El Pescador Lodge

Whether you have a full week or only a few days (three night minimum), El Pescador is a perfect getaway option. Getting to the lodge is easy—fly direct into Belize City via numerous US and Canadian airports and take a quick, 15-minute commuter flight to San Pedro. From there, a boat or taxi picks you up and moments later you’ll be firmly entrenched in the Caribbean lifestyle. Note: If you want winter to pass quickly, a trip or two to El Pescador is the perfect elixir.

El Pescador sits on a nice beach just a few miles north of San Pedro and overlooks the Barrier Reef, the second longest in the world. This reef creates massive amounts of interior cuts and lagoons, which offer near endless possibilities for bonefish, tarpon, permit, jacks, barracuda, ladyfish, and other species. And, due to that vast saltwater ecosystem, there’s never a time when the weather prohibits anglers from chasing their dreams. Wind up? Just tuck behind an island and pole for bones and permit. Or run to the nearby Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve and look for snook, baby tarpon, and bones.

El Pescador is one of our favorite family/couples properties, as hardcore anglers can sink their teeth into some truly amazing fishing, while non-anglers or sometimes-anglers can get a mix of fishing, paddling, shopping, and swimming pool or snorkel time.

In addition, very private two and three-bedroom villas offer families their own space, and include a main living room, coffee makers, ovens, refrigerators, and inviting hammocks on the second story decks. Not that you need to cook for yourself—El Pescador’s friendly staff whips up custom order breakfasts, lunches and family-style dinners consisting of traditional Belizean fare. Think fresh seafood, savory chicken dishes, and beef and pork. The staff will go so far as to prepare any of the fish you catch—but remember, bonefish, tarpon and permit are off limits, all catch-and-release.

While there are plenty of non-fishing activities to enjoy here, El Pescador remains a hardcore fishing-focussed operation with, arguably, the best guide staff on Ambergris Caye. And, despite being located near San Pedro, anglers enjoy amazing solitude while on the water and often see dozens—sometimes hundreds—of permit each day. Bonefish are found in abundance although their average size is smaller than what you would find in Cuba, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Resident tarpon range between 20 and 90 pound and are found every day of the year. Migratory tarpon arrive in May and stick around through September, allowing for shots at fish that range between 90 and 200 pounds.

When you think El Pescador, think relaxing, well run, fantastic food, and killer fishing options for a wide variety of species. Can’t go wrong here.

The amount of fishing options on and around Ambergris Caye is what stands out to us. Run five minutes and you can cast to bonefish and watch for permit, no matter the wind and weather. Run farther north and you can explore the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, a massive area that offers tons of sneaky little back lagoons and channels, where guides locate snook, permit, bones and baby tarpon. On fair weather days you might fish the oceanside of the park, in crystal clear water where ‘poons, bones and permit wander by with regularity.

In addition, the Ambergris area offers the Savanah Flats, which provides some of the best sight-fishing for tarpon outside Cuba and the Florida Keys. This massive expanse, located between Ambergris and the Belizean mainland, requires a 40-minute run and can be off the table during super windy conditions, but for the most part it’s usually in play and kicks out shots at 50 to 80-pound tarpon in spades. The Savanah Flats offer substantial permit, too, fish that cruise the area unannounced until the last minute, “bigs” that range between 10 and 20 pounds on average. While fishing the Savanah Flats, guides pole anglers into prime positions where tarpon and permit travel over white sand bottom and between grassy patches and holes.

When the conditions merit more exploration, guides may run clients farther south, to Caye Caulker, Hicks Caye and beyond. Again, there’s no lack of secluded opportunity when fishing from El Pescador, and guides will target your desired species. Just let them know your priorities and you’ll cast all day long toward your goal.

While most of your fishing will be conducted from the bow of a Mexican panga, there are plenty of areas that offer hard sand bottoms and are conducive to wade-fishing. Make sure to bring wading boots so you can follow schools of permit on-foot, offering a water level view of the action; maybe no more exciting way to pursue bones and permit, on their terms, at their level, with tails and dorsals breaking the surface. When conditions are right, you may wade after a school of permit for an hour or more, getting multiple shots as they canvass the flats, looking for shrimp and crabs.

