Fish Copal Tree Lodge

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Destination Description

Copal Tree Lodge and the flats around Punta Gorda manage to pair some of the best permit fishing in the world with an eco and health conscious luxury resort, secluded by jungle on a 12,000 acre nature preserve and farm-to-table operation. This is a fishing intensive destination that could also serve as a high-end honeymoon or luxurious family friendly holiday, with loads of other non-fishing activities and high-end service and amenities.

Punta Gorda is not a tourist town, has little in the way of shopping, restaurants, or nightlife, and has no beaches. Yet, just a few minutes away lies Copal Tree Lodge — a world renowned eco-resort and plantation. The accommodations and amenities at Copal Tree Lodge are far beyond anything associated with most fishing lodges — and so is the permit fishing. The Garbutts (legendary Belizean permit guides) and their team are the guides. They grew up in the area, probably spending more time on the water than on dry land, and have been guiding fly fishermen for decades. They are the only permit guides in the Punta Gorda area, meaning little competition or fishing pressure from other anglers. The Punta Gorda flats are a nice mix of cayes/pancake flats and a huge lagoon system, which provides diversity to the fishing and consistency under various conditions.

The main lodge area is nestled on a high hill, surrounded by jungle and overlooking a river with tarpon and snook. Most visitors to this secluded escape come just to relax in style, immerse into the natural world, and explore the area’s non-angling activities. When you throw in permit fishing as good as anywhere in the world, you have a recipe for a fishing destination to call home and return to many times.

Quick Facts

Location: Punta Gorda, Southern Belize

Species: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and More

Seasonality: Year Round

Rates: Starting at $4,525 for 7 nights / 6 days

(see Rates for details)

Contact Us

Reach out to our team in the travel department to learn more about our experiences at Copal Tree Lodge.

Phone: (888) 824-5420 or (214) 219-2500
Email: travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com

FISHING

Southern Belize and the waters of Punta Gorda deserve its reputation as a permit fishing mecca. Most fish caught are 10-15 lbs, there are plenty of fish over 20 lbs, and a few over 30 lbs. There are not many locations where you can specifically target permit and expect double digit shots on most days.

A big part of what makes the permit fishing in Punta Gorda so consistent are the two main types of flats. There are hundreds of cayes and pancake flats “outside,” which are made up of sand and turtle grass. Most of these flats are normally patrolled by schools of permit. But if the outside flats do not have many fish, it is typically because the permit are in the huge lagoon system “inside." The lagoon system is within a national park and is truly wild — jaguar sightings are not an infrequent occurrence and the bird life always provides entertainment. There are also a few flats along the Belize Barrier Reef, which ends at the Sapodilla Cayes offshore of Punta Gorda. It is beautiful, with coral and crystal clear water — a great place to snorkel or dive for non-anglers or if you would like a break from fishing. The Garbutt family (brothers Scully and Oliver, cousin Yogi, Uncle Victor) has called southern Belize home for generations and have been THE Punta Gorda permit guides for decades. They are true watermen and know the area and fish better than anyone. Snook, tarpon, bonefish, 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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ACCOMMODATIONS

Copal Tree Lodge feels less like a fishing lodge and more like a private retreat for Belizean royalty. Open-air Landcruisers collect guests at the Punta Gorda airport for a short trip through town to the Copal Tree Lodge estate. A sense of serenity and exclusivity is palpable upon passing through the gates to this 12,000 acre nature preserve and plantation. The Lancruiser passes by agricultural fields growing crops such as sugarcane, cacao, coffee, vanilla, coconut, and fruit on the way to the “Big Hill.” The drive climbs through the jungle up to the main lodge at the top of the hill, and although the grounds are meticulously landscaped, the lodge seems to grow right out of the hill and blend with the rainforest surroundings.

From the main lodge to each privately sited guest suite, nearly every detail of the woodwork, tile, and artwork is sourced from local artisans. The main lodge is open-air and has a reception area and bar at ground level, and restaurant upstairs — all overlooking the jungle and Rio Grande river just a short way above the Caribbean.

Every detail of each guest suite has been carefully selected for luxury, relaxation, privacy, and to blend with the natural landscape. Suites each have a private veranda, canopy bed, spa-style bath and walk-in shower, locally made soap, bathrobes, and floor-to-ceiling views outside. They are spacious, air-conditioned, equipped with wifi, and come with complimentary laundry service. Not your average fishing lodge. A full service spa offers several styles of massage and skin treatments. Copal Tree Lodge offers many non-angling diversions, from birding and nature hikes around the property, to tours and classes on various aspects of Copal Tree Lodge’s farming operation, to excursions around the area such as visiting Mayan ruins, caves and waterfalls, or snorkeling and diving in the ocean.

