We know how important holidays are; for many, they are often the most significant single purchase each year. We also know the importance of finding the ‘perfect’ vacation, which is why, at Sportquest Holidays, we pride ourselves in offering some of the best fishing and shooting trips worldwide, with unique experiences tailored precisely to your needs and expectations.
Our vast array of first-class tours are well-researched and completely bespoke, meaning we can create the perfect holiday itinerary for you. Whether you’re looking for a luxury getaway with your family, an off-grid adventure with your buddies, or simply combining one of our famous fishing or shooting tours with a different package or range of extra activities.
No dreams or aspirations are too big. If you’re looking to charter your own plane or helicopter, have your own in-house personal chef for your trip, fish multiple destinations during one holiday, or fly in partners, friends, or relatives, we can make it happen. We are experts and experienced in this field and have been planning and creating trips like this for over twenty years. There is no need to use anyone else; we can do it all.
Alongside all these things, our distinctive service package is second to none, and no one makes it easier than us to plan, book and experience the holiday of your dreams. We strive daily to cement our ethos that when you fish, shoot and travel with us, you do so with the best.
Below are a range of examples of how we’ve made customers’ dreams come true by using our experience to craft bespoke trips that tick all the boxes.
1.) Luxury All-Inclusive Sea Fishing, Soroya Norway
2.) Gillhams Fishing Resort, Thailand
3.) Bluewater Fishing Panama & Palma De Cortez Mexico
4.) Hosted Worlds End Lodge, Argentina
5.) Sturgeon & Salmon Fishing Canada
6.) Tropical Flats Fishing Lodge, Christmas Island
7.) Guayascate Lodge Argentina
The Tour: Luxury All-Inclusive Sea Fishing, Soroya Norway
The Brief: We had a customer from America who was looking to book a trip as a present for him and his three sons. They were experienced anglers and wanted the chance to catch some giant Skrei Cod in Norway. They had a large budget and wanted to experience the best of the best.
Personal Service: With many of our bespoke bookings, one member of the Sportquest team will be assigned to the trip, providing one point of contact who is always on hand to provide information and assistance if and when needed. In this case, our sea fishing destination manager, Paul Stevens, organised the trip and was available throughout.
Paul is exceptionally experienced in this field and has worked for Sportquest for over twenty years. He specialises in sea fishing in Norway, has guided there many times, and has helped send thousands of customers. If you’d like to know more about Paul, read his blog: Sportquest Head Norway Fishing Guide.
Note: Paul also created the bespoke itinerary for the famous BBC programme Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. He organised the entire twelve-day trip and travelled with the crew during their filming for their 2022 Christmas Special. You can learn more here: Mortimer & Whitehouse Norway Christmas Special.
The Trip: For this trip, we organised upgraded flights from America. (Even though our package is for economy flights from London, we can cater to any customer, wherever you are in the world.) We also organised a private helicopter transfer to the island, which replaced the small connecting flight.
We secured the luxury BFA cabins for the customer’s stay and added a complete catering package, which included three meals per day, two at the restaurant and lunch on the boat.
For the fishing, the customers wanted extra days on top of the standard itinerary and a free day halfway through their trip, which we organised for them, bringing the trip to 12 days instead of the usual 8.
We also secured the services of two guides on the camp’s luxury guide boat, the ‘Apex,’ which included all fuel for their week of fishing and all fishing tackle. We also booked various extras, including final boat cleaning and a fish filleting package.
The itinerary:
Day 1: Flights from America to Norway, which were upgraded business-class flights. This also included an overnight stay in Oslo.
Day 2: Flights from Oslo to Tromso and then a private helicopter transfer from the airport to the port of Hasvik on the island of Soroya. Mini bus transfer to the camp.
Day 3 – 6: Fully guided fishing, with two guides on the camp’s luxury guide boat, the ‘Apex’. This package included all fuel and fishing tackle.
Day 7: Free day (Rest Day).
Day 8-10: Fully guided fishing, with two guides on the camp’s luxury guide boat, the ‘Apex’. This package included all fuel and fishing tackle.
Day 11: Mini bus transfer from the camp back to Hasvik and then a private helicopter transfer from there back to Tromso. Flights from Tromso to Oslo and an overnight stay.
