The Xflats

Lodging Details
Tucked along the coastline with immediate access to the expansive and protected Chetumal Bay, The Xflats is a small and personable lodge operation with six beachfront suites. All rooms are set up for either single or double occupancy, and all are air-conditioned and furnished with stylish Mayan décor. The rooms offer plenty of space, breezy exterior terraces, and private bathrooms. The lodge is best described as a basic, fishing-focused operation that is ideal for anglers that appreciate great service, amazing food, experienced guides, and long days on the water. At the end of the day, the lodge’s main palapa bar and dining room, and the central outdoor lounge areas collectively offer the ideal setting to relax, drink with friends, and share the stories of the day. Our favorite aspect of the lodge is without a doubt the Xflats team: an incredible staff that works hard to deliver a fun and enjoyable Yucatan saltwater experience.

Food and Beverages
The talented kitchen team at the lodge delivers amazing cuisine that focuses on authentic local specialties and regional favorites. All meals are prepared and served in the large palapa restaurant with a setting that celebrates the companionship of fellow anglers. The bar area is the social hub of the lodge, and the perfect spot to relax after a day on the flats. Outdoor lounge areas, large tables, hammocks, and a “corn-hole” tournament area make for a fun and relaxing setting.

Typical Length of Stay
The standard package at The Xflats is seven (7) nights / six (6) fishing days, but itineraries of any length can be accommodated, and arrivals for any day of the week can also be arranged.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
While Xflats is indeed a fishing-focused operation, non-angling guests can enjoy a variety of area activities including bird watching, snorkeling, exploring Mayan ruins, beachcombing, and just plain relaxing in the small fishing village of Xcalak – a safe and laid-back town in a remote area of the southern Yucatan.

Internet / Communications
Dependable Wi-Fi is available for guests via your own device. Spotty cell phone service is available throughout the area, although reception at the lodge is poor. A satellite phone is available for a modest fee, although internet-based phone apps work well on the lodge’s system.

How To Get There
All guests should book flights into Cancun International Airport (CUN). Standard packages include a transfer from Cancun to Xcalak in an air-conditioned vehicle to the lodge (a drive of approximately five hours). There is also a great option to fly from Cancun to Mahuhual, and a charter that is both quick and reasonably priced can be arranged through Yellow Dog. Contact Yellow Dog for more details and options.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times
It is very important to arrive in Cancun as early as possible, and we always recommend arriving before 2:00 PM. Later arrivals can be accommodated upon request. Please make sure to schedule your returning flight to leave Cancun no earlier than 2:30 PM if possible. The ground transfer takes approximately five hours each way. Shuttle service is included in the 7 night Lodging packages booked from Saturday to Saturday only. There will be a surcharge for non-Saturday transfers.

Documents Required
All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six (6) months of trip dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in the back, and that it is not torn, de-laminated, or damaged in any way. No visas or inoculation are required for U.S. citizens.

Minors Traveling Without Both Parents
All children 18 years of age or younger accompanied by only one parent or legal guardian must have a notarized letter of consent from the other parent stating the child/children have his/her permission to travel. Single parents need notarized documentation of divorce or a spousal death certificate. Unaccompanied Minors require a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents.

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes.

Travel Tools
- Travel Insurance
- Moon Phases
- Airline Ticketing
- Rent This Rod
- Global Rescue Membership

General Information
Chetumal Bay is a picturesque, shallow-water flats fishery that has become known as one of the top permit fishing destinations in the Caribbean. The main area of concentration lies in the back bay located directly behind the village of Xcalak. The boat ride to the main permit fishing grounds averages 20-to-30 minutes from the lodge. And while permit are the most popular species in the area, bonefish are also prolific all throughout these waters. Snook, tarpon, jacks, barracuda, and other species are available for those seeking even more diversity.

With its numerous natural channels, expansive flats, and massive networks of lagoons, Chetumal Bay provides the ideal habitat for game fish. Within 100 yards of a single shoreline flat – when the weather and winds cooperate – you can cast at bonefish, permit, and tarpon. At certain times of the year, snook leave their mangrove sanctuaries to feed and warm up on the flats, giving anglers prime opportunities to target the “largemouth of the flats.”

On calm days, the oceanside flats and drop-offs provide excellent sight fishing for schools of permit as well as large, migratory tarpon during the spring and summer months. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for permit of all sizes as well as baby tarpon and snook. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing for permit and bonefish.

+ Listen to this WAYPOINTS Podcast: JESSE COLTEN: The Xcalak Episodes

Boats and Equipment
The boats used by the lodge are 23-foot Mexican super pangas that are set up to comfortably accommodate two fishermen and a guide. Most guides that work with Xflats also utilize an “assistant” or apprentice guide, and the addition of an extra set of eyes in the boat is a huge advantage when hunting permit! The boats are roomy and clean, with large, uncluttered casting decks and comfortable seats. If possible, anglers should plan on bringing all equipment such as rods, reels, terminal tackle, and fly lines with them. 

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter.

All prices listed below are per person and quoted in US dollars.

