A twelve acre island perched right on the edge of Belize's world famous Barrier Reef; offering beauty, peace, tranquility and fantastic fishing. Twelve miles off the coast of Dangriga sits an idyllic island with some unbelievable saltwater flats where Permit are so in abundance that we call it Permit City. This beautiful island is one of the most visually stunning locations in all of the Caribbean. The island is small at just less than 12 acres in size, and guests can walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes. Drenched in palm trees and located right on the Barrier Reef, the island life is both unhurried and relaxing. This is what the Florida Keys used to be like 50 years ago, and the accommodation that we book for guests, Blue Marlin, very much reflects this laid back atmosphere.
Water Caye is situated right in the middle of what we estimate to be the best skinny water permit fishery in the world. The flats extend both north and south of the island and we've never been anywhere that consistently produces more permit than this location. There are several good permit grounds to the north of South Water Caye, starting in the Sand Fly Range, as well as in the Blue Ground Range of cayes, which is located directly to the west of Water Caye. To the south, the countless saltwater permit flats are the finest in the world. These pristine flats hold incredible numbers of permit, and can be counted on for numerous quality shots while wading. We even have a couple of secret lagoons back on the mainland which hold good numbers of this enigmatic fish.
Some of the flats are as close as a 10 minute boat ride from the island. The permit fishing in this area takes place on tidal flats in about 1-3 feet of water and guests will be casting to tailing permit in much the same way they have for tailing bonefish in other locations. Guests can expect to see 25-40 tailing fish per day and we've had 100+ fish days every year for the past decade. The majority of the fishing for permit is done while wading, making this one of anglings ultimate challenges!
Tarpon are also available at Water Caye, with the best time to target the silver kings being late spring and early summer. There are several schools of resident tarpon that can be fished year round. By mid April, both the Tobacco Caye and Water Caye channels become active feeding zones for the migratory tarpon that run the reef. Because the island is located right on the reef, there are an abundance of reef species to target. Large barracudas prowl the reef and if the weather allows, its always a great deal of fun to slip outside the reef to look for schools of tuna and the occasional dorado. - Fly and spin welcome
Angling Direct Holidays has combined this great destination and great fishing with great accommodation. We have planned everything for you down to the last detail. Guests will fly from the International Airport in Belize City down to the coastal town of Dangriga. The scenic flight is only 15 minutes long so before you know it you're descending from the clouds and approaching the Dangriga airstrip. From there a waiting taxi will take you the short ride down to the waterfront where you’ll catch the water-taxi out to the island. As you take in the scenery on the half-hour boat ride from Dangriga you will begin to get a sense of the fly fishing opportunities that await you here.
FISHING METHODS
Saltwater Fly Fishing, Spinning
SPECIES TO CATCH
Bonefish
Season: All Year
Peak: March to June
Weight: 2lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 3.5lb |
Permit
Season: All Year
Peak: March to June
Weight: 2lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 12lb |
Tarpon
Season: All Year
Peak: May to June
Weight: 5lb to 150lb
Average Weight: 15lb |
Snook
Season: All Year
Peak: March to June
Weight: 2lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 5lb |
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Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be effected by adverse weather.
TOUR INCLUDES
All flights (WT), transfers, accommodation and guided fishing.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Holiday insurance, personal items, Miami transfer and fly fishing tackle.
OPTIONS
Seat upgrades available with British Airways.
VISA
No visa for UK citizens required.
Note: Because your flight will involve travelling into the USA, you will be required before travel to complete an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) online, which is compulsory for all USA Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) travellers before boarding an air or sea carrier to the USA. For full information and to apply online visit our ESTA information page.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations currently required.
PLEASE NOTE
All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is a $39.50 US per person additional departure tax payable upon leaving Belize and can now only be paid in USD
FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIME
UK - Miami (approx 9hrs)
Miami - Belize City (approx 2 hrs)
Belize City - Dangriga (approx 15 mins)
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
(WT) 2 checked in items 23 kg (WTP) 2 checked in items 23 kg (C/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg. British Airways permits each passenger to check in one piece of sporting luggage i.e. a rod holdall, but must not exceed 23 kg.
TRANSFER TIME
Boat ride from Dangria - Blue Marlin Lodge (approx 30 mins)
BIRD WATCHING / SIGHT SEEING
With many species of birds, Belize offers you a great opportunity for some wonderful bird watching.
SWIMMING / SNORKELLING
Explore the beautiful underwater scenery including a vast range of tropical and reef fish in crystal clear waters.
