El Pescador lodge first thought of back in 1973, and after a great effort, it opened its doors to the very first guests in 1974. Ever since then, the owners have been welcoming guests looking for peaceful surroundings while enjoying some of the most delicate flats fishing available.
This stunning lodge is not just about fishing; they pride themselves on looking after families. Over the years, this has proved a winning combination, and the list of tours available has grown from Catamaran sunset sailing cruises to scuba and snorkelling courses.
The family-run resort knows how important it is to offer the whole family an adventure. If you are looking for some of the worlds best fly flats fishing where a grand slam is possible while still keeping the family holiday aspect, then El Pescador is the right combination for you.
The fishing methods practised will be your choice; if you prefer to fish from one of the boats or feel more at home wading the flats, the option will be yours. Our 23-foot panga styles boats equipped with large, spacious casting decks are ideal for a day poling the crystal clear waters.
Another attraction to El Pescador Lodge in Belize is that you decide how many fishing days you would like to include. If it’s a family holiday, why not fish one day then rest the next. It’s completely flexible, and we can tailor it to fit around your requirements. Why not call us and see what we can offer.
El Pescador is found just outside the town of San Pedro, Belize, on Ambergris Caye. Belize situated by the Caribbean sea and the country is known for having the lowest population density of any Central American country. English is the national language in Belize and this, along with its fantastic fishing, is another reason that makes it such a popular destination for English speaking anglers. El Pescador is beach fronted, allowing families to take on some of the tours on offer directly in front of the resort.
When fishing the vast flats around El Pescador, you will have the option of targeting different species on the other flats. Some of the most prolific flats are only minutes away from the resort, which offers an abundance of Bonefish—having a large number of Bones to fish for means that people new to flats fishing will get plenty of opportunities each day.
These fish average 5-7lb, and a 9ft 7# rod will be the perfect tool to cast a mix of classic flats fly patterns, to tailing groups of fish. When scanning the Bonefish flats with your guide, it is always worth having an 8# rod set up as you are likely to spot some of the massive shoals of Permit that live on these flats, with fish averaging 8 – 10lb these encounters always get the heart racing.
El Pescador is also an attractive prospect for saltwater fly fishing for Tarpon fishing because it has resident fish to over 100lb each year. When hunting Tarpon, you will be able to cruise over 250 square miles of the fishery, searching for some massive fish. 10 & 12# rods with strong saltwater reels will give you the ability to go toe to toe with these silver torpedoes but remember to pick flies with super-strong hooks. The Tarpon peak times are July, August and September, and some say that moon phases play a massive role in the Tarpons behaviour, more so than other species.
Most of the fishing will be from the boat’s bow; however, there are many flats that you can wade and small lagoons that all hold a good variety of fish. If you wish to fish the smaller lagoons, these are fished using the lodges, Kayaks, or canoes provided free of charge in your downtime. The staff will give you some guidance and directions then you are free to go off on your little fishing adventure. You can learn more about fishing in El Pescador over on our YouTube Channel.
With a guiding team who are fully trained casting instructors and most with many seasons under their belts, you cannot put yourself in better hands for a week on the flats. El Pescador has a good collection of demo rods and reels that it can lend free of charge to you if you don’t want to take your own tackle, and in the well-stocked shop, you can buy all the terminal equipment and flies you will need for the week.
Each day the guides can assist with casting and fly presentation, and you can even choose to join one of the fly casting workshops held in the evenings if you want a brush up on your skills. These are great little sessions to learn more about fly fishing on the flats casting; feel free to join in or listen to our experienced guides talk about all things fishing related.
There is just so much to do and explore for non-angling partners or just days off from the fishing, including diving or snorkelling around the ore inspiring barrier reef, playing a round of golf on a private island, or a cave tubing adventure or a jungle river cruise. There is a vast amount of non-fishing activities at El Pescador to keep the most active families busy. This destination is highly recommended as a great family destination to cater to all involved.
