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Boca Paila Lodge

Near Tulum, Mexico on the middle Yucatan Peninsula


Opening its doors in 1964, Boca Paila Lodge is one of the original operations operating on the Yucatan. The property is located approximately two hours from Cancun on smooth blacktop road just south of Tulum. “Boca” is a great destination for those wanting the fish the multi-species rich waters of the Mexican Caribbean, but do not want to invest too much financially or have the time to commit to a full week long trip. Offering trips from as short as three nights / two days, Boca is a perfect destination for the long weekend as well as an extended angling vacation. With first class accommodations, a gorgeous setting, a diverse fishery, and an incredibly professional staff, Boca Paila Lodge offers the complete Caribbean angling package.


Boca Paila’s fishery is a classic “mixed bag” type of experience that is ideal for anglers of all skill levels. With convenient and short boat runs to wind protected areas, newcomers to fly fishing on the flats are guaranteed excellent success chasing bonefish. However, the region is also renowned for offering incredible opportunity for more sophisticated trophy species like permit and tarpon as well.

The lodge is adjacent to a unique fishery with both ocean side flats and an extensive brackish lagoon system. This mixture of differing habitat ensures that quality fishing presents itself even in poor conditions. Mexican sized bones (2-3 pounds) are crawling all over the place, making Boca a great destination for getting the hang of the shallow water flats game. While the bonefishing is phenomenal, the waters around Boca Paila are also rich in permit and tarpon as well. The lodge claims their clients tag 40+ Grand Slams per year (bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in one day). However, it is the brackish lagoon system that makes Boca’s fishery so unique. The lagoon offers welcome wind protection as well as an incredible juvenile tarpon and snook fishery. Summertime migratory tarpon upwards of 70 pounds are also seen lurking in the waters around the lodge. Of course there are also the incidental run-ins with jack crevalle, barracuda and cubera snapper to keep things interesting. There are few lodges that yield such consistent opportunities for such a wealth of species.

Collectively, there may be no better guide staff in the Caribbean than at Boca Paila. The average guide has been employed by the lodge for over 10 years and knows the fishing grounds. The lodge operates a fleet of Dolphin flats skiffs that are comfortable with well maintained engines. For the most part, the flats and estuary system around Boca Paila have a soft bottom. As a result, there is not too much wading opportunity at Boca Paila.


The lodge is situated only a few yards from the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. There may be no more perfect setting for a remote and peaceful fishing lodge. Guests stay in one of ten duplex bungalows nestled amongst palm trees and within ear shot of the waves washing ashore. Each bungalow is spacious, clean, and equipped with a comfortable outdoor seating area, air conditioning, and private bath.

The main lodge complex is also outfitted with a lively bar and formal restaurant area that kicks out incredible food. An endless beach (equipped with lawn furniture for non-angling companions) is literally a stone’s throw for the entire Boca facility.


18 Anglers Maximum


Guests first start the adventure by traveling to Cancun, Mexico. Cancun is serviced by almost every major airline carrier, and is a direct flight from Dallas / Ft. Worth. Once in Cancun, guests are met by lodge representatives and transferred approximately two hours south on smooth, comfortable roads to the lodge.


Day 1
Travel to Cancun, Mexico. From Cancun, guests are picked up by a member of the Boca Paila staff and transferred approximately two hours south, through Tulum, and arrive at the lodge. There is no guided fishing on the day of arrival.

Day 2 - ?
Fishing Days and continued overnight at Boca Paila Lodge

Departure Day
Return to Cancun in time to catch commercial flight home.

NOTE: Boca Paila Lodge offers free ground transportation for all guests arriving into Cancun on Sunday before 3:00PM. All of arrival times may be charged a transfer surcharge


Boca Paila Lodge is open twelve months a year, and for the most part, all species available and plentiful year round. When unfavorable weather does show up during the peak season spring/early summer months, it usually comes in the form of afternoon rain showers than don't last too long. For the most part, the southern Yucatan enjoys warm and humid temperatures and comfortable fishing conditions.

Due to the Yucatan's southern proximity, Boca Paila is relatively immune to winter weather blowing in from the north. Windier, cooler days are often more prevalent from December through March (late winter/early spring). A northerly breeze can leave some flats unprotected making boat runs a bit choppy, however these conditions usually don’t last long as easterly and southerly trade winds usually return quickly. When all else fails, Boca Paila’s lagoon system offers welcome protection from hostil winds… ensuring there is always some fishing to be done.

By May and June the bigger tarpon are in full effect, and there is usually less wind this time of year. Late summer through early fall (August – October) is considered the peak of hurricane season, and the threat of unsettled tropical weather always exists during these months. However, the fishing can be spectacular, and the lodge often offers low season discounts during these slower months. The summer months are typically the hottest time of the year, yet the lack of fishing pressure and air conditioned accommodations certainly make a trip to Boca during the low season worth the effort.


Guests can enjoy walking a virtually deserted beach for a mile in both directions. Snorkeling is available along the Palancar Reef, which runs parallel to the shore. One of the most popular activities is a visit to the mystical Mayan ruins of Tulum perched atop a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean (about a 40-minute drive north of the lodge). True Mayan ruins fans can visit Coba (30 minutes beyond Tulum) where, amidst dense jungle, another site is presently being excavated by archaeologists. Ocean kayaks are available for independent exploring


2009 Rates

Peak Season Fishing Packages

Two anglers per boat / room

3 Nights / 2 Days………………………$1930

4 Nights / 3 Days………………………$2505

5 Nights / 4 Days………………………$3075

6 Nights / 5 Days………………………$3655

7 Nights / 6 Days………………………$3850

One angler per boat / room

3 Nights / 2 Days………………………$2350

4 Nights / 3 Days………………………$3195

5 Nights / 4 Days………………………$4025

6 Nights / 5 Days………………………$4870

7 Nights / 6 Days………………………$5715

NOTE: 20% Discount in January, October, November & December

Non-Angling Rates

Based on double occupancy

3 Nights / 2 Days………………………$1365

4 Nights / 3 Days………………………$1705

5 Nights / 4 Days………………………$2040

6 Nights / 5 Days………………………$2387

7 Nights / 6 Days………………………$2725


Accommodations, Meals & Non-alcoholic beverages; Guided fishing; Transfer to/from Cancun

Note: Ground transfers to and from the lodge are included in full-week packages if your commercial flights arrive and depart from the Cancun airport on Sunday between 11 AM and 3 PM. All guests arriving or departing outside this window may be subject to a $180 transfer surcharge.


Commercial Airfare to Cancun, Mexico; Alcoholic Beverages, Guide & Staff Gratuities; Equipment Rentals & Flies; Laundry Service; Telephone calls; Departure Taxes

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