Day 12: Flights from Norway back to America, which were upgraded business-class flights.
The Review: “From start to finish, the trip was incredible. The fishing was everything we expected and more! We had Cod to over 30kg, which was our dream. One day, we had six fish of over 20kg, including fish of 25, 25, 24, 23, 22, and 22kg. With our trip covering the start of the Halibut season, the guides (who were brilliant and really knew their stuff) took us out on the opening day, and we managed to boat twelve fish, which was incredible.
The flights, transfers, accommodation, and all the other trimmings were great. It was spectacular to see the scenery from the helicopter when we flew to Soroya. I must say, too, that the ‘Apex’ is some boat! Thank you to Paul for all his hard work putting the trip together for us.” – Mr Bourg.
The Tour: Gillhams Fishing Resort, Thailand
Brief: A pair of friends from the UK contacted us with two wishes: to sample the excellent fishing offered in Thailand and to experience the culture of this fantastic country. They had over three weeks at their disposal and wanted a trip combining both. They had been saving for a while and wanted business-class flights but wanted to sample an array of different accommodations in Thailand.
The Trip: For this trip, the customers wanted us to arrange business-class flights to get them to Thailand and then for us to organise their internal flights and transfers across the country for the duration of their trip.
During the twenty-five-day trip, we organised for the friends to visit some of Thailand’s most famous places, along with the capital, Bangkok; they spent time in Krabi, Phuket and Pattaya.
The itinerary included seven different hotels, with rooms ranging from premier rooms and suites to king rooms and a spa resort. It also included four internal flights, shuttle boats and minibus transfers.
For the fishing, the friends opted for the traditional package we offer at Gillhams: staying at their resort for seven nights, six days of fishing, tackle, bait, and professional guides included.
The itinerary:
Day 1: Flights from London to Thailand, upgraded to business-class flights.
Day 2-3: Arrive in Bangkok and fly to Krabi. Boat shuttle to the Centara Grand Beach Resort Hotel, for two days of relaxation.
Day 4: Mini busTransfer to Gillhams.
Day 5-10: Six days of fishing from a private swim, supported by the resort’s professional guides. With all tackle and a whole range of bait supplied.
Day 11-14: Transfer from Gillhams to Phuket to the Graceland and Deluxe Spa Resort.
Day 15-18: Fly from Phuket to Chiang Mai to the Hyde Park Residence Suite.
Day 19-21: Fly from Chiang Mai to Pattaya to the Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel.
Day 22-24: Mini bus transfer to Bangkok to the ASAI Comfy King City hotel.
Day 25: Flights from Thailand to London, upgraded business-class flights.
The Review: “We’d like to thank Paul for all his hard work organising our trip. We returned home on Sunday after the most fantastic holiday. Gillhams was everything I had read about, and we were thoroughly impressed; the staff at the resort couldn’t do enough. We ticked six species off our list, including some giant Mekong Catfish, Siamese Carp and even an Arapaima.
It was sad leaving Gillhams, and I could have stayed there for another two or three days, but each destination we visited after didn’t disappoint. Thailand is an incredible country, and I’d thoroughly recommend a trip – the people are so polite and welcoming.” – Mr Macdonald.
The Tour: Bluewater Fishing Panama & Palmas De Cortez, Mexico
Brief: We had a customer enquire with us who was looking for the ultimate big game, popper, and jig fishing experience, with almost guaranteed weather, the chance to catch multiple species, and staying in some first-class accommodation or resort. He had nearly three weeks to play with and was keen to visit famous fishing countries in Central America and Miami. Paul Stevens, who deals with our bluewater trips, started to create a bespoke itinerary that ticked all the customer’s boxes.
The Trip: Keeping the customer’s wishes in mind, we used our expertise and knowledge of our destinations to construct a joint trip to Mexico (Palma De Cortez) and Panama (Bluewater fishing) that would tick all the boxes. The itinerary totalled eighteen days, allowing for a full week of fishing in Panama, three days in Mexico and four days at the end of the holiday for the customer to explore the beautiful city of Miami – something that was on his bucket list.
As with all our holidays, we organised all international flights, which were a mixture of upgraded Premium Economy and Business Class flights, all internal flights, all transfers, and all overnight hotels throughout the entire eighteen-day trip.