This family-run resort on the beach of Ambergris Caye welcomes you to the best in adventure and accommodations. You can choose from a standard hotel room in the main lodge or a private 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villa accommodation. The resort is on the Bahia del Punta Arena, 2.6 miles north of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The spot is quiet and secluded, yet close enough to reach the town on foot, bicycle, shuttle, water taxi or golf cart.
The property stretches across the island from beach to lagoon, offering immediate access to fishing and snorkelling. Local artists have graced the interior walls with paintings, crafts and tapestries. An exotic array of tropical flowers and greenery encompass the resort to welcome you to paradise. Each villa exudes casual tropical elegance, from the splash of sunshine yellow on the exteriors to the rich wood trim and coral stone floors.
The main lodge is an intimate, 14-room hotel set in a colonial-style mahogany building with a long veranda overlooking the beach and barrier reef. The package includes a twin hotel room, and you can request to upgrade to one of the stylish villas at the time of booking.
Hotel rooms – Each of the fourteen guest rooms in our main lodge faces the sea and are just steps away from our swimming pool adjacent to the beach. Each room has a private bath, overhead fan and air-conditioning.
Private villas – All villas have stunning views of the beach and the Belize Barrier Reef across an open expanse of turquoise Caribbean Sea. Villas are two-story, 3-bedroom, 3-bath homes designed in a lock-off configuration, enabling you to rent a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom villa to perfectly match your individual needs while ensuring your complete privacy. They have exotic hardwood floors, furnished with lovingly handcrafted furniture of tropical hardwoods, bamboo, or traditional wicker.
The local and international chefs that work at El Pescador have been in place for some time now, and it is no wonder when they produce culinary delights as they do. Each day the chefs create delicious meals from local supplies and include a vegetarian and vegan option.
El Pescador prides itself on what it calls farm-to-table dining, which reflects the country’s culinary origins. The fish dishes are caught from nearby waters, meats and produce come from family-owned farms located in Belize.
Breakfast: is served between 5:30 am to 9 am and a good selection from the A la carte menu.
Lunch: is served between 12 pm to 2 pm and again is taken from the A la carte menu.
Dinner: is served at 6:45 pm and is a prix fixe menu. However, local grilled fish fillet and vegan options are available. If you would like one of these options, please inform the chef before 10 am the same day.
The Grand Slam bar is the perfect place to relax after a lovely evening meal. In addition to a full selection of both local and international beverages, you will find a pool table, foosball table and other games located in the bar for your enjoyment. The bar opens from 2 pm for drinks and is open until the last guest leaves.
Facilities at the resort include three swimming pools, an exercise room, complimentary kayaks, complimentary bicycles, fishing instructor, Scuba diving instructor, WI-FI and Email service, tour office, gift and sundry shop, the exclusive Scientific Angler Mastery Series Fly Shop in Belize.
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.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Miami
When you arrive in Miami and collected your bags, make your way to your overnight hotel. (taxi not included)
Overnight accommodation: Miami Airport Hotel (Twin Room) B/B
In the morning, speak to the hotel receptionist, who will happily arrange for a taxi back to the airport for your onward flights (taxi not included)
Depart Miami
Arrive Belize
Once you have arrived, make your way to the Tropic Air counter for your next short flight to the resort.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by the hotel staff, who will show you to your room. You are then free to relax and unwind
Overnight accommodation: El Pescador Hotel (Twin Room) F/B
Over the next 5 days after breakfast, you will depart with your guide for a full 8 hours fishing on the numerous flats. You can choose to either fish from one of the pangas, or if you prefer, you can wade the numerous flats.
Overnight accommodation: El Pescador Hotel (Twin Room) F/B
At a pre-arranged time you will be taken back to the local airstrip for your return journey
Depart Belize
Arrive Miami Depart Miami
Arrive Home
The season runs from March to June October to December.
