Copal Tree Lodge opens the door to some of the most remote and rewarding saltwater fly fishing in Belize, set deep within the unpressured waters of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. This is where you escape the crowds to stalk tailing Permit on white sand, roll cast to Tarpon in shaded mangrove lagoons and sight-fish Bonefish in clean, quiet shallows.
Fishing is two anglers per guide with an experienced local team who know every tide, flat and cut. This is true Grand Slam territory. The variety of water means every day is different, with real chances at Permit on the flats, Bonefish that take and run hard, and both juvenile and migratory Tarpon moving through the system.
Copal Tree itself is in a class of its own. Perched above the jungle canopy on a private estate, it combines luxury with sustainability. Suites feature private terraces, panoramic views and en-suite bathrooms. The lodge’s organic farm supplies much of the produce, and the on-site distillery crafts its own rum. Dining is a highlight, with chef-prepared cuisine blending Belizean flavours with international style, paired with fine wines and tropical cocktails. The jungle spa and infinity pool provide another layer of comfort after long days on the water.
Book your trip today with Sportquest Holidays and experience Copal Tree Lodge, where world-class saltwater fly fishing meets exceptional hospitality in one of Belize’s most exclusive settings.
The season runs from January to December.
Season: All Year
Peak: December to July
Weight: 2lb to 40lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Season: All Year
Peak: December to July
Weight: 2lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 3.5lb
Season: All Year
Peak: April & May
Weight: 5lb to 100lb
Average Weight: 30lb
Season: All Year
Peak: December to July
Weight: 2lb to 15lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Belize City
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Belize City
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
General Note
General Note
Upon arrival at Belize International Airport, you’ll be met by your own personal Copal Tree airport concierge who will assist you in making the connecting flight to Punta Gorda.
Depart Belize City - Arrive Punta Gorda
Depart Belize City - Arrive Punta Gorda
Depart: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Arrive: Punta Gorda Airport
Transfer from Punta Gorda Airport to Copal Tree Lodge
Transfer from Punta Gorda Airport to Copal Tree Lodge
Once you arrive in Punta Gorda, a Copal Tree representative will greet you, assist with your luggage, and transfer you to the lodge, a scenic drive of approximately 20 minutes.
Copal Tree Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Copal Tree Lodge in a Main Lodge Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your first two fishing days, you’ll get to experience the first-class fly fishing on offer at Copal Tree Lodge. Throughout your week, you can choose to fish between the saltwater flats of the Caribbean Sea, located just ten minutes from the accommodation and the Rio Grande River, which it overlooks.
The latter is home to an abundant population of Tarpon, Snook, Snappers and Jacks, while the flats are renowned for their populations of Permit and Bonefish.
Copal Tree Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Copal Tree Lodge in a Main Lodge Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your third and fourth fishing days, and for the entirety of your trip, you’ll be wetting a fly from the lodge’s 23-foot Mexican super pangas whilst in the very competent hands of your dedicated saltwater fly fishing guide.
Note: If you don’t want to fish for a full six days, there are many fantastic extra activities on offer; you can inquire about these before you travel or when you arrive at the resort.
Copal Tree Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Copal Tree Lodge in a Main Lodge Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your last two fishing days if there’s a particular species you’d like to try and tick off your bucket list, or perhaps an area you’d like to fish, let your guides know.
All the guides at the lodge are experts in their field and will do their very best to ensure you enjoy the fishing holiday of a lifetime.
Copal Tree Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Copal Tree Lodge in a Main Lodge Twin Room on a Full board basis
Transfer from Copal Tree Lodge to Punta Gorda Airport
Transfer from Copal Tree Lodge to Punta Gorda Airport
At the agreed time, a representative from Copal Tree Lodge will transfer you back to Punta Gorda Airport for your flight to Belize City. The transfer takes approximately 20 minutes.
Depart Punta Gorda - Arrive Belize City
Depart Punta Gorda - Arrive Belize City
Depart: Punta Gorda Airport
Arrive: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
General Note
General Note
Once you have arrived, you will need to make your way to the international terminal for your flight home.