Fishing Schedule

You can choose how much or how little you fish, but we’re guessing you’re like us and prefer to maximize your chances for success. If that’s the case, you’ll wake for coffee and breakfast at 5 or 6 a.m., and then head out on the water in a panga for a return around 4 or 5 p.m. An 8 hour fishing day is standard, but guides may stay out longer if the fishing opportunity merits. Lunch is served on the water, which eliminates running time and maximizes your chances to hook up on your target species or even a grand slam. When you return to the dock after fishing all day, you can rinse off gear and grab a refreshing soft drink or cocktail at the onsite bar.

Boats and Equipment

Guides own their boats and the preferred watercraft here are 23-foot long Super Pangas, which can glide over the bottom in super shallow water, and provide a safe method for crossing exposed bays and cuts, even in windy conditions. Each panga has a sturdy casting deck and a poling platform for the guide. El Pescador provides loaner gear if needed (first-come, first-served basis). Any terminal tackle, including tippet and flies can be purchased at the on-site fly shop.

Guests can stay in one, two, or three-bedroom villas, or in renovated rooms in the main lodge. All provide relatively unrestricted views of the barrier reef and the Caribbean Sea. Rooms offer air conditioning, private baths, coffee makers, refrigerators, filtered water, and two queens or one king bed, depending on preference. Villas offer a large deck with an inviting hammock, a perfect place to spend mornings and evenings, or afternoons reading a book, listening to tunes, writing, or simply napping at your leisure. And you don’t have to feel guilty for doing so—this is your trip, and El Pescador makes sure you’re well taken care of and happy from the moment you arrive to the time you (sadly) depart.

Cuisine

El Pescador offers a wide variety of options, including a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner. Any kind of dietary restrictions or preferences can be noted before arrival and El Pescador will account for these. Typical breakfast fare ranges from waffles or eggs Benedict to the traditional Belizean dishes. Lunches are typically taken onboard boats and guests fill out their lunch preferences each night after returning from their day on the water. Dinners are often served buffet style and include a variety of dishes, ranging from lobster, to snapper, to pork, chicken and beef. Salads and a variety of appealing sides are served with each meal and deserts follow. While eating dinner, guest can order from the bar or request specific wine pairing with their meals.

Connectivity

Free Wi Fi is available in all rooms and villas, and throughout the compound.

No lack of options here. Guests can bike or drive into San Pedro and spend the day checking out the sights and sounds of the city, and feast on traditional Belizean fare at a variety of restaurants. El Pescador is located on the oceanside of Ambergris Key, within a stone’s throw of the water. A beachfront trail beckons early morning walking or jogging. El Pescador provides kayaks and SUPs for guests. Guests may also sign up for certified diving excursions, trips to check out Mayan ruins and/or eco tours, the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, and other sites. Iguanas, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, rays, and an amazing abundance of bird life, including the ever-impressive frigate bird, are frequently seen. On site, El Pescador offers two relaxing ocean-view pools, Wi Fi, hammocks, and the on-site bar. A volleyball court, fusball and pool tables, and other games keep guests entertained. An on-site massage room let’s you forget all of life’s challenges.

Arrival

Direct flight to Belize City (BZE) are available from numerous US and Canadian cities. Guests are asked to arrive in Belize City no later than 3 p.m. so they can connect to a short, 15-minute commuter flight from BZE to San Pedro. This flight is included with the price of your package. Once on the ground at San Pedro, an El Pescador representative will escort you to a taxi or to a nearby boat dock for transfer to the lodge.

Departure

On the day of departure you will be shuttled to the San Pedro airport via taxi or boat. Guests book their departure fights beginning at 7 a.m., with additional scheduled flights running every hour throughout the day.

Midcurrent’s services are completely free. Clients will not pay more than if booked directly with a lodge. All rates are per person based on double occupancy, and listed in U.S. dollars.

Double Occupancy/Shard Room, Boat, and Guide

2023 Rates

4 Nights/3 Days: $3,362.50

5 Nights/4 Days: $4,050.00

6 Nights/5 Days: $4,737.50

7 Nights/6 Days: $6,112.50

Note: Longer stays are available

Single Occupancy/Private Room, Boat, and Guide

4 Nights/3 Days: $4,775.00

5 Nights/4 Days: $5,900.00

6 Nights/5 Days: $7,025.00

7 Nights/6 Days: $8,150.00

Included

This all-inclusive package offers accommodations, three meals a day, guided fishing, round trip flights on Tropic Air to and from BZE, all airport shuttles, fishing rods and tackle, hotel tax and sales tax, rum, beer, and soda. Filtered (safe) water.

Not Included

Round trip international flights to and from Belize City.