Season: All Year
Peak: March to June
Weight: 2lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 3.5lb
Season: All Year
Peak: March to June
Weight: 2lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 12lb
Season: All Year
Peak: May to June
Weight: 5lb to 150lb
Average Weight: 15lb
Season: All Year
Peak: March to June
Weight: 2lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 5lb
N/A
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/10/2024 | 31/10/2024 | 9 | £4,997 | Enquire Now |
| 01/11/2024 | 30/11/2024 | 9 | £4,997 | Enquire Now |
| 01/12/2024 | 15/12/2024 | 9 | £4,997 | Enquire Now |
| 16/12/2024 | 31/12/2024 | 9 | £5,924 | Enquire Now |
| 01/01/2025 | 31/01/2025 | 9 | £5,924 | Enquire Now |
| 01/02/2025 | 28/02/2025 | 9 | £5,924 | Enquire Now |
| 01/04/2025 | 30/04/2025 | 9 | £5,924 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2025 | 31/05/2025 | 9 | £5,924 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2025 | 30/06/2025 | 9 | £5,924 | Enquire Now |
| 01/07/2025 | 31/07/2025 | 9 | £6,174 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2025 | 31/08/2025 | 9 | £5,723 | Enquire Now |
| 01/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 | 9 | £5,423 | Enquire Now |
| 01/11/2025 | 14/11/2025 | 9 | £5,423 | Enquire Now |
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 surcharge.
Well what can I say about El Pescador lodge. As a non angling partner I had concerns about being bored in the day, my concerns were not necessary. The staff were fantastic and I felt like part of the family, the food was outstanding, the cocktails were just perfect. We felt welcome the second we stepped off the boat onto the dock. The housekeeping team always did a top job and I loved the relaxed vibes from el pescador. I had reservations about the family style dinner in the evenings, but I ended up enjoying chatting to people from all over the world over a lovely meal.
We went for my husbands 40th birthday and he fished for 6 days, he got plenty of bonefish, a migratory tarpon and the elusive permit. He chose to go with the guide Gordy after some great reviews, he is really glad he did. He also did a mangrove fishing morning with Mariano, he caught some big bonefish and juevinille tarpon. He says if you have a free morning or afternoon, definitely do it as it is great fun.
We did 2 excursions, one reef fishing, beach barbecue and snorkelling which was absolutely fantastic, even as a non angler I had plenty of fun and the lobster that was barbecued up was great. We also did a trip to see the manatees and caye caulker.
We had a fantastic trip and couldn’t recommend El Pescador any more. Memories to last a life time. We loved it so much we are booking to go back in 2025!
Loryn
Thank you so much for your kind words. El pescador never disappoints and its a real home from home.
We have sent hundreds of customers there and they all say the same thing.
Thank you again for your custom and we really look forward in helping you all again soon.
Both me and my wife had an amazing holiday, all the staff and guides at El Pescador are so helpful and accommodating. Only issue on the return flight the airline split both me and my wife up so we did not sit together and when arrived back in the UK my fishing bag was all ripped. Not your fault I know but very annoying. Would love to go back sometime.
Hi Ian, glad both you and Caroline had a great trip, yes we get lots of great comments when we talk to returning customers about El Pescador. Such a shame about your bag tho. In relation to splitting both you and your wife lets complain to the airline as you were both booked on the same ticket so they should not split you. See if we can get an upgrade out of them. I look forward in helping you both for your future travel plans. Kind regards Peter
The four of us had a fantastic holiday and we caught lots of different species. You do need to change the hotel in Miami plus your arrival instructions as there is no longer a phone to call the hotel. That was our only gripe, the rest of the holiday was wonderful.
