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Blue Horizon Lodge Belize Number One Permit Destination

Customer Rating 94%
Tour Code BEL012

'THE’ Destination For Permit

The Blue Horizon fishing lodge was founded in 1997 by legendary Belizean fly fishing guide Lincoln Westby. Operating inside the protected waters of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, in an area known as ‘Permit Alley’, the lodge offers some of the best flats fishing found in the Caribbean. This fishing epicentre is renowned for its vast array of expansive pancake flats that teem with marine life, and the fabled waters are some of the best places in the world to fish for tailing Permit in shallow water. For decades, Blue Horizon Lodge has been known as ‘THE’ destination for hardcore Permit anglers attempting to catch their 1st or 100th fish.

While most anglers visiting the lodge have their attention focused on Permit, there is an abundant population of Tarpon and, of course, Bonefish. It’s a well-known fact that the waters of Blue Horizon Lodge offer the travelling saltwater fly fishing angler the best chance in Belize to catch the famed ‘grand slam’.

With some of the best fishing found within minutes of the lodge, there are no long boat rides to the flats, and this proximity allows anglers to maximize time on the water during the most productive moments of each tide. With an abundance of knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and fun guides and a newly remodelled and rebuilt lodge, it’s no wonder that Blue Horizon Lodge is a saltwater flats fishing destination at the top of many anglers wishlist.

South Caye Marine Reserve

The Blue Horizon Lodge is based on fishing the waters of the South Caye Marine Reserve, an area known locally as Permit Alley. The fishing gets split over three main areas: the prime pancake flats, which are home to abundant big Permit and Bonefish numbers. The nearby Meso-American Reef, home to the main three flats species and a range of Jacks, Snapper, and Barracuda. Then finally, the large Placencia Lagoon, which is home to healthy populations of Snook and Tarpon, that patrol the range of Cayes and channels.

One very popular thing for travelling fly anglers visiting Blue Horizon is that the fishing opportunities get found so close to the Lodge. The accommodation is at the heart of some of the very best fishing spots, and it’s common to travel less than ten minutes and be casting at a tailing Permit. Occasionally, guides will make longer runs, but only if they are 100% confident, they will find un-pressured fishing. This is in total contrast to fishing on the mainland, when you could expect a journey time of 30 to 45 minutes before you had a line in the water.

The fishing at Blue Horizon Lodge is in the traditional sense – tailing fish in skinny water or targeting those along the edges of flats as the tides drop. This style of fishing is the most technical and possibly, the purest form, especially for Permit on the fly. The guides will optimize the tides, wind, and sun each day to provide the most significant number of shots possible for anglers.

Saltwater Fly Fishing In Belize

The Blue Horizon Lodge offers some of the best flats fishing in Belize, and it’s one of the best spots in the country to catch a grand slam; a Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon all in the same day. Add to this one of the resident Snook, and you’ll also have what’s known as the saltwater fly fishing ‘Super Slam’.

Permit

The vast majority of anglers visiting Southern Belize do so to pursue the enormous number of Permit that populate the pancakes flats and the outer Cayes of ‘Permit Alley’. Numerous shots at 5lb to 20lb fish are typical each day, and few places in the world offer such prolific Permit fishing. However, what makes Permit Alley so unique is the number of tailing fish you can encounter in a given week. A tailing Permit is a feeding Permit, and anglers can expect to have 80% or more of the fish they see by tailing.

Bonefish

While the destination is mainly renowned for its Permit fishing, it’s also home to large numbers of Bonefish. As their known, the ‘ghost of the flats’ get primarily found near the Cayes or selected reef flats. On an average day on the flats, it’s usual to see vast schools of fish in the 2lb to 5lb range at any time of the year. However, there are always singles and doubles for those interested in more challenging casts. The Lodge’s guides can consistently find Bonefish schools, even during low tides and weather conditions that limit the encounters with Permit.

Tarpon

The Tarpon are present in the fishery throughout the year, in select channels and protected island lagoons. The Tarpon migration is generally from late April through to August, and the channels and Cayes in the South Water Marine Reserve see robust schools of fish during this time. However, there is considerably less pressure in these waters than in the famous reaches of Northern Belize, and as a result, the Tarpon in this fishery tend to be ‘eaters’, not ‘lookers’.