Imported wine and other alcohol (can be purchased at duty-free in BZE or in San Pedro). Imported liquors are also available for purchase at the El Pescador bar.

Belize fishing license ($25 U.S.)

Guide and staff gratuities

Diving and other non-angling activities

Massages and other spa treatments

Bookings are confirmed with a 50 percent deposit, made no later than five days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable Trip insurance is highly recommended and, in our minds, essential.

Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. Midcurrent’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that Midcurrent represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from Midcurrent’s terms, supersede any agreements between Midcurrent and a client.

EL PESCADOR TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Reservations, Deposits & Payments

A deposit of 50% is required to confirm all reservations. This deposit is non-refundable after 24 hours. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before departure.

The trip price quoted includes payments for others, including but not limited to taxes for the Government of Belize, airfare between BZE-SPR as well as fuel. Tax percentages currently in effect and prices are subject to change. El Pescador reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure.

Packages Include: the number of nights lodging and days fishing specified in your package, round-trip land, air and sea transfers between Belize City and El Pescador, 9% hotel tax, 12.5% sales tax, 3 meals and an afternoon snack daily, local Belizean beverages consumed at our bar (including soda, beer and rum drinks) plus complimentary use of the amenities (pools, wi-fi, kayaks, paddle boards, bikes, etc). 

Packages do NOT include: sport fishing licenses (available online) park fees (if applicable; $5 per day), fly rods/reels (which may be borrowed, based on availability), terminal tackle or gratuities.

Planning information

When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information designed to convey the spirit of the trip and guide you in the more practical details of getting ready for your adventure such as a packing list, in-country transfers, cellular and internet service, and fishing gear recommendations.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations and/or changes must be received in writing, and have a $100 per person processing fee. 

• For cancelations made 90+ days prior to arrival* 100% of the payment(s) received may be transferred to another guest(s)/date within 12 months of the date of the original reservation.
• For cancelations made between 45-90 days prior to arrival* 50% of the full invoice amount will be forfeited and the remaining funds may be transferred to another guest(s)/date within 12 months of the date of the original reservation.
• For cancelations made less than 45 days prior to arrival* the exact reservation may be transferred to another guest(s), or 100% of the payment(s) received will be forfeited.
• *All confirmed reservations that occur during US President’s Day weekend and/or between Christmas – New Years are immediately non-refundable and non-changeable.

No refunds will be given for cancelations, unused portions of a trip, no-shows, acts of God including hurricanes, detention, annoyance, delays, quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for unforeseen reasons. Guide fees and hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the itinerary. El Pescador reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.

In the unlikely event that El Pescador must cancel a reservation, all payments received to date will be credited to a future date within 10 months of the original reservation date, based on availability, which constitutes a full settlement.

Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather. We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance, specifically “cancel for any reason” insurance.

Travel Insurance

We strongly urge that you purchase trip insurance to cover unexpected cancellation, interruption, delays, cancel for any reason, cancellation for medical reasons, expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation.  Global Rescue has created travel insurance built with the outdoorsman in mind. With minimal exclusions, the IMG Signature Travel Insurance is the perfect add-on to your Global Rescue membership which provides integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to travelers worldwide. Please note the Signature Plus Policy will cover cancellations related to the coronavirus.

We urge you to obtain this coverage.  If you choose not to purchase it, El Pescador cannot act as your insurance policy.  You will be subject to the cancellation policy as detailed above.

Arrival and Departure

Guests fly to/from Belize International Airport (BZE) at their own expense. The local flights between BZE and San Pedro (SPR) are coordinated around all on time international arrival and departures. This local flight is included as part of the package, or may be booked a la carte if you have booked on a nightly lodging-only rate. 

Limitation of liability

This section defines El Pescador Ltd’s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by El Pescador Ltd. Please read it carefully.

Upon sending your deposit to El Pescador, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them.

All trips that involve outdoor sporting activities such as fishing and water sports, and travel through remote places by vehicle, boat, small plane or on foot, put you at risk for accidents and serious injuries in the normal course of the activity. That is the nature of travel to such destinations and you acknowledge that you accept these hazards as a condition of participation.

El Pescador Ltd, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services including but not limited to guided fishing and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.

Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) at all times. No employee/agent/guide of El Pescador Ltd, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation. El Pescador cannot be responsible for loss, theft or breakage of any rods or reels or tackle of any kind, at any time, whether in the boats or on/off the property.