Gary, so so happy that you and the family had another great holiday, sorry about the hotel in Miami, we have had several complaints about this airport hotel this month so it simple, we have removed this hotel from our books and now use Hyatt House Miami airport and all customers now seem a lot more happy with the new hotel. Also we have updated our arrival information, thanks for bringing both these things to our attention, which just goes to show how important customer feedback is to us and future customers. Tight lines Paul
Staff & Service at El Pescador were superb - a real family atmosphere and nothing was too much bother. We were staying at El Pescador whilst a TV company was shooting a fly-fishing programme for one of the US Cable Networks and were privileged to meet Lefty Kreh, Tom Brokaw & Huey Lewis !
Robert thank you for taking the time to send us such nice feedback glad that you both loved the place. I will pass on your kind comments to the resort. Regards Peter
From the moment you land in San Pedro to the day you leave they think of everything for you! They really operate as one big family. If you are coming to fish there is not a better place to go. The guides are experienced and do what you want to do. Can not fault the whole operation. Quick tip. The top floor villas overlooking the pool and ocean are outstanding.
Stephen we have many customers give us good feedback about this destination. We are so happy that you and whole family enjoyed the holiday and great idea about the room tip.
My wife and I stayed at El Pescador for our 5th anniversary. We were met at the dock and the Staff knew our names from the moment we arrived. They really made us a part of their family by the time we left. The staff helped us arrange for a guided all day snorkling/sailing trip. Both recommendations were perfect. Their onsite fishing manager took time out of his day to give me some pointers on saltwater fly fishing. The guides for the fishing were outstanding. I can't wait to go back!
Thank you so much for travelling with us and taking the time to comment on such a wonderful holiday. It is very pleasing for us when returning customers have throughly enjoyed their whole holiday experience. Plus congratulations on your 5th anniversary I was not aware beforehand. Mel
I CAN ONLY ENDORSE THE REVIEWS ON THE WEBSITE OF THE LODGE, EVERYTHING WAS EXCELLENT ABOUT THE PLACE.
THE FLY FISHING WAS CHALLENGING BUT REWARDING AND THE GUIDES AND RESORT STAFF WERE GREAT.
USEFUL IF YOU CAN PLAY A BIT OF VOLLEYBALL
Glad you both enjoyed the place. I knew you would as they have always taken good care of all our customers.
Its such a great place warm and friendly, plus they make all the non anglers just as welcome.
So we have to just wait until Argentina now then, counting down the days until we go :)
Thanks as always for your custom it is very much appreciated.
Regards Peter
We stayed for a week in one of the resort's spacious, comfortable villas.
The all inclusive food was excellent.
The staff, management, and guides were outstanding.
They were all so friendly, helpful, professional and willing to do whatever it took to make our trip fantastic.
The family style dinners allowed guests to get to know one another better; the staff did mention they could bring dinner to our room if we would rather eat there.
On an afternoon snorkeling trip, a large manatee swam alongside our group!
May was a great time of year for catching bonefish, permit and tarpon.
There were not huge numbers caught each day, but some huge permit and tarpon were caught during the week.
The pools and bar were very refreshing after a day of fishing.
We thoroughly enjoyed the other guests and the accommodations, as well as the staff and fishing.
Sue nice review its a great help and a real customer view.
Thank you from everyone.
El Pescador is a world class fishing destination in the beautiful country of Belize. The people are warm and direct. The local food prepared expertly at the lodge is delicious. Every need is anticipated and attended to. Primarily a fishing lodge, but it does have many non-fishing activities you can partake in. Scuba, snorkel, kayak or swim right at the resort or schedule an offsite trip to attractions such as Mayan ruins. The friendly staff will help you with whatever you'd like to do.
The fishing staff is top notch and helpful assessing your skills, equipment and expectations. The guides are attentive and extremely professional. Many come from second and third generation fishing families. They will definitely put you on fish and coach you in the transition from fishing to catching.
My only complaint is that I had to leave. I'll be coming back real soon.
John such a great review thanks from everyone.
My daughter and I spent a week at the lodge fly fishing for Bonefish , Permit and Tarpon.
This is the place to go if you want to catch lots of fish and enjoy a wonderful resort.
