Experience world-class flats fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon at this family-run boutique lodge. Enjoy all-inclusive stays, authentic Belizean cuisine, and customizable adventures for couples and families.
Blue Bonefish Lodge – Belize
EQUIPMENT
Rental Gear Available or Bring Your Own
LODGING
Single & Double Occupancy Guest Rooms
SPECIES
Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon
SEASON
November – July
RECOMMENDED FOR…
Adventure-Seekers, Families, Couples, Groups
Blue Bonefish Lodge offers a relaxed, intimate Belize fly fishing experience on the southern end of Ambergris Caye, just four miles south of San Pedro. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the second-largest barrier reef in the world, this family-run operation provides a boutique alternative to larger lodges. With an average of 14-16 anglers per week, guests enjoy personalized service and a welcoming, hands-on atmosphere perfect for serious anglers as well as couples and families.
The lodge stands out for its all-inclusive packages that blend outstanding flats fishing with a variety of non-fishing activities. Packages are highly customizable, with a popular couples option featuring three days of flats fishing, a half-day of reef fishing or snorkeling, and massages. Guests benefit from seamless logistics, including airport transfers. The season runs November through July, with peak demand in March-May and quieter shoulder periods offering lighter fishing pressure.
Whether you’re chasing the “Big Three” on the flats or relaxing with beach barbecues and reef excursions, Blue Bonefish Lodge delivers authentic Caribbean charm, quality time on the water, and memorable evenings. Its smaller size fosters repeat guests and a genuine community feel, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a personalized Belize fishing adventure without the crowds.
The lodge is a spacious 6,700-square-foot property designed for comfort and Caribbean relaxation. Guests can choose one of six private staterooms, with their own en suite bathroom, or one of four rooms in the Villa. Each room features custom Belizean mahogany furniture, tile floors, pillow-top king or queen beds, and tasteful local artwork. Many rooms include private balconies overlooking the ocean or surrounding mangroves, providing stunning views and a peaceful retreat after a day on the water. The layout comfortably accommodates both fishing-focused groups and non-angling partners or families.
Blue Bonefish Lodge emphasizes an all-inclusive experience: three delicious meals daily, local beverages (including rum and beer with mixers), appetizers, and desserts are all provided. The on-site chef prepares fresh, traditional Belizean cuisine (think stewed chicken, rice and beans, homemade tamales) and seafood sourced directly from the lodge’s offshore boats (grouper and other catches featured prominently, with lobster and conch supplemented as needed). Guests rave about the quality and warmth of the meals, which far exceed typical lodge expectations.
As a family-run operation, every detail is handled personally. The property includes amenities that support a carefree stay, such as golf cart use, and the intimate scale creates a relaxed, attentive environment. This boutique setup makes Blue Bonefish Lodge especially appealing for couples and multi-generational trips where both anglers and non-anglers feel equally welcomed and cared for.
The primary focus at Blue Bonefish Lodge is fly fishing for the legendary “Big Three”: bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Located on Ambergris Caye, the lodge offers quick access to productive flats, with shorter boat rides allowing more time fishing.
Bonefish are a consistent target on the tropical flats, with good numbers and opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. Permit fishing remains a highlight (often called the “holy grail” of saltwater fly fishing) and guests regularly achieve catches thanks to skilled guides and productive waters influenced by the nearby barrier reef. Tarpon action varies seasonally: migratory fish appear in stronger numbers from late June into July, while sargassum grass has created new early-season feeding pockets for 10- to 40-pound tarpon starting in April.
The guide staff is a major strength: full-time, hand-selected, and largely long-term. Guests typically fish with the same dedicated guide throughout their stay, building rapport and tailoring each day to conditions, tides, and skill level. All necessary gear is provided free of charge, including 8- and 10-weight fly rods, spinning rods, an extensive fly selection, and loaner boots, removing barriers for newcomers.
Beyond the flats, the lodge’s offshore boats enable reef fishing, deep-sea excursions, and snorkeling, making packages versatile. Weather and tides play key roles (strong winds or overcast days can challenge fishing, while full moons affect species differently), but Belize’s extended season offers more flexibility than many destinations. With professional, English-speaking local guides who are expert casters and boat handlers, Blue Bonefish Lodge consistently delivers high-quality shots at the Big Three while providing a supportive, educational experience for all levels.
Getting to Blue Bonefish Lodge is straightforward and well-supported. Most guests fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From there, we strongly recommend taking a quick 15-minute domestic flight with Tropic Air (or Maya Island Air) to San Pedro (SPR) on Ambergris Caye. This scenic hop over the turquoise Caribbean and the Belize Barrier Reef is far more comfortable and time-efficient than the water taxi, which can be lengthy and bumpy. Upon arrival in San Pedro, the lodge arranges private ground transfers for the short ride south to the lodge, located at the 4.5-mile marker on the island (about four miles south of San Pedro Town.)
The lodge operates on a fixed weekly schedule with arrivals on Saturday and departures on Friday. Blue Bonefish Lodge handles all airport pickups and drop-offs, making the journey seamless. The property is fully equipped with golf carts for easy movement around the grounds and into town if desired. International flights to Belize City are widely available through major hubs in the U.S. (Miami, Houston, Dallas, etc.).
Fly Rods
Bonefish/Small Tarpon: 7/8 Weight rods
Permit: 9/10 Weight rods
Tarpon: 10/11/12 Weight rods
Rods should be no longer than 9 ½ feet in length. 9-foot rods are the ideal length for saltwater fly fishing. A fast to extra fast action is ideal for throwing tight loops in windier conditions. The lighter 7 and 8 weight rods will work for bonefish and smaller tarpon found in the mangroves, and smaller permit. While chasing permit a 9 or 10 weight rod will help you get the extra distance needed and handle a heavy fly required to get down quickly to the fish. Adult tarpon requires a little heavier setup, 10 and 11 weight rods will give you the backbone needed to subdue these big fish weighing 30-80lbs. 4-piece rods are perfect to travel with, you can either place in your checked luggage or carry on board and place in the overhead bins on your flight to and from Belize.
Fly Reels
Saltwater fly reels need to be anodized/corrosion resistant and have fully sealed drags. A reel with a high-quality smooth drag are ideal for the long blistering runs inshore saltwater fish are known for. Reels need to have 200 yards of 20 lb backing for permit and bonefish, and 250 yards of 30 lb backing for tarpon.
Fly Lines
A tropical weight forward floating fly line will cover most scenarios you will in encounter on the flats. In some cases, a tropical weight forward 10ft clear intermediate sink tip line will help give a little edge on spooky permit and tarpon.
Leaders/Tippet
Bonefish – 9 foot 10 and 12lb tapered leaders. Tippet – 8, 10, and 12bl fluorocarbon
Permit – 9 foot 12 and 15lb tapered leaders. Tippet – 12, 15lb fluorocarbon
Tarpon – 9 foot straight piece of 40/50/60lb fluorocarbon or hand-tied bimini twist 20lb class with a 40/50/60lb fluorocarbon bite tippet
Flies
Bonefish/Small Tarpon
- Christmas island specials – tan/pink, tan/orange
- Bonefish Bitters – Tan, olive
- Squimp – Tan
- Gotcha – Tan, Pink, Orange
- EP Spawning Shrimp – Tan/orange
- Mantis Shrimp – Tan
- Bonefish Clouser – Tan/white
- Crazy Charlies – white, pink, tan
You should have an assortment of bonefish flies in different weights and sizes. Most flies should be on a size 6-8 hook. Have some that sink quick with lead eyes, and some with a slower sink rate tied with bead chain eyes. Some scenerios will also require a weed gaurd to feed tailing fish in the turtle grass.
Permit
- SS Merkin
- Bauer Crab – tan
- EP Spawning Shrimp – tan
- Avalon
- Ultra-Shrimp
- EP Crab
- SS permit crab
- SS B-Turd
- Mantis Shrimp
- Squimp
- Strong arm crab
Permit flies will range on hook sizes from a size 4-1/0 hooks, depending on the pattern. Also have a variety of sink rates with each pattern. Most should be tied with large bead chain eyes or small to mediuim lead eyes. You typcially want to get the fly down quick and in front of the fish. Weed guards are typically not needed.