The first part of the trip was booked at Bluewater Fishing Panama, where our customers could catch a wide array of species, including Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, and Tuna, using various tactics, such as speed jigging, popper, and bait fishing.
The second part of the trip was booked at Palmas De Cortez in Mexico, which would provide the opportunity to experience traditional big game trolling for Marlin, Dorado, and Sailfish. Depending on the customer’s wishes, in-shore fishing with lighter tackle would also be an option. It also allowed for three days in Miami.
The itinerary:
Day 1: Flights from London to Miami, which were upgraded premium economy flights, then a flight from Miami to Panama City. VIP lounge access in Panama City and luggage collection. Overnight stay at the Marriot Hotel in Panama.
Day 2: Internal flight to David City and a transfer from the airport to Bluewater Fishing Resort, with the rest of the day free to relax.
Day 3-7: Five days of fully guided fantastic bluewater popper and jig fishing for all manner of species, including Roosterfish, Sailfish, Cubera Snapper, Dorado and Tuna, to mention just a few. It included one of the resort’s Super Sport Boats and a captain and crew for eight hours of fishing each day.
Day 8: Flights from David City back to Panama City, Overnight stay at the Marriot Hotel in Panama.
Day 9: Flights from Panama City to Dallas, which were upgraded business-class flights, then a flight from Dallas to Los Cabos, Mexico. Transfer to the Palma de Cortez resort.
Day 10-12: Three days of traditional big-game trolling, fishing for Marlin, Dorado, and Sailfish. It included one of the resort’s Super Sport Boats and a captain and crew for eight hours of fishing each day.
Day 13: Transfer from the Palma de Cortez resort back to Los Cabos, Mexico. Flights from Los Cabos to Dallas, which were upgraded business-class flights and then a flight from Dallas to Miami, which was an upgraded first-class flight. Overnight stay at the five-star EB hotel in Miami.
Day 14-16: Three free days in Miami to explore and relax, staying at the five-star EB hotel.
Day 17: Flights from Miami to London, which were upgraded premium economy flights.
Day 18: Arrive back in the UK.
The Review: “A fantastic trip from start to finish. I had a few things I wanted from my trip, including catching some nice Tuna, trying some fresh seafood from the ocean (cooked by the chef), and a strange request to add extra days in Miami on my way home. It’s always been a city on my ‘to visit’ list for some time. I must say that Sportquest smashed it out of the park in every aspect; the itinerary was flawless, and every hotel, transfer, flight, etc., was perfect. I would 100% recommend visiting Panama and Mexico and using Sportquests services. Planning such a long, bespoke trip could have been very stressful, but they did it easily.” – Mr Bin Mahfood.
The Tour: HOSTED WORLDS END LODGE, ARGENTINA
Brief: We had a pair of retired gentlemen enquire with us, who loved fly fishing and always wanted to fish for the hard-fighting Sea Trout in Patagonia, Argentina. They had just over three weeks available and wanted to combine a fishing trip with some sightseeing. They were in the mindset that if they were travelling halfway around the world, they might as well make the most of it, so they wanted to explore the idea of adding a ten-day Antarctic Cruise to the end of their holiday.
Note: Even though we don’t offer/advertise specific add-on trips that don’t involve fishing or shooting, we work with a whole host of companies and partners worldwide that offer an array of different things. These include wildlife safaris, a range of other sporting activities, and a whole host of sightseeing opportunities, to mention just a few. Speak to a member of our team when enquiring, and they can help you create a totally bespoke package.
The Trip: After discussing some finer fishing details with the customers, they opted to join our CEO, Peter Collingsworth, on his hosted trip to Worlds End Lodge in Argentina. Based on only four rods, fishing for the Sea Trout of the famous Irigoyen River would give them a personalised experience.
To fulfil their wishes, we organised for them to go on an Antarctic cruise during the second part of their trip, setting sail from Ushuaia and navigating the Drake Passage, past South Shetland, around the Antarctic Peninsula and into the Antarctic Circle.
For the trip, we organised all international flights (upgraded to first class), all internal flights, all overnight hotels, transfers, accommodation, fishing and all the elements involved with the cruise. The trip totalled twenty three days from door to door.
