LOCATION
Belize City, Belize (Central America)
SEASON
Year-Round
CAPACITY
Total capacity for Belize River Lodge is 16 anglers (based on double occupancy)
SPECIES
Bonefish, tarpon, snook and permit, with possibilities for barracuda, jacks, snapper and more
GENERAL INFORMATION
In operation for over 50 years, Belize River Lodge was the first fishing lodge built in this part of the Caribbean. Today, the lodge is still going strong, offering anglers easy access to several rivers, creeks, the Barrier Reef, and the area’s vast offshore system of flats and mangrove cayes.
LENGTH OF STAY
The average package is a one week (six fishing days and seven nights) package, although trips and itineraries of any length can be accommodated.
THE FISHING
Belize River Lodge offers anglers access to an extremely large area and wide variety of fishing conditions, fish species, habitat, and scenery. Fish species generally found in the area include bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, cubera snapper, jacks, barracuda, grouper, and others.
In this particular area of Belize, you will find a complex system of river mouths, creeks, lagoons, flats, small cayes, mangrove islands, and – further offshore – the Barrier Reef. Bonefish within this ecosystem average from two to four pounds, with larger fish found on a regular basis throughout the year. The tarpon fishing in this part of the Caribbean can be amazing, as the area is home to resident fish that range in size from five to over 200 pounds. The greatest number of larger tarpon are typically found in the months of March through July and September through November, although “giants” have been caught every month of the year. As far as the permit fishing goes, this part of the coast offers some excellent habitat and flats that are home to fish ranging in size from five to over 30 pounds. Permit in this area can be found throughout the year. For anglers interested in chasing snook, the rivers, creeks and mangrove lagoons fished from the lodge offer some of the best possibilities in the region.
For nature lovers, many species of birds and other wildlife such as manatees, howler monkeys, iguanas, turtles, and occasionally crocodiles may be seen while fishing from the lodge.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED
Anglers fish from 23-foot pangas (flats skiffs) - usually two-to-a-boat. Each panga is equipped with a poling platform, removable lean-bar (casting brace) on the bow, rod holders, and a modern outboard engine. All of the lodge guides are Belizeans who know the area waters well. The guides are friendly, talented, hard working, patient, and very capable of offering instruction, whether you are a fly caster or spin fisherman.
THE LODGING
Located in a true jungle setting only minutes from the Belize International Airport, the lodge sits directly on the banks of the Belize River amongst the palm, coconut, mahogany, logwood and mango trees. Accommodation options at B.R.L. include the Guest House, the Cottage, and the Bungalow.
The Guest House
A two story mahogany building that features four separate rooms. Each room features two single beds, a private shower, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and a screened veranda overlooking the Belize River.
The Cottage
A great set-up for two groups of two or a single family of four. Each room has a private shower, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and two single beds. Both rooms are separated by a connecting door and share an open veranda. One of the cottage rooms also features an additional sitting area.
The Bungalow
Features two rooms, each with a double and a single bed, private shower, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and a large screened veranda. The main Lodge houses the kitchen, the office, a small gift shop, “Mike's Fishing Closet”, a well-stocked fly tying area, the dining room, lounge area, a screened-in porch, and a self service bar. From the lodge’s kitchen comes a popular selection of the best Belizean, Creole, and American cuisine, and the cooks use the freshest and finest ingredients from throughout the area. The dining room's claim to fame are the three solid-slab mahogany dining tables, for years home to some of the finest dining, socializing, and story telling in all of Belize! When you return to the lodge from fishing each day, fresh water and ice will be ready and waiting in your room. Each evening your bed will be turned down for you during dinner.
TYPICAL DAILY FISHING SCHEDULE AT THE LODGE
6:00 AM
Coffee or tea served on the lodge verandah, followed by a full breakfast served in the dining room.
7:30 AM
Guides are ready and waiting at the dock, where you and your guide can determine where and what to fish for that day based on weather and target species. Typical run time to where you will be fishing averages 30 minutes.
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A full eight to nine hour day of guided fishing. Mid day, depending on what’s happening with the fishing, the guide will find a cool, shady spot for lunch (usually under an overhanging mangrove.) Lunch is prepared by the lodge kitchen and consists of sandwiches, fruit, chips and dessert packed in a cooler with an assortment of soft drinks, beer, water, etc. The afternoon fishing usually continues until about 5:00 PM, when the skiff heads back to the lodge. Rods and reels are rinsed off dockside and stored in a convenient rack near the main lodge, safe from screen doors and ceiling fans.
6:00 PM
Relax on the veranda with appetizers, drinks and stories from the day.
7:00 PM
Dinner served in the main dining room. Later, you can relax on the screened-in porch, enjoy an after-dinner cocktail, and reminisce on the day's fishing. Feel free to tie flies for the next morning’s fishing at the community tying bench.
RATES & DETAILS
2009
One week packages listed below are per person, based on double occupancy (two per room and two per guide/boat.) Other rates apply for shorter packages, non-anglers, and single fishermen. Please contact Yellow Dog for additional details.
TRIP LENGTH |
2 Per Room, 2 Per Boat |
1 Per Room, 1 Per Boat |
Non-Angler Rate |
Children Under 12
(Fishing) |
8 Nights / 7 Fishing Days |
$3,830 |
$5,024 |
$3,174 |
$1,915 |
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days |
$3,470 |
$4,563 |
$2,863 |
$1,735 |
6 Nights / 5 Fishing Days |
$2,921 |
$3,838 |
$2,411 |
$1,460 |
4 Nights / 3 Fishing Days |
$1,941 |
$2,551 |
$1,603 |
$970 |
1/2 Day Fishing (Add On) |
+ $237 |
+ $474 |
+ $237 |
+ $237 |
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The number of nights lodging and days fishing specified in your package, round trip land transfers between Belize International Airport and the lodge, 7% hotel tax, sales tax where applicable, three meals per day, and soda and drinking water.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flight to Belize City, beer and alcohol, gratuities for guides and staff, fishing equipment and tackle, non-fishing activities and adventure packages, and Belizean departure tax.
DEPOSIT INFORMATION
Full payment for the day trip(s) is due to us within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, personal check, or money order.
HOW TO GET THERE
International flights to Belize go through Miami, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Charlotte. The major airlines that service Belize are American, Continental, US Air, Delta, and Taca. The close proximity of Belize River Lodge to the International Airport means that you can arrive into Belize at any time of the day and easily transfer to the lodge without worrying about additional in-country flights and further travel time.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
A valid passport is required for all visitors to Belize and must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the duration of your stay. Citizens of the U.S., the British Commonwealth, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community are NOT required to have Visas.
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
The country of Belize is a very interesting place to visit, with a diverse culture, a varied landscape and a plethora of activities. Requests from anglers and non-fishing visitors wishing to know and see more of Belize have prompted Belize River Lodge to develop a program catering to non-angling guests and visitors. The fact that Belize River Lodge offers a multitude of customized, personalized half-day and full-day tours makes this one of our very favorite places in Belize for non-anglers. If you’re an angler that will be traveling with non-anglers, or if you’re looking to take in a day or two of alternate activities to compliment your fishing, then this is a destination that should seriously be considered. All of the tours arranged through the lodge are guided by professional, English speaking guides and tour operators. Tour choices include numerous Mayan ruins, caves and waterfalls, horseback riding, bird watching, manatee watching trips, wildlife trips to view howler monkeys, iguanas, turtles, and crocodiles, trips to the Belize Zoo, snorkeling, scuba diving San Pedro and HolChan Marine Park, day trips to Ambergris Caye, Tikal in Guatemala, and much more.
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