Depart Belize City - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Belize City - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on twin rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| Travel Available Between These Dates | Days | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/05/2026 | 30/06/2026 | 8 | £5,514 | Enquire |
| 01/07/2026 | 31/07/2026 | 8 | £5,708 | Enquire |
| 01/08/2026 | 30/09/2026 | 8 | £5,514 | Enquire |
| 01/10/2026 | 31/10/2026 | 8 | £5,567 | Enquire |
| 01/11/2026 | 30/11/2026 | 8 | £5,620 | Enquire |
| 01/12/2026 | 31/12/2026 | 8 | £5,727 | Enquire |
| 01/01/2027 | 31/01/2027 | 8 | £5,784 | Enquire |
| 01/02/2027 | 30/04/2027 | 8 | £5,838 | Enquire |
| 01/05/2027 | 30/06/2027 | 8 | £5,731 | Enquire |
| 01/07/2027 | 31/07/2027 | 8 | £5,925 | Enquire |
| 01/08/2027 | 30/09/2027 | 8 | £5,731 | Enquire |
| 01/10/2027 | 31/10/2027 | 8 | £5,784 | Enquire |
| 01/11/2027 | 30/11/2027 | 8 | £5,838 | Enquire |
| 01/12/2027 | 31/12/2027 | 8 | £5,944 | Enquire |
| 01/01/2028 | 31/01/2028 | 8 | £6,013 | Enquire |
| 01/02/2028 | 30/04/2028 | 8 | £6,066 | Enquire |
| 01/05/2028 | 30/06/2028 | 8 | £5,960 | Enquire |
| 01/07/2028 | 31/07/2028 | 8 | £6,153 | Enquire |
| 01/08/2028 | 30/09/2028 | 8 | £5,960 | Enquire |
| 01/10/2028 | 31/10/2028 | 8 | £6,013 | Enquire |
| 01/11/2028 | 30/11/2028 | 8 | £6,066 | Enquire |
| 01/12/2028 | 31/12/2028 | 8 | £6,172 | Enquire |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
"We loved our stay at Copal Tree. We were extremely impressed by the commitment and passion of the resort team. The food was fantastic and the bar was outstanding, a special thanks to Ducky! My husband absolutely loved the fishing too. Me, I loved the chocolate making! "
"What can I say, it was absolutely superb! The Permit fishing was a little tough, but it didn't matter. Coming back to Copal Tree after being on the water was to enter a jungle paradise - a dip in the pool, a cocktail on the deck, a superb dinner, followed by a cigar and single malt on the deck and then back to the room for a wonderful sleep. It couldn't have been any better! "
"I stayed at Copal Tree Lodge for a week of fly fishing for Permit. Although the fishing was tough the stay at the lodge was great. The rooms were stunning and the food was phenomenal, the Shrimp Ducky on the dinner menu was almost worth the trip on its own! "
"What a trip! The Copal Tree Lodge has to be one of the most beautiful fishing accommodations in the world. The actual Permit fishing was a bit slow, but I've never seen or caught so many Bonefish. The food and service were out of this world too! "
"We went there for Permit fishing and were blown away by all the activities that you could do. Fantastic room, food and grounds. The guides and the rest of the staff were welcoming and friendly. Great farm to table food and Renee is a terrific chef. We fished 3 days with our guide Victor and then the rest of the days at the lodge. Next time we'd love to spend even more time there! "
"Everyone at Copal Tree Lodge made us feel special - Mark with the wake-up coffee, Tim heading the Bar, Rene the world-class chef, Ross and Mary Ann at the Spa - We'd love to thank you all! And of course... The best Permit fishing guides! The howler monkeys and toucans were fantastic and the farm to fork cuisine was fabulous. We're coming back next year!"
"I had a fantastic trip to Copal Tree Lodge, Yogi was my fishing guru and guide and I was lucky enough to land two Permit; he poled me around the lagoon all day every day and always found me fish! A massive thanks to everyone involved in making my trip possible - I'd definitely love to return one day. "
This deluxe jungle lodge represents the finest accommodations of any of southern Belize’s hard-core Permit destinations. Copal Tree features private suites offering the best in luxury and comfort. Nearly every detail is a testament to Belize’s natural beauty and craftsmanship, from the woodwork to the tiles to the artwork. So whether you’re relaxing on the canopy beds or lounging on your private veranda, you will experience the magic of the jungle within the comfort of your room.
Copal Tree Lodge has sixteen private suites and one three-bedroom villa, all complete with breathtaking views of the jungle and extensive resort amenities.
