Call Toll-Free: 1-888-TAIL-H20  (1-888-824-5420)

Home   Contact Us

El Pescador Lodge

Ambergris Caye - 15 minute commute from Belize International Airport


El Pescador Lodge is located on the northern island of Ambergris Caye, northeast of the Belize’s capital Belize City. Ambergris Caye is the largest and most developed island off the coast of Belize, and is bordered by Mexico closely to the north. The lodge facility sits on the windward side of the island approximately ten minutes via water taxi from the energetic village if San Pedro. There is perhaps no easier bonefish, permit, and tarpon destination to reach in the Caribbean than Ambergris Caye. A direct three-hour flight from Dallas / Ft. Worth, Houston, or Miami, and a short, and an inclusive commute to the island puts guests on the flats or on a world class dive site only a few hours from home.

This family-run resort on Ambergris Caye has enjoyed an international reputation as a world-class fishing destination for over thirty years. Today El Pescador resort is that and much, much more. Owners and wonderful friends, Ali and Alonzo, specialize in shallow water fishing as well as diving, and also offer the best combination of eco-adventure with luxury accommodations on Ambergris Caye. The Spanish name "El Pescador" means "the fisherman" and the lodge caters to all types of anglers, specializing in light tackle, salt water, and fly-fishing with all activities concentrated on the sea as well as on the flats.

El Pescador is the best lodge for a quick, economical, and easy fish “fix”. If you are looking for some of the best saltwater flats fishing or world class diving experience but don’t have the time or think you have the money to indulge, look no further than El Pescador Lodge. We have been long time friends with the owners, management, and guides at “E.P”, and have sent literally hundreds of happy anglers, divers, and non-angling families to El Pescador. El Pescador truly is one of the last “mom and pop” Caribbean lodges run with wonderful style and competence. More than just a fishing lodge, the operation’s atmosphere and facility, a myriad of organized non-angling activity, and proximity to the lively village of San Pedro make El Pescador an ideal destination to consider for a family retreat as well.


Similar to Turneffe Atoll, Ambergris Caye is one of the few places on earth where fisherman can expect to have a good shot at the "Grand Slam". Numerous times every season guests come back boasting of landing bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in one day. If you are an even bigger trophy hunter, show up at El Pescador during the winter months and add a snook to the bag for the “Super Grand Slam”. Although smaller in size than Bahamian or Floridian bones, they are found in large numbers and huge schools, the perfect classroom for first timers to the flats. The soft nature of the flats surrounding Ambergris Caye dictate the majority of the fishing be done from the boat, however there are a few areas that are classic hard, white, sandy bottomed that offer excellent wading opportunities. Fishermen also have the luxury of getting out of the wind by concentrating their efforts in mangrove lined lagoons or inner flats in calmer water. All boats at El Pescador are standard Panga crafts with a broad V-hull capable of running in shallow water with plenty of casting room, comfortable seating, and storage.

Many anglers come to El Pescador just for the permit fishery. Like most permit fisheries, the preponderance of the permit fishing is done from the skiff in the deeper cuts and channels that surround the flats. Because this species feels safer and more comfortable in the deeper water, Ambergris Caye offers a perfect habitat for this “holy grail” of the flats species. Ambergris should definitely not be overlooked as one of the world’s best permit fisheries.

Tarpon are another species that is prevalent at El Pescador completely year-round. Although juvenile or “baby” tarpon can be found year round, perhaps the greatest draw to the island is the summertime adult tarpon fishing. During the summer months (May – September) the larger migratory tarpon show up in great numbers and often exceed the 125-150 pound mark. Ambergris Caye is one of the few places on earth outside of the Florida Keys were anglers have consistent chances for sight casting in shallow water on the flats to this marvelous species.

Sick of flats fishing or want to catch dinner? El Pescador guests can enjoy fishing the reef for snappers, grouper, wahoo, mackerel, jacks, cobia, barracuda, king fish, rainbow runners, and triggerfish.

El Pescador also has several rod and reels for rent set up for all species at guest’s disposal for those who don’t have all the equipment. Fishing manager, Bob, can recommend you and your group fish with the appropriate guide based upon your experience and what species you would like to target. El Pescador’s guides are without a doubt the best on the island, and some of the best we have fished with in the country.

