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Whipray Caye Lodge

Remote Island 8 miles off Coast from Placencia Village


Whipray Caye Lodge is located on a small island approximately nine miles off the coast of Placencia Village in central Belize. Placencia is a rapidly growing fishing community with more and more hints of tourism and development making inroads to the little community. The old village still holds its authentic Belizean charm, and is ground zero for some of the most consistent and technical permit fishing found anywhere in the Caribbean.

The coast of central Belize is dotted with hundreds of small islands and cayes, most of which are uninhabited. Julian and Beverly Cabral have built their simple, yet idyllic lodge in the heart of this amazing fishery. This is not a destination for those necessarily looking for a relaxing vacation, rather best suited for the most dedicated of permit anglers willing to play hard.


For permit fishing enthusiasts, the name surname Cabral is synonymous with rearing generations of some of the best flats fishing guides in Belize. Julian Cabral is the latest prodigy in the family of commercial and sportfishing professionals. Julian’s Whipray Caye Lodge is situated in the center of the same fishery the Cabral clan has fished for over one hundred years.

As mentioned, this is not a trip for the casual angler. This is an adventure designed for the permit anglers in search of the best opportunity to chase this wily species in shallow water while wading. The endless series of shallow, turtle grass and coral rubble flats in the area are surrounded by deep, blue water… ideal habitat for finding permit feeding in skinny water. In a typical week of fishing, you will be astounded by the numbers of permit seen on the flats. The quantity and quality of the shots available in the area is truly second to none anywhere on the planet. However, this is technical fishing and be prepared to become Julian’s student!

Typically, anglers arrive on the flat via boat and pole downwind until fish are spotted tailing or cruising the edges. Occasionally fish will come up on the flat from the deep water unannounced, in which case anglers present the fly from the skiff, however the vast majority of the fishing is done wading. Most of the time, anglers quietly drop anchor, get a game plan organized, and stalk fish in accordance with the best angle to achieve the easiest presentation. This technique allows anglers to get organized and make decisions regarding the given circumstances and conditions with each fish encounter. It is an extremely exciting style of fishing, but also gives you too much time to think about it! Overcoming “buck fever” is often the largest obstacle for even the most experienced of permit anglers! Most presentations are approximately 50 fifty feet to tailing singles or small schools in super, super shallow water. We have seen permit in the area well over thirty pounds, however the average sized fish are in the fifteen pound range.

All the fishing is done in accordance with the tidal predictions for the day, thus no set schedule is set on the Whipray program. Anglers my find themselves awake having breakfast at 5:00AM if Julian decides the conditions are best. The fishing experience at Whipray Caye is intense. Permit angling veterans will tell you the Placencia fishery is “the real deal”, and Julian Cabral is perhaps the best host to guide you on your permit angling quest.

There are also numerous mangrove lined lagoons in the area that are home to both year round and summertime migratory tarpon. This is usually a very reliable tarpon fishery, and a great way to kill some time when the tides are not ideal for chasing the perms. A few rivers and creeks on the mainland are also excellent for tarpon and snook when the conditions are good, and of course there are plenty of flats with Belizean sized bonefish. The bonefishing in the area is somewhat limited relative to Turneffe Atoll or Ambergris Caye, however it is always fun to cap off a successful day with a few bones, especially if one is needed to round out a Grand Slam. Barracuda, jack crevalle, horse-eye jack, yellow tail, red snapper, and a myriad of other reef fish are abundant and oftentimes find themselves on the dinner table!


Whipray Caye Lodge is simple yet very comfortable considering its remote location on a tiny island. Guests stay in spacious cabins with ceiling fans and private baths, as well as well placed hammocks overlooking the sea. Julian’s wife, Beverly, is the resident chef turning out amazing meals consisting of anything from veal to of course local seafood. The lodge also boasts of a gorgeous mahogany “Sea Urchin Bar” that is well stocked with booze and of course cold Belekin Beer.


Six anglers


Guests travel direct to Belize City (BZE) from many USA portals including Dallas, Houston, and Miami. American and Continental Airlines are the carriers of choice for the route, with daily scheduled flights to and from. Upon arrival mid afternoon into Belize City, we will book you on board a local commuter flight down to approximately forty-five minutes to Placencia Village. From the airport in Placencia, you will be taken via Panga approximately a half hour to the island. Belize is only 3 hours direct from Dallas and 2.5 hours from Houston, making it an incredibly easy trip!


Whipray Caye Lodge is open year round, however Julian and Beverly often shut down during hurricane season (Late August – October) for repairs and maintenance on the island and boats. There really is no “best” time to visit the fishery as trophy permit are landed all months of the year.


Although angling is the main activity at Whipray, Julian is an amazing host, and one of the “saltiest” guys you will ever meet. The snorkeling in the area is astounding, and Julian has been known to take clients spear fishing or lobster diving when in season. It is also a wonderful place to simply chill on the beach and soak in the sun!


2009 Season
(Based on Shared Room / Guide)

4 Nights / 3 Days………………………$1530

5 Nights / 4 Days………………………$1820

6 Nights / 5 Days………………………$2105

7 Nights / 6 Days………………………$2495

Based on Private Room / Guide
4 Nights / 3 Days………………………$2515

5 Nights / 4 Days………………………$2725

6 Nights / 5 Days………………………$3035

7 Nights / 6 Days………………………$3415

Please Inquire For Non-Angling Rates


Accommodations at Whipray Caye Lodge as specified; Guided fishing as specified ; Ground transfers from Placencia airstrip; Boat transfer to Whipray Caye; All meals; Non-alcoholic beverages (sodas); All GST Taxes


Airfare to Belize City from the US; Beer; Roundtrip airfare to/from Belize City and Placencia with Tropic or Maya Airlines; Liquor / Bar Bill; Gratuities and any additional tours/sightseeing days; $35 (US) or $70 (BZ) Belize Departure Tax


Whipray Caye Lodge mandates a refundable deposit of 50% per person is required to hold both space and guides on all packages. No space or guides will be held without receipt of deposit. Full pre-payment is due at Whipray Caye 90 days prior to arrival. Please note that Tailwaters Travel is subject to the cancellation policies of the guides and lodges which it represents. A refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 90 days prior to departure. All cancellations made outside of 90 days from departure have a 10% processing fee per guest. Cancellations made within 90 days from departure are non-refundable, however an effort will be made to reschedule trips within the same calendar year. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund/responsibility clause.

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