Nestled in lush rainforest foliage, the Jungle Suites are the perfect home away from home to experience all that Copal Tree Lodge has to offer. The suites include a private bathroom with a walk-in shower containing floor-to-ceiling jungle views, a sitting area, and a screened-in balcony. The King Jungle Suites include a king-size bed and sofa bed, and the double Queen Jungle Suites have two queen-size beds. Each offers air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a small fridge (upon request), a hairdryer, safe, complimentary WiFi, bathrobes, and umbrellas.
Escape to a world above the treetops for a panoramic view of the jungle canopy by staying in one of the Copal Tree Lodge Canopy Suites, the most luxurious accommodation option available.
Each spacious suite is elegantly designed to make your stay an unforgettable experience. Suites include a king-sized bed, daybed, sitting area, private veranda with jungle views, outdoor tub and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower with floor-to-ceiling jungle views. Each suite also offers air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a small fridge (upon request), a hairdryer, safe, complimentary WiFi, bathrobes, and umbrellas. Access the private Signature Canopy Suite section of the jungle lodge by riding the tram from the lobby.
The three-bedroom family villa, located in its own area of jungle, provides a beautiful retreat for your group or family to experience the luxury of the Lodge with all the comforts of home. It includes three bedrooms, one with a king bed and two with queen beds, and sleeps up to 6 guests. There are two bathrooms with showers, two private screened-in porches with jungle views, a private sunbathing veranda, private parking, a full kitchen, and a living room. The Family Villas offer air conditioning, ceiling fans, hairdryers, a safe and complimentary WiFi.
Copal Tree is a farm-to-table operation, and over 70% of the food served is produced within the Lodges grounds. An incredible variety of fruits and vegetables are grown on-site in addition to chickens, pigs and goats. In every direction, citrus trees, coffee plants, cocoa trees, sugar cane fields, chicken coops, and a vast array of fruit and vegetable gardens populate the surroundings. Delicious, authentic food is at the core of the Copal Tree experience, and guests enjoy an authentic experience of Belizian flavours. We thoroughly recommend spending an hour on the daily farm tour to get an insight into this fantastic operation.
The Garden Table Restaurant can accommodate various diets, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free. Copal Tree Lodge offers a culinary experience to be remembered!
Located in the heart of the main Lodge, the Copal Tree Rum Bar is the 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. Here you will find complimentary WiFi, a collection of culinary and botanical books, magazines, and games for the occasional rainy day. Cocktails and complimentary snacks are served each day at 6pm. Freshly squeezed juices, coconuts, limes, exotic fruits, and fresh herbs are combined with spirits, emphasising the best homegrown Belizean rum.
To find out more about saltwater fly fishing in Belize at the Copal Tree Lodge, visit our YouTube channel.
Southern Belize’s Copal Tree Lodge is an idyllic high-end jungle hideaway overlooking the Rio Grande River in the ‘Green Heart of Belize’. Its location, setting, beautiful grounds, impeccable food, and service rank it among the finest destinations in the Caribbean, and it’s perfect for couples, families, and anglers looking to combine a fishing trip with exciting activities and first-class amenities. Found in the southern region of Belize, around the sleepy town of Punta Gorda, an area relatively unimpacted by tourism. It’s just far enough away from Belize City and the resorts of Ambergris Cay in the north to stay largely unexplored, and, more importantly, its waters get seldom fished.
Travelling saltwater fly fishing anglers visiting the Lodge will have the chance to fish the Caribbean flats, which are just a short ten-minute boat ride away and the banks of the Rio Grande River, where the Lodge is situated. Most anglers who choose the Lodge do so for the world-class Permit fishing on offer on the flats. However, the area around Copal Tree Lodge (formerly known as Belcampo) on the Rio Grande River is also famed for its opportunities for Bonefish, Tarpon and Snook, providing anglers with the chance to experience some truly mixed fishing.
Copal Tree Lodge is the ideal saltwater fly fishing destination for those looking to disconnect and recharge, surrounded by nature – in harmony with sustainable living and indulging in luxurious amenities.
The fishing at Copal Tree Lodge gets split into two area’s, the saltwater flats of the Caribbean Sea, located just ten minutes from the accommodation and the Rio Grande River, which it overlooks.
