mexico
 
CASA BLANCA , PUNTA PAJAROS, SOUTHERN YUCATAN

OVERVIEW

Casa Blanca is the gold standard of destination lodges in the Yucatan.  Situated on the private island of Punta Pajaros between Ascension and Espiritu Santo Bays this unique location can offer more “grand slam” potential than any other place in the world.  Giant schools of bonefish can be found “tailing” with abandon here as well as Permit, who while always vigilant, often drop their inherent caution and suck in a crab fly.  The massive lagoon of Santa Rosa and others host Snook, Tarpon, huge Barracuda and Cubera Snapper ( a highly prized aggressive fish that is hooked infrequently).

The famous keys of Tres Marias, Esperanza Bank and Chobon are just a short skiff ride away.  Casa Blanca is surrounded by the Sian Ka’an Biosphere and the Mexican government strictly regulates commercial fishing.  This provides the area with flats fishing that is rarely found elsewhere in the world.  Casa Blanca should be on every anglers “bucket list”. 

FISHING

Casa Blanca has one of the most diverse fisheries found anywhere.  Anglers should be prepared with an arsenal of rods to maximize their potential here.  It is not uncommon to have shots at permit, bonefish, sharks, cudas, tarpon, cobia and jacks in a sinlge day.

Most of the fishing is done from the skiffs, but there are miles of wadeable flats here for the more intrepid anglers.  If you want to take a break from the flats, you can always request a little blue water action.  Palancar reef is just across the flats and many of the pelagic species including Sailfish, Dorado, Tuna and Mackerels are found here in season. 

TARGET SPECIES

Permit, Permit, Permit.  Oh yes, Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook, Jacks, Barracuda, Shark, Cobia, Snappers, and the blue water species such as Sailfish, Dorado, Tuna, Mackeral.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Casa Blanca is situated on a point of the island with the ocean a short cast in front.  The main facility for dining and relaxing is a beautiful palapa style thatched roof with some of the most comfortable seating found anywhere.  You can often sip a tropical drink and literally watch permit tailing out in front of the reef.  Lodging consists of 9 spacious room all tastefully decorated with local artwork and natural treasures from the sea.  All rooms have a private shower and facilities and reverse-osmosis filtration systems.  Bottled water is also provided for each room. 

The cuisine here is overwhelming.  Don’t kid yourself, you don’t want to come here on a diet.  The chef is a true “maestro” and the appetizers, main-course and dessert often lead to impromptu standing ovations. 

The level of service and hospitality makes you wonder if the entire staff was trained at some secret facility for English Royals.  You will not want for anything.

CAPACITY

Casa blanca can hold 24 anglers.  There are also a couple of villas on the property set just apart from the main building.  These are wonderful for couples or small families.  CB is the ideal situation for CORPORATE RETREATS

SEASON

October through July

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED

Boats used by the lodge are 16-foot Dolphin flats Super skiffs that accommodate two anglers and your guide. Each Dolphin has a forward casting deck, tandem passenger seats, rod racks, and a poling platform. Of course, they always have a cooler.  On occasion anglers may request a panga for blue water or reef fishing.  Casa Blanca has a limited amount of gear available for anglers, as with any destination, we recommend to bring your own gear.  Some flies are available at the lodge, but they go fast.

HOW TO GET THERE

One of the greatest advantages in coming to Casa Blanca is how quickly you can get there.  Once approaching the island you can actually see many of the flats you will be fishing.

All guests should book flights to Cancun, Mexico. Guests making their own flight reservations must plan to arrive in Cancun no later than 2:30 p.m. and schedule their return flight no earlier than 12 p.m. noon in order to make connections with the regional air charter. From Cancun, Casa Blanca will provide a private air charter which will fly you directly to the lodge. Each plane can accommodate 4 to 5 guests plus the pilot. The flight to and from Cancun to the island is approximately 120 miles or 50 minutes.  Don’t forget to keep your camera handy.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

The real question here is “what don’t you want to do on your stay?”  There are numerous

options to choose from including, beach-combing, shelling, exploring the many Mayan ruins looking for lost treasure, kayaking the tranquil lagoons in search of salt water crocodiles, snorkeling the gin-clear reefs (Punta Estrella is really good), bird watching,

Eco-touring or just about anyones favorite “hammocking”.  

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL

All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of trips dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in back, and that it is not torn, delaminated, or damaged in any way. No visas or inoculations are required for U.S. citizens. A Mexican departure tax is payable at the airport when leaving Mexico. Some airlines include this as a pre-paid part of your ticket. Please check with your travel agent or carrier to verify this.

Parental Consent for Minors: Children 17 years old or under entering Mexico with one parent must have a notarized letter of consent from the other parent stating the child/children have his/her permission to enter the country. Single parents need notarized documentation of divorce decree or death certificate of spouse. Minors not accompanied by either parent require a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The number of nights lodging and days fishing as specified in your package, round trip Private Charter air transfer between Cancun and the lodge, all meals, non-bottled beverages, boat beverages while fishing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, natural history excursions, and unlimited use of all recreational equipment.

NOT INCLUDED

Your International Flight, Private Jet or Yacht is not included in your stay.  Nor is your Butler, Masseuse, Wine Steward or Personal Chef or Alimony payment to your spouse.  You get the idea.   Also,  beer and alcohol ordered at the lodge, items purchased at gift shop or tackle shop, phone calls, and laundry.

GRATUITIES FOR THE GUIDES AND STAFF ARE NOT INCLUDED.  TAKE CARE OF THESE FOLKS.  They are terrific.

LENGTH OF STAY AND RATES (2011/2012)

SATURDAY TO SATURDAY PACKAGES WITH 7 NIGHTS/6 DAYS FISHING




All rates include round trip charter flights from Cancun aboard Casa Blanca’s private aircraft.

*prices subject to change and are based on double occupancy and shared guide

*Sporting Life Adventure Travel services are always FREE to our clients.  Our clients never pay more with us than booking directly with the destination lodge or outfitter.  We’ll help reduce your stress!

 

www.sportinglifetravel.com

1-877-611-SLAT (7528)