John Huber and Nick Anderson - Scorpion Atoll
Scorpion Atoll Bonefishing
Yucatan Peninsula - Mexico
A Remote Fly Fishing Adventure
"The BEST Bonefishing I have experienced." - Brad Staples
Scorpion Atoll is the largest reef in the Southern Gulf of Mexico, located about 70 miles off the northern coast of Yucatán, Mexico. The atoll consists of five islands, shallow sandbars, and coral heads, and it has been a protected marine park since 1994. Commercial fishing is prohibited in this area. Most of the islands are surrounded by shallow flats that are two to five feet deep, while others have steep drops ranging from 80 to 120 feet just steps away from the beach.
The 2024 Openings:
November 17-24, 2024.
Scorpion Atoll - Bonefishing
Species: The Atoll is a healthy habitat for above-average size permit and bonefish, plus barracudas, triggerfish, sharks, amberjacks, mutton snappers, and more.
"I visited the Yucatan Peninsula in December of 2016 and hosted a trip here in May of 2017.
Sea turtles and exotic birds nest on the five islands in this area. There are a few buildings on the main island, and the few people living here oversee the lighthouse. This trip involves a lot of walking, but the size and numbers of the bonefish are worth it.
This is a very special fishing adventure. Due to its remoteness, not many people have been able to fish Scorpion Atoll. The Atoll is probably the best opportunity to catch large, 5-to-7-pound bonefish consistently anywhere in Mexico. Try and experience this unique place before more anglers discover it!" - Brad Staples
This destination is unique compared to other flats fishing locations in the Yucatan Peninsula. The bonefish and permit are larger than those found in Ascension Bay. There are also other species to fish for barracudas, triggerfish, sharks, amberjacks, mutton snappers, and more.
The Outfitter: Tarpon Town Anglers is based in Campeche, Mexico, and has been guiding on the western coast of the Yucatan since 1999.
The Fishing Program
Season: Peak fishing is from April through May and mid-September through November.
Group Size: The Liveaboard hosts three to four anglers plus a crew. Groups are not mixed, so you must come up with your own group. There is no availability for non-anglers.
Guides: The guides are native fishermen with an outstanding ability to read
the water. While not all of them speak English, you can expect them to make their best effort to ensure you have a successful fishing experience. Two anglers per guide, and fishing will be done on foot.
Boats: A 26-foot panga will transfer anglers to the islands and flats of the atoll where the liveaboard cannot easily navigate.
You will not be fishing from the boat unless the guides decide to troll for fish for the dinner table.
Fishing Equipment: No equipment is provided. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
Fishing License: A 5-day fishing license is included.
Physical Condition: It is recommended that you be in fairly good shape, as you will be far from shore and away from immediate medical assistance. The only means of getting in and out of the atoll is by boat. There are no airways or heliports nearby. The closest point is the departure dock, which is about four to 6.5 hours away by boat.
Read Brad's TRIP REPORT for Scorpion Atoll Combo.
Alex with a Triggerfish
Alex with Scorpion Atoll Bonefish
Scorpion Atoll Liveaboard
The Liveaboard: The Liveaboard is a 65 ft. Hatteras sedan bridge with two full bathrooms and a galley. The boat comfortably accommodates a maximum of four anglers and crew. Trips are limited to a group of four anglers, full groups only. They have a galley and two full bathrooms with a sink, shower, and toilet.
Meals: The menu is simple but complete. Breakfast includes cereal, fruit, coffee, toast, scrambled eggs, omelets, pancakes, and peanut butter and jelly. Lunch may be fresh ceviche, ham and cheese sandwiches, or pastrami and cheese. Dinner might be a fresh fish plate from the daily catch—grilled with garlic and butter—or steak tacos and fajitas from the grill.
Beverages: Bottled water, sodas, electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade, beer, tequila, wine, rum, and black label scotch are included.
Communications: Spot satellite devices track the progress of the cruise by email messaging a satellite phone with prepaid services for emergency contact. There is also a ship-to-ship to land mounted VHF radio with 30 to 40 miles of signal range and a portable VHF radio that the guides carry for daily coordination and contact with the mothership. Cell phones do not work on the Atoll; they lose their signal within about seven miles of starting the cruise.
Getting to the Atoll:
The most direct option is to fly to Merida from Houston on United Airlines, from Dallas on American Airlines, or from Miami on Aeromexico. A representative will greet you at the airport and drive you to the Casa del Balam Hotel or a similar 4+ star hotel in Merida for your overnight stay (the first and last night’s hotel are included in the package). In the morning, you’ll leave early (4:00 a.m.) from the hotel in Merida and drive 40 minutes to Progreso to meet the liveaboard. The boat trip is about four hours to Scorpion Atoll in perfect weather. After 4.5 days of fishing and four nights on the liveaboard, you’ll return to the hotel in Merida for your last night’s stay.
Sample Itinerary:
6-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing. Arrive on Sunday night in Merida and leave for the Atoll on Monday morning.
Day 0 - Sunday night: You'll arrive in Merida.
Day 1 - Monday: You'll take a four-hour boat ride to the Atoll and then get in a full day of guided fishing.
Day 2-4: Fish, eat, sleep.
Day 5 - Friday: You'll get in a half-day of guided fishing and then take the boat ride back to Merida and stay overnight.
Day 6 - Saturday: You'll fly home.
Scorpion Atoll & Campeche Baby Tarpon Combo:
Let us know if you're interested in a combo trip. We hosted combo trips here in 2017 and 2018. With some planning, it can be done.
1-800-205-3474
2024 USD Rates:
Scorpion Atoll Liveaboard
Includes: 2-hotel nights in Merida and 4-nights on the liveaboard.
Fishing days include half days on Monday and Friday.
6-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing
Party of three: $7,850.00 per person
Party of four: $6,450.00 per person
This destination does not offer a non-angler package.
Scorpion Atoll & Campeche Tarpon Town Combo
3.5-days at Scorpion Atoll and 2-days at Campeche
7-nights and 5.5-days guided fishing Rate to be determined.
Information Packet
The Package Includes:
• First and last night at a 4-star hotel in Merida
• Ground transfers between the airport and the hotel in Merida
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Ground transfers between the hotel and the Progreso marina
• Roundtrip four-hour boat ride between Progreso and the Atoll
• Four nights on the Liveaboard
• Three meals per day on the Liveaboard
• Bottled water, sodas, beer, and wine on the Liveaboard
• Guided fishing
• A fishing license
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to Merida, Mexico, and return• Meals and beverages in Merida (other than breakfast)
• Liquor
• Gratuities for the guides and crew
• Fishing equipment and tackle
• $65.00 Departure tax
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance, we recommend Global Rescue
• Mandatory trip cancellation insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