TRAVEL

A three hour flight to Belize City followed by a one hour flight to Punta Gorda. Travel to Copal Tree Lodge is that easy.

Belize City is serviced by the major U.S. airlines with multiple daily flights from DFW, Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. Most of these flights leave the U.S. mid-morning and arrive in Belize City between 12:00-1:00 p.m. After arrival in Belize City, guests clear customs and immigration and then check in for the flight to Punta Gorda on local airline Tropic Air.

There are flights from Belize City to Punta Gorda every two hours throughout the day. Most guests take the 2:45 p.m. flight, which arrives in Punta Gorda at 3:45. Tropic Air operates turbo-prop Cessna Caravan aircraft, and have impeccable service and safety records. The cost of this flight is not included in the trip package. Upon arrival in Punta Gorda, a Copal Tree Lodge representative greets guests and loads up luggage for the 20 minute drive to the gorgeous property.

WHEN TO GO / SEASONALITY

Copal Tree Lodge 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 is normally as good as the spring. Just as with any fishery, bad weather can happen any time of year, and along with it slower fishing — but the reverse is also true.

Spring typically sees the most consistent weather in southern Belize — mostly sunny with moderate breeze and cooperative fish. The flats see the most traffic this time of year as it is the season favored by most fishermen. Summer is considered the wet season in southern Belize, but most often the heavy rains fall at night, with the clouds clearing to blue skies and great conditions during the day. The hot, sunny days of summer really heat up the permit fishing, with lots of fish tailing in the shallows. Summer also brings in large schools of adult tarpon to the shallow water.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

Copal Tree Lodge offers more fun non-angling activities than can be experienced in one trip. These include a number of great options without ever leaving the resort property, a luxurious spa, as well as tours of area attractions on land and at sea, including world class diving and snorkeling. Many of the activities are for all ages, but Copal Tree Lodge also offers cooking classes, a dozen different tours, and activities specially geared for children. The expansive list of non-fishing and family-friendly activities is very long. SEE BROCHURE FOR MORE DETAILS.

2024 Rates

January 4 - May 31, 2024

Lodging / Fishing	Shared Jungle Suite / Guide	Single Jungle Suite / Guide	Shared Canopy Suite / Guide	Single Canopy Suite / Guide
7 Nights / 6 Days	$5,275 per person	$9,100 per person	$6,250 per person	$10,825 per person
6 Nights / 5 Days	$4,625 per person	$7,750 per person	$5,325 per person	$9,250 per person
5 Nights / 4 Days	$3,825 per person	$6,400 per person	$4,575 per person	$7,675 per person
4 Nights / 3 Days	$3,075 per person	$5,050 per person	$3,425 per person	$6,100 per person

June 1 - December 18, 2024

Lodging / Fishing	Shared Jungle Suite / Guide	Single Jungle Suite / Guide	Shared Canopy Suite / Guide	Single Canopy Suite / Guide
7 Nights / 6 Days	$4,525 per person	$7,450 per person	$5,275 per person	$9,000 per person
6 Nights / 5 Days	$3,975 per person	$6,375 per person	$4,625 per person	$7,675 per person
5 Nights / 4 Days	$3,275 per person	$5,275 per person	$3,825 per person	$6,350 per person
4 Nights / 3 Days	$2,625 per person	$4,200 per person	$3,075 per person	$5,050 per person

Please inquire about numerous other non-fishing packages, room upgrades, and rates.

What's Included

Respective number of fishing days with a professional guide
Nightly accommodations
All meals as specified
Local beer and spirits
Loaner rods and reels
Afternoon snacks
Use of gym
Laundry service
Use of gym
Self-guided complimentary activities (kayaking/canoeing, mountain biking, onsite hiking)
Ground transfers between Punta Gorda airstrip and lodge
Tax and service charge

What's Not Included

Airfare to/from Belize City
Round trip Tropic Air flights between Belize City and Punta Gorda
Gratuities
Additional bar tab / alcoholic beverages
Gift shop purchases
Flies and other fishing equipment
Spa services
Guided non-angling / eco-tours
Entry fees to parks and sanctuaries on guided tours

Terms & Conditions

Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Copal Tree Lodge’s policy follows: a refundable deposit of 50% per person is required to hold both space and guides on all packages. No space or guides will be held without receipt of deposit. Full pre-payment is due at Copal Tree Lodge 90 days prior to arrival.

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. 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 registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.

We highly recommend travel RIPCORD Travel Insurance!

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.