Deb and I spent our 10 year wedding anniversary in Belize.  Most of you know that I love to hunt and fish, but are probably thinking “man he took his wife to a fishing destination for their anniversary”, well read on and you will see that Belize has so much more to offer.

The first thing I want to say about traveling to Belize is for an international destination it is very easy to get to, with no overnight stay required in a major city before you arrive at the lodge.  Deb and I left Tulsa connected through Dallas then straight to Belize City.  From there we caught a puddle jumper on Tropic Air for the 20 minute flight to San Pedro.  Daniel from the lodge was waiting for us, took our luggage to our water taxi and 7 minutes later we were at the pier in front of the lodge, where we were greeted by Deni and Bob. 

For those who have never been to Belize, the scenery is what you see on post cards, absolutely gorgeous.  The average water depth from the main island to Ambergris Caye is only 8 feet, it is crystal clear and because of the reef it is very calm.

Belize is known for flats fishing on the fly, especially at this lodge, but they offer so much more.  Neither Deb or I are experienced at fly fishing, so we opted for spin fishing on the reef the first day.  After breakfast, we started the day by meeting our guide Gilberto at the pier, after introductions were made we were off to catch our bait (sardines).  With just a couple of tosses of the casting net Gilberto had a livewell  full of sardines and we were off to the reef.  It didn’t take long before Deb and I had the hang of it and we were bringing in the Red Snapper.  They weren’t huge but put up a good fight on the light gear we were using and they were just right for the frying pan.  We kept what we caught and then just before noon headed to a secluded beach where Gilberto prepared one of the best shore lunches I have ever had.  He cooked our morning catch over an open fire along with fresh vegetables, plantains and local seasonings.  We washed it all down with several Belizean beers.  What a great day!

I could have fished every day, but since I was on my anniversary I had Deb plan a few days of activities as well.  I thought since we were on an island I was somewhat safe, no malls.  But Deb did find where to shop in San Pedro, only a 20 minute bike ride along the beach from the lodge.  They even supply the bikes free of charge.  We spent the day checking out local vendors and then stopped for lunch at Caramba’s for the best seafood ceviche I have ever had.

Another choice we both mad with the help of Deni, the lodge’s customer service manager, was to check out the Manyan ruins.  We took the water taxi into town, boarded our own private plane (a Cesna 150),took a 25 minute flight to Orange Walk, and landed on a strip right in the middle of a cane field.  Our tour guide, Nate, was waiting with our van when we landed.  A short 5 minute ride took us to our boat, for the 1 ½ hours ride up the New River to Laminai.  Along the way Nate pointed out many different species of plants birds and animals.  Nate wasted no time in starting the Mayan ruins tour once we docked our boat.  During the 2 hour tour we saw four temples with numerous artifacts.  Deb and I climbed to the top of the High Temple, to enjoy a spectacular view of the jungle.  Coming down was tricky, those things are steep.

During our 6 day stay we took a couple of days to do absolutely nothing, except lay around the pool, eat, nap in the hammock right next to the water, eat, take a stroll up the beach, and eat some more.

On our last day we had to try our luck with the bonefish and our guide “Kachu” did not disappoint.  He put Deb and I on our very first bonefish ever.  We also were on the lookout for permit, snook, tarpon and Jack Crevalle.  On the last 15 minutes of our day I was fortunate enough to hook up a 20 pound Jack that all but spooled me.  I guarantee I did not have more than 30 feet of line left before the Jack stopped his initial blistering run.  Fifteen minutes later I was posing for my hero shot with my catch of the day and one awesome guide, his name suits him well.

There is way more to do at this lodge than I have mentioned.  You could spend two weekshere and still not do everything.  Belize is a world class diving and snorkeling destination.  If you can work it into your schedule I highly recommend it.

In addition to all of our activities, during our stay we experienced unbelievable food and enjoyed a private villa right on the beach complete with a hammock on our balcony to enjoy the ocean breeze.  What really makes this lodge memorable is the staff.  Deborah and I never wanted for anything.  It wan’t very often we had to ask for something, but if we did it was taken care of right away.  The entire staff from the chef  to our fishing guides, was very friendly and accommodating.  We can’t wait to go back with our family so we can share the experience with them next time!

More Details About El Pescador

El Pescador’s beachfront lodge and villas are situated on 40 private acres with ambiance, specializing in fishing, diving and eco-adventures. We are family-owned and operated with emphasis on creating camaraderie and an authentic Belizean experience. El Pescador is proud of our philosophy to protect and nurture friendship, adventure and the environment.

El Pescador has long been known as a world-class fishing destination offering outstanding flats fishing for bonefish, tarpon and permit.  El Pescador has been the only resort on Ambergris Caye specializing in saltwater flats fishing since 1975. Since coming under new ownership in 1997, the resort has established itself as an eco-friendly tropical getaway, including a recent commitment to offset all carbon emissions generated by its guests flying to Belize. Donations are made on behalf of guests to a local Belizean non-profit organization, Green Reef Environmental Educational and Coastal Research Institute, to offset the carbon emissions used to travel to Belize.  El Pescador was also among the key organizations to implement the new Law protecting bonefish, tarpon and permit as catch and release species.  This is the most all encompassing legislation of its kind worldwide. It is great news for Belizeans, anglers, tourists and conservationists alike.

Forbes Traveler has named El Pescador resort as one of the Top 10 luxury Eco-Resorts in the world.

El Pescador is a serene and gracious establishment on the doorstep of the world’s largest living Barrier Reef.  El Pescador offers accommodations in guest rooms within its colonial style, mahogany main lodge, as well as in 1, 2, and 3 bedroom luxury beachfront villas.  The villas are perfect accommodations for couples seeking romance and privacy, and for families and small groups traveling together.  All rooms and villas are beachfront and have unobstructed views of the Caribbean blue waters.

In addition to fishing, this first-rate resort offers all the eco-adventures which take full advantage of Belize’s exotic flora and fauna. Scuba diving, snorkeling, manatee watching, cave-tubing and zip-lining, and Maya archaeological explorations are just a small assortment of the activities available while staying at El Pescador. 

• Forbes Traveler named El Pescador resort as one of the Top 10 luxury Eco-Resorts in the world.
• Only Belize hotel with carbon emissions program to off set guests’ flight footprint.
• Bonefish, permit and tarpon protected as catch and release species.
• Family owned and operated
• Accommodations include standard rooms as well as 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas
• All rooms and villas are beachfront with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea and Barrier Reef
• Complimentary use of gym, kayaks, canoes, bikes and Wi-Fi internet
• Full restaurant and bar plus on-site massage room, gift & fly shop and Dive Shop
• Specializing in light tackle salt water flats fishing for tarpon, bonefish and permit
• On-site PADI instructor and dive master focusing on small, intimate customized dives. Max 7 divers.
• On site fishing host – offering complimentary casting lessons
• On-site guest services manager / concierge
• Family friendly
• 3 pools
• Docks on both the ocean side as well as the lagoon side (for kayaking, birding and fishing)
• Nightly rates as well as customized package rates available.
• Perfect for anglers, divers and their families  Anyone wishing to enjoy an authentic Belizean experience

I highly recommend El Pescador to anyone that is looking for that paradise setting.

For more information call Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com