Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing permit, bonefish, and tarpon in a remote, pristine corner of the Caribbean,The Palometa Club in Ascension Bay, Mexico should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, this boutique fishing lodge offers world-class flats fishing in a place that feels untouched by time. Getting there is an adventure in itself — and one that’s easier than you might think.

Step 1: Fly Into Cancun or Tulum

Your journey starts with a flight from the U.S. to Cancún (CUN). Flights are available from major hubs like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and New York, and many of them are nonstop — so getting there is simple and stress-free. Some guests also choose the newer Tulum Airport (TQO) if it works better for their schedule, but Cancún remains the easiest option for most travelers.

Guests must plan flight reservations to arrive in Cancún on Tulum on Friday no later than 1:30 P.M. and schedule the return flight the following Friday no earlier than 12:30 (Tulum) and 1:00PM (Cancún) in order to make comfortable connections to the Club.

Upon arrival in Cancún, you will go through the customary immigration line, then proceed to collect your bags from baggage claim. On your exit from the airport, Mexican officials may wave you over to check what you are bringing in to the country. This is completely common and they are well-versed in seeing fishing gear. There should be no tax on any of your personal gear. However, items with the intended purpose of resale will be taxed and should be disclosed upon entry. Items intended as gifts to lodge staff or guides may likewise have to be explained. In the instance you are required to pay a tax, you will be escorted to a payment station to provide a credit card. Again, this is very common and not something to be intimidated about.

Pro Tip: Leave tobacco and nicotine products at home as they may be taxed by Mexican officials. If you need to stock up on tobacco, nicotine, or alcohol, you can purchase these items at Duty Free right next to the baggage claim.

Step 2: Shuttle South Through Tulum

Once you land in Cancún and exit the airport through the sliding glass doors, you will proceed outside and immediately to the left for the Berryhill Restaurant meeting point. Many guests choose to grab a drink and snack from the restaurant while they wait on the later-arriving guests to congregate for the community shuttle to the Club.

The Palometa Club's friendly team of shuttle drivers will arrive at the Berryhill to greet you and carry your luggage to the vans. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned van and begin the scenic drive south through Tulum and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

This isn’t just any shuttle ride — Palometa has been using the same trusted drivers for years. Many returning guests consider drivers like Manuel, Clemente, and Iván part of the experience, making the journey feel safe, familiar, and personal. They also provide complimentary water and beers in the van, so guests can immediately start their vacation. As you travel, the landscape shifts from bustling highways to quiet jungle roads, giving you a real sense that you’re leaving the everyday world behind.

Pro Tip: Expect the van shuttle to take up to two hours, as there may be traffic in Cancún and Tulum. Your driver can make pit stops for a bathroom break or at the grocery/liquor store if you desire to purchase anything in advance of your stay at the Club. And don't forget to bring cash to tip your shuttle driver - we recommend a minimum of $25 per person on full van rides.

Step 3: Water Taxi Into Punta Allen

After a short drive past Tulum, the paved road ends. From here, you’ll board a water taxi for a stunning ride through Boca Paila Lagoon and the edges of Ascension Bay. This hour-long journey is not only scenic but also more comfortable than navigating the often rough roads all the way to Punta Allen.

As you glide past mangroves and turquoise waters, the beauty and remoteness of the biosphere reserve really sink in. By the time you reach Punta Allen, you’ll already feel a million miles from the Cancun airport hustle.

Pro Tip: You can make one last bathroom break before the water taxi in some of the private jungle area near the boat dock. We also recommend having a rain jacket handy for the water taxi ride in case of boat spray or light rain showers. And don't forget to bring cash to tip your water transfer driver - we recommend a minimum of $5 per person on full water transfer rides.

Arrival at the palometa Club

Step off the water taxi and you’re at a private lagoon in Punta Allen, greeted by the Palometa team and the soft Caribbean breeze. Our staff will load up your luggage in trucks to transfer to the lodge. You have the option of loading up in the truck, or taking in Punta Allen by foot for the short walk to the Club.

The lodge itself is a perfect mix of comfort and charm, with oceanfront rooms, fresh local cuisine, and an intimate, friendly atmosphere. From here, every day is filled with incredible guided fishing trips in the pristine waters of Ascension Bay.

Returning Home

At the end of your trip, the journey simply reverses: water taxi, shuttle ride, and then transfer to the airport. But by then, you’ll likely be carrying memories (and fish stories) that will last a lifetime — and probably already planning your next visit.

Reach out for more information about Mexico

To learn more about Mexico, you can view our regional webpage HERE. Reach out to our team in the travel department to get your Mexico trip on the books!

📞 (214) 219-2500
📧 travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com