Remote Island Offshore of Placencia / Belize
Tailwaters Fly Fishing TravelBELIZE FLY FISHING
Blue Horizon is a tiny island-based fly fishing lodge located in “Permit Alley” near Placencia, Belize. The fishery is huge and the permit fishing as good as anywhere. The flats are easily the most beautiful of any permit-centric destination. Almost every flat is ringed with beautiful coral and topped with happy, tailing permit.
Conjure up the most picturesque flats you can imagine. Now, add some more coral around the edges, and sheer walls dropping into deep blue beyond that. Put an iconic permit guide on the back of the skiff behind you. Finally, scatter tailing permit all over the skinniest parts of the flat. That is Blue Horizon in a nutshell. The remote island’s location right in the heart of the fishery alleviates the need for long boat runs from the mainland - with fishing some days starting without firing up the engine.
Blue Horizon Lodge originally debuted in 1997 as a rustic family-run lodge, owned by Lincoln Westby and his wife, Perline. Their legendary lodge was the talk of the permit community for decades; many guests have fished with their legendary guides, Lincoln, Marlon, Steve, and more. Situated on a 7-acre island, locally known as Northeast Caye, this waterfront lodge is perfectly located in the heart of the most productive permit flats in Belize. While most anglers who stay at Blue Horizon Lodge are focused on fishing for permit, there is an abundant population of tarpon nearby. And don’t forget about bonefish! Bonefish can be targeted and caught any day of the year.
Location: Remote Island Offshore of Placencia, Belize
Species: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon
Seasonality: Year Round
Rates: from $5,575, 7 Nights / 6 Days - $5,575 Per Person
Blue Horizon is often described as the permit fishing equivalent of dry fly fishing, due to the sheer number of tailing fish in ultra shallow water. And not just any shallow water — crystal clear water barely covering countless pancake flats, reef-style flats, and cayes ringed with multi-colored coral. The tops of the flats are mostly sand and/or turtle grass, and on the correct tidal periods, almost every flat is adorned with schools of tailing permit. Other dedicated permit fishing destinations might match the overall quality of the fishing, but no other permit fishery has flats as beautiful as those at Blue Horizon.
In addition to the pancake flats and cayes near the barrier reef, there are also several lagoons on the mainland between Placencia and Dangriga that hold permit, tarpon, and snook. Another intriguing option when weather conditions allow it is Glover’s Reef, an uninhabited atoll over ten miles offshore of the Belize Barrier Reef. It is a pristine, seldom-fished area teeming with bonefish, including bonefish upwards of 10 pounds.
Lincoln Westby founded Blue Horizon and is still the head guide. He has fished the area’s flats for fifty years and may know more about permit fishing than any guide alive today. The Blue Horizon skiffs are comfortable 23’ pangas. While permit are the main event, tarpon, bonefish, snook, barracuda, snapper, jacks, triggerfish, and all the species usually encountered on or near the flats of Central America are found here.
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Blue Horizon Lodge officially reopened in 2020. The new lodge features many of the original buildings, with a fresh redesign that incorporates the modern comforts this generation of traveling anglers has come to enjoy and expect. The goal of the redesign was to create an atmosphere that honors the heritage of Lincoln Westby’s original lodge, while rejuvenating it with contemporary, luxury elements.
The five guest cabanas, for a maximum capacity of 10 anglers, have been completely refurbished and deliver a surprising level of sophistication for such a remote location. Each room is furnished with two full size beds and a private bathroom, complete with on demand hot water showers. Air conditioning is standard in all of the rooms, giving our guests the option of enjoying the ocean breeze or a controlled climate.
Belize is known for a wide variety of delightful and savory fare, influenced by the diverse Caribbean culture. The culinary program incorporates traditional Belizean ‘home cooking’ with a bold flare of modern cuisine. Meals are served both family-style and plated, and will never leave you asking for more. A few of the highlighted dishes are Seafood Serre, traditional Sunday dinners, conch fritters, ceviche, grilled lobster, and homemade desserts.
Fly Fishing is the predominant activity at Blue Horizon Lodge.
Before you book
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Blue Horizon’s policy follows: A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. No space or guides will be held without receipt of deposit. Full payment is due 90 days prior to arrival.
Prior to 90 days, 100% of deposit may be transferred to another date/angler or refunded minus a 5% fee. Between 45-90 days prior to scheduled arrival, 50% of total package price may be transferred to another date or angler or refunded minus a 5% fee. Less than 45 days prior to scheduled arrival, no refunds or transfers to other anglers will be granted. The unused portion of these packages by guests' choice are not refundable. Trips canceled or shortened due to acts of inclement weather including hurricanes, airline delays / cancellations, strikes or political unrest of non-refundable.
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. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that the registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
Given the strict cancellation and refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Redpoint Travel Protection / Ripcord offers competitive medical/cancellation/interruption coverage to couple with their industry-leading medical evacuation services. Click here to learn more and contact us to generate a quote.
Travel to Blue Horizon is easy and hassle-free. Belize City (BZE) is serviced by the major U.S. airlines with multiple daily flights from DFW, Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. After arrival in Belize City, guests clear customs and immigration and then check in for the domestic flight to Placencia with local carrier Tropic Air. These flights leave about every two hours throughout the day, so there is never a long layover. Travelers are then picked up by Blue Horizon staff and transferred to the local marina, followed by an approximately twenty minute boat ride to the lodge.
Blue Horizon is open year round and the permit fishing is good year round. Springtime is most popular among anglers for the consistent good weather. However, we have had our best trips during summer and winter, and fall fishing can be as good or better than the spring when the weather cooperates. Just as with any other fishery, bad weather can happen any time of year, and along with it slower fishing — but the reverse is also true.
Contact Tailwaters
Contact our travel team to discuss dates, availability and a trip to Blue Horizon Lodge.
Trip details and availability are confirmed with the travel team.
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Remote Island Offshore of Placencia, Belize
Ambergris Caye is a popular destination for fly anglers for its convenience to reach, and the diversity of fish species to target. There are several fly fishing programs here, such as El Pescador and Victoria House, that excel at putting anglers on all the key flats species: permit, bonefish, tarpon, and - in summer months - also migratory tarpon. Whether this is your first saltwater flats experience or your fiftieth, we know exactly what gear, tackle, and clothing is required to maximize your comfort level as well as your success on a trip to Ambergris Caye.
Below you will find a wealth of information regarding the primary categories within any Ambergris Caye packing list. You will also see recommended assortments of the latest and greatest products we carry in the shop, as well as custom fly selections with flies that your guides will actually use! You can shop below, or give us a call for a private outfitting appointment (virtual or at the shop) and we can assist you in filling your shopping cart.
