thatch caye
thatch caye
thatch caye
thatch caye
thatch caye
thatch caye
Freshwater Fly Fishing Travel
Thatch Caye Resort is the perfect destination for serious permit anglers with non-fishing companions in tow - including those looking for a romantic couples holiday or an active family vacation. Located off the coast of Dangriga on a private island, Thatch Caye offers a myriad of accommodation options including beautiful over the water bungalows and oceanfront cabanas. Anglers are guided by some of Belize’s most experienced guides including the legendary Lincoln Wesby from Thatch Caye’s sister lodge to the south, Blue Horizon. While permit are the primary focus here, year round bonefish and seasonal tarpon are also part of the fishing experience.
The Thatch Caye fishery is some 40 miles north to south, inside the Belize barrier reef from Dangriga to south of Placencia, dotted with flats along the entire length. Most of the flats themselves are relatively small. That leads to a pretty good tradeoff: more frequent boat runs between flats, but the fish are easier to locate on each flat and there are very little periods of extended poling without shots or encounters. This is classic (technical) permit fishing at its finest with long leaders and tailing fish in an absolutely gorgeous environment. 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.
Quick Facts
Location: Remote island offshore of Dangriga, Belize
Species: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and More
Seasonality: Year Round
Rates: Inquire for custom quotes
FISHING
Thatch Caye anglers enjoy fishing with some of Belize’s top guides from their sister lodge just to the south, Blue Horizon. The permit fishing in this area is often described as the equivalent to 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 here.
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. While the water in the lagoons is not as pretty as it is closer to the reef, the lagoons provide variety and the permit there tend to be eager to eat a fly.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Thatch Caye’s private island accommodations are the crown jewel of the resort. From stunning overwater bungalows to expansive oceanfront cabanas, each room is thoughtfully designed with reclaimed island materials, blending rustic elegance with sustainable luxury. Each accommodation has its own private outdoor balcony for guests to take in the island views over sunrise coffee or sunset cocktails.
Exceptional dining is also a key part of their Caribbean island escape. Guests enjoy three fresh, chef-prepared meals daily, plus snacks and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, all crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients and by the island’s best local chefs. Weather permitting, guests will take dinner outside under the stars with over-the-top meals featuring authentic Belizean flavors and fresh local ingredients.
TRAVEL
Travel to Thatch Caye 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 Dangriga with local carrier Tropic Air. These flights leave about every hour throughout the day, so there is never a long layover. Travelers are then picked up by Thatch Caye staff and shuttled to the dock at the Pelican Beach Resort for the boat pick up. Boat pickups happen daily at 2:30pm and 4:30pm (subject to change) and are approximately 9 miles (about 25 minutes) to the island.
WHEN TO GO / SEASONALITY
Thatch Caye 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 fishery, bad weather can happen any time of year, and long with it slower fishing - but the reverse is also true.
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
Thatch Caye offers a variety of non-angling activities including scuba diving and snorkeling, complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes, island games such as volleyball, ping pong, and corn hole, various yoga, massage, and fitness platforms, and a natural saltwater pool. The resort also offers many diverse and adventurous trip packages, such as their Cultural Immersion package, where guests hunt for conch and lobster, then participate in a cook-your-catch experience.
2026 Rates
Please inquire for custom rates.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- Guided Fishing
- All meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Transfers to/from Dangriga and island resort
- Watersports equipment (paddle boards, snorkels, & kayaks) and bikes
What's Not Included
- International Airfare to Belize City
- Regional Airfare to/from Dangriga and Belize City
- Guide and Staff Gratuity
- Flies & Tackle
- Extra tours and activities
Terms & Conditions
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Thatch Caye'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.
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.