Everyone of the staff is very special and will treat you like family.
Glad you both had such a great time it is a very special place.
El Pescador, the fisherman, takes treating their guests like family seriously. Every guest is known and called by name, and not in a fake way.
I was part of a six woman's fishing expedition, and we did not all know each other in advance.
The el pescador setup, with a centralized dining area, both inside and out, brought us together at mealtimes and allowed us to meet and enjoy meaningful conversations each other and with other guests whether they were there as singles or in small groups.
That's what family means in this lovely place.
Thank you so much for submitting your review and comments.
Everyone appreciates them.
This was a trip planned for myself and my son. This was our first fly fishing trip and we were unsure as to what to expect. Upon our arrival, we loved the loaction and the people. I would recommend El Pescador to anyone who wishes to fly fish.
The guides are true professionals and show each fisherman the attention needed.
Nothing like your first father and son fly fishing holiday, So glad it all worked out so well for you both.
Regards
The fishing alone would bring me back, but the staff, food and facilities are the jewel in the crown. It was tempting to stay back at the resort for a day just for the experience and relaxation.
I would recommend El Pescador with out reservation.
Thanks for the destination review and your recommendations means a lot.
Wow, what a great flats fishing experience. Bonefish, tarpon and permit are all right there so there is an excellant chance for a gran slam.
The guides are familiar with the waters, techniques and flies to use.
Pleasant, fluent in english they are a pleasure to spend a day on the water with.
Mark thanks for a great review much appreciated and we will pass on to the guides.
El Pescador - Belize
To reach the fishing lodge via Heathrow entails a 9 hour flight to Atlanta, an overnight stay, a 3 hour flight to Belize City, a 15 minute flight to San Pedro followed by a 2 mile boat ride to the resort. A longish journey but well worth the effort to experience some exceptional salt water fly fishing plus warmth and sunshine for a welcome break which was superbly arranged by www.sportquestholidays.com as the following photos show.
Being surrounded by some 400 square miles of “Flats” averaging 2 to 4 feet in depth the assistance of a Guide is almost essential when time is limited. During a few days of fishing, two outstanding 2nd and 3rd generation Guides put me right onto the fish and freely showed endless patience in providing much needed fly fishing instruction. The temperature was around 30C and with constant winds; lady luck was truly needed to achieve my goals of catching a Bonefish, a Permit and a Tarpon.
If salt water fishing and especially fly fishing is a challenge that excites you, do not hesitate to visit El Pescador. The accommodation, food and facilities plus the overall ambience are all excellent and the fishing Guides are second to none.
Mike
So so glad you had an amazing trip, I will always look forward in helping you on your annual fishing holidays.
Regards Peter
Our journey to Belize was very well organised and our chosen resort excellent. The accommodation, staff and food at El Pescador was first class and I didn't want our holiday to end.
Thank you Sportquest
Hello Jane, So glad you and Kevan had a great time and loved the resort. Also thank you so much for both taking the time to fill out your feed back forms as this information for future customers is a great help.
Kevin seemed like he enjoyed the fishing and by the look of the excellent pictures he sent me, he caught some fantastic species.
All the best, Paul
The resort certainly lived up to our expectations. ALL the staff were first class. you really were made to feel welcome. The food was excellent as was the accommodation. The only suggestion I have is, if you can, can you move Belize a little closer to the UK?
Hi Kevan, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to fill out your feed back form. I shall pass it on to the resort as I know they like hearing feedback.
So glad the resort lived up to your expectations and you both had such a lovely time. Thanks also for the pictures you emailed us I will try and write a nice little blog soon.
Hopefully we will catch up soon
Paul
Hard to fault. El Pescador lodge and staff are fantastic.
Our guides clearly worked hard to help us achieve our daily goals, but the fishing was hard. Bonefish, no problem, Permit, landed one, Tarpon got amongst them but only one take which unfortunately got away just before landing, but thats fishing!
