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Sailfish Bay Lodge

90 minutes from Guatemala City on the Pacific Coast in the town of Puerto Iztapa


The beautiful and diverse country of Guatemala is located in Central American immediately south of Mexico, and also borders Belize to the Northeast and El Salvador and Honduras to the South and East. The gorgeous backdrop of the Guatemalan Mountains and a strong Mayan history are a part of visiting this safe and developing country.

Sailfish Bay Lodge is located in Puerto Iztapa, Guatemala. The Pacific Coast of Guatemala has earned its reputation as offering the most consistent, year-round, sailfish resource found anywhere in the world. This amazingly convenient destination (three hours direct flight from Dallas / Ft. Worth) has become perhaps our most popular fly-fishing destination for sailfish and other pelagic species. With luxurious accommodations, a comfortable family atmosphere, extremely user friendly fishing, and a convenient location, Sailfish Bay Lodge is our favorite all around bluewater fishing experience.


The fertile waters off the Pacific Coast of Guatemala are considered one of today’s hottest sailfishing destinations, and Sailfish Bay Lodge hangs their hat on being the best lodge world-wide for chasing billfish with a fly rod. The captains and mates employed by SBL have an average of fifteen years experience, and are well versed in fly-fishing technique, rigging, and instruction.

By law, all guides employ circle hook rigging and catch and release for all species as part of the program guaranteeing the area’s amazing resource is not compromised. Most of the fishing for all species including sailfish takes place within 8 – 50 miles offshore depending on the conditions. Puerto Iztapa’s unique geographic nature in the lee of the prevailing trade winds helps to create commonly calm and flat seas. The record for sailfish on a fly released by Sailfish Bay Lodge is 22 sailfish in one day! The record for sailfish on conventional gear landed and released is a whopping 70 in one day!

The Sailfish Bay fleet is comprised of such famous boats as the “Sirena” (35 foot Viking), “Maverick” & “Gypsy” (32 foot Blackfins), “Allure” (39 foot Bertram), “Mariner” (40 foot Pacemaker), among many other first rate vessels that have won or placed in dozens of local tournaments. All boats are of course equipped with GPS and radios, and ample quantities of bottled water, sodas and beers. Lunch is served on board during the fishing day.

As mentioned, Guatemala is most famous for their predictable abundance of trophy sailfish found all year. However, there are numerous other species to be caught including Dorado, Yellow Fin Tuna, Roosterfish, Jack Crevalle, and of course Marlin. Conventional gear anglers are encouraged to join fly anglers as well, however know that the lodge maintains Cam Sigler 14 weight rods as well as Abel, Tibor, and Billy Pate reels for those not wanting to take their own gear. Cam Sigler tube flies are sold at the lodge for $15 each.


Sailfish Bay Lodge boasts of luxurious accommodations more than suitable for folks with the highest expectations. The lodge property is located on a barrier island between Chiquimulia canal and the Pacific Ocean. Guests stay in one of eight beachfront rooms complete with tasteful dιcor, air conditioning, and of course a private bathroom. For larger cohesive groups, the lodge also offers 2 two story bungalow with four bedrooms. The common areas at the lodge include a lavish outdoor bar, swimming pool and Jacuzzi all overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With 24-hour security personnel you are able to relax at the end of the day in a secluded, safe and comfortable environment.

The restaurant is set at the bottom of the property overlooking the bay. You will enjoy breakfasts consisting of fresh fruit, cereal, pancakes and eggs cooked to order, fresh roasted Guatemalan coffee and freshly squeezed orange or pineapple juice. In the evening, your chef will prepare fresh fish on the grill, jumbo shrimp, and delicious soups. We also offer chicken and beef dishes as well. The open bar features several local beers, national liquors and wine.


To reach SBL, guests fly on a direct flight from Dallas / Ft. Worth (3 hours), Houston (2.5 hours) or Miami (2 hours) into Guatemala City with multiple carriers. Anglers are then be greeted at the Guatemala City airport and transferred 90 minutes to Sailfish Bay Lodge in Puerto Iztapa, Guatemala. The modern four lane highway includes close up views of three volcanoes, two of which are active. Upon arrival in Puerto Iztapa, guests load in comfortable boats for the 10 minute water ferry ride across the canal to the lodge. The next morning your fishing experience begins!

On the way home, in order to accommodate early flight departures, clients spend their final night at the Radisson in Guatemala City. This hotel offers superb accommodations and is located in the heart of Guatemala City's most popular restaurant and nightlife district. The Radisson is only a 10-minute drive to the airport for an easy commute on departure day.

NOTE: There are also private plane or helicopter options for the commute from Guatemala City to the lodge. Please inquire for details.