The Rio Grande River is home to an abundant population of Tarpon, Snook, Snappers and Jacks, all of which are more than willing to engulf an anglers lure or fly. A typical session on the river consists of winding the way down the stretch, from the Lodge down the estuary mouth, on one of the Lodges 23-foot Mexican super pangas with a dedicated guide, casting at the mangroves and overhanging vegetation. The guides at Copal Tree are all local to the region of Southern Belize and can customize each day’s itinerary based on an anglers fishing preference and style.
Families and semi-serious anglers will find the river fishing trips ideal for connecting with nature and exploring the Belizean jungle. But, for more experienced anglers, a trip to the saltwater flats is highly recommended.
Copal Tree Lodge is renowned as a world-class Permit destination among keen saltwater fly fishing anglers, and these notoriously finicky feeders often get found in huge numbers. Thanks to the protected marine reserve near Punta Gorda and the numerous small keys and medium-sized flats that provide an ideal Permit habitat, these fish have thrived.
In addition to Permit, the waters near Punta Gorda are also home to significant numbers of Bonefish. The Bones get traditionally found in the large lagoon north of Punta Gorda and the Sopadilla Keys, located on the edge of Belize’s vast barrier reef system, around an hours steam away from the Lodge. Once again, the fishing gets conducted from 23-foot Mexican super pangas whilst in the very competent hands of your dedicated saltwater fly fishing guide.
The fishing in and around Punta Gorda is focused almost entirely on Permit, although at Copal Tree Lodge, there is access to schools of Bonefish, as well as juvenile Tarpon and Snook.
The waters around Copal Tree are well-known as the ‘Permit Capital of the World’, and for those anglers searching for one of the best regions on earth to hunt these finicky fish on the flats, there is nowhere better than southern Belize. Most days in this area will see dozens of Permit in a day, sometimes in large schools and sometimes tailing as singles and pairs in very shallow water. If you’re fortunate, you might even hook one of these incredibly wary fish, and a great day of Permit fishing is a single hook up or just several quality chances in a day. So landing a permit is always cause for celebration but never an expectation.
One of the challenges of Permit fishing is that they are more of a deeper water fish than a flats fish like Bonefish. Although not always on the flats, when they are, they tend to favour ground with proximity to deeper water, which is one thing that makes Punta Gorda so prolific; it has just the right blend of deeper water and isolated flats.
In addition to Permit, the waters near Punta Gorda are also home to Tarpon, Snook and Bonefish. The outer reef islands, called Sapodilla Cayes, offer reliable opportunities for Bones, and it can be well worth the longer boat ride of around about an hour, to reach these shallow grounds. Once there, anglers can expect to see huge schools of fish on the hard sand flats, and there are great opportunities for both wading and polling from the boat. The Bonefish in this area average 2lb to 3lb, while 4lb to 5lb fish regularly gets landed.
The river systems, including the Rio Grande itself upon which Copal Tree Lodge sits, offers additional opportunities to fish for Snook and juvenile Tarpon from 10lb to 50lb. This jungle fishing can be a great diversion from the flats and provides an outstanding ‘backup’ option when big winds or diverse weather pummels the open ocean.
Tarpon and Snook fishing is best in the river from the Lodge down the estuary mouth, and the fish can often get seen rolling in the river. Early mornings or evenings, low light times of day, are best for targeting these resident fish populations. Punta Gorda isn’t a top location for both species, but if you want an ego boost from the famously fickle Permit, they’re a great option and provide some fantastic sport.
One of Copal Tree Lodge’s biggest draws for the travelling saltwater fly fishing angler is the wide range of extra activities on offer. It’s one of the best locations in the Caribbean to blend world-class fishing with eco-tourism and is ideal for families and couples looking to combine the two. Along with a range of traditional activities like horseback riding, hiking and sightseeing, the Lodge offers a range of fantastic, somewhat unique activities.
A small fleet of sea kayaks and canoes are free for guests to use at the Lodge, and paddling up the river to enjoy a unique view of the pristine rain forest while listening to howler monkeys and a vast array of tropical birds is one of the most popular activities. While some guided trips are on offer, we recommended having an afternoon at your leisure paddling up the lazy river to enjoy the birdlife and Jurrasic Park-like setting.
One of the most fun on-sight activities is the bean to bar chocolate class, where it’s possible to participate in every step of the chocolate creation process, from harvesting cocoa beans to pouring the chocolate into moulds.
