Celestún (Isla Arena)
The quiet fishing town of Celestún serves as our launch point for Isla del Sábalo, one of the Yucatán’s most reliable tarpon fisheries. A short run from shore, Isla Arena offers pristine mangrove lagoons and shallow bays where baby tarpon thrive. For day trips, we depart and return from Celestún. For multi-day adventures, we base out of Isla Arena, an off-grid lodge experience right on the fishery.
The Fishing
This is classic baby tarpon country. Fish from 5–25 pounds roll on calm mornings, hide in mangrove creeks, and ambush flies in open lagoons. The fishery offers a mix of technical presentations under the mangroves and explosive eats in shallow water.
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Primary species: juvenile tarpon (5–25 lb)
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Other targets: snook, jacks, barracuda, snapper
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Best season: year-round
The Experience
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Day Trips: Depart Celestún in the morning, fish Isla del Sábalo, and return in the evening.
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Multi-Day Stays: Stay in a small fishing village on Isla del Sábalo. The accommodations are simple but comfortable, offering an off-grid immersion where the focus is 100% on the fishing. With multiple days, anglers can explore more lagoons, fish different tides, and maximize time chasing tarpon in untouched waters.
Logistics
Base
Celestún (day trips) or Isla Arena (multi-day stays)
Accommodations
Private house in Mérida, or rustic off-grid lodgings in Isla Arena
Stay Length
Single day charters or week-long stays on Isla del Sábalo