Saltwater fly fishing trips have surged in popularity over the past 30 years, driven by the widespread coverage of emerging destinations in major fishing magazines. Adventurous anglers eager to explore new waters have been venturing farther than ever in pursuit of powerful, hard-fighting fish. Each destination offers its own unique appeal, attracting fly fishers with distinct challenges and rewards. While countless locations deserve recognition, covering them all in detail would require an entire book rather than just one article.
Our Best Saltwater fly fishing destinations
With so many incredible destinations—from the pristine flats of the Seychelles to the sun-drenched shores of Cuba—we’re often asked for our top recommendations. To help narrow the choices, we’ve selected a few of our favourite saltwater fly fishing destinations below.
Seychelles
The Seychelles is a breathtaking island nation in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and east of Kenya. This archipelago consists of 115 islands, covering a total land area of just 452 square kilometers—yet remarkably, it spans an exclusive economic zone of 390,000 square kilometers. The majority of these islands are uninhabited, comprising 41 stunning granite islands and 74 pristine coral and sand cays, each offering unparalleled natural beauty.
Rich in biodiversity, the Seychelles is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including hundreds of bird and mammal species and the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. Beneath the surface, the surrounding waters teem with marine life, boasting over a thousand fish species—a key reason why the Seychelles is globally renowned as one of the top saltwater fly fishing destinations.
For anglers, these islands present the ultimate challenge. The crystal-clear, nutrient-rich waters are home to an incredible variety of sought-after game fish, including Bonefish, Giant Trevally, Indo-Pacific Permit, Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, and Milkfish, to name just a few. Whether you’re looking to expand your species list or test your skills against trophy fish, the Seychelles delivers an unforgettable fishing experience.
Some of the most popular fishing hotspots include the Alphonse Island Group, Farquhar Island, and the Atolls of Providence, Astove, and Cosmoledo—widely considered the epicentre of Seychelles’ world-class saltwater fly fishing.
Belize
Belize is a stunning Caribbean nation on the northeastern coast of Central America, covering 22,970 square kilometers. It shares borders with Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Known for its rich wildlife, ancient Mayan ruins, and the world’s second-longest barrier reef, Belize attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Beyond its natural and cultural wonders, Belize is also a world-class destination for saltwater fly fishing. Anglers from around the globe visit to pursue the legendary “Big 3”: Bonefish, Tarpon, and the elusive Permit. The country’s spectacular coastline is lined with vast saltwater flats, meandering creeks, and hidden lagoons, creating the perfect habitat for these prized game fish. It’s no surprise that fly fishing resorts in Belize enjoy a loyal following of anglers who return year after year.
Among the top fly fishing lodges in Belize, El Pescador stands out as a premier destination. This beautiful resort not only offers exceptional fishing opportunities but also provides a vibrant and entertaining experience that can be enjoyed with the whole family.
Another renowned lodge is Turneffe Flats, widely regarded as one of the best flats fishing destinations in the world. Anglers here have the chance to land grand slam species year-round, making it a must-visit for those seeking a truly unforgettable fishing adventure.
Mexico
Mexico, located in southern North America, spans 1,972,550 square kilometers, making it the 13th largest country in the world. It shares land borders with the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the south, while its extensive coastline is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Mexico is world-renowned for its rich culture, vibrant cuisine, beautiful beaches, and top-tier saltwater fly fishing opportunities. One of its most famous fly fishing destinations is Ascension Bay, located along the country’s 2,800-kilometer east coast, fronting the Gulf of Mexico. This region is a must-visit for traveling saltwater anglers, where all the elements align to create an unforgettable fishing experience.
Situated 160 kilometers south of Cancún, on the southeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Ascension Bay spans 12,000 square kilometers of rivers, lagoons, creeks, and pristine sand flats. As part of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the area is strictly protected from commercial fishing and development, allowing marine life to thrive and making it one of the most prolific saltwater fly fishing destinations in the Caribbean.