Other Species

As well as the traditional range of flats species, there are also good populations of reef fish, with Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Triggerfish, and Sharks are all available and adding to the angling experience. These can provide a completely different challenge and offer travelling anglers the chance for some explosive sport on the fly, lure and bait.

To find out more about saltwater fly fishing in Belize at the Blue Horizon Lodge, visit our YouTube channel

Blue Horizon Fishing Guides

A good saltwater Fly Fishing Guide is one of the keys to a successful and enjoyable day of fishing, and the guides at Blue Horizon Lodge are some of the best in Belize. The team constantly strive, not just to help anglers catch a fish of a lifetime, but to ensure that they enjoy the experience of a lifetime and want to return year after year.

All the guides are native to Belize and have grown up on the ocean; they have decades of experience and knowledge and know the marine environment like the back of their hand. In addition, each guide is licensed with the Belize Tourism Board, has First Aid certification, and carries the required Belize Port Authority Boat Master’s license. They also all speak excellent English, an advantage over some other parts of the Caribbean where the language barrier sometimes provides a small challenge.

The Blue Horizon guides staff all work from 23-foot traditional Pangas, which are ideal for poling the numerous flats within the fishery and running over open water. The boats offer plenty of space and are a great vantage point for spotting fish, and the guides will always have their eyes fixed on the water, polling from both the stern and platform. All the Pangas get fully equipped with PFD’s, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and a cell phone for emergencies, providing a safe, comfortable day on the water.

Accommodation

Situated on a seven-acre island known as Northeast Caye, the waterfront lodge is perfectly located in the heart of ‘Permit Alley’, the most productive fishing flats in all of Belize. An Orvis endorsed saltwater fly fishing lodge; it’s the perfect combination of focused fishing with a relaxed ‘Island’ attitude. The travelling anglers job is to relax, go fishing, enjoy some great food, drink and companionship.

The intimate Blue Horizon Lodge was officially re-opened in 2002 and featured many original buildings, but with a fresh redesign incorporating all the modern comforts that travelling anglers have to expect.

The goal of the redesign was to create an atmosphere that honours the heritage of Lincoln Westby’s original Lodge while rejuvenating it with contemporary luxury elements. During reconstruction, much of the old Lodge and guest cabins were salvaged and incorporated into new furniture, accents, and decor of the lodge and guest rooms. For those anglers who visited Blue Horizon Lodge in the 1990s, there is no doubt you’ll recognize the remnants of the old Lodge, and you will certainly savour the updated and greatly improved accommodations.

The main Lodge integrates an open-air design so that you may fully appreciate the beauty of the marina environment setting; its unique shutter system allows it to fully open up to the natural world or quickly close if inclement weather threatens.

The five guests cabanas have a maximum capacity of ten anglers and have been completely refurbished to deliver a surprising level of sophistication for such a remote location. Each room is furnished with two full-size beds and a private bathroom, complete with an on-demand hot water shower. Air conditioning is standard in all of the rooms, giving guests the option of enjoying the ocean breeze or a controlled climate. Rod racks, shelving, and hangers will help organize your gear during your stay.

Two of the five guest rooms are stand-alone units and offer the most privacy, and the other three units are contained under one roof, in the new from the ground up, triplex. The large shared deck makes a convenient gathering space for relaxing and sharing the day’s stories, and this accommodation is perfect for parties of six.

Room Amenities

– Two Full-Size Beds
– Private Bathroom
– Air Conditioning
– Internet
– Fly Rod Racks, Shelving, & Hangers
– Balcony
– Towels
– Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash
– Drinking-Water

Internet

The island has wireless internet access covering most of the property. The guest rooms and main Lodge are 100% covered, and WiFi calling, emails, internet browsing, text messaging, social media, and even high-speed streaming of live TV and movies is not just possible but standard.
Anglers who visit Blue Horizon Lodge are usually pleasantly surprised by the speed and consistency of internet access. Mobile phone service is limited but available to most US carriers.

Food & Drink

Belize is known for a wide variety of delightful and savoury fare, influenced by the diverse Caribbean culture. The culinary program at Blue Horizon Lodge incorporates traditional Belizean’ home cooking’ with the bold flare of modern cuisine.

