San Felipe Tarpon & More

NEW San Felipe, Mexico 1 - 2 People 7 Hours From $380 Trip #12754
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, River, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

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...

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.

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Pricing Matrix

7 hours
1 Person
$380.00
2 People
$380.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Pedro F.

Independent Guide
Pedro is a lifelong waterman and professional fly fishing guide with over 25 years of experience fishing the waters around San Felipe in the Yucatán. Born and raised in the area, he brings unmatched local knowledge of the Ría—its tides, channels, fish, and the surrounding ecosystem.

He got his start at a young age, learning from his father and spending years as a commercial fisherman and diver before transitioning into guiding. Today, he focuses on...

About Your Guide

Pedro F.

Independent Guide
Pedro is a lifelong waterman and professional fly fishing guide with over 25 years of experience fishing the waters around San Felipe in the Yucatán. Born and raised in the area, he brings unmatched local knowledge of the Ría—its tides, channels, fish, and the surrounding ecosystem.

He got his start at a young age, learning from his father and spending years as a commercial fisherman and diver before transitioning into guiding. Today, he focuses on providing personalized fishing and eco-tourism experiences, backed by federal guide certification and deep regional expertise.

Pedro is deeply connected to his community and the environment he works in. In addition to guiding, he serves as the Director of Tourism in San Felipe and founded a local cooperative to support sustainable tourism in the area.

Proud of where he comes from and passionate about what he does, Pedro offers an authentic, knowledgeable experience shaped by a lifetime on these waters.
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Start Location & Lodging Options

San Felipe, Yucatán, Mexico

About Your Boat

Boat photo for San Felipe Tarpon & More
Boat photo for San Felipe Tarpon & More
Boat Type
Panga
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Panga
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No
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Trip Details & 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.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

  • Artificial Lure Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Light Tackle Fishing
  • Sight Casting

Everything Else to Know

Everything is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.
You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.
In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.
We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.
Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.
After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.
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