It is also important to note that beginning anglers do not have to use fly fishing gear. Traditional spin casting equipment is encouraged and is a wonderful way to guarantee anglers of all skill levels experience success on the flats.


El Pescador’s facility is as nice and comfortable as can be found in the world of bonefish lodges, and without question some of the nicest on Ambergris Caye. At El Pescador guests have a choice to stay in the lodge, or in one of the more modern luxury one, two, and three bedroom villas on the property. El Pescador lodge is an intimate, twelve-room, one suite hotel set in a colonial style mahogany building with a long verandah overlooking the beach and barrier reef. All rooms have private baths, overhead fans and air-conditioning and are just steps away from the swimming pool adjacent the beach. All rooms face the sea on the windward side of the island. Immediately behind the lodge, on the leeward side of the island is an expansive lagoon with sea kayaks at your disposal to explore the miles and miles of mangrove lagoons on your own if you have not had enough fishing for the day.

El Pescador Villas is a collection of luxury villas, set in tropical gardens, surrounding a private pool. You may enjoy the entire villa as a home-away-from-home, or request only the portions since each suite can lock-off into a private unit. Reserve one master suite, or a master suite and the Great Room—just tell us what configuration works best for your group. The majority of our guests elect to splurge for the villa option. Essentially, guests in the villas are given their own modern and private house on the beach with a kitchen, extra square footage, and a quieter environment to enjoy when not socializing.

El Pescador lodge and villas are on the Bahia del Punta Arena, 2.6 miles north of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The spot is remote and private, yet close enough to reach town on foot, bicycle, shuttle, water taxi or golf cart. The lodge offers complimentary usage of kayaks and bicycles as well as wireless email service throughout and a gift shop. As mentioned, El Pescador also has a very well stocked fly shop with a strong inventory of flies, leaders, sunglasses, and anything else you forgot.

The El Pescador restaurant is intimate and meals served family-style. The kitchen serves an American breakfast, offer a lunch buffet of seafood and local Belizean cuisine, and a dinner buffet. You can join guests and staff for hors d’ouvres from 5:30 pm in the open air bar with billiards and darts, the perfect place for swapping stories after a day's activities. The house specialty is tropical rum punch but they also offer a full selection of top shelf liquors, wine and beer.

In addition to the all inclusive meal program at the lodge, we encourage all our clients to venture to one or more of the dozens of excellent restaurants in San Pedro or up the island. A short water taxi ride gives guests at “E.P.” the ability to experience a great meal as well as some of the local nightlife. We will provide you with several recommendations for restaurants on Ambergris Caye in our outfitting guide upon booking.


Only a three-hour, direct flight to Belize City, there is no easier destination in the saltwater world to reach from Dallas, Texas. Guests at El Pescador fly into the capital of Belize, Belize City. Belize City is serviced by both American and Continental Airlines from DFW, Houston, Miami, New York City, and numerous other origins. Included in the price of your stay at El Pescador is the short sixteen minute flight aboard local carriers Maya Island Air or Tropic Air to the city of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Several flights a day depart Belize City for San Pedro, so connections are usually no more than a few minutes. A representative from the lodge will meet you at the airport and transport you to the lodge via a short boat taxi ride to the lodge pier.


Day 1
Travel to Belize City on a three-hour flight from DFW International Airport. Upon arrival in Belize City, check in with flight to San Pedro for the sixteen minute flight to the island. Guests are picked up at airport and transferred to lodge via five-minute water taxi. Relax the rest of the afternoon.

Day 2-?
Fish, Scuba Dive, and enjoy the numerous activities available at El Pescador. Enjoy first class meals and beautiful Caribbean weather.

Departure Day
No activities planned for the day. After breakfast guests are transported back to the San Pedro airport for the short commute back to Belize City and on to the United States.


El Pescador is open year round, however there are defined seasons that potential guests should understand before booking their trip. Belize has a subtropical climate that is uniformly hot and humid, although it is tempered by the trade winds. The dry season is from February to March with another brief spell during August, while the hurricane season is from late July to October. Temperatures during the summer months can become extremely warm, and anglers who are especially bothered by heat may want to consider avoiding the summer heat. However, do know that El Pescador does have extremely comfortable fully air conditioned facilities to get out of the heat on a hot summer day. Also know that a breeze helps to keep things comfortable during the summer months as well.