Meals are served both family-style and plated and will never leave you asking for more. The menus capitalize on the close proximity to the ocean, and a range of seafood, along with fresh produce, meats, and forage from Muy’Ono Farms on the mainland, is all served daily. A few of the highlighted dishes are Seafood Serre, traditional Sunday dinners, conch fritters, ceviche, grilled lobster, and homemade desserts.

Breakfasts get served continental style so that anglers can enjoy at their convenience. Self-serve coffee is available starting at 5 am each morning, with the breakfast buffet opened shortly after. Breakfast consists of coffee or tea, fruit juice, fresh tropical fruits, pastry, muffin or sweet bread, and a savoury option of quiche, stuffed fry jacks, or other to-go breakfast items. Depending on the best times for fishing, your guides will be ready to depart as early as 6 am (sometimes earlier).

Lunch is served on the island when low tides occur mid-day. During a mid-day high tide, you’ll take lunch to go and enjoy it on the boat.

Dinner is a three-course experience, starting with appetizers, followed by the main course and finished off with a fresh, homemade dessert.

The self-serve bar and drink cooler is open at all times of the day. The bar gets well stocked with local rum and mixers, and every evening a different “happy hour” cocktail is featured. Be sure to try the “Pesky Permit”!

If you want to enjoy other libations, such as bourbon, scotch, tequila, speciality wines, or other liquors, please bring those to the island. The duty-free store in the Belize airport is a great location to purchase those items.

Drinking water gets supplied in each guest room, and the main Lodge in five-gallon jugs of purified water, the drinking water on the boats get supplied in large reusable coolers.

The Lodge utilizes a state of the art water maker for all non-drinking water uses. While this water is 99% safe to drink or brush your teeth with, they provide 100% purified water as a convenience and guaranteed safety for all visitors.

Fishing packages are all-inclusive of meals, drinks, lodging, guided fishing, and transfers between the island and the airstrip.

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Itinerary

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.

DAY 1: (FRIDAY)

Depart Any international Airport (See Details)

Arrive Miami

When you have arrived in Miami take a taxi to your overnight hotel. (Taxi not included)

Overnight accommodation: Miami Airport Hotel (Twin Room) B/B

Day 2: (Saturday)

In the morning take a taxi back to the international airport.

Depart Miami

Arrive Belize

Upon arrival at the international airport once you have cleared customs you walk to the domestic terminal for your connecting flight.

Depart Belize

Arrive Placencia

Once you arrive in Placencia, you will be greeted by a Muy’Ono Resorts representative, who will help you gather your luggage and then transfer you to The Placencia Resort, where our boat and captain will be waiting.

Blue Horizon Lodge is a quick 20-minute boat ride from The Placencia Resort.

Overnight accommodation: Blue Horizon Lodge Belize (Twin Room) F/B

Days 3 To 8: Fishing Days (Sunday To Friday)

Over the next 6 days, you will enjoy full days of fishing. An average fishing day at Blue Horizon Lodge is about 8 hours; however, this is quite flexible. Each day you will speak to your guide, who will ask what you would like to fish for. One fact we really love about this destination is it’s all about the fishing as you will be fishing the tides, not the clock. The entire fishing program is determined by the tide cycle, not the time of the day or when a meal is served.

This simple fact makes a massive difference to the fishing and captures, once you have experienced it you will never want to be tied to meal times ever again.

Overnight accommodation: Blue Horizon Lodge Belize (Twin Room) F/B

Day 9: (Saturday)

On departure day, breakfast is adjusted to start slightly later in the morning, and we ask that your bags are packed and ready to travel before you arrive for breakfast. The boat transfer to the mainland departs at either 6:45 am or 8:30 am, depending on the flight schedules of the departing group.

Depart Belize

Arrive Miami Depart Miami

DAY 10: (SUNDAY)

Arrive Home

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Satisfaction Score 94%

View all reviews

FISHING Seasons

The season runs from All Year Round.

