About Your Trip
Step into one of the most unique and productive inshore fisheries in the world with a guided trip through the waters of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Fishing out of the small coastal town of San Felipe, this experience combines world-class sight fishing with a remote, untouched setting rich in wildlife and culture.
Known as the “Tarpon Kindergarten,” this fishery is home to incredible numbers of juvenile tarpon, often seen rolling or schooling in the
hundreds across shallow mangrove-lined lagoons and seagrass flats. While the numbers are impressive, these fish are far from easy—making each hookup a rewarding challenge.
The Experience
You’ll spend the day navigating shallow channels and protected backwaters aboard a traditional panga, targeting fish in clear, shallow water. Success here comes down to timing, positioning, and presentation—working with the wind, sun, and tides to create the right opportunity for your cast.
This is a highly visual, hands-on style of fishing. Your guide will pole the boat, spot fish, and help you adjust throughout the day—whether that’s dialing in your cast, selecting the right fly, or shifting locations based on conditions.
Beyond tarpon, the fishery offers a wide range of species depending on the season, including snook, permit, bonefish, jack crevalle, barracuda, grouper, and more. Spin, baitcasting, or fly fishing are all welcome, with the approach tailored to your preference.
The Fishery
Tarpon are available year-round, with bonefish and permit more common in the warmer summer months. From October through April, northern cold fronts can bring wind, but the protected waters of the Ría remain fishable—and often produce some of the most active feeding periods as bait concentrates.
With the area protected as a marine reserve and very light fishing pressure, it’s common to fish entire stretches of water without seeing another boat.
What Sets It Apart
These trips are led by Pedro, a lifelong local with over 25 years of guiding experience on these exact waters. His deep understanding of the tides, channels, and fish behavior—combined with a lifetime spent fishing here—gives you a major advantage in a technical fishery like this.
As a federally certified guide and leader in the local eco-tourism community, Pedro brings an authentic and thoughtful approach to every trip, blending fishing with a strong connection to the environment and culture of the region.
What’s Included
Each trip includes your guide, fishing license, all necessary gear (if needed), safety equipment, and breakfast with water and soft drinks on board. Casting instruction is also available if needed.
Good to Know
Trips are run from 18–23’ pangas designed for two anglers, providing a stable and efficient platform for shallow water fishing. Transportation to and from Cancun or Mérida is not included, and handmade flies are available for purchase if needed.
If you’re looking for a technical, visually driven fishery in a truly unique setting, San Felipe offers an experience that’s hard to match.
Amenities
Water Type
Inshore, River, Flats
Skill Levels
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Tackle
All rods, reels, and tackle are included.
Beer
Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.
Weather
You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather
Kid Friendly
This trip can cater to small children.
Flexible Cancelation
This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.
Fish Cleaning
No cleaning service provided.
Boat Restroom
No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.
Live Bait
Live bait is not used on this trip.
Disability Friendly
This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.
Lunch
Please provide your own food / snacks.
