Plan A Belize Fishing Trip To Tarpon Caye Lodge
Planning an international fishing trip can be confusing. Answers to frequently asked questions are found below.
Tarpon Caye Lodge is remote, but getting here is surprisingly straightforward. Located 15 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize, a trip to the island is easier than many anglers expect. Whether you're planning your first international fishing trip or you've traveled the world with a fly rod, a little preparation goes a long way. Below, are answers to many of the questions we hear most often before guests arrive.
Fishing Packages At Tarpon Caye Lodge
Every angler has a different idea of the perfect fishing trip. Some want the local knowledge and expertise of a seasoned Belizean guide every day, while others enjoy the freedom to explore productive water at their own pace. Tarpon Caye Lodge offers both, allowing you to choose the experience that best fits your style of fishing.
Guided Fly/Conventional Fishing Packages
4-7 Night Packages (Double And Single Occupancy Rates Available)
Daily Guided Fishing Charters
All Meals, Belizean Alcoholic, And Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Ground And Water Transfers From/To Placencia
DIY Fly/Conventional Fishing Packages
4-7 Night Packages (Double And Single Occupancy Rates Available)
Use Of Kayaks And Paddle Boards
All Meals, Belizean Alcoholic, And Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Ground And Water Transfers From/To Placencia
How To Get To Tarpon Caye Lodge
Getting to Tarpon Caye is easier than many anglers expect. Most guests fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City before taking a short domestic flight to Placencia with Tropic Air, which we will help you arrange. From there, our staff will meet you and transport you aboard a comfortable 32’ boat to Tarpon Caye Lodge, located 15 miles offshore.
From the time you arrive in Placencia, we take care of the rest. We'll help coordinate your arrival, get your luggage and fishing gear to the island, and make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Most guests spend more time thinking about catching permit than they do the logistics of getting here.
What Is Included
Your time at Tarpon Caye is designed to be as simple as possible. Once you arrive in Placencia, we take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the island and your time on the water. Tarpon Caye Lodge offers 3-6 day (4-7 night) guided and DIY fishing packages. Below is an overview of what is included with your trip, along with a few items you'll want to plan for before you arrive.
Included
Airport transfer between Placencia Airport and Tarpon Caye Lodge
Round-trip boat transportation to and from the island
Private cabin accommodations
Family-style breakfast and dinner
Boxed lunches while fishing
Domestic beer, liquor, and mixed drinks at the lodge bar
Coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water
Professional Belizean fishing guides (guided packages)
Fishing licenses
Wi-Fi
Housekeeping
Kayaks and paddle boards
Snorkeling equipment
Not Included
International airfare to Belize
Domestic airfare between Belize City and Placencia
Fly/Fishing tackle (available if needed)
Guide and staff gratuities
Travel insurance
Imported alcoholic beverages (if applicable)
Personal purchases and souvenirs
When To Visit Tarpon Caye Lodge
Tarpon Caye offers year-round fishing for permit, tarpon, and bonefish. Every season has its advantages, and there really isn't a bad time to visit. The best time to plan your trip depends on the species you want to target and the fishing conditions you enjoy most.
Permit
Permit are available throughout the year and remain the primary target at Tarpon Caye. Seasonal changes affect the conditions more than the fish themselves with windier months often providing anglers with more concealment.
Tarpon
Resident tarpon can be found throughout the year, while larger migratory fish move through southern Belize during spring and early summer. If bigger tarpon are your goal, planning your trip around the migratory season should be considered.
Bonefish
Bonefish live on the surrounding flats year-round and provide consistent opportunities regardless of the season. Weather conditions influence how we approach the fishing, but there is never a bad time to spend the day chasing bonefish.
What To Bring To Tarpon Caye Lodge
Packing for a week at Tarpon Caye is relatively simple. The weather is warm year-round, and most days are spent on or around the water. Below are a few recommendations to help you prepare for your trip.
