Belize Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Belize Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Belize

Deep Sea Fishing in Belize

Once known as the "best-kept secret of the Caribbean," nowadays Belize attracts numerous anglers looking for something out of the ordinary. Although it’s primarily famous for its flats and fly fishing opportunities, deep sea fishing in Belize has a huge untapped potential, with game fish roaming these deep waters year-round just a couple of miles from coast. Crystal clear deep waters, the variety of trophy species, and the lack of fishing pressure – yes, this Caribbean country is where big game dreams come true. 
 

What to Catch

 
Belize deep sea fishing charters can take you hunting for top game species just a few miles from shore. You can go after White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna. Blue Marlin residing in these waters can grow to up 400 pounds, and 70+ lb Sailfish can be caught outside the reef in the waters of Ambergris Caye. These species will test your skills and your patience, but rest assured that battling them will be something to brag about for years to come. 
 
In addition to these deep sea A-listers, you could also be catching delicious bottom species such as Snapper and Grouper, along with King Mackerel and Sharks during the same trip. And fighting for your catch against predatory Barracuda and Sharks will be a story on its own.
 

Where to Go 

Belize Barrier Reef

 
All of the mentioned species can be caught beyond the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world, located just a couple of miles from shore. This is all possible thanks to the mind-shattering drop off – after you pass the reef, the sea bed drops from 600 to 2,000 feet!
 

Ambergris Caye

 
These deep sea waters are easily accessible from Ambergris Caye, and can be reached just 15 minutes after leaving the dock. San Pedro is the only city on the island – book a trip with a local San Pedro sportfishing charter and experience fishing these waters like a local. Since the reef is located only half a mile from the beach, you could be battling big game species beyond the reef, less than 10 miles from the coast. Sailfishing in the waters of Ambergris Caye beyond the reef can be especially productive. 
 

Turneffe Islands

 
The waters of the Turneffe Islands, also known as Turneffe Atoll, are also rewarding for deep sea fishing thanks to steep drop offs. These islands are located around 20 miles east of Belize City and if you head less than 5 miles southwest of them, you'll encounter huge drop offs, perfect for trolling and jigging for bottom species, along with angling for Billfish in the right conditions. It's not uncommon to catch 70 lb Wahoo near the reefs of Turneffe – this area is famous for hosting large numbers of this drag-testing species. Outside the reef, various other prime deep sea fishing locations await, led by Lighthouse Reef, found less than 15 miles east of Turneffe.
 

Caye Caulker

 
Located south of the Ambergris Caye and north from Turneffe Atoll, Caye Caulker is at the top of the list for many big game fanatics visiting the country. The deep blue waters are accessible just a couple of miles away from this tiny coral island – you could be fishing for Billfish, Tuna, and Mahi in depths of 800–2,000 feet just a couple of minutes after leaving the dock.
 

And Beyond

 
Thought this was impressive? Hopkins Village and Placencia are the most popular fishing destinations on the south, offering some of the best deep sea action in Belize. You'll be traveling a bit farther offshore compared to the north, but it will definitely pay off. Less fishing pressure and interesting bottom structures holding quality fish is something you’ll find only in this part of Belize.
 
In addition to that, thanks to the proximity to Glover’s Reef and other offshore hot spots, you'll have a chance at White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and other hot game species. The waters of Glover’s Reef (located around 30 miles from Hopkins) are known for holding schools of Blackfin Tuna, and there's a location 15 miles southeast of the reef's southern part where you can find yourself catching a 125 lb Yellowfin Tuna. 
 

How to Fish

  • Trolling multiple lines is the most common technique for landing big game species, and this is what works the best in Belize, as well. The trolling speed depends on the species – if you're after Wahoo or Mahi Mahi, get ready for super fast boat rides.
 
  • If Sailfish are your main priority, you should try your hand at live bait drift fishing – this is locally known as a tried-and-true method for landing them.  
 
  • While searching for big boys, don't miss the chance to land some delicious reef dwellers, as well. You could be deep dropping in 800–2,000 feet of water and catching a variety of deep sea Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and even Sharks.

 

When to Go 

Whether you decide to book with a Belize boat charter or a Belize fishing lodge, local captains can take you fishing for deep sea species year-round. April and May are known as the most productive months for most of the species, while spring and summer are generally great for Sailfish. Wahoo is the most abundant in fall and winter, especially from November to March in the waters near Turneffe. The best time for Marlin is between November and June – they're found beyond the reef swimming close to the surface. And what about Mahi? Their prime time is from May to October.
 
Going on a Belizean offshore adventure will give you the opportunity to set your own deep sea fishing record and more. Thanks to the popularity of inshore fishing, setting farther out allows you to become one of the pioneers when it comes to exploring the blue waters of this breathtaking country. 
 
Belize
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Based on 27,721 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
Belize: 30 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.6 / 5
(25 reviews)
San Pedro
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $280
Excellent
4.5 / 5
(139 reviews)
San Pedro
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $280
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(40 reviews)
Placencia
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
San Pedro
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400