2024 Rates

Double Occupancy (2 Per Boat / 2 Per Room)
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days = $4,695.00
6 Nights / 5 Fishing Days = $4,495.00
5 Nights / 4 Fishing Days = $4,295.00

Single Occupancy (1 Per Boat / 1 Per Room)
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days = $6,900.00
6 Nights / 5 Fishing Days = $6,400.00
5 Nights / 4 Fishing Days = $5,900.00

*** Shuttle service is included in the 7 Night / 6 Day Saturday to Saturday lodging packages ONLY. A surcharge will be applied to non-Saturday transfers for all other packages and travel dates.

Charter Flight Option: Ground transportation from either Cancun or Chetumal is included in all lodge packages. An optional air charter can also be arranged that offers direct flights from Cancun to Mahuhual. Please contact Yellow Dog for details.

What’s Included:

• Round trip transfer to and from Cancun and the lodge – Saturday to Saturday
• Number of nights lodging as specified
• Number of days of guided fishing as specified
• All meals while at the lodge
• All bottled water, breakfast juices, and coffee
• Daily happy hour drink
• Applicable Mexican VAT taxes
  
  

What’s Not Included:

• Airfare to and from Cancun
• Gratuities for guides, staff, and the shuttle driver
• Alcoholic beverages and sodas
• All equipment, flies, and tackle (some flies and tackle available at the lodge)
• Shuttle surcharge for off-Saturday transfers
  
  

XFlats Lodge (Xcalak – Yucatan Peninsula)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking for all trip packages and reservations, and final payment if due 90 days prior to arrival. All trip cancellations must be received in writing, sent to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. For cancellations outside of 120 days from the start of trip, a refund or trip credit will be given minus a $150.00 per person cancellation fee charged by the lodge and a $100.00 per person Yellow Dog cancellation fee. For cancellations inside of 120 days from start of trip date, deposits and final payments will be forfeited and no trip credits will be issued. If a cancelled package is resold by either the outfitter or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be sent minus a $100.00 per person cancellation fee charged by Yellow Dog Flyfishing. No refunds will apply for weather-related incidents or hurricanes, which is why Yellow Dog Flyfishing strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for your trip. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. 

“I had the most fun I’ve ever had not catching a permit. I saw and had shots at more permit than in my cumulative lifetime, got plenty of follows, and even a take. Couple that with plentiful bonefish, a couple of acrobatic snook, a barracuda, a Jack, and some snapper and it was a great fishing trip. On top of all that Toby, Jesse, Nestor, the dogs, were all welcoming and the food was fantastic.”  – Chris M.

“X Flats is truly Permit Heaven. I wish the conditions would have permitted more time fishing for Tarpon, but you get what you get. It’s almost impossible to describe the numbers of permit we saw consistently every day. Without having previous experience in this area I have nothing to compare to. I’m not exaggerating when I say we saw a minimum of 100-150 permit a day. We probably saw over 250 the last day. 30-40 shots each day for each of us. Many large fish as well. I want to come back. The lodge staff did a great job as well. Toby, Nesto, and great dinners every night. One of the best trips ever. Thank you.“ – Brett T.

“Friggin’ great. Couldn’t have asked for anything better. We fished our guts out. Caught lots of fish despite less than perfect weather, enjoyed Jesse and the staff there immensely, loved the guides, the food, the area, everything."

"In the six days we fished, we caught bones, permit, jacks, cuda, snook, triggers, snapper, ladyfish and so many tarpon from 2 to 30 lbs (most on poppers) that we lost count.” – Scott M.

“The lodge staff, including the owner, Jesse, were EXCELLENT! The fishing was great, but the catching was tough due to weather, conditions, etc. However, the guides were 100% responsive to our requests on where and what species we wanted to target each day.” – Scott P.

“The experience blew our expectations far and away. The sheer number of fish was incredible and the guides, lodge, and lodge staff were all top-notch. I would recommend XFlats to any angler that is looking to catch their first saltwater fish on a fly rod or their 100th permit. Jesse and his staff have a great thing going down there and I cant wait to return one day.” – Harrison B.

“This was among a few fishing trips I will always fondly remember. The group of guys we have are always a hoot but the graciousness and thoughtfulness of our hosts, Jesse and Toby made it all that more special. The resort is just beautiful and really comfortable. The quality of the fishing was fantastic. The food was prepared well and very tasty. And, probably most important, the guides were very knowledgeable and helpful” – Larry C.

“Amazing on and off water experience. Very relaxed exactly what our group wanted. Jesse and his team welcome you as part of their family.” – Simon B.

“Fantastic, exceeded my expectations as a returning guest. The staff, guides, diversity, and numbers of fish at Xflats are hard to beat. I’ll be back” – Jeff L.

“The overall fishing experience was incredible. The fishery is incredible and we were able to find fish almost every day. Guides were hard working and the entire staff was very friendly and accommodating.” – Jacob N.

“An outstanding experience for my first saltwater fly fishing trip. I was able to catch permit, tarpon, and bonefish. The number of fish was excellent and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The lodge accommodations were everything you need and nothing you don’t and were definitely geared towards fishing visitors. The staff was friendly and provided excellent service.” – Mark N.

“We had an excellent time with fishermen of different experiences, the ambiance of the resort, the quality of guides, the friendliness of staff, and exceptional food made this really an amazing trip with excellent fish and fishing opportunities.” – Ray L.

“We could not have wished for a better experience overall. Our guides were able to find fish every day and gave us more shots at permit than it’s reasonable to expect. They adjusted on the fly as needed and accommodated our every request.” – Randy S.