Permit

Season: All Year
Peak: All Year
Weight: 2lb to 50lb
Average Weight: 10lb

Bonefish

Season: All Year
Peak: All Year
Weight: 2lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 3.5lb

Tarpon

Season: All Year
Peak: May to October
Weight: 5lb to 150lb
Average Weight: 50lb

Package Details

Prices from
£5,972
per person

Included

  • All international flights
  • All internal flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Boat transfer to and from the island
  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals and snacks at the Lodge
  • All local beers, & non-alcoholic drinks
  • 6 full days of guided fishing
  • WiFi & marine fees, hotel taxes, and GST

Excluded

  • Fishing Licence
  • Extra Tours
  • Purchases in the pro/gift shop
  • Bourbon, scotch, speciality wines, or other liquors
  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Parking fees
  • Fishing tackle
  • Tips for guides & all camp staff

Optional extras

  • Flight upgrades
  • Additional nights at the lodge
  • Additional fishing days
  • Single room upgrades
  • Fishing tackle rental

Price Supplements

N/A

View Latest Availability

Dates, Prices & Availability

Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

From To Duration Price Availability
01/03/2024 31/03/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/04/2024 30/04/2024 10 £5,972 Sold Out
01/05/2024 31/05/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/06/2024 30/06/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/07/2024 31/07/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/08/2024 31/08/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/09/2024 30/09/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/10/2024 31/10/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/11/2024 30/11/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/12/2024 31/12/2024 10 £5,972 Enquire Now
01/01/2025 31/01/2025 10 £6,186 Sold Out
01/02/2025 28/02/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/03/2025 31/03/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/04/2025 30/04/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/05/2025 31/05/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/06/2025 30/06/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/07/2025 31/07/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/08/2025 31/08/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/09/2025 30/09/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/10/2025 31/10/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/11/2025 30/11/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now
01/12/2025 31/12/2025 10 £6,186 Enquire Now

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.

Make an Enquiry

To speak to an expert or receive more information about when is the best time to travel? What can you expect from your holiday? Who are the tour guides? Will someone be there to meet me? Plus, many more questions. Either call our offices, e-mail us or fill in the form, and we will get back to you asap.
+44 (0)1603 407596
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16 Alston Road
Hellesdon Park
Norwich
Norfolk
NR6 5DS

Reviews

George

We had an awesome week at the Blue Horizon Lodge with Jason Westby as our guide. He was very knowledgeable about the flats and the area and helped catch us some great fish! We even had several chances at some Permit, just didn’t quite get them to bite! A huge thanks to everyone involved in making my trip possible.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Luke

I absolutely loved my stay at the Blue Horizon Lodge. The fishing guides were fantastic and had an excellent knowledge of the local waters and techniques (I caught plenty of fish!) The food was plentiful and extremely good quality. The accommodations was adequate for anglers but not quite luxurious. If you're thinking of travelling then there's plenty of Permit to keep you busy!

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Edward

I just want to say a massive thank you to Damien and the staff at Blue Horizon Lodge for a simply brilliant experience during our recent fly fishing trip to Belize. The guides proved to be excellent with respect to their knowledge of the waters we fished and we learned something new from each of them as we rotated throughout the week. We all had shots at Permit each day and ended up catching Permit, Bonefish and several other species.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Harry

Marlon Leslie... AKA the Permit whisperer! This was my first time fishing in Belize and my wife's first time fly fishing ever! We landed Permit, Bonefish and had our eyes on the Tarpon, but we just couldn't get them to take the fly. The next time I'm in Belize there will be only one guide I will be fishing with. A huge thank you to everyone who made our trip possible and to all the staff at the Lodge.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Arthur

Fly fishing was a blast! What an experience! The guides were very experienced and many had been fishing the waters for 20-30 years! The snorkelling was a remarkable experience for us all too. A massive thank you to Scott, Sami, Lincoln, Marlin, Patrick, Jasòn and the entire Blue Horizon team! We will be back.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Paul

The experience was everything I expected. Our guide, Lloyd, put us on fish immediately and ensured we were in the action the entire time. Catching Bonefish on a fly is awesome and even the smallest fish really put up a fight. The Lodge was perfect for what we wanted and the staff were first class. Thanks all!

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Samuel

The fishing, food, accommodation, guides and staff were all first class. The only thing lacking was another week of fishing! I'm hoping to get back to Blue Horizon this time next year but will definitely be staying longer, it was that good!

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Linda

My husband and I booked our first trip to Belize this November and were not disappointed. Amazing country and amazing fishing. Our young guide Lincoln was an absolute credit to the company. A huge thank you to everyone who was involved in making our fishing trip so amazing.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

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