What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Belize

Bring plenty of strong insect repellent not for the boat but for Ambergris Caye. The island has lots of standing water and trash everywhere and we were not able to go outside day or night without spraying down with repellent. We will not be going back to this island which is unfortunate because we had a great time once we were out on the boat.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Bring plenty of strong insect repellent not for the boat but for Ambergris Caye. The island has lots of standing water and trash everywhere and we were not able to go outside day or night without spraying down with repellent. We will not be going back to this island which is unfortunate because we had a great time once we were out on the boat.
Dennis  K.
Dennis K. Macon, VA
Be patient. If the wind isnt moving, it gets very hot, and the fish are able to see swivel/weights/etc. As soon as the wind picked up a little, we moved back to the spot we started at, and caught the fish that wouldnโ€™t bite in the morning.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be patient. If the wind isnt moving, it gets very hot, and the fish are able to see swivel/weights/etc. As soon as the wind picked up a little, we moved back to the spot we started at, and caught the fish that wouldnโ€™t bite in the morning.
Jon  S.
Jon S. Waxahachie, TX
Fishing in San Pedro you are sure to catch a variety of fish on the reef using live bait like snapper, triggerfish and barracuda. Don't sit around the resort pool all day... Get out and fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing in San Pedro you are sure to catch a variety of fish on the reef using live bait like snapper, triggerfish and barracuda. Don't sit around the resort pool all day... Get out and fish!
Adam  T.
Adam T. Alexandria, VA
Communicate with your captain on expectations and what kind of fishing you'd like to do prior to meeting. They are more than happy to accommodate when possible.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Communicate with your captain on expectations and what kind of fishing you'd like to do prior to meeting. They are more than happy to accommodate when possible.
Daniel  B.
Daniel B. Matawan, NJ
The guide has gear but bringing gear you are familiar with using may get you more fish.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The guide has gear but bringing gear you are familiar with using may get you more fish.
Joseph  P.
Joseph P. Boise, ID
just go for it! you wonโ€™t be disappointed in the variety that is in these waters
Excellent
5.0 / 5
just go for it! you wonโ€™t be disappointed in the variety that is in these waters
Jameson  B.
Jameson B. Pulaski, VA
Diverse species and options to fish inside and reef oe outside reef for bigger game fish species.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Diverse species and options to fish inside and reef oe outside reef for bigger game fish species.
Bruce  M.
Bruce M. Idaho Falls, ID
The wahoo and Marlin bite has slowed down for the season but the barracuda was good! Started picking up some grouper and mahi mahi! Our boat caught a huge bull!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The wahoo and Marlin bite has slowed down for the season but the barracuda was good! Started picking up some grouper and mahi mahi! Our boat caught a huge bull!
Vint  C.
Vint C. McGregor, TX
Bring your own gear but get on the flats with a good guide day 1. You'll learn bait, locations and what's biting from the charter and then apply it to DIY fishing for later days.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring your own gear but get on the flats with a good guide day 1. You'll learn bait, locations and what's biting from the charter and then apply it to DIY fishing for later days.
Brad  B.
Brad B. San Pedro Town, Belize District
The area is beautiful. You can fish either within the reef or past the reef. Be sure to specify with the boat captain what type of fish you are looking to catch. We had a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The area is beautiful. You can fish either within the reef or past the reef. Be sure to specify with the boat captain what type of fish you are looking to catch. We had a great time.
Justin  B.
Justin B. Caldwell, ID
Rogel adventures is the best! Booking with him in the future. Simply incredible captain!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Rogel adventures is the best! Booking with him in the future. Simply incredible captain!
Jon  E.
Jon E. Arvada, CO
Plan a few days this time of year. Wind prevented a few trips offshore if thatโ€™s what you are looking for. Itโ€™s a nice place.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Plan a few days this time of year. Wind prevented a few trips offshore if thatโ€™s what you are looking for. Itโ€™s a nice place.
James  L.
James L. Macon, GA
We had a great day with lots of fish and only moderate winds. The captains work diligently to maintain sustainable practices and the fishery has prospered from reduced tourism during Covid. Adding San Pedro to my list of recurring stops.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We had a great day with lots of fish and only moderate winds. The captains work diligently to maintain sustainable practices and the fishery has prospered from reduced tourism during Covid. Adding San Pedro to my list of recurring stops.
Alan  R.
Alan R. Englewood, CO
Lots of fish around to try either reef fishing for fun with the Kids, or deep water fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Lots of fish around to try either reef fishing for fun with the Kids, or deep water fishing.
Daniel  Z.
Daniel Z. Wayzata, MN
Stay long enough to be able to pick days with reasonable weather conditions
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Stay long enough to be able to pick days with reasonable weather conditions
M  B.  P.
M B. P. Albuquerque, NM
Bring sunscreen even though there is a awning just in case and be patient.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring sunscreen even though there is a awning just in case and be patient.
April  J.
April J. Belize City, Belize District
It was great fun. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Placencia. Our Captain Grayson Sierra and his mate Brian were fun and attentive and service oriented.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
It was great fun. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Placencia. Our Captain Grayson Sierra and his mate Brian were fun and attentive and service oriented.
Jan  M.
Jan M. Tulsa, OK
Making it threw the reef channel can be quite rough, but the remainder of the trip was well worth it.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Making it threw the reef channel can be quite rough, but the remainder of the trip was well worth it.
Brady  P.
Brady P. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We fished spinning gear and I brought my own. If you fish with Nano you dont have to bring spinners, I left him 2 brand new set ups. Seems like alot of people fly fish for bonefish here. I dont know anything about that. But you would have had alot of opportunities
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We fished spinning gear and I brought my own. If you fish with Nano you dont have to bring spinners, I left him 2 brand new set ups. Seems like alot of people fly fish for bonefish here. I dont know anything about that. But you would have had alot of opportunities
Tim  M.
Tim M. Belize City, BZ
If new to fly fishing in salt water do your homework. It's not the same as fishing for trout or salmon but that's also what makes it interesting.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
If new to fly fishing in salt water do your homework. It's not the same as fishing for trout or salmon but that's also what makes it interesting.
Scott  Z.
Scott Z. Red Lodge, MT

Top Targeted Deep Sea Fishing Species in Belize