El Pescador Lodge

El Pescador is a famous and longstanding Belizean fly fishing lodge located on Ambergris Caye, offering hardcore anglers and non-fishing guests alike a myriad of activities within easy striking distance. Bonefish, permit, snook, jacks, barracuda, and both resident and migratory tarpon are all available from El Pescador. Spectacular snorkeling, diving, and kayaking as well as eco-tour programs are available. For those who prefer to just relax, three on-site swimming pools are ready and waiting. Additionally, the charming tourist town of San Pedro is just minutes away by boat. Small groups can also take advantage of well-appointee, two- or three-bedroom private villas. El Pescador Lodge combines exceptional service, quality fishing and an abundance of exciting activities.

Anglers at El Pescador have access to 400 square miles of inshore flats, running from the Mexican border south to Belize City, and from to the barrier reef west to the Belizean mainland. This vast fishery offers guests the chance to achieve the ultimate fly anglers' dream - a Grand Slam of bonefish, tarpon, and permit all in one day. As one of the first fly fishing lodges in Belize, El Pescador has the benefit of three generations of guides, many of whom have been there for decades. These are some of the most experienced guides in Belize, incredibly experienced and professional, and they know every detail of the flats surrounding Ambergris Caye. Each pair of anglers will fish with one guide.

The bonefishing grounds are only minutes from the lodge and while most of the bonefishing is done from the bow of the boat, there are flats that can be waded as well. The bonefish range from 2- to 5-pounds and are plentiful. The El Pescador fishery also has resident tarpon over 100 pounds. These resident tarpon are spread out over a 250-square mile area, but in the late summer (July to September), an influx of a large migratory fish effectively doubles the population. Moon phases tend to affect tarpon more than other species, so anglers wishing to target them should plan accordingly.

Permit are found on the flats as well and range from 4- to 30-pounds, with the majority running between 8- and 10-pounds. While on the flats or in the surrounding mangrove lagoons, anglers may also encounter snook, jack crevalle, barracuda, cobia and lady fish. Anglers also have the option to go outside the reef into deeper water to fish for tuna and wahoo, troll the reef for king fish and barracuda or bottom-fish for snapper and grouper.

Guests at El Pescador have the option to stay in the main lodge or private villas. The main lodge is located on the beach surrounded by fragrant tropical plants and shady palms. Each of the thirteen guest rooms in the main lodge face the sea and are steps away from the swimming pool. Each has a private bath, overhead fans and air-conditioning. The villas are private, three-bedroom and bathroom homes, which can be locked-off to accommodate varying group sizes. Each two-story villa features cathedral ceilings, large open kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, and French doors that open to wide covered verandas.

El Pescador's on-site restaurant specializes in fresh, local Caribbean cuisine, and meals are served in an outdoor dining pavilion. The menu includes local seafood, delicious meats and vegetarian and vegan options produced from family-owned and local farms on mainland Belize. Please notify your server of any special dietary needs. The Grand Slam Bar is a perfect place to relax after a full day of fishing or adventuring. The bar features a full selection of both local and imported beverages, plus pool and foosball tables, and a fly tying area.

Guests at El Pescador can also enjoy a variety of non-angling activities. Options include massages, diving, snorkeling, golf, or jungle river cruises to Mayan archeological sites. Sea kayaks and canoes can be used to explore the extensive system of lagoons behind the property and Ambergris Caye offers divers incredible adventures exploring virgin reefs and cays as well. The abundance of living corals and marine life along the barrier reef is remarkable. Divers may encounter schools of porpoises, rays, turtles, and a multitude of tropical fish species.

Day 1: Arrive in Belize and transfer to El Pescador Lodge

Days 2-7: Full days of guided fishing

Day 8: Depart lodge.

2024-25 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

December 16, 2024 - July 31, 2025:

• 7 night/6 day package: $5,745 plus tax
• 6 night/5 day package: $4,984 plus tax
• 5 night/4 day package: $4,204 plus tax
• 4 night/3 day package: $3,403 plus tax
• 3 night/2 day package: $2,612 plus tax

August 1 - November 14:

• 7 night/6 day package: $5,140 plus tax
• 6 night/5 day package: $4,435 plus tax
• 5 night/4 day package: $3,746 plus tax
• 4 night/3 day package: $3,037 plus tax
• 3 night/2 day package: $2,337 plus tax

Included: Round trip land, air and sea transfers between Belize City and El Pescador, guided fishing, three meals per day, appetizers, local Belizean beverages consumed at the lodge bar (including soda, beer, and local rum), fly fishing lessons, complimentary use of all amenities (pools, internet, gym, kayaks, bikes, etc.), and a welcome drink.

