Akumal Fly Fishing

Staying in Akumal and looking to add a day of fly fishing or light tackle fishing to your Riviera Maya vacation? Although there are no major flats fisheries directly in Akumal, its location in the southern Riviera Maya provides access to several excellent fishing areas, including Ascension Bay, Cozumel, Cancun Lagoon and Isla Blanca.

Ascension Bay is the most convenient of our primary flats fishing destinations from Akumal and offers opportunities for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook. Cozumel is another option for anglers willing to travel north to Playa del Carmen and cross to the island, while Cancun Lagoon and Isla Blanca require a considerably longer trip north.

Bonefish fly fishing in the Riviera Maya

Ascension Bay Fly Fishing from Puerto Aventuras

Ascension Bay is the primary fishing option for anglers staying in Akumal. Located south of the Riviera Maya, the bay is known for its extensive shallow flats, mangrove shorelines and backcountry waters, providing opportunities to sight-fish for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook.

Permit and bonefish can be targeted throughout the year, and the variety of habitat gives anglers opportunities for several species during a day on the water. From Akumal, Ascension Bay requires an early start and travel south, but its location makes it a particularly good choice for anglers staying in this part of the Riviera Maya.

Learn more about Ascension Bay Fly Fishing, including species, seasons, trip information and reservations.

Cozumel Fly Fishing from Akumal

Cozumel is another fishing option for anglers staying in Akumal. Reaching the island requires traveling north to Playa del Carmen and taking the ferry to Cozumel, where anglers fish shallow flats, lagoons and mangrove-lined waters on the northern side of the island.

Bonefish provide consistent opportunities throughout the year, while permit are generally more prevalent from April through October. Tarpon and snook can also be encountered. Because of the additional travel and ferry crossing, anglers staying in Akumal should plan for a longer day when choosing Cozumel.

Learn more about Cozumel Fly Fishing, including species, seasons, trip information and reservations.

Cancun Lagoon Fly Fishing from Akumal

Cancun Lagoon is another option for anglers staying in Akumal who are willing to travel north for a day of fishing. The Nichupté Lagoon system beside Cancun’s Hotel Zone offers protected mangrove-lined waters, shallow flats and backcountry areas that can be fished with fly or light tackle.

Tarpon and snook are the primary species in Cancun Lagoon and can be targeted throughout the year. Permit and bonefish may also be encountered, although they are less common than in some of our other fishing locations. Because of the distance from Akumal, anglers should plan for a longer day when choosing Cancun Lagoon.

Learn more about Cancun Lagoon Fly Fishing, including species, seasons, trip information and reservations.

Isla Blanca Fly Fishing from Akumal

Isla Blanca is available to anglers staying in Akumal who are willing to make the longer trip north. Located beyond Cancun, Isla Blanca offers an extensive shallow-water fishery of lagoons, mangrove shorelines and flats with opportunities for permit, tarpon, snook and bonefish.

Isla Blanca is particularly well known for permit, with April through October representing the primary season, while tarpon and snook provide opportunities throughout the year. Because of the distance from Akumal, this is a longer day and is best suited to anglers specifically interested in the fishing opportunities Isla Blanca offers.

Learn more about Isla Blanca Fly Fishing, including species, seasons, trip information and reservations.

Choosing a Fishing Trip from Akumal

The best fishing destination from Akumal depends on the species you'd like to target, the time of year and how far you're comfortable traveling. Ascension Bay is the most convenient of our primary fishing areas from Akumal, while Cozumel is another option for anglers willing to travel north to Playa del Carmen and take the ferry to the island. Cancun Lagoon and Isla Blanca require considerably more travel north.

Ascension Bay is an excellent choice for anglers interested in permit and bonefish, with opportunities for tarpon and snook as well. Cozumel provides consistent year-round bonefish opportunities, while Cancun Lagoon is particularly suited to anglers interested in tarpon and snook. Isla Blanca is another strong option for permit, along with opportunities for tarpon, snook and bonefish.

If you're not sure which trip is right for you, let us know where you're staying, when you'd like to fish and which species you're most interested in targeting. We can help you choose the fishing location that makes the most sense for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Anglers staying in Akumal can take guided fly fishing and light tackle trips to Ascension Bay, Cozumel, Cancun Lagoon and Isla Blanca. Ascension Bay is the most convenient of our primary fishing areas from Akumal, while the other locations require additional travel.

Ascension Bay is the most convenient of our primary flats fishing destinations for anglers staying in Akumal. It offers year-round opportunities for permit and bonefish, along with tarpon and snook. Cozumel is another option, particularly for anglers interested in bonefish.

Our guided flats trips available to anglers staying in Akumal target permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook. The best species to target depends on the fishing location, season and conditions during your trip.

Yes. Ascension Bay is the primary fishing option for anglers staying in Akumal. Trips require an early start and travel south to the fishing area, where anglers can target permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook across extensive flats, mangrove shorelines and backcountry waters.

Yes. Cozumel can be fished as a day trip while staying in Akumal. Anglers travel north to Playa del Carmen and cross to Cozumel before heading to the island's flats, lagoons and mangrove waters with their guide.

Yes. Both Cancun Lagoon and Isla Blanca are available to anglers staying in Akumal, although they require a considerably longer trip north. Cancun Lagoon is particularly suited to tarpon and snook fishing, while Isla Blanca offers excellent opportunities for permit along with tarpon, snook and bonefish.