Hi Richard
Thank you for taking the time to complete your feedback as it is very much appreciated.
Glad you liked everything about El Pescador, shame the fishing was slower than normal as it is always very frustrating for everyone involved when this happens.
I believe the weather was not on anyones side that week.
I look forward in dealing with you again soon.
Regards Peter
Excellent accommodation, food, staff and fishing guide. Will go again!
United airlines very strict on weight limits!
Michael
Thanks for your feedback as it is very much appreciated.
We look forward in dealing with you again and seeing you both next year.
The worst part was clearing customs in USA. Is it possible to fly to Cancun and then transfer to Belize?
Food at El pescador was only average.
Paul
It was great to talk to you on the phone and congratulations on all your fish especially the huge permit, and you came so close to landing another huge Permit. Glad both you and your wife really enjoyed your stay.
Sorry to hear the comments about the food, it is very homely food, in relation to flights and connections the USA is a real pain for any trip, the issue of going immigration is just getting a joke.
Thanks for your continued custom and I look forward in dealing with you again soon.
Tight Lines
We enjoyed the holiday but Sportquest should be aware of a major issue at El Pescador with sargassum weed. It is washing up on El Pescador's beach in very lage quantities, rotting and stinking. El Pescador are doing what they can but are fighting a losing battle. The stench is terrible and, whilst we endured it, other guests did not.
Hi Mark,
Sorry to hear about the Sargassum weed, I believe this is a freak of nature this year/season and I know the resort is doing an excellent job battling it.
Regards Peter
We had a fantastic time at El Pescador. Staff and guides were excellent. Food amazing.
Sadly, like everywhere in the world, fish numbers, and size appear to be decreasing.
I caught lots of bonefish, which is what I went for, so it was mission accomplished.
Some people might not like the long boat journeys to fishing grounds: up to three hour return trip.
Tips expected by lodge and guides came as a shock. Perhaps you should forewarn clients of the amount.
Hello Nigel, thank you for your feedback it was a pleasure to send you and your partner to El Pescador. So glad you managed your target of a Bonefish, its an awesome place for them. Did you receive your pre-trip paper work? It states in there how much the tips are. We try to make sure everyone who travels knows of any unexpected expenses, sorry this wasnt clear enough.
Where to next?
All the best, Paul
The whole team at El Pescador are superb and make you feel really welcome. I fully recommend this destination for anglers wishing to catch bonefish, permit and other species whilst enjoying faultless hospitality and excellent local food.
Excellent Richard, sounds like you had a superb holiday. If you need any help or assistance with your next trip, you know where we are.
Kind regards Peter.
Tarponville Lodge in Costa Rica offers anglers the opportunity to experience some of the best Tarpon fishing in the world, regarding numbers of fish and those with a fantastic average size. It is home to abundant numbers of big fish, averaging around 80 to 90lbs, with specimens frequently reaching over a massive 150lbs.
Thanks to its excellent fishing and easy access, the beautiful National Park of Los Roques has gained a reputation for being one of the best fly fishing destinations in the Caribbean, attracting travelling rods from all around the globe.
Think about a place where you can fish more than 100 miles of flats without seeing another fisherman. A place where the flats fishing is so good, you can catch seven fish species in one day and a place where you have a legitimate chance for a ‘Grand Slam’ every day of the year; that’s Canarreos.
Silver King Tarpon fishing in Brazil, is the first fly-only Tarpon fishing operation in South America and is a unique experience created for travelling rods looking to sample some world-class fly fishing sport. It offers anglers unprecedented numbers of fish and those with excellent average sizes.
Abaco Lodge is located on the Marl's side of Great Abaco Island, in the Bahamas. This area, known as the “Marls of Abaco”, is a vast expanse of prime wilderness Bonefish habitat that has long been known by well-travelled bone fishermen as one of the most unique and productive fisheries in the Bahamas.