Not Included: Airfare to Belize City, fishing license, park fees (if applicable), fishing gear (which may be borrowed based on availability), diving gear (which may be rented), imported beverages, terminal tackle, gratuities.

Species: Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, barracuda, jacks

Season: Year - round

Capacity: 35 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? Anyone from first time fly fishers to ardent saltwater anglers looking to travel with companions or families with diverse outdoor interests.

Where is the lodge? El Pescador Lodge and Villas is located on the eastern shoreline of Belize's Ambergris Caye, seven minutes by boat from the small town of San Pedro.

How do I get there? Anglers access El Pescador by flying into the Belize International Airport and connecting with Tropic Air for a short 11 minute flight to San Pedro. From San Pedro, it is a seven minute boat ride to the lodge.

When should I go? El Pescador is open year-round. February through May is prime time with September through November offering a fantastic secondary season. The lodge typically runs a summer/fall pricing special which can be great for chasing tarpon and is also easier on the budget.

How will I fish? Anglers fish two per boat with a single guide and take turns fishing. Purpose built panga style skiffs are specifically setup for fly fishing and the lodge offers an experienced staff of local guides.

Is there wade fishing? Most fishing is accomplished from the boat with a few opportunities to wade depending on your fishing desires.

Where will I fish? The fishing program focuses on the flats, lagoons and numerous cays of northern Belize.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? There are productive bonefish zones within 20 minutes of the lodge. Depending on conditions, productive tarpon and permit areas can be in excess of an hour from the lodge. It's a good idea to discuss your preferences of travel time with the on-site fishing manger when you arrive.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, jacks, snapper and snook are all available at El Pescador. The majority of bonefish are in the 1 to 2 pound class. The available fish species can vary greatly each day so we recommend anglers come to El Pescador prepared for anything and follow their guide's advice on what fish to chase each day. Many times it's a case of taking what the day gives you instead of pigeon holing yourself in to one species or another. Migratory tarpon may be present from late May to September. Guides are able to find bonefish on most days while on other days you may focus on schools of small permit. Sometimes it's a case of patrolling the mangrove edges for snook or dredging a channel for laid up migratory tarpon. Our best advice is to have a frank talk with the fishing manager and your guide to make a general game plan, but then be willing to change the whole plan at a moment's notice.

How many fish will I catch? Conditions can be variable. Any time you hook double-digit numbers of bonefish, it's a good day. Permit can be challenging so if you land one in a week, that's a good performance. In season, large tarpon can be found which can be tough to catch but just one will certainly be a memorable experience. It's best to come to Belize with a “throw at anything that moves” mentality rather than a specific species goal.

Will I see other anglers? It's common to see other anglers while fishing in this area. However, it is rare for fishing pressure to negatively impact your day.

What are the guides like? El Pescador's guides are local Belizean captains with extensive training from the lodge and are experienced on their waters. It's a good idea to let us help you match your fishing goals with a guide that best matches your desires and skill level. English is the first language of guides in Belize.

What are the physical demands? Good balance in the boat and casting proficiency always helps keep the score in your favor.

Are there any special skills required? Good casters will always benefit when fly fishing in saltwater.

Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes, El Pescador offers a full fleet of loaner equipment as well as having a well stocked fly shop on-site. In the event that you use flies and tackle provided by your guide, it will be added to your bill at the end of your week.

What is a typical day like? What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The lodge is typically bustling with guests and anglers. In the evenings, the music is on and the post fishing revelry gets into full swing. The staff is attentive, smiling and ready to help with anything guests need. The bar area features a pool table, foosball and plenty of lounge space for spinning fishing yarns.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? El Pescador is a family owned and operated business. Management is always around and very helpful and the owners are sometimes on site. El Pescador is one of the only lodges that employs a dedicated fishing manager to help out with requests, plan the next day's fishing and create accurate fishing reports. Casting lessons on the dock in front of the lodge occur every evening after fishing to help those in need brush up on their skills.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are a perfect blend of traditional Belizean and American cuisine with several options to choose from at each meal. Guests typically dine alfresco under warm Belizean skies.

What is the alcohol policy? Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Accommodations at El Pescador are elegant and luxurious. Private villa upgrades can offer an exclusive opportunity to reside away from the main lodge. Units are complete with kitchens, private baths, living room areas, decks and adjoining swimming pools.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Wi-fi is available throughout the lodge and some mobile phone services do work. You'll need to check with your provider. El Pescador is a great destination for those that need to stay in touch.

Are there other activities? Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, biking, kayaking and eco-adventures.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.