With an abundance of Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, and other flats species available year-round, our trips to Fly Fish Mex are also quickly becoming a bucket-list destination for saltwater anglers worldwide.
Christmas Island
Kiritimati, commonly known as Christmas Island, is a remote raised coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Northern Line Islands. It is one of the most isolated fishing destinations on Earth—literally on the other side of the world from Europe—and holds the distinction of being in the world’s farthest forward time zone.
As the largest coral atoll by land area, Kiritimati spans 150 square miles, complemented by an equally impressive lagoon of the same size. This lagoon, stretching 12 miles across with over 30 miles of shoreline, features an intricate network of channels and tidal flats that provide some of the richest and most diverse fishing habitats in the world.
The island is home to an extraordinary fish population, including Bonefish, Giant Trevally, Milkfish, Bluefin Trevally, and Triggerfish, all of which thrive in these productive waters and grow to impressive sizes. Given its unparalleled saltwater fly fishing, it’s no surprise that Kiritimati draws hundreds of traveling anglers each year.
Beyond the flats, Kiritimati also boasts a prolific bluewater fishery. The sharp drop-off from the flats into the deep ocean creates ideal conditions for popper fishing, light offshore trolling, and jigging. Anglers can target large offshore Trevally, Barracuda, and Wahoo, making the island not only a world-class fly fishing destination but also an exciting hotspot for offshore action.
Cuba
Cuba, located in the northern Caribbean at the convergence of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean, is a premier destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. The main island, covering 104,556 square kilometers, is the largest in the Caribbean, while Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), the second-largest, spans 2,200 square kilometers.
Cuba’s mainland features a striking mix of three major mountain ranges, lush rainforests, and fertile plains and valleys, dotted with iconic palm trees. Its stunning coastline stretches nearly 6,000 kilometers, encompassing more than 4,000 islands and keys, lined with palm-fringed shores, dense mangroves, and nearly 300 pristine natural beaches. Beneath the surface, thousands of kilometers of vibrant coral reefs support over 150 fish species, making Cuba one of the world’s top saltwater fly fishing destinations. It’s no wonder this island nation is a bucket-list trip for anglers worldwide.
Cuba’s exotic saltwater flats and rich coastal waters are home to all the traditional flats species, including Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, and Snook. Iconic fishing destinations such as Jardines de la Reina, Cayo Largo, Cayo Romano, Zapata, and Cayo Santa Maria (Gardens of the King) are renowned among fly anglers across the globe. Without a doubt, Cuba is the ultimate destination for achieving both the grand slam and the elusive super slam.
Oman
Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. Covering 309,500 square kilometers, it shares land borders with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. The country boasts a diverse landscape, from the rugged Hajar Mountains and their foothills to expansive desert fringes and lowlands. Its 3,165-kilometer coastline is equally varied, featuring barren stretches, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs that plunge into deep waters. Bordering the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf, this extensive coastline offers world-class saltwater fishing opportunities.
Whether you prefer saltwater fly fishing, lure fishing, or big game and bluewater fishing, Oman delivers an unparalleled angling experience. However, it’s not just the range of fishing techniques that attracts thousands of anglers each year—it’s also the incredible diversity of species available. Oman has gained a global reputation as one of the premier destinations for targeting monster Giant Trevally and the elusive Trachinotus Africanus Permit, a highly sought-after prize among fly fishers.
Beyond these coveted species, anglers in Oman also have the chance to hook into Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Tuna, Milkfish, Queenfish, Bluefish, and numerous members of the Trevally family. Fishing in Oman is a true test of skill and endurance, challenging anglers against some of the hardest-fighting and most aggressive predators in the ocean.
Contact Us
If you have any questions on the above destinations or would like to enquire about a fishing trip, you can contact our experienced fly fishing team, who will be happy to help you on 01603 407596 or by emailing peter@sportquestholidays.com. For those of you who would like to see the action at any of these lodges, take a look at our dedicated Saltwater Fly fishing playlist.
