Belize

The morning commute at the famous El Pescador Lodge. Photo: El Pescador Lodge

With the lowest population density in Central America, a diverse and laid-back English-speaking population, abundant rivers, numerous inland wildlife reserves, endless flats, hundreds of small islands, and the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize is a travel-friendly, nature-lover’s paradise. With incredibly healthy populations of bonefish, permit, tarpon, jacks, and snook, there is enough diversity to keep even the most hardened angler captivated. Likewise, those not interested in fishing have countless options, including snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle tours, guided birding, eco-adventures, and Mayan ruin tours.

El Pescador Lodge Located on the island of Ambergris Caye, hardcore anglers and non-fishing guests alike will find 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-appointed, two- or three-bedroom private villas. El Pescador Lodge combines exceptional service, quality fishing and an abundance of exciting activities. Rate: $4,700 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Belize River Lodge Belize River Lodge rests quietly on the lush green banks of the Old Belize River and is easy to reach from the states. This historic mahogany lodge is well known for providing a warm tropical experience and easy access to what we consider the most diverse array of saltwater fisheries in Belize. The lodge is close to wind-protected river systems with large resident rolling tarpon and countless offshore cayes loaded with permit, bonefish, and snook. Belize River Lodge may be one of the world’s best places to capture an elusive inshore super grand slam (bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook all caught and released in a single day). Rate: $4,575 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Long Caye Island Resort Owned and managed by the same team as Belize River Lodge, this quaint three-bedroom house lies on a small island with a private beach and productive flat right out the front door. This idyllic outpost gives guests immediate access to a huge number of the most productive waters in the region. Catering to private groups of no more than six people, this intimate operation is the perfect setting for a small-group getaway. Rate: $4,475 per person for a 7 night/6 day package based on 4 anglers

Garbutt’s Fishing Lodge The Garbutt brother’s fishing lodge is located in the small village of Punta Gorda near Belize’s southern border with Guatemala. The Garbutt’s are master permit hunters and focus on the prolific waters of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. This rich, 847-squarekilometer network of lagoons, islands, reefs, and flats provide for some of the most diverse and least-pressured permit grounds found anywhere in the world. For a no frills, affordable, educational, and highly focused permit experience, this location is it. Rates: $3,000 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Turneffe Flats Lodge For more than 20 years, Turneffe Flats Lodge has been a mecca for serious anglers. Long recognized as one of Belize’s top saltwater fly fishing destinations, the lodge also offers premiere scuba diving and marine eco-tourism opportunities. Located on the vast Turneffe Atoll, Turneffe Flats Lodge boasts a remarkable diversity of varied saltwater experiences. The management team consistently provides top-notch experiences and thoroughly understands how to take care of non-angling companions. Rates: $4,090-$4,690 plus tax per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Copal Tree Lodge Sitting atop a picturesque jungle ridge above the small Belizean village of Punta Gorda is the beautiful Copal Tree Lodge and farm. Copal Tree is a paradise for adventure seekers, foodies, spa goers, couples, and fly anglers seeking to experience some of the most prolific permit grounds found anywhere in the world. Copal Tree is truly “farm-to-table,” as their operation produces 80 percent of everything served at the lodge. Chefs use the farm as their private culinary playground to create virtuosic cuisine with some of their fresh ingredients. Anglers target permit, tarpon, and bonefish with legendary local guides from the nearby Garbutt’s Fishing Lodge. We are pleased to offer Copal Tree as one of the most unique, luxurious, and interesting programs in the saltwater world. Rates: $3,775-$5,300 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Thatch Caye Resort Located in the heart of southern Belize’s famed Permit Alley, Thatch Caye is a 20-person eco-lodge where guests fish with the region’s most accomplished permit guides. Thatch Caye is a stand-alone operation on a small private island roughly nine miles southeast of Dangriga.The main lodge and surrounding guest bungalows masterfully combine the rustic appeal of an adventure lodge with all the modern creature comforts. Their over-water accommodations offer a unique setting where guests can enjoy a morning cup of coffee while scanning the flats for tailing permit. Guests target permit with experienced and skilled guides from Blue Horizon, while others enjoy a wide range of activities provided by the lodge. Rates: $4,325 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Over the past 20 years, Fly Water Travel has come to understand that the journey is often more important than the destination, that the relationships we build are more important than our catches, and that how we treat others is the true measure by which we are judged as anglers, service providers, and individuals.