock.
Each of the rooms has air conditioning, 24-hour electricity and hot water. Truly a boutique resort hotel, no expense was spared at Grand Slam with fixtures and amenities like with king-sized beds, a flat screen television with satellite service and DVD player, an iPod docking station for music and a stocked mini bar in each room. Each private bath is furnished with double Italian marble sinks.
The heart of the resort is the spectacular main lodge “palapa” housing the bar and the spectacular Kai Restaurant where gourmet meals prepared from the freshest local ingredients are served in air-conditioned comfort inside, or “al fresco” on the covered restaurant deck overlooking the Caribbean.
Situated on a spectacular stretch of white sand beach, the resort caters to hard core anglers, those who are new to the game, as well non-fishing guests. Non fishing guests will enjoy the ocean view pool as well as the gorgeous manicured, palm studded white sand beach with cabañas and “beach beds”. A “beach & pool butler” is ever present to take your orders refreshments, snacks or lunch. Other activities include snorkeling or scuba diving, guided kayak tours, kite surfing, bird watching and other various eco- and Mayan ruin tours may be arranged. Grand Slam is the perfect destination for anglers traveling with a non-fishing spouse.
Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge 2025 – 2026 Rates
HIGH SEASON (OCTOBER 2025 → End of June 2026)
Length of Stay
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
7 Nights Stay with 6 Days Fishing
$6,360
Please call or email us (see below)
6 Nights Stay with 5 Days Fishing
$5,475
↑
5 Nights Stay with 4 Days Fishing
$4,590
↑
4 Nights Stay with 3 Days Fishing
$3,705
↑
3 Nights Stay with 2 Days Fishing
$2,820
↑
Low Season (July 2026 → End of September 2026)
Length of Stay
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
7 Nights Stay with 6 Days Fishing
$5,520
Please call or email us (see below)
6 Nights Stay with 5 Days Fishing
$4,755
↑
5 Nights Stay with 4 Days Fishing
$3,990
↑
4 Nights Stay with 3 Days Fishing
$3,225
↑
3 Nights Stay with 2 Days Fishing
$2,460
↑
Rates are per person and subject to change | Single Accomodation rates are available – contact Angler Adventures
Booking at Grand Slam is easy.
Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.
Angler Adventures & Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge create custom packages to fit individual anglers or groups needs. Give us a call and we’ll help you customize a package and quote you a customized package rate. The standard fishing package rates are quite competitive given the upscale nature of this property.
Included: Transfers to/from the airport; Fishing boat for 2 and personal fishing guide daily, except arrival and departure days; Air-conditioned beachfront villa with king-sized beds; Three meals a day with non-alcoholic beverages; Swimming pool; Beach and pool butler service; Satellite television; iPod docking station for music and alarm clock; Customized pre-arrival service; In-room safe; 24-hour security guard; Daily housekeeping service; Excursion concierge service; Card table and dominoes table; Dart board; Snorkeling equipment; Library of books and DVDs; Coffee and coffee maker in each bedroom; Two bottles of water per bedroom per day; Fishing license; Fishing magazines in the villas; Bali beach beds; Board games and sports balls
Not Included: Airfare; Alcoholic beverages and bar orders; Soft drinks, bottled water and beer in bedroom mini bar; International wine selection from our wine cellar; Taxes; Private fishing boat; Offshore sports fishing; Night fishing trip; Other special fishing options; Tip for your fishing guide; Items for sale or rent in the GrandSlam shop; Internet access in the lobby; Computer in the lobby; Satellite phone service; Regional excursions; Shuttle to golf courses; Scuba diving; Kite surfing; Laundry service; Tips for lodge staff; Personal trainer; Car rental.
Items listed for Included/Not Included may have changed. Contact us for the most up-to-date info!
Mayazul Lodge is the newest boutique option on Ascension Bay, designed for anglers who want serious shots at permit without giving up style and comfort. With only 4 beachfront rooms, the lodge is intimate, personal, and focused. Each boat fishes with two guides — a senior guide plus an assistant — giving anglers more eyes on the flats, more instruction, and more chances at fish.
Whether you’re chasing a first permit or adding to a grand slam, Mayazul puts you minutes from the action with modern comforts waiting at the end of the day.
Perched on a quiet stretch of beach, Mayazul is tucked into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, 5 minutes south of Punta Allen. The lodge offers sweeping views of Ascension Bay, easy access to the flats, and a small, personalized staff. After a day on the water, enjoy cocktails at the open bar and fresh meals built around local ingredients.
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The Fishing on Ascension Bay
Ascension Bay is legendary for its diversity, and Mayazul maximizes it. The lodge specializes in permit fishing with two-guide teams, but anglers also find bonefish year-round and seasonal tarpon and snook in the lagoons. Fishing is primarily from 23’ pangas, with opportunities to wade select flats.
Tarpon: April–October
Permit: Year-round
Bonefish: Consistent year-round
Snook: November–March
Accommodations
4 double-occupancy rooms, each with two queen beds
Mayazul Lodge is small by design – intimate, eclectic, and elegant – set just steps from the Caribbean so close you’ll fall asleep to the sound of rustling palms and waves. Away from the bustle of Punta Allen but near enough for convenience, the lodge feels like a serene oasis and a stylish retreat after long days on the flats.
The main lodge, built from stained hardwoods, is filled with cozy lounging areas, comfortable sofas, and thoughtful touches. Guests gather around the quaint bar and fly-tying area, or relax on shaded porches overlooking the sea. At night, the oceanside firepit is a favorite spot for swapping stories under the stars.
Accommodations include four en-suite double rooms, each with two queen beds, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping. Amenities include Wi-Fi, nightly turndown service, and daily laundry. Meals are served in the main lodge with a rotating à la carte menu focused on fresh, local ingredients, paired with an open bar of beer, wine, and spirits.
Mayazul Fishing Lodge 2026 Rates
February – October
Package
Shared Room + Boat
Shared Room + Single Boat
Single Room + Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days
$6,550
$8,100
$9,650
6 Nights / 5 Days
$5,950
$7,350
$8,550
5 Nights / 4 Days
$5,650
$6,700
$7,650
(Rates are per person in USD and subject to change)
Take the guess-work out.
Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.
Included: lodging, all meals, open bar, guided fishing with two guides per boat, airport meet & greet, fishing license, VAT. Not included: tips to guides and staff, air travel, transfers to/from lodge, tackle, items of personal nature.
Transfers (2025–26): Group ground + panga transfers from Cancún or Tulum, price per group based on number of passengers (approx. $700–$1,200 round trip).
