Espíritu Santo Bay Lodge Partners with Nervous Waters
We are delighted to share exciting news: Espíritu Santo Bay Lodge (ESB), one of the world’s most renowned saltwater fly-fishing destinations, has officially joined the Nervous Waters family.
This milestone marks not only a new chapter for us, but also a continuation of a remarkable story built over the past ten years by Chiara de Tomaso and Dane Emerson—visionaries who brought ESB to life and guided it to become the benchmark lodge it is today. Their tireless work, passion, and commitment to excellence have made ESB a name spoken with admiration throughout the fly-fishing world.
At Nervous Waters, we are proud to become partners with Chiara and Dane, ensuring their legacy continues to flourish under the same spirit and values that have defined ESB since day one. Together, we look forward to elevating the experience while preserving what makes this place so extraordinary.
The Legacy of Chiara de Tomaso and Dane Emerson
From its humble beginnings, ESB has grown into the #1 lodge on Espíritu Santo Bay thanks to Dane and Chiara’s dedication and vision. Nestled on a pristine Caribbean beach within the vast Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, ESB has long been a sanctuary for anglers seeking the finest flats fishing on the planet.
Over the past decade, Chiara and Dane have transformed ESB into a true home for anglers. With Dane’s expertise on the water and Chiara’s warm and meticulous approach to hospitality, guests have experienced unforgettable days chasing permit, tarpon, bonefish, and snook—and unforgettable nights filled with camaraderie and comfort. Their philosophy has always been simple yet powerful: “You might arrive as a stranger, but leave as a friend and part of the ESB Lodge family.”
What Makes ESB Unique
Set within the UNESCO-protected 1.3 million-acre Sian Ka’an Reserve, ESB is more than a fishing lodge—it’s a gateway to one of the last untouched flats fisheries in the Caribbean. With limited permits granted for access, anglers enjoy a uniquely unpressured environment, where fish behave as nature intended.
This is Super Grand Slam country—where permit, tarpon, snook and bonefish thrive in healthy populations across endless flats, creeks, and lagoons. Whether you are pursuing your first permit or chasing the elusive slam, ESB offers some of the most exciting opportunities in the world.
Enhancements for the Future
While the foundation built by Chiara and Dane is already world-class, together we are investing to ensure ESB continues to set the highest standards in saltwater fly fishing. Recent and upcoming upgrades include:
– A solar system for 24/7 reliable, sustainable energy
– New generators to ensure energy redundancy
– A reverse osmosis system for purified water and in-house ice production
– New A/C units in all guest rooms and dining areas
– Small fridges in each guest room
– Refurbishment of all boats, including paint and new engines as needed
– Complete redecoration of guest rooms and upgraded staff quarters
– A redesigned palapa, now a proper bar and outdoor lounge
– An expanded dining room, complete with indoor lounge and upgraded shop
– An open bar with welcome appetizers for arriving guests
– À la carte dining, from breakfast through dinner, matching Nervous Waters hospitality standards
– A new Welcome Hut at Punta Herrero, offering post-fishing refreshments (coming soon)
– Completely renovated kitchen and continued staff training
These improvements—many already in place and others soon to be completed—underscore our shared commitment to providing the finest guest experience possible, without compromising the authentic spirit that has always defined ESB.
Looking Ahead
We are thrilled to welcome Espíritu Santo Bay Lodge, Chiara, and Dane into the Nervous Waters family. This partnership represents the best of both worlds: a lodge already recognized as one of the most sought-after destinations in saltwater fly fishing, now enhanced by the service, hospitality, and attention to detail that Nervous Waters is known for.
With Chiara and Dane continuing to lead the way on the ground, and with our shared vision for the future, ESB is ready to offer anglers from around the world an experience unlike any other—for years to come.
✦ Welcome to the next chapter of Espíritu Santo Bay Lodge.