Travel Essentials
Travel & Personal Items
Passport
Travel documents
Credit card and some cash (USD is widely accepted in Belize)
Personal medications
Toiletries
Clothing
Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
Long-sleeve sun shirts
Pants/Shorts
Lightweight rain gear
Swimsuit
Comfortable non-marking footwear
Sun Protection
Polarized sunglasses
Hat
Reef-safe sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Buff or neck gaiter
Fly Fishing Gear
8-9 weight fly rods (bonefish)
9-10 weight fly rods (permit)
10-12-weight fly rods (tarpon)
Floating fly lines
Spare fly lines
Leaders and tippet (12-60lb)
Flies (baitfish, crab, and shrimp patterns)
Waterproof fly box
Line cleaner
Stripping guards/gloves
Wading boots
Waterproof boat bag
7'–7'6" medium spinning rods
7'–7'6" medium-heavy spinning rods
2500–4000 size spinning reels
10–20 lb braided line
15–60 lb fluorocarbon leader material
Conventional Fishing Gear
Wire leader
Jig heads (1/2 to 1 oz.)
Soft plastics (baitfish, crab, and shrimp)
Topwater plugs
Cuda tubes
Waterproof tackle boxes
Waterproof boat/wading pack
Wading boots
Pliers
Nippers
FAQ’s
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Yes. All international travelers must have a valid passport to enter Belize. We recommend checking your passport expiration date well before your trip to ensure it meets current entry requirements.
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Most guests fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City before taking a short domestic flight to Placencia on Tropic Air. From Placencia, our staff will meet you and transport you by boat to Tarpon Caye Lodge.
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Once you arrive in Placencia, the boat ride to Tarpon Caye takes approximately 45 minutes.
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Belize is a popular destination for international travelers, and thousands of anglers visit every year. Like any international destination, common-sense travel precautions are recommended.
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The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency, but U.S. Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country.
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Most visitors from the United States, Canada, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays. Check current Belize entry requirements before traveling.
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Not at all. Many guests are new to saltwater fly fishing. Our guides adjust the day to match your experience level and help anglers improve throughout the week.
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Absolutely. Light spinning tackle is a great way to experience the flats and target the same permit, tarpon, and bonefish pursued by fly anglers.
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Yes. Fly fishing and conventional fishing equipment are available to rent if you prefer not to travel with your own gear.
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Yes. One of the unique aspects of Tarpon Caye is the ability to fish on your own around the lodge before breakfast or after returning from a guided day.
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Your Belize fishing license is included with your trip.
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Each of our Pangas can accommodate up to 2 anglers.
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Yes. Many of the surrounding flats are well suited for wading, particularly for permit and bonefish.
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Yes. Every cabin includes reliable electricity, Wi-Fi, and hot and cold running water.
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Yes. Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge so guests can stay connected if they choose.
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Our cabins are on the water and open air. The sea breezes keep us comfortable year-round.
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Yes. Family-style breakfasts and dinners, along with boxed lunches during fishing days, are included with your stay.
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Domestic beer, liquor, and mixed drinks served at the lodge bar are included with your trip.
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Yes. Let us know about any dietary restrictions before your trip, and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
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Yes. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, massages, relaxing around the lodge, or simply taking in the beauty of the island.
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Tarpon Caye Logde offers year-round fishing for permit, tarpon, and bonefish. The best time to visit depends on the species you'd most like to target and the fishing conditions you prefer.
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Lightweight clothing, polarized sunglasses, sun protection, and your fishing gear if you're bringing your own. A detailed packing list can be found above.
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Travel insurance is always recommended, particularly for international trips.
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Absolutely. Tarpon Caye offers snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, massages, and plenty of opportunities to relax on a private Caribbean island.
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Tarpon Caye Lodge accommodates up to 10 guests in private waterfront cabins.
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Yes. Anglers and non-anglers are both welcome, making Tarpon Caye a great destination for couples and families looking to experience Belize together.
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Yes. Our native Belizean guides speak English and have spent their lives fishing the waters surrounding Tarpon Caye.
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Belize enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for fishing in every season.
