Hotel Mar y Arena – The Perfect Combination of Old Mexico and a Clubhouse for Anglers

All combined, I’ve probably spent nearly a year of my life within the borders of Mexico. That includes 20 or so trips to Anglers Inn properties on Lake El Salto and Lake Picachos. It includes trips to the Yucatan’s all-inclusives as both an inebriated young adult and a budget-conscious resident of middle age. If I never hear the pulsing beat of Señor Frog's again, it will be too soon. 

But while I’ve vacationed on Mexican soil quite a bit, I’ve experienced relatively little of Mexico. We are either within the gated confines of a fishing lodge or else in the gringofied resort-based dream of what Mexico should be – which other than tortillas likely has very little to do with the real experience. 

That’s why I was thrilled that after our liveaboard Mag Bay adventure on Caliente out of Cabo, we drove from Cabo to Puerto San Carlos, making brief stops in places like Todos Santos and La Paz before settling in Puerto San Carlos for a couple of nights. San Carlos, within Mag Bay, has it’s share of gringo anglers and whale watchers, but it’s yet to be spoiled by the stench of overtourism. And within that ecosphere, there’s our new friend Fito’s Hotel Mar y Arena. It’s not the Ritz, but the Ritz doesn’t have marlin chasing bait balls and snook and grouper outside the back door. That’s a trade I’ll take every time. 

The food, based on local sea offerings, is exceptional and plentiful, too.

It's the perfect mix of Mexican authenticity and simplicity, along with being a clubhouse for anglers. We stayed there to fish with the hotel’s fleet, but it’s also become the vibrant base for the Los Locos fly fishing operation. Their presence and attitude and vibe make it feel fishy and organic. Everyone’s hopped up on the best fishery in the world and the energy is contagious. 

If you’d like to check it out, contact the hotel directly. Here’s Fito talking about his history and his operation: