Tag: Belize tarpon fishing

  • Turneffe Flats Resort

    Turneffe Flats Resort

    Updated on

    Turneffe Flats Resort is one of the premier resorts in Belize and is located on the northeast section of the Turneffe Atoll. Turneffe Atoll is one of best destinations to target Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit, where the chance of a “Grand Slam” is always a possibility. The Turneffe Atoll is located 30 miles off the coast of Belize and is the fourth largest coral Atoll in the Western Hemisphere. Turneffe Flats’ close proximity to ocean-side flats, inland flats, lagoons and channels provides some of the world’s most diverse sight fishing opportunities for good numbers of bonefish and permit on the flats, and shots at medium to large rolling Tarpon in the lagoons and creeks. In addition to the miles upon miles of ankle deep flats that lie between the Turneffe Islands and the surrounding reef, there are also clear, pristine flats located close to the resort. There are few better places for wading the flats in pursuit of bonefish and permit.

    Bonefish, tarpon, permit

    Located in the northeast section of the Turneffe Atoll

    Expansive wading flats

    Stunning wildlife and much to explore, even for the non-angler

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Belize fly fishing trips and packages!

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    Belize Bonefish Release (photo by Pablo Negri)

    Bonefishing at Turneffe Flats Resort

    Bonefish are present in equal numbers throughout the year and they are on the flats most of the time. This differentiates Turneffe’s bonefish from those in other areas, such as the Florida Keys, where bonefish only enter the flats in search of a meal. As a result, these fish can become selective. This can make for challenging fishing and the right tackle, flies, presentation and fishing techniques are all important.The bonefish flats at Turneffe are lush flats composed of hard sand, coral and eelgrass, which are full of crabs and shirmp. Nearly all these flats are wadable, providing an excellent opportunity to stalk bonefish on foot. On the ocean side flats, schools of 25 or more tailing bonefish are common, most of which are 2 – 4 pounds. Larger bonefish, up to 10 pounds, have been caught on the ocean side flats, however, most of the larger bonefish caught at Turneffe Flats Resort are found in the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the Atoll.

    Permit Fishing at Turneffe Flats Resort

    Good Belize Permit

    Permit have become the prime objective of many saltwater anglers these days and with Turneffe Flats leading the way, Belize has gained a reputation as the “Permit Capital of the World.” Permit fishing is as much hunting as it is fishing, and permit present a unique challenge. Many guests have celebrated their first ever permit at Turneffe Flats and anglers may have a better chance to land a permit at Turneffe Flats than anywhere else.

    Most permit are found as singles or in small groups on the flats and bars throughout the Turneffe Atoll, although guests at Turneffe Flats also frequently see larger schools of permit tailing in shallow water, especially on the high tide. Most of the permit fishing is done from a poled skiff, however it’s not uncommon to see permit on the wadeable ocean-side flats.

    Tarpon Fishing at Turneffe Flats Resort

    Turneffe Island Tarpon

    Tarpon are one of the ultimate challenges in saltwater fly-fishing and Turneffe Flats has smaller resident tarpon available year round in the creeks channels, and lagoons, however; big migratory tarpon move in from mid-April – October, with the peak tarpon fishing occurring June, July, and August. Most of the tarpon jumped are 60-90 pounds, with some fish in the 100-150 pound range and occasional monsters approaching 200 pounds.

    Turneffe Flats Accommodations

    Turneffe Flats Resort is comprised of 8 beach cabana style guest rooms, a pair of 3-bedrooms villas, and a main lodge building. The 8 beach cabana guest rooms are large, well appointed double occupancy seaside rooms, with central air-conditioning, ample closet space, dresser, and a sitting area. Each room has a large private bath with two sinks and a shower.

    Turneffe Flats’ two villas each have 3 air-conditioned bedrooms with their own private bathrooms and showers. The three bedrooms have a shared common area, which is comprised of a comfortable lounging area with a satellite television and kitchenette (sink, refrigerator, and kitchen island with barstools).

    Beach Cabana (photo by Terry Gunn)

    The Reef Villa is located on the beach and has possibly the best view of any of the guest rooms. The Garden Villa is set back from beach with a view of the grounds and the Caribbean Sea. The Garden Villa is the newest accommodations at Turneffe Flats and the guest rooms are on the second floor. There is a television area, an exercise room, and a meeting area on the ground floor of the Garden Villa.

    The air-conditioned main Resort building serves as the social center of Turneffe Flats Resort. The main lodge consists of the dining room, bar, gift shop fly shop guest computer email, and a lounge. Outside Turneffe Flats’ main lodge is a large screened in verandah where you can enjoy a view of the Carrabian Sea.

    In addition to a well-established fishing program, Turneffe Flats also has a PADI accredited dive program. Turneffe Flats location offers quick and easy access to some of the most spectacular dive sites in Belize and is also within an hour’s boat ride from the famous Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, and Half Moon Caye. There is a combination fishing/diving package for anglers who are interested in both diving and fishing, which allows guests to divide time between both activities – fishing one day and diving the next day. There is also some excellent snorkeling and diving right near the lodge. Please call or email for pricing on the combination packages.

    Turneffe Flats Fishing 2025 Rates

    Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing

    Peak SEASON (NOW → July 26, 2025)

    Length of StayDouble OccupancySingle Occupancy
    7 Nights/6 Days Fishing$5,890$8,090
    4 Nights/3 Days Fishing$3,590$4,990
    3 Nights/2 Days Fishing$2,290$3,090

    Low Season (AFTER PEAK → DEC. 20, 2025)

    Length of StayDouble OccupancySingle Occupancy
    7 Nights/6 Days Fishing$5,190$7,490
    4 Nights/3 Days Fishing$3,590$4,990
    3 Nights/2 Days Fishing$2,290$3,090

    Rates are per person in US$ and subject to change | Rates do not include tax

    Booking at Turneffe Flats Resort made easy:

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

    Atoll Adventure and Non-Activity Packages available and priced upon request. Partial Week Packages, Diving Packages, and Combination Diving/Fishing Packages available on a space available basis and priced upon request.

    A 50% deposit is necessary to reserve space at Turneffe Flats, due within 2 weeks of the booking date. After receiving your deposit we will send a complete list of tackle and equipment to bring. Final payment is due 65 days prior to departure, after which time all payments are non-refundable.

    Included in Fishing Package: fully guided daily fishing, two anglers per boat and one guide; all land and sea transfers to and from the lodge on Saturdays; all meals at the lodge, including evening hors d’oeuvres; air conditioned, double occupancy lodging as described.

    Not Included: Airfare; gratuities; alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature; equipment rental; $40 Blue Hole entrance fee (where applicable); Belize Taxes. An additional transfer fee may be required when arrival/departure is not done on regularly scheduled days (typically Saturday & Wednesday).

    Angler Adventures has considerable experience making arrangements to Belize. We can assure you the lowest airfares. If you are interested in making reservations at Turneffe Flats, please call or email with any questions or to request a reservation. Thank you for your interest.

    L-R: Arial View of Turneffe Island Resort; Nice Permit (Pablo Negri); Atoll View from a helicopter
    L-R: Hammock on the Beach (Val Atkison); Permit being Released; Turneffe Island Wadable Flats (Terry Gunn)
  • Belize

    Belize

    Updated on

    Belize is a unique fly fishing destination offering excellent fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook year-round; one of the few destinations to consistently produce “Grand Slams” (catching a bonefish, permit and a tarpon on a fly in the same day). One major feature that contributes to the consistency, variety, and quality of the fishing is the Barrier Reef (second largest barrier reef in the world) off the coast of Belize that extends almost 180 miles North – South and protects Belize’s entire shoreline.

    year-round: bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook

    Favorable weather conditions year-round

    Professional guides and deluxe accomodations

    Ecotourism and activities for families and non-anglers

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Belize fly fishing!

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    Central Belize Fishing Lodges

    Thirty miles off the mainland of Belize, on the outside of the Barrier Reef, is the magnificent Turneffe Island (Atoll). The Turneffe Atoll has both interior and ocean-side flats, mangrove lined lagoons and a number of channels that support a uniquely diverse fishery. Angler’s can expect to see Permit and large numbers of smaller bonefish on the ocean-side flats with the interior flats, lagoons, and creeks offering the best shots at Tarpon or larger bonefish (8 lbs+). The two fine lodges operating there that we recommend are, Turneffe Flats and Turneffe Island Resort(formally Turneffe Island Lodge).

    On the mainland of Belize, we recommend the long established Belize River Lodge, which sites on the western bank of the Belize River. Central Belize, where Belize River Lodge is located, is a year round fishery offering a variety of fishing opportunities for Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish or Snook. Belize River Lodge guests can fish any number of productive flats, channels, rivers, creeks and lagoons in a single trip. In addition to the lodge based fishing program, Belize River Lodge also offers “mother ship” fishing trips, which take anglers along the coast of Belize, allowing access to some of the more remote fishing grounds in Belize.

    Northern Belize Fishing Lodges

    Northern Belize is best known for it’s year-round population of tarpon and in the Ambergris Caye area, you’ll find the best conditions for stalking tarpon on clear, shallow flats. When conditions are right, you might see hundreds of tarpon and jump several in a day. Bonefish and good numbers of permit are also in residence, making northern Belize a notable destination for a “Grand Slam”.

    In northern Belize, we recommend the beachfront El Pescador Fishing Lodge, and their upgraded accommodations at El Pescador Villas on Ambergris Caye. El Pescador has been hosting anglers who want to experience Belize fishing since 1974. The current owners, Steve and Chris Spiro and daughter Ali, have made significant upgrades to the property and continued to offer exceptional hospitality since they purchased El Pescador in 1997. Ambergris Caye is a unique fishery with resident Tarpon (10 – 100 lbs) on the flats 12-months out of the year, complimented with summer Tarpon migration. There are also excellent numbers of 2 – 4 pound bonefish and good numbers of small permit, occasionally reaching 15 lbs.

    Southern Belize Fishing Lodges

    The best Permit grounds south of Mexico are found in southern Belize. The Permit fishing is so good in southern Belize that it has been dubbed “Permit Alley” and is where Permit addicts come to get their fix, since Permit guru Charlie Leslie set up a remote, fish camp style lodge on Tarpum Caye, 15 miles off the coast of Belize. Tarpon Caye Lodge is best know for the excellent Permit fishing on the flats of southern Belize, however Tarpon Caye is also a true “Grand Slam” hotspot. Tarpon roll within view of the bedrooms and bonefish are available in good numbers.

    At “Charlie Leslie’s” Tarpon Cay Lodge, the guides set the fishing day around the tide and not the clock, to ensure that anglers don’t miss fishing the best tide while they are eating dinner. The Permit flats are only minutes from Tarpon Caye Lodge by boat, where you’ll see tons of permit, however, catching them is up to you … and a rabbit’s foot, a four-leaf clover, or whatever works for you.

    Our southern most lodge in Belize is located 5-miles north of Punta Gorda, the brand new Belcampo Resort (formerly El Pescador Punta Gorda / Machaca Hill Resort) is an incredible facility with incredible views of the Laughing Falcon Reserve, the Rio Grande River, and the Gulf of Honduras in the distance from the hilltop lodge.

    Which Belize fishing destination is right for me?

    Let us help you find the perfect destination and travel package. Our services are free. We save you time and make all the arrangements!

  • Copal Tree Lodge

    Copal Tree Lodge

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    Copal Tree Lodge in Belize (formerly known as Belcampo Belize, El Pescador Punta Gorda and Machaca Hill Rainforest Canopy Lodge) is a remote and unique eco-tour and fishing lodge in southern Belize. They have deep roots as a fishing lodge, set in some of the most fertile permit fishing grounds anywhere in the world and employs expert flats fishing guides. Copal Tree Lodge describes the lodge as “agritourism-chic” featuring a Jungle Lodge, organic farm, and a 12,000-acre nature reserve. Copal Tree Lodge Belize offers the best in local food and culture, active adventures, wildlife viewing, saltwater fly-fishing, and world-class hospitality.

    year-round: bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook

    Favorable weather conditions year-round

    Professional guides and deluxe accomodations

    Ecotourism possibilities and more in southern Belize

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Belize fly fishing and ecotourism!

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    Copal Tree Lodge, Punta Gorda, located at the southern tip of Belize’s infamous “Permit Alley”, is home to one of the world’s premier permit fisheries. From the riverside marina, Copal Tree boats run 15 minutes down the Rio Grande to enter the Gulf of Honduras. The prime permit fishing areas begin at Sickle Cay, a half mile from the mouth of the river, and extends another 13 miles northeast to the Snake Cays. Within this area are hundreds of tiny islands, cayes with lagoon flats and pop up “pancake” flats just a short distance from the mainland. These include such notable fishing grounds as Mojo Caye, Wild Cane Caye and the Snake Cayes. The outside flats affiliated with many of these cayes tend to be gently sloping off into deeper water allowing permit to be found at all tidal stages. Just inshore from these cayes is the famed Ycacos Lagoon which, particularly on the higher stages of the tide, can be an amazing inshore permit fishery. The narrow channel into the lagoon can also be a hotspot for tarpon who will lie in wait at the mouth of the channel on the outgoing tide.

    Tarpon and snook offer variety options for anglers. While not as abundant as permit, one should always keep an eye out for rolling poons or popping snook, especially when running the river to and from the permit grounds. Resident tarpon are present in the rivers and lagoons year round, and larger migratory fish are sometimes encountered between April and November. Snook fishing is best between November and March. If you wish to target tarpon or snook during your stay, Copal Tree offers access to many more rivers than the Rio Grande, including Golden Stream, Deep River, the Monkey River, and Moho River.

    Bonefishing opportunities are limited, with the best chances existing out at the Sapodilla Cayes, a fairly long run from the lodge. While there are decent numbers of fish there, they tend to be small. If luck is with you in the morning (and you land both a permit and a tarpon), your chances of closing out the Grand Slam are good out at the Sapodillas!

    Formerly known as Belcampo Belize, the lodge was completely revonvated in 2008 – 2009 as Machaca Hill and the new owner purchased the 12,000 acres of rainforest surrounding the lodge. When the lodge became Belcampo (and later Copal Tree Lodge), they continued to elevate their level of service and commitment to the keystone organic crops of cane, cacao, coffee and vanilla, and provide guests with agritourism programs that showcase these exotic ingredients at their origin. Copal Tree Lodge Belize has grown from pioneering ideas of sustainable food production and agritourism to an award-winning, world-class destination, welcoming discerning travellers from around the globe. The 12,000 acres that surrond this lodge have been classified as a private reserve to ensure that the native Belizean flora and fauna that makes this remote and virtually undisturbed wilderness area such an interesting and beautiful place to visit. The reserve surrounding the lodge also creates a unique feeling of privacy.

    Copal Tree Lodge is situated at the plateau summit of “Big Hill or Machaca Hill” over looking the Rio Grande, the rainforest, and the Caribbean Sea. There is a private tram (or a staircase with 365 steps) to take guests from the riverside deck (which includes the waterside dining area and Maya Bar) to the lodge compound 400 feet above the Rio Grande. The lodge portion of Copal Tree cosists of the main lodge bulding with The Jungle Farm Restaurant, The Rum Bar, the spa, lounge areas, a swimming pool, and observation decks with open views of the coast, the Maya Mountains and a seemingly endless pristine rainforest. There are also 16 individual, spacious suites, which are well appointed with plush beds, screened fresh-air verandas, and spa-style bathrooms with floor to ceiling tropical rainforest views.

