Ascension Bay Fly Fishing

Ascension Bay is one of the world's premier saltwater fly fishing destinations, known for its expansive shallow flats, clear water and outstanding opportunities for bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook. Located within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve in the southern Riviera Maya, the bay offers an incredible amount of productive water for anglers looking for a true flats fishing experience.

Bonefish and permit are two of the area's signature species, with excellent opportunities throughout the year. Tarpon and snook are also found throughout Ascension Bay, giving anglers the opportunity to pursue several species during a single day on the water.

Bonefish caught while fly fishing Ascension Bay

Fishing Ascension Bay

Ascension Bay offers an enormous variety of shallow-water habitat, including expansive flats, mangrove shorelines, channels and backcountry waters. The size and diversity of the fishery give guides plenty of options throughout the day as tides, wind and other conditions change.

Much of the fishing is sight fishing, with anglers searching the shallow water for cruising or feeding fish before making a presentation. Depending on the conditions and species being targeted, a day can involve fishing open flats for permit and bonefish or exploring backcountry waters for tarpon and snook.

The variety of species and water is one of the things that makes Ascension Bay such a special destination for saltwater fly fishing and gives anglers the opportunity to pursue several species during the same trip.

Ascension Bay Target Species

Ascension Bay offers outstanding opportunities for bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook, making it one of the Riviera Maya's most diverse flats fisheries. Bonefish and permit are two of the signature species anglers travel to Ascension Bay to pursue, while tarpon and snook provide additional opportunities throughout the year.

Permit Fishing | Bonefish Fishing | Tarpon Fishing | Snook Fishing

Ascension Bay Fishing Seasons

Ascension Bay offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year, with permit and bonefish available year-round. Tarpon and snook can also be encountered throughout the year, giving anglers opportunities to target all four major flats species during a trip. See our Riviera Maya fishing seasons for a broader look at seasonal fishing opportunities throughout the region.

As with any flats fishery, tides, wind, water clarity and daily conditions can influence where fish are found and how actively they feed. Your guide will adjust the fishing area and approach based on the conditions and the species you're hoping to target.

What to Expect on an Ascension Bay Fly Fishing Trip

An Ascension Bay fishing trip gives anglers the opportunity to explore one of the largest and most diverse flats fisheries in the region. Once on the water, your guide will choose where to fish based on the tide, wind, water conditions and the species you're hoping to target.

Much of the fishing involves sight-casting on shallow flats, with guides searching for cruising or feeding fish and positioning the boat to give anglers the best opportunity for a presentation. The size of Ascension Bay provides a variety of water to explore throughout the day, from expansive flats to mangrove shorelines and backcountry areas.

Trips can be fished with fly tackle, light spinning tackle, or a combination of both, depending on your experience and how you prefer to fish. Before your trip, see our what to bring on a Riviera Maya fishing trip guide for recommended clothing, gear and other items to help you prepare.

Ascension Bay Fly Fishing Day Trips

Our Ascension Bay fishing trips make it possible to experience this world-class fishery as a day trip while staying in the Riviera Maya. Anglers can target permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook while fishing the expansive flats and backcountry waters of Ascension Bay.

Because this is a longer-distance fishing trip, the day begins early and includes travel to the fishing area before heading out with your guide. Once on the water, the focus of the trip can be tailored to the species you want to pursue, your fishing experience and the conditions that day.

Pick up and return times depend on where you are staying.

8 Hour Charter - $765.00usd

Prices are for 1 or 2 Anglers
Add a 3rd Person For $65.00usd

Shallow flats of Ascension Bay in the Riviera Maya

Included in your trip:

Hotel Pick Up & Return
Your Guide
1 Rod Per Person Fly Or Spin
1 Rod Per Person Fly Or Spin
Soft Drinks and Purified Water
A Couple Beers
Box Lunch

Not Included:

Terminal Tackle - Lures, Leader, Flies
Fishing License $17.00usd.
National Park fee $13.00usd.

Cancellation by us: If we cancel your trip for a non-weather-related reason, you will receive a 100% refund.

Customer cancellations: Trips cancelled by the customer at least 48 hours in advance will receive an 80% refund.

Weather cancellations: If the trip is cancelled because local ports are closed due to weather, you may either reschedule your trip or receive a 50% refund.

No-shows and last-minute cancellations: No-shows and last-minute cancellations are not refundable. Rescheduling may be possible if space is available.

How to cancel: Cancellations are not accepted by text message or email. All cancellations must be made by phone during business hours, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Time.

Book Your Charter

This trip requires full payment when booking. If booking far in advance you can book with a deposit over the phone and the balance is due 30 days before the trip date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Ascension Bay offers excellent fly fishing throughout the year. Bonefish and permit can both be targeted year-round, while tarpon and snook also provide opportunities throughout the year.

Ascension Bay offers opportunities for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook. Bonefish and permit are two of the signature species anglers travel to the bay to pursue, while tarpon and snook add additional opportunities during a day on the water.

Yes. Ascension Bay is one of the region's premier destinations for both permit and bonefish. Bonefish opportunities are excellent throughout the year, and permit can also be targeted year-round across the bay's extensive shallow flats.

Yes. We offer Ascension Bay as a full-day fishing trip for anglers staying in the Riviera Maya. The day begins early to allow time for travel to the fishing area before heading out on the water with your guide.

Yes. Ascension Bay can be enjoyed by experienced saltwater fly anglers as well as beginners. Your guide can help with casting, presentation and choosing the fishing approach that best matches your experience and the conditions.

Yes. Trips can be fished with fly tackle, light spinning tackle, or a combination of both. The approach can be adjusted based on your experience, the species you want to target and the conditions on the day of your trip.