Temperatures throughout the year range from 75-95 degrees (average 84). Water temperatures average 79-80 degrees in the winter and 83 degrees in the summer. A comfortable southeasterly trade wind blows throughout most of the year, and tends to pick up in February and March. June is called the 'rainy season' in Belize but this relates primarily to the mainland rainforest and has little effect on the off shore atolls. January, February, and March can be plagued by unpredictable weather patterns and as mentioned a little more wind, however some of the biggest, pre-spawn permit and bonefish on the island can be found on the flats enjoying the cooler water temperatures.

Anglers should also consider the time of year to plan a trip if interested in targeting other species such as tarpon. April – August are considered prime tarpon months for migratory fish exceeding one hundred pounds. For those snook anglers, the wintertime months are the best time to find this elusive species on the flats or in the mangroves.


There are numerous activities available that keep non-angling guests happy. El Pescador offers a unique mix of other non-angling activities from visiting the zoo, or having a BBQ picnic on a secluded beach. There are also two swimming pools at the lodge as well as complimentary use of bicycles and sea kayaks. Please view the other activities listed below and inquire for current rates.

Diving Program
El Pescador is known as much for it's SCUBA program as it is for the fishing program. Guests on a non-angling package may book a day or two diving, and complete dive packages are also available. Ambergris’ locality a quarter mile from the second largest barrier reef in the world makes for a wonderful and complete diving program with short boat runs and some of the best dive sites on earth. Guests can gain PADI certification at the lodge and all the equipment is provided excluding masks, snorkels, and regulators which are rented for a very nominal fee.

Other Activities

Additional activities can often times be scheduled and paid for while at the lodge. However, if your group has a specific interest in a certain activity we advise you to book it in advance to ensure availability. Ask for details and know that we have only listed a handful of the dozens of options available!

Belize Zipline and Canopy Tour
This zip line tour starts in the limestone foothills of Belize. You’ll hike into the rainforest and begin your tour 80 feet above the forest floor. Secured by a body harness and protected with a helmet and gloves, you’ll be attached to a steel cable and travel the zip line between eight separate tree platforms.
It’s an exhilarating experience with spectacular views and a perspective you won’t get anywhere else.

Caye Chapel Golf
This par-72 golf course is the only full size golf course in Belize. Designed by Larry Addington, this long, flat course has four par-5 holes and plays to over 7000 yards. The developers utilized a special hybrid grass imported from the U.S. that requires less fertilizer, irrigation and pesticides to maintain.

Cave Tubing and the Belize Zoo
Float on an inner tube as the river winds its way through the rainforest and into caves containing spectacular crystal formations, the very entrances to the ancient Maya underworld. Then, travel to the world famous Belize Zoo to see wilder residents, up close and in their natural settings. Meet a local celebrity, April the Tapir, Belize’s national animal, as well as howler and spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, a variety of crested birds, deer and wild peccaries, and 5 species of cats including the elusive jaguar.)

Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary
Visit the Mayan ceremonial and trading center, Altun Ha, where the largest piece of carved jade in the Mayan World, the head of the Kinich Ahau, the Sun God, was discovered. After a Belizean lunch continue on to the Baboon Sanctuary to see black howler monkeys in the wild. Or do the Belize Zoo instead of the Baboon Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna the Belize Zoo, St. Herman's Cave and the Blue Hole
Enjoy the animals at the Belize Zoo and then discover Belize's plant life en route to St. Herman's Cave. End the afternoon with a cool swim at the inland Blue Hole, a dazzling freshwater cenote.)

Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary
A paradise for birders, Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary is managed by the Belize Audobon Society. Local residents provide guide and boat services. You’ll see more birds by boat, but there are walking trails throughout the sanctuary as well.

Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
Experience the stunning beauty of the Mountain Pine Ridge and its Hidden Valley Falls. Hike through Bol's Caves and swim in the Rio On Pools. It's an unforgettable experience.