    The Jungle Farm Restaurant runs on a farm to table philosophy that creates everything in house using ingredients grown on Copal Tree’s farm or locally sourced from nearby farmers, including compassionately and organically raised chickens, sheep and pigs, and a variety of organic produce including many local staples such as mangoes, passion fruit and pityia. The seafood is sourced locally from a team of fishermen who supply Copal Tree with sustainable fish, conch, lobster and wild shrimp. Meals at Copal Tree Lodge Belize are a blend of Mayan, East Indian, Creole, Garifuna, Latin and Indo-Caribbean inspired fare and are prepared by using traditional and modern cooking techniques. There is also the Copal Tree Rum Bar, which is a great place to relax and unwind at the end of each day. A central lounge is surrounded by cool shaded decks perched within the jungle canopy. Cocktails and complimentary snacks are served each day at 6 PM.

    Copal Tree Lodge offers a unique array of non-fishing programs and activities, and well-trained guides focused on a providing a high level of personalized service. These activities at Copal Tree include birding and wildlife tours, jungle excursions, caving adventures, night time jungle hikes and drives, river tours, nighttime river cruises, snorkeling, diving, yoga, spa treatments, and explorations of the Mayan culture.

    Copal Tree Lodge Belize 2025 Rates

    We’re updating this page with 2025 rates! Contact us below!

    Included in the package cost are: number of days guided fishing; number of nights lodging; 3 meals per day and after fishing hors d’oeuvres; laundry service; use of all amenities (pool, internet, tram, canoes, bikes, etc); transfers from/to Punta Gorda Airstrip; taxes / fees.

    Not included in the above rate are: Air transportation to and from Belize City; Roundtrip air Belize City / Punta Gorda ($280 pp, rate subject to change); rental tackle; beverages; gratuities; additional tours/sightseeing days. Additional expenses such as transfers, hotels, meals incurred due to delays or other unforeseen events. Other expenses might include tips to baggage handlers at Belize International Airport, $1 (US) per bag is adequate and the Belize Departure Tax.

  • El Pescador Villas

    El Pescador Villas

    Updated on

    The El Pescador Villas are the luxury accommodations at El Pescador Resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Eight exotic and well appointed two-story villas are each comprised of 3-bedrooms, 3-bathrooms, a great room, and a verandah. All of the El Pescador Villas have coral stone tiled floors, walls filled with paintings, crafts and tapestries by local artists, and are decorated with handcrafted furniture of tropical hardwoods, bamboo, or traditional wicker. There is also an exotic array of tropical flowers and greenery tucked here and there to welcome guests to paradise.

    El Pescador Resort on Ambergris Caye in Belize is the oldest and most established fishing lodge in Belize. It’s also one of the premier fly fishing destinations for a “Grand Slam” and one of the only areas where tarpon can be caught on the flats, year-round. Ambergris Caye is considered an island, but it is really the southern most tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, and is tucked behind the northern reaches of Belize’s barrier reef.

    Year-round tarpon; Partial year: bonefish, permit; Occasional: snook.

    Favorable weather conditions year-round

    Professional guides and deluxe accomodations

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about El Pescador Private Villas

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    Two sets of four villas are set on opposite ends of El Pescador’s main lodge building in the tropical gardens, surrounding a private pool, and provide stunning views. The villas are only a short walk from the main lodge; far enough away allow guests privacy but close enough to allow access to all of the amenities and services offered at El Pescador. Amenities include 3 swimming pools; Complimentary Kayaks; Complimentary Bicycles; Fishing Instructor; SCUBA Diving Instructor;

    Email service; Tour Office; Gift and sundry Shop; The Exclusive “Scientific Angler Mastery Series” Fly Shop in Belize; Bar and Restaurant.