Note: Peter Collingsworth, the host of our Sea Trout fishing trips to Worlds End Lodge in Argentina, is the CEO and company founder of Sportquest Holidays. He is also looks after all fly fishing destinations and is always on hand to offer a personal service on all bespoke trips.
If you’d like to learn a little more about Sportquest Holiday and Peter, you can read a blog we wrote, as part of our 20th Birthday Celebrations: Sportquest Holidays – The Story So Far.
The itinerary:
Day 1-2: Flights from London to Buenos Aires, which were upgraded first flights, and then an overnight stay at the BA Hotel.
Day 3: Internal flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Private transfer from Ushuaia to Worlds End Lodge on the banks of the Irigoyen River.
Day 4-9: Six days of fully-guided Sea Trout fishing, with two daily sessions – morning and evening. Staying at Worlds End Lodge, all-inclusive catering and staying in single rooms.
Day 10: Private transfer from the lodge back to Ushuaia. Overnight stay in the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa.
Day 11-20: Transfer to the Ushuaia Cruise Port to board the ship. Staying in the Veranda Deluxe Stateroom. Set sail for ten days, navigating the Drake Passage, South Shetland, the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula and into the Antarctic Circle.
Day 21: Dock back into the Ushuaia Cruise Port. Flights from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires and then an overnight stay at the BA Hotel.
Day 22: Flights from Buenos Aires to London, which were upgraded first flights.
Day 23: Arrive back in the UK.
The Review: “I know it’s easy to use the phrase ‘trip of a lifetime’ but this excursion was precisely that, and one which contains many memories I will forever be fond of. From wetting on line on the Irigoyen river amidst the Southern Beech forests, to sailing the end of the world, it was truly incredible. Everyone I met along the way was fantastic, from the guides at the lodge to the enrichment lecturers on the cruise. I must also pass on my sincere thanks to Peter, who went above and beyond to make the trip happen, he also made the most wonderful host.” – Mr Fawcett .
THE TOUR: STURGEON & SALMON FISHING CANADA
The Brief: We had a lady enquire with us, wanting to organise the ultimate 50th birthday present to Canada, for her husband. She wanted us to create an extended bespoke trip, which included our complete six-day fishing package, but with extra days in Vancouver at the start of the holiday and then additional days at the end so they could see the Rocky Mountains. She wanted to upgrade to business-class flights and had also talked about the possibility of upgrading the standard hotel to our resort and booking a boat for just her and her husband.
The Trip: The trip was organised to visit our Sturgeon fishing destination on the famous Fraser River in Canada. It was based on our usual fishing package and included three days of fishing for Sturgeon and three days of fishing for Salmon, giving the chance to experience all the river systems and fishing styles. We secured a private boat for our customers, meaning they wouldn’t have to share. We also upgraded their accommodation to the beautiful Harrisons Hot Springs Resort.
We booked them a three-night stay at a five-star hotel in Vancouver at the start of their holiday and another six days at the end. The days at the beginning would give them some free time to explore and recover from the travelling, while the days at the end were set aside for a railway tour of the Rocky Mountains. The excursion we booked for them was known as the Rocky Mountaineer and was for four days of all-daylight rail travel through the Canadian Rockies. The train was booked from Vancouver to Kamloops and then from Kamloops to Banff, with an overnight stay in Banff before returning to Vancouver for their flight home.
The itinerary:
Day 1: Flights from London to Vancouver, which were upgraded business-class flights, and then an overnight stay at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa.
Day 2-3: Two full free days to explore Vancouver or enjoy the full facilities at the five-star Wedgewood Hotel & Spa.
Day 4: Private minibus transfer from the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, to our Harrison Hot Springs Resort on the banks of the mighty Fraser River.
Day 5-10: Six days of fully guided fishing, alternating between Sturgeon and Salmon fishing. Fishing from a private boat and from the bank.
Day 11: Private minibus transfer from the Harrisons Hot Springs Resort back to Vancouver and an overnight stay at the five-star Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.
Day 12: Board the Rocky Mountaineer train and journey through the Rockies with an overnight stay in Kamloops.
Day 13: Journey from Kamloops to Banff, with an overnight stay in Banff at the four-star Moose Hotel and Suites.