Day 1
Travel to Guatemala City on direct flight from Dallas, Miami, or Houston. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, guests are transferred approximately ninety minutes to Puerto Iztapa on the Pacific Coast. Upon arrival in Iztapa, anglers take a ten minute ferry ride across a calm canal to the barrier island where the lodge is located. Relax, enjoy dinner, and get ready for the following days of fishing!

NOTE: YOU MUST ARRIVE INTO GUATEMALA BY 7 PM. IF YOU ARRIVE LATER THEN 7 PM YOU WILL NEED TO OVERNIGHT IN GUATEMALA CITY.

Day 2 - ?

FISHING DAYS!!!

6:00 AM: Rise early for breakfast. After breakfast, you will be escorted to the boat and introduced to your captain and mates.

7:00 AM: Anglers depart the marina for fishing. Your daily boat charters include the boat with experienced crew, conventional tackle and bait, with a hot lunch, fruit, cold beverages and beer served onboard. Fly-fishing gear is available for you to use. Flies are $15.00 USD and can be added to your bill.

4:30 PM: You will return to the lodge with time to freshen up and relax before dinner. You will be greeted by the staff serving tropical drinks and snacks.

Evenings at your leisure and the staff will be happy to handle any requests. Relax in the pool, nap in the hammocks, watch TV or walk along the beach. Just relax!

Departure Day
On the way home, in order to accommodate early flight departures, clients spend their final night at the Radisson in Guatemala City. This hotel offers superb accommodations and is located in the heart of Guatemala City's most popular restaurant and nightlife district. The Radisson is only a 10-minute drive to the airport for an easy commute the following day.


The biggest selling point for Sailfish Bay is the year-round reliability of the sailfish population. The lodge considers November – May as their peak season for sailfish. During the “off-season” there are still wonderful opportunities for hook-ups with sailfish, and a myriad of other species (tuna, dorado, marlin, roosterfish, jack crevalle) present themselves to take up the slack. The non-peak months of June – October are still a wonderful time to visit Sailfish Bay Lodge.

The uniform tropical climate in Guatemala is typically hot and humid most of the year on the coastal regions. May - September is considered the rainy season, but it usually just rains at night for an hour or two.

Species Calendar

Sailfish: Range from 70 - 120 pounds, can be taken year-round. The peak time for sails is Nov - April. The summer months produce good numbers of sails.

Marlin: (Pacific blue, black and striped) Can be taken year-round, although they show up more reliably in the fall from October-December. Marlin in Guatemala generally ranges from 200 to 500 lbs.

Yellow fin Tuna: (15 - 30 lb average) Best in the summer months.

Dorado: Very good all year with the peak time being May - August.

Roosterfish, Jacks and other inshore species: The inshore fishing in the area can be outstanding. A high tide and clear water are required for it to be most productive.




Non-anglers are welcome to join anglers at the lodge! The luxurious accommodations, swimming pool, and excellent service are enough to keep low-maintenance non-anglers entertained. Golfing packages at one of five local golf clubs including the beautiful Mayan Golf Club can be combined with fishing packages from Sailfish Bay Lodge.

Although fishing is the predominant activity while staying at the lodge, Sailfish Bay can assist in coordinating other activities and travels to dovetail before or after the fishing portion of the trip. Examples of other adventures in Guatemala include visiting the island of Antigua or the beautiful Tikal National Park.


Nov 15, 2008 - May 15, 2009

3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing
4 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$1996
3 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$2376
2 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$2606

4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing
4 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$2796
3 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$3340
2 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$3800

5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing
4 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$3506
3 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$4216
2 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$4836

6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing
4 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$4316
3 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$5176
2 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$5980

7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
4 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$5026
3 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$6046
2 Anglers per Boat……………………………….$7016


Reception in Guatemala City and round trip ground transfers between Guatemala City and Sailfish Bay; Accommodations; Meals and open bar (local beers & spirits) at the Lodge; Private charter fishing including captain and crew, use of conventional tackle and lures; Last night accommodations at The Radisson in Guatemala City


International airfare to/from Guatemala City; Optional but HIGHLY recommended trip cancellation insurance; Rental fly fishing equipment ($20 per person per day); M meals, bar tabs and personal expenses in Guatemala City; $3 airport improvement tax; gratuities to captains/mates, staff, drivers and hotel nights in Guatemala city caused by late arriving flights.


A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due 70 days from departure. Please note that Tailwaters Travel is subject to the cancellation policies of the guides and lodges which it represents. A refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 70 days prior to departure. If cancellation is received more that 69 days prior to departure, the cancellation penalty is equal to that of deposits paid to outside operators by Sailfish Bay Lodge. If cancellation is received 22-68 days prior to departure, a cancellation penalty of 50% of the total package price will be assessed. If cancellation occurs 1-21 days prior to departure, a cancellation charge equal to 100% of all funds received will be assessed. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund clause. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred.

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