Another exciting activity is one referred to as ‘snorkelling with the chef’. Here guests can either spend either a half-day or full-day snorkelling with one of Copal Tree Lodge’s resident chefs hunting for dinner, which usually consists of conch, fish or lobster. The chef will then prepare a delicious evening meal using the ingredients harvested earlier in the day.
The caving tour is easily the most adventurous activity on offer at the Lodge. After a hike of around thirty minutes through a moderately complex rainforest trail, you’ll arrive at the famous landmark. A small river travels underground for several miles in the cave system and exits at the cave’s mouth, and it’s easy to lose an hour or two swimming in the waters and exploring deep into the cave system.
Another highlight of the destination is the Punta Gorda Market. The market is open daily and is a great location to see and sample many local exotic fruits, vegetables, and spices. There are also several small restaurants and bars to enjoy a local Belizean meal and Belikin beer.
We loved our stay at Copal Tree. We were extremely impressed by the commitment and passion of the resort team. The food was fantastic and the bar was outstanding, a special thanks to Ducky! My husband absolutely loved the fishing too. Me, I loved the chocolate making!
What can I say, it was absolutely superb! The Permit fishing was a little tough, but it didn't matter. Coming back to Copal Tree after being on the water was to enter a jungle paradise - a dip in the pool, a cocktail on the deck, a superb dinner, followed by a cigar and single malt on the deck and then back to the room for a wonderful sleep. It couldn't have been any better!
I stayed at Copal Tree Lodge for a week of fly fishing for Permit. Although the fishing was tough the stay at the lodge was great. The rooms were stunning and the food was phenomenal, the Shrimp Ducky on the dinner menu was almost worth the trip on its own!
What a trip! The Copal Tree Lodge has to be one of the most beautiful fishing accommodations in the world. The actual Permit fishing was a bit slow, but I've never seen or caught so many Bonefish. The food and service were out of this world too!
We went there for Permit fishing and were blown away by all the activities that you could do. Fantastic room, food and grounds. The guides and the rest of the staff were welcoming and friendly. Great farm to table food and Renee is a terrific chef. We fished 3 days with our guide Victor and then the rest of the days at the lodge. Next time we'd love to spend even more time there!
Everyone at Copal Tree Lodge made us feel special - Mark with the wake-up coffee, Tim heading the Bar, Rene the world-class chef, Ross and Mary Ann at the Spa - We'd love to thank you all! And of course... The best Permit fishing guides! The howler monkeys and toucans were fantastic and the farm to fork cuisine was fabulous. We're coming back next year!
I had a fantastic trip to Copal Tree Lodge, Yogi was my fishing guru and guide and I was lucky enough to land two Permit; he poled me around the lagoon all day every day and always found me fish! A massive thanks to everyone involved in making my trip possible - I'd definitely love to return one day.
Thatch Caye is an all-inclusive private island resort in Southern Belize, offering laid-back luxury, overwater accommodation, fresh Belizean cuisine, and a peaceful Caribbean escape for anglers and non-anglers alike. Set in the heart of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, it provides direct access to world-class flats fishing for Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon.
This exclusive Sportquest Holidays Solo Traveller week invites single anglers to experience Colombia’s Pacific coast in style, no supplements, no surcharges, just world-class bluewater action shared with like-minded guests in a spectacular beachfront setting. From Marlin and Tuna offshore to Tarpon and Roosterfish inshore, Anigua Beach House delivers thrilling fishing by day and luxury by night.
Nubian Flats is home to some of the best saltwater fly fishing available with miles of untouched and unspoilt areas to explore. Previously these waters were inaccessible until now. With our partners, we can now offer two liveaboard fly fishing operations, one in the north and a longer trip in the deep south giving you access to some of the most virginal saltwater fly fishing around.
With only eight anglers allowed to fish the thousands of kilometres of waters in and around Zapata each week, many area's have never seen an angler. From a saltwater fly fishing perspective, the destination is in its infancy and is remarkable and a real jewel in Cuba's ecological crown.
Cayo Paredón is the hottest, newest destination in the portfolio of our partners Fly Fishing the Run. Located in the province of Camaguey, the easternmost, most significant and flattest region in the centre of Cuba, it's a saltwater fly fishing paradise, home to all the 'Grand Slam' species.