Day 14: Free day to explore the famous Banff National Park, Canada’s first National Park. Overnight stay at the four-star Moose Hotel and Suites.
Day 15: Board the Rocky Mountaineer train and journey back through the Rockies with an overnight stay in Kamloops.
Day 16: Journey from Kamloops back to Vancouver and an overnight stay at the five-star Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.
Day 17: Flights from Vancouver to London, which were upgraded business-class flights.
Day 18: Arrive home.
The Review: “When I booked this as a present for my husband, I was a little unsure about exactly what he’d want to do – I don’t know the first thing about fishing – but Sportquest was extremely helpful, and we managed to piece together what we thought would be the best package. In short, it was an incredible experience and by far the best holiday we’ve ever been on. My husband really enjoyed fishing and caught fish every day, including Sturgeon to over 400lb and a number of Salmon.
I really appreciated the help organising the Rocky Mountaineer train tour, as I had no idea where to start. Considering it was made up of so many different stops and overnight hotels, everything ran seamlessly and we were both very impressed with the organisation. The train journey itself was incredible, and some of the scenery needed to be seen to be believed. I’ve never taken so many pictures.
Thank you for everything Sportquest, I would thoroughly recommend you to anyone and will certainly use your services again.” – Mr Stevens.
The Tour: TROPICAL FLATS FISHING LODGE, CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Brief: An enquiry came through from a pair of friends who loved saltwater fly-fishing. They were well-travelled in the Caribbean but wanted to experience something more wild and remote. They were especially keen to try and target Giant Trevally, but their budget didn’t quite stretch to a trip to the Seychelles. The ‘catch’ was that out of their budget, they also had to satisfy their wives, who also wanted a warm-weather getaway but wanted to experience a little bit of luxury at a resort somewhere and not at a flats fishing lodge.
The Trip: After the initial enquiry, our CEO Peter Collingsworth, who also looks after all our bespoke fly fishing enquiries, had a personalised video call with the friends to learn more about precisely what they were looking for. After listening to the customer’s needs, wishes and expectations, the suggested destination was Kiritimati, or Christmas Island as it’s more commonly known. This destination would tick many of the customer’s boxes – it’s more wild and remote than those in the Caribbean, and it would allow them to fish for and battle with some big GTs (Giant Trevally), plus numerous other flats species.
To keep their wives happy and for them to enjoy a vacation too, we organised for them to fly out to Hawaii and meet their partners once they returned from Christmas Island – all our trips to Christmas Island stop in Hawaii on the way there and back. We booked them a six-night stay at the Halepuna Waikiki on the island of Honolulu, which would act as the perfect base to stay while exploring the islands. It also offered plenty of onsite facilities and a dedicated spa and wellness centre.
The Itinerary:
Day 1: Flights from London to Los Angeles, then from Los Angeles to Honolulu, with an overnight stay at the Honolulu Airport Hotel.
Day 2: After lunch, transfer to Honolulu airport and fly to Christmas Island.
Day 3: The flight from Honolulu to Christmas Island is three hours, but as it crosses the international date line, it arrives on the island on day three. Overnight stay at Tropical Flats fishing lodge – relax and prepare for the fishing days ahead.
Day 4 to 9: Six days of fully guided saltwater flats fishing, predominantly wading and sight casting to GTs, Bonefish, Triggerfish and Milkfish. Staying at Tropical Flats Fishing Lodge, all-inclusive catering and staying in twin rooms.
Day 10: Flights from Christmas Island back to Honolulu. As it crosses the international date line, it arrives on the island on day nine.
Day 9: Partners fly out to Honolulu Airport and meet with the anglers. Transfer to Halepuna Waikiki hotel.
Day 10 to 14: Staying in the Ocean Suite at the Halepuna Waikiki Hotel in Honolulu. A total of six nights, with five free days to relax around the hotel and use the facilities. (Excursions around Hawaii can be booked locally on the island or via the hotel.)
Day 15: Flights from Honolulu airport to Los Angeles and then Los Angeles to London.
Day 16: Arrive back in the UK.