Tarpon
- Tarpon Toad – chartreuse, white, purple/black, black/red
- Black Death
- Cockroach
- EP Minnow – white, tan/white, chartreuse/white
- Tarpon Bunny – purple/black, black/red, white
Tarpon eyes are situated on the tops of their heads and feed on prey that is above them. So when presenting a fly to a moving fish you want it to stay up in the water column. Your flies should have little to no weight on them. Hook sizes should rage from a size 2 all the way up to a 3/0 for the adults.
Clothing/Sunglasses
For clothing, you will need clothes that dry quickly and are comfortable in hot weather. Light colors that stay cool and don’t spook fish are important.
- Long sleeve fishing shirt
- Long pants (recommended)
- Hat with a dark bill that won’t reflect light into your eyes
- Good polarized sunglasses in amber/brown, a glass cleaning cloth
- Sunscreen and sun proof lip balm
- Buff
- Rain jacket and rain pants
Boots
If you plan to do some wading, bring neoprene wading shoes or lace up wading boots with wading socks – any shoe that will keep sand and coral out are nice. Normal wading shoes will work in a pinch. In the boat, a comfortable shoe with no laces to catch fly line is acceptable. Most pros will go barefoot so that they can feel the flyline on the deck and avoid stepping on it. Some people will fish in their socks to avoid burning their feet but still maintain some feel.
Fishing License
You will need to purchase a fishing license online before your arrival into the country. Purchase your fishing license here. We recommended purchasing a one week license for $25US.
Essentials on the Water
- Sunscreen spf 30-50
- Buff face shield
- Chapstick/lip balm
- Water bottle
- Sun gloves
- Drybag or boat bag
- Chest or hip pack for wading
- Rain Jacket/ Rain Pants
- Fleece Jacket
- Wading boots
- Polarized sunglasses – copper or amber lens
- Lens wipes/cleaner
- Fly line cleaner
- Insect repellant
- Hemostat/pliers/nippers
- Hook Hone
- Knotable wire leader for barracuda 30/40lb
TRIP INCLUDES
- Accommodations and all meals, snacks,beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
- All guided fly fishing with professional, English-speaking guides
- Ground transfer on San Pedro
- Loaner rods/reels (if needed)
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- International flight, In-country commuter flights or boat transfer
- Extra tours or purchases in the pro/gift shop
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
June – July 2026
6 Nights / 6 Days – Guided
- Lodge Room
- Double Occupancy – $4,100
- Single Occupancy – $5,500
- Villa
- Double Occupancy – $4,400
- Single Occupancy – $6,150
6 Nights / 5 Days – Guided
- Lodge Room
- Double Occupancy – $3,850
- Single Occupancy – $5,200
- Villa
- Double Occupancy – $4,150
- Single Occupancy – $5,800
6 Nights – Couples Package (2 Anglers)
- Lodge room – $6,200
- Villa – $6,800
- x3 Full days Guide Flats Fishing (Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday), Half day Reef Fishing or Snorkeling, x2 massages (60 Min Each)
November – December 2026
6 Nights / 6 Days – Guided
- Lodge Room
- Double Occupancy – $4,250
- Single Occupancy – $5,650
- Villa
- Double Occupancy – $4,550
- Single Occupancy – $6,250
6 Nights / 5 Days – Guided
- Lodge Room
- Double Occupancy – $3,950
- Single Occupancy – $5,350
- Villa
- Double Occupancy – $4,350
- Single Occupancy – $5,950
6 Nights – Couples Package (2 Anglers)
- Lodge room – $6,495
- Villa – $6,995
- x3 Full days Guide Flats Fishing (Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday), Half day Reef Fishing or Snorkeling, x2 massages (60 Min Each)
January – May 2027
6 Nights / 6 Days – Guided
- Lodge Room
- Double Occupancy – $4,800
- Single Occupancy – $6,150
- Villa
- Double Occupancy – $5,100
- Single Occupancy – $6,850
6 Nights / 5 Days – Guided
- Lodge Room
- Double Occupancy – $4,550
- Single Occupancy – $6,150
- Villa
- Double Occupancy – $4,850
- Single Occupancy – $6,650
6 Nights – Couples Package (2 Anglers)
- Lodge room – $6,995
- Villa – $7,495
- x3 Full days Guide Flats Fishing (Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday), Half day Reef Fishing or Snorkeling, x2 massages (60 Min Each)
ADVENTURE AWAITS
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