Lamanai Mayan Ruins
One of the largest and oldest Mayan sites in Central America, the Lamanai Mayan Center consists of more than 800 structures. Archeologists believe this center of Mayan civilization was settled as early as 1500 B.C.

Fishing & Beach Picnic
Fish the reef for your "catch of the day" and have your guide Barbeque it on a beautiful, secluded beach. Snorkel, collect shells, or simply relax in the sun while on your picnic is prepared. Spend the afternoon on the beach or try more fishing!

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Enjoy the underwater wonders of Belize. The second largest living coral reef in the world is host to a variety of species including sharks, rays, eels, grouper, parrot fish, trigger fish, sea horses, turtles, shrimp, sea fans, coral and many other wondrous aquatic life forms.
No personal gear such as BCs and regulators are included. Must be certified to dive. Certification Courses available.

Rocky Point Beach BBQ
Snorkel on your way to Rocky Point, a beautiful part of the island where the reef and the island meet. This spot offers excellent opportunities to wade for bonefish, snorkeling or collecting shells. Enjoy a romantic beach picnic. Includes lunch, drinks and 2 snorkel stops.

Catamaran Trip to Caye Caulker
Visit the neighboring island of Caye Caulker, located 10 miles south of Ambergris Caye. Enjoy this quaint, fishing village or snorkel the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Swim with nurse sharks and stingrays and stop at coral gardens. Includes 3 snorkeling stops, rum punch and sodas.

Manatee Watch & Snorkeling
Visit a secluded mangrove island outside of Belize City, a natural habitat for the West Indian Manatee. View the shy manatee as it comes up for air or just long enough for you to snap its photo. Stop for a picnic lunch at a small island with snorkeling nearby. Visit the neighboring island of Caye Caulker and enjoy another snorkeling stop at Calabash Point.


2010 Rates

Note: As of April 1, 2010, the Belizean Government has added a 2% Goods and Services Tax (GST) to all fishing, diving, and non-angling vacation packages. This cost will be reflected on your invoice upon booking.

Fishing Packages

Two anglers per boat / room

3 Nights / 2 Days………………………$1495

4 Nights / 3 Days………………………$1995

5 Nights / 4 Days………………………$2395

6 Nights / 5 Days………………………$2845

7 Nights / 6 Days………………………$3295

One angler per boat / room

3 Nights / 2 Days………………………$2120

4 Nights / 3 Days………………………$2845

5 Nights / 4 Days………………………$3570

6 Nights / 5 Days………………………$4295

7 Nights / 6 Days………………………$5020

Diving Package:

Based on Double Occupancy

Per Diver / 2 Dives Per Day

3 Nights / 2 Days………………………$1245

4 Nights / 3 Days………………………$1570

5 Nights / 4 Days………………………$1895

6 Nights / 5 Days………………………$2220

7 Nights / 6 Days………………………$2545

Villa Upgrades
Double occupancy upgrades to a Villa accommodation
- Please add $75 per person/night

Single Occupancy upgrades to a Villa accommodation
- Please add $100 per person/night

Villa upgrades are done on a room-to-room equivalency:
1 standard room upgrades to a 1 bedroom



Accommodations at El Pescador, Ambergris Caye; Guided fishing w/ fishing packages; Two dives per day w/ diving packages; Round trip airfare from Belize City to Ambergris Cay; Water taxi service to the lodge; All meals, beer, and local drinks (within reason!); Hotel and sales tax


Airfare to/from Belize City; Guide or staff gratuity; Specialty cocktails purchased at the bar; Gift Shop purchases; Rod and reel rental fees; Flies and other fishing equipment; Guided Non-angling / Eco-Tours; Entry fees to parks and sanctuaries on guides tours; $20 (US) or $40 (BZ) Belize Departure Tax


A non-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 El Pescador 90 days prior to arrival. Prior to 90 days 100% of deposit may be transferred to another date/angler. Between 45 - 90 days 50% of package may be transferred to another date or angler. Less than 45 days may not be transferred or refunded. All cancellations have a $100 processing fee per guest.

home   |   about us   |   contact us   |   terms & conditions   |   employment   |  
© 2009 Tailwaters Fly Fishing. All Rights Reserved.