The Review: “I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say this was a fantastic trip—thank you, Sportquest. The fishing on Christmas Island was exactly what Stephen and I wanted, and the icing on the cake was both of us landing GTs. When I made the original enquiry, I was keen to stress that we wanted an add-on that would also make our partners happy. The hotel in Hawaii certainly did that, it ticked all the right boxes and the girls loved it. So much so that I think me and Stephen will certainly get away with another trip next year. Peter, I’ll be in touch to chat about some options.” – Mr Patterson.
THE TOUR: GUAYASCATE LODGE ARGENTINA
The Brief: We had a group of four couples enquire about a wing shooting holiday to Argentina; the husbands in the party had previously travelled with us to Guayascate Lodge before, but once they returned home and shared their experiences with their wives, they wanted to join them on the next trip. Even though their partners didn’t shoot, they knew they would be well looked after – Guayascate is accustomed to looking after non-hunters.
As one of the customers’ 60th birthdays fell a few days after the trip, the group wanted to add extra days to celebrate and asked if we could fly them to Chile to enjoy the scenery and experience a few days around the different regions’ wine tasting, which was no problem for us. They wanted us to organise the flights, transfers and hotels but were happy to arrange the local wine-tasting tours.
The Trip: The group had enjoyed the spectacular Dove shooing at Guayascate Lodge the previous year and had their heart set on revisiting it, this time with their partners. They opted for the standard package at the lodge, which included five nights and four and a half days of Dove shooting. As with all trips to the lodge, it included all meals and drinks, all relevant gun licences and gun hire. The customers opted for economy flights, saving the extra money and spending it towards their add-on week in Chile after Guayascate.
After some research and learning more about the customer’s wishes, we booked them six nights at a Boutique Hotel in Casablanca, around an hour’s drive from the airport in the capital city of Santiago. The hotel was in the perfect location: not only was it within a short transfer of the airport, but it was also within a stone’s throw of numerous Vineyards. It also offered a spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, bar and a number of other facilities, meaning there would be plenty for our customers to do on their free days.
The Itinerary:
Day 1: Flights from London to Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Flights from Buenos Aires to Cordoba. Meet and greet with a representative from Guayascate and a transfer to the lodge. Cocktails on arrival and then the first afternoon of Dove Shooting.
Day 3-6: Four days of action-packed Dove shooting. Split into two sessions, morning and afternoon, with a traditional Argentine “Asado” (Barbeque) in between the two.
Day 7: Flights from Cordoba in Argentina to Santiago in Chile. Meet and great at the airport and then a transfer to the Boutique Hotel in Casablanca.
Day 8: Private transfer from the lodge back to Ushuaia. Overnight stay in the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa.
Day 9 -13 : Five days of wine-tasting tours, sightseeing and relaxing in the famous Casablanca Valley.
Day 14: Transfer from the Boutique Hotel in Casablanca to Santiago Airport, then a flight to Buenos Aires in Argentina, and then an overnight stay at the BA Hotel.
Day 15: Flights from Buenos Aires to London.
Day 16: Arrive back in the UK.
The Review: “Having visited Guayascate the previous year, we knew what to expect, and we certainly weren’t disappointed – I think it was actually even better. The lodge is beautiful, the food delicious, and the wine always flowing. Everyone seemed even more accommodating and did everything they could to ensure we were all happy, especially our wives, on the days when we were out shooting.
The flights and transfers were exceptional and ran seamlessly – for that we are very grateful to Sportquest. I’m glad we opted to stay outside of Santiago in Chile, as to me it seemed like any capital city around the world, whereas life in the Casablanca valley was far more relaxed. During the second week, we organised three wine-tasting tours, allowing a day between each one, which worked perfectly. We certainly got our steps in each day. I can’t remember the exact name, but we enjoyed a fantastic meal at a steakhouse for Clive’s 60th birthday – Peter when it comes to me, I’ll let you know. I’d thoroughly recommend it. Thanks again to Sportquest for yet another memorable trip.” – Mr Stace.
CONTACT US
Do you have a dream destination you’d like to visit? Or perhaps a combination of places on your bucket list that you’d like to tick off in one trip? If so, contact us today; we can help you plan that bespoke fishing and shooting holiday of a lifetime. Call us on 01603 407596 or email us at info@sportquestholidays.com.