    The Great-Room in each villa is on the second floor. To access the great-room, guests ascend a dramatic plank staircase and pass through a mahogany door. All the Great-Rooms have high cathedral ceilings with polished Belizean hardwoods. In the Great-Room, there is a dining area (comfortably seating 6 for dinner), a full kitchen with all the appliances and gadgets, and a large open living area. This large open room has great views of the Caribbean, the beach, and the barrier reef.

    French doors lead from the Great-Room to the 250 square foot covered verandah on the second floor. The verandahs are furnished with sofas or hammocks offering a great place to enjoy the sea breeze, the sunrise, or the sunset. The ground floor also has a covered verandah with private entrances to both downstairs suites with views of the beach, the Caribbean Sea, and the Barrier Reef. It’s no wonder that the verandahs become a favorite spot for El Pescador Villa guests.

    Each two-story El Pescador Villa has 3 bedrooms, one on the second story and two on the ground floor. Each bedroom has an excellent view of the Caribbean. These master suites are fully self-contained with luxurious bathrooms, featuring his and hers hand-made ceramic sinks and matching tiles, excellent showers, spacious closets, and fluffy towels. The suites are configured to “lock-off”, enabling guests to have 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms and enjoy their own private unit. In other words, it’s possible to have the entire villa as a home-away-from-home, or request only a single suite.

    El Pescador Fly Fishing Resort 2025 Rates

    Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing

    Winter/Spring SEASON (NOW → July 31, 2025)

    Length of StayDouble Occupancy / 2 per boatSingle Occupancy / 2 per boatDouble Occupancy / 1 per boatSingle Occupancy / 1 per boat
    3 Nights Stay / 2 Days Fishing$2,612$3,312$3,262$3,962
    4 Nights Stay / 3 Days Fishing$3,403$4,228$4,378$5,203
    5 Nights Stay / 4 Days Fishing$4,204$5,154$5,504$6,454
    6 Nights Stay / 5 Days Fishing$4,984$6,059$6,609$7,684
    7 Nights Stay / 6 Days Fishing$5,745$6,945$7,695$8,895
    Extra Night + Day$814$923$1,139$1,248

    Summer/Fall Season (Aug. 1 → NOV. 14, 2025)

    Length of StayDouble Occupancy / 2 per boatSingle Occupancy / 2 per boatDouble Occupancy / 1 per boatSingle Occupancy / 1 per boat
    3 Nights Stay / 2 Days Fishing$2,337$2,932$2,987$3,582
    4 Nights Stay / 3 Days Fishing$3,037$3,722$4,012$4,697
    5 Nights Stay / 4 Days Fishing$3,746$4,521$5,046$5,821
    6 Nights Stay / 5 Days Fishing$4,435$5,300$6,060$6,925
    7 Nights Stay / 6 Days Fishing$5,104$6,059$7,054$8,009
    Extra Night + Day$699$785$1,024$1,100

    Rates are per person in US$ and subject to change | For longer stays contact us

     Villa Upgrades for US$ 300 + tax

    • 1 room → 1-bedroom villa
    • 2 rooms → 2-bedroom villa 
    • 3 rooms → 3-bedroom villa
    • Rates are in total, not per person, subject to availability

    Booking at El Pescador Resort is easy:

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

    There is a 3 Night minimum stay at El Pescador, Ambergris Cay. Most fisherman stay at least a week. Complete Dive and Ecotourism Packages are also available. Please call for more information.

    Fishing Packages Include: The number of nights lodging and days fishing specified in your package, round-trip air, land and sea transfers between Belize City and El Pescador, hotel tax, sales tax where applicable; hors d’oeuvres; 3 meals per day, local Belizean beverages including local beer, soda and rum, complimentary use of all amenities (pools, Internet, kayaks, bikes, etc.) and a welcome drink.

    Not Included: Imported beverages, liquors such as Scotch or Cranberry juice, Fishing license, Park fees (if applicable), fishing gear (may be borrowed based on availability), diving gear (may be rented), gratuities.

    Reservation Policy: A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is necessary to secure a reservation, after receiving your deposit, we will provide you with a complete list of tackle and clothing to bring.