El Pescador Lodge
Belize
Accommodation
Beach Lodge
Season
Year-Round
Species
Permit, Tarpon, Bonefish
Fishing Style
Fly Fishing & Conventional
El Pescador Lodge 🇧🇿
El Pescador Lodge is a saltwater fishing lodge on the Caribbean shore of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Located just north of San Pedro, the lodge gives anglers direct access to an extensive network of shallow flats, mangrove lagoons and channels stretching from the Mexican border towards Belize City. Bonefish, permit and tarpon are the main targets, with the possibility of completing a Belize Grand Slam by catching all three species in a single day. Comfortable beachfront rooms, private villas and simple travel connections make El Pescador suitable for experienced saltwater anglers, first-time flats anglers, couples and small groups.
The main fishing program at El Pescador is based around sight-casting for bonefish, permit and tarpon across approximately 400 square miles of shallow inshore water. The bonefish flats begin close to the lodge, while longer runs may take anglers to permit and tarpon water around remote cayes, mangrove shorelines, lagoons and the mainland coast. Guides choose each day’s fishing area according to tides, wind, visibility, recent fish movements and the priorities of the anglers.
Bonefish are present throughout the year and provide the most consistent action. Permit may be found alone or in schools on both bonefish and tarpon flats, while resident tarpon are available year-round. Larger migratory tarpon generally enter the area from mid-June through mid-September, with August and September normally offering the strongest opportunity for these fish. Weather, wind and visibility have a major influence on flats fishing, so daily conditions are often more important than the month alone.
Fishing is carried out from panga-style flats skiffs with one or two anglers and an English-speaking guide. The standard guided day runs from approximately 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Most fly fishing is done with floating lines, with anglers alternating time on the bow while the guide poles and searches for fish. Opportunities can develop quickly, particularly when targeting permit and tarpon, so anglers should be prepared to make accurate casts with limited false casting. Spin fishing can also be arranged.
El Pescador also offers reef and offshore fishing. Reef trips target snapper, barracuda, grouper, jacks and other species along the Belize Barrier Reef, while offshore charters may encounter wahoo, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and larger snapper. These trips provide an alternative for anglers who want a break from technical flats fishing or prefer conventional tackle. Bonefish, permit and tarpon are protected catch-and-release species throughout Belize.
Anglers can stay in beachfront rooms within the main lodge or upgrade to a private villa. The main lodge rooms are air-conditioned and include private ensuite bathrooms, overhead fans, ocean views, Wi-Fi, toiletries and hair dryers. A larger Sunrise Suite is also available as an upgraded option.
The private villas are two-storey, three-bedroom homes that can be reserved in one, two or three-bedroom configurations. Each villa has three bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, indoor living and dining space, covered verandas and direct access to the beach. The lower level also has a private plunge pool and outdoor patio, making the villas particularly practical for families and groups travelling together.
The resort has three swimming pools, private beach areas, an on-site spa, a fly shop and the Grand Slam Bar and Restaurant. Complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles are available, while Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. Meals focus on fresh Caribbean and Belizean cooking, with vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options available. Breakfast is served early enough for fishing departures, and dinner is served after anglers return from the water.
El Pescador Lodge is located 2.6 miles north of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, off the Caribbean coast of Belize. International anglers fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, usually shown on flight schedules as BZE. Anglers should arrange international flights to arrive and depart between approximately 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.
After clearing immigration and customs in Belize City, anglers check in for the approximately 20-minute domestic flight to San Pedro. An El Pescador representative meets anglers at the San Pedro airport and transfers them a short distance by taxi to the pier. The final journey to the lodge is a boat ride of approximately seven minutes. A road transfer may be used when weather conditions prevent the boat journey.
Round-trip domestic flights and the connecting land and boat transfers between Belize City and El Pescador are included in the all-inclusive fishing packages. This allows anglers to complete the journey from the international airport to the lodge without arranging separate local transport.
Rates Per Angler:
Starting from $2,556.00 per person
What’s Included:
- The specified number of nights in a standard lodge room
- The specified number of guided fishing days
- One or two anglers per boat, according to the package booked
- Round-trip domestic flights between Belize City and San Pedro
- Connecting land and boat transfers between San Pedro and the lodge
- Three meals per day
- Afternoon snacks or hors d’oeuvres
- Selected local beverages at the lodge bar
- Complimentary use of swimming pools, Wi-Fi, kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles
- Access to demo rods and reels, subject to availability
What’s Not Included:
- International flights to and from Belize
- Applicable Belize taxes and fees
- Belize sport-fishing licence
- Marine park fees where applicable
- Flies, leaders, tippet and other terminal tackle
- Imported and premium beverages
- Private villa upgrades
- Spa treatments
- Reef, offshore, diving and other optional excursions unless specifically included
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Travel and emergency medical insuranc
Day 1: Arrival at El Pescador Lodge
Arrive at Belize City International Airport and take the short domestic flight to San Pedro. An El Pescador representative meets anglers on arrival and manages the taxi and boat transfers to the lodge. After checking in, anglers can prepare equipment, meet the fishing team and enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Days 2 to 7: Guided Fishing Days
Each morning begins with an early breakfast before anglers meet their guide and depart at approximately 7:00 am. The day may focus on bonefish, permit, tarpon or a combination of species, depending on tides, weather and the interests of the anglers. A packed lunch is taken on the boat, and anglers return to the lodge at approximately 3:00 pm. Complimentary casting instruction is normally available during the afternoon, followed by time to relax before dinner.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, anglers travel by lodge boat and taxi to San Pedro Airport before taking the domestic flight to Belize City. Anglers then connect with their onward international flight.
What level of fishing experience is required?
El Pescador accommodates anglers ranging from first-time fly anglers to experienced permit and tarpon anglers. Complimentary casting lessons are available at the lodge, and guides can provide instruction during the fishing day. Anglers targeting permit and larger tarpon will benefit from being able to cast accurately in wind and deliver a fly quickly.
How many anglers fish from each boat?
Fishing packages are normally based on two anglers sharing a boat and guide. Anglers alternate time on the bow during the day. Single-angler boat packages are also available at a higher rate.
What fishing equipment should anglers bring?
A 7 or 8-weight rod is suitable for bonefish and lighter permit fishing, while 10 to 12-weight outfits are recommended for larger tarpon. Demo fly and spin outfits may be borrowed free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Anglers should bring their own equipment where possible, as well as leaders, tippet and flies. Additional tackle can be purchased from the lodge fly shop.
Is a Belize fishing licence required?
Yes. Anglers require a valid Belize sport-fishing licence. Current licence rates are US$10 per day, US$25 per week or US$50 per year. Anglers under 12 do not currently require a licence. Licence costs are not included in the package.
What is the best time to fish at El Pescador?
Bonefish, permit and resident tarpon can be targeted throughout the year. Larger migratory tarpon are generally present from mid-June through mid-September. Wind, cloud cover, tides and water conditions can affect sight-fishing during any month.
How physically demanding is the fishing?
A standard fishing day lasts approximately eight hours and is spent mainly aboard a flats skiff. Wading is not required, and the boats have seating and leaning bars. The heat, sun and repeated casting can still be tiring, so anglers should bring sun-protective clothing, polarized glasses and lightweight rainwear.
Can conventional anglers fish at El Pescador?
Yes. Guides accommodate both fly and spin anglers. Conventional fishing can be used for flats species, while reef and offshore trips provide further opportunities for snapper, grouper, barracuda, jacks, tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi.
