Belize River Lodge

Ideally situated on the banks of the Old Belize River, this lodge is located in a beautiful setting of lush tropical greenery and colourful flowers. Constructed of native mahogany, the lodge provides a warm and relaxing atmosphere for up to 16 guests. From comfortable accommodation to exceptional food prepared in the best Belizean tradition, you will feel right at home. A favourite among Frontiers' clients, Belize River Lodge is a tried and proven world-class fishing property that has been in operation since 1960.

It is the perfect choice for a serious fishing expedition with easy runs to jungle rivers, creeks, lagoons, mangrove channels, the reef and flats. The local waters harbour a diversity of productive fishing for bonefish, permit and snook along with many other species. However, here the tarpon is truly king, with a year-round fishery for baby tarpon and a summer and autumn fishery for the true big boys.

In addition to the productive fishing in the rivers and flats, you will be surrounded with many species of birds and other wildlife such as manatees (a favourite of every visitor), howler monkeys, iguanas, turtles and an occasional crocodile.

Fishing Cruises

Some guests prefer to take the offshore yacht, making it their base of operation. The Blue Yonder, a 52-ft Chris Craft motor yacht, offers ample space for 4-6 guests. Utilising the yacht eliminates long runs from the mainland to the remote fishing areas, thus maximising fishing time and ensuring access to virgin flats and lagoons. The yacht tows two flats skiffs and has its own crew of captain, first mate and cook to see to guests' every need. The Blue Yonder offers unmatched variety and flexibility in fully air-conditioned comfort, and is ideal for a private party of serious fishermen or a family getaway.

Belize River Lodge

BELIZE - BELIZE RIVER LODGE - TARPON REPORTS...

Added: Thu 9th May 13

Belize River Lodge Report

Several breezy days and plentiful natural bait in our fishing areas made fishing for the big Tarpon both very challenging and frustrating for some anglers over the past three weeks.  Many times there were big fish well within easy casting distance but good casts of popular flies and plugs were often completely ignored.  Those fish seemed to be feeding on their favorite food or had already been satisfied and wanted nothing to do with our offerings.   However, staying with them often proved very worthwhile as every once in a while a big one would attack and jump a few times before throwing the hook, or sometimes actually getting hooked and landed. 

Eleven Tarpon 60-130 pounds were landed.  An estimated 25-30 more were jumped and lost after a few jumps even though some seemed to be well hooked.  Their many spectacular jumps and runs certainly helped them to escape.  Most anglers pursuing big Tarpon during this period have great memories of "the ones that got away" and several anglers fishing for Big Tarpon for the first time got their wish and pictures of the experience.

Of course the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence and anglers from the Lodge often fished the Long Caye area and anglers staying at the BRL Long Caye Outpost Resort often fished the mainland and river mouth.

 Two lady anglers each caught two big tarpon, during this time.

Elvin Sr. landed his very first tarpon, an 80 pounder up the Belize River on a breezy day.

Elvin Jr. got four jumps from a 100 pound tarpon that ran straight away from the boat taking out line and almost all backing before breaking off.  

Another day while targeting Permit Elvin landed a 10 pounder and John C. landed a 12 and a 15 pounder.  The very next day at the same time and same location those permit would not eat any of the popular patterns no matter how well presented.  

The best snook day by a single angler was seven, ranging from 4-15 pounds, all on the same Bend Back Deceiver.  Other anglers also caught snook with Half and Half chartreuse and red and white Clouser type flies, in the Rivers and mangrove Flats areas. 

Another unusual incident was a double hook up of a Cobia and a Tripletail by two anglers in the same boat.  As both fish were being brought near the boat the two lines tangled and both fish escaped; double hookup, double loss.

 For more information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 5 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

Bonefish, Cudas, Ladyfish, Crevalle Jacks, Cobias, Tripletail and Snappers rounded out the catches.   

 

The Big Migratory Tarpon are still here and we expect them to stay around through June and July.  Tripletails, a frequent visitor immediately before the migrants arrive, have stayed around for a much longer period than usual.

 

The beautiful Mayflower tree is in full bloom right now after having bloomed once before this year.  Seed from the first flowering are still on the trees along with the new flowers.  The magnificent Royal Poinciana, or Flambuoyant has just started to flower and they should be in their full glory during the month of May.

 

Belize River Lodge

Belize River Lodge

Weekly Schedule:

There are no fixed entry or exit days to the lodge.

Rates: 

January 1 - December 31, 2013

Rates based on double occupancy and shared guide

7-night/6-day fishing package:  $3,668 per person
6-night/5-day fishing package:  $2,998 per person
5-night/4-day fishing package:  $2,560 per person
4-night/3-day fishing package:  $1,988 per person

Blue Yonder Motor Yacht Live Aboard Rates:
Rates based on a minimum party of four

7-night/6-day package:  $3,484 per person
6-night/5-day package:  $2,934 per person

Single supplement packages are available and can be quoted on request.

*prices subject to change

 
Price includes:

•    Full board and accommodation, including box lunch.
•    Guided fishing, skiff & fuel.   
•    Soft drinks.
•    Room taxes and GST.
•    Meet and greet services.
•    Round trip ground transfers from the airport to  Belize River Lodge.

Price does not include:

•    International flights.
•    Alcoholic drinks.
•    Belize Departure Tax (approx $39.25).
•    Gratuities to the house staff and fishing guides.
•    Belize fishing licence (approx $25), Fishing tackle rental/purchase.
•    Items of a personal nature.

Deposit
A 50% deposit secures a reservation. This is refundable if written cancellation is received 120 days prior to departure; thereafter, deposit is nonrefundable unless a replacement is found. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure and is nonrefundable unless a replacement is found.

Special Notes:

The lodge does organise eco-tours or combination package for those that want to combine eco-tours and fishing. Please call for further details.

Belize River Lodge

Time Difference
GMT -6 hrs

Flight Time from the UK
London - Miami: 9 hrs 20 mins
Miami - Belize City: 2 hrs 30 mins

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
No visa requirement if travelling direct from UK to Belize. British nationals can enter for upto 30 days, and should have their passport stamped
on entry.
If entering or exiting via USA, an ESTA application for 90-day US visa waiver is required prior to travel.

Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months after the last day of your trip.  

Species
Bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, barracuda and jack crevalle and some reef species.

Season to Travel
Year-round

Tackle and Kit
We would recommend a 9ft single-handed 8 weight rod for bonefish, a 9ft single-handed 9 weight rod for permit and a heavier 9ft 10-11 weight rod for tarpon and barracuda. All rods should be rigged with good saltwater reels with reliable disc drags. Floating and intermediate clear tipped weight-forward lines, a selection of bonefish and tarpon leaders, flies, long-nosed pliers and polarised sunglasses. Light spinning tackle.

Clothing
Lightweight long sleeved shirts and trousers, wading shoes, sunscreen and peaked hat. We would also recommend a light waterproof spray jacket and a good waterproof tackle bag that can be stowed aboard your panga.

Belize River Lodge