Welcome to Belize

Location, Type of Fishing:

Nestled by the lush canopy of the surrounding rainforest, Copal Tree Lodge sits high above the majestic waters of the Rio Grande River in Southern Belize. With stunning views of the region, this luxury jungle lodge is a truly remarkable hideaway featuring ultra-plush accommodations and easy access to the world-class flats fishing of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. At nearly 160 square miles, Port Honduras is a fairly large marine park with hundreds of uninhabited keys, an intricate system of lagoons and the type of shallow water flats that are perfect for tailing permit. Contracting with some of the best permit guides in the world, you are likely to encounter permit, tarpon and snook while out on the water enjoying beautiful flats literally teaming with life. Full day trips allow for up to 8 hours fishing, which is plenty of time to check and explore the numerous fishing spots not far from the lodge’s convenient location just south of the preserve. There are also some wonderful fly fishing opportunities for tarpon and snook in the jungle rivers and the vast mangrove shores along the coastline of the region. Complete an end to a satisfying day of flats fishing by finding a comfortable seat waiting for you at the Rum Bar in the main lodge, and enjoy a beer, a glass of wine or a farm-fresh cocktail while sharing the adventures of your day. Made from ingredients on the farm, let one of the barmen make something wonderful and unique for you, as these creative concoctions are as much a part of the whole experience at Copal Tree Lodge as is the fantastic fly fishing program for a variety of inshore gamefish, just a short run from the lodge.

 

 

• Season: November through September
• Species: Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Snook, Barracuda
• Rods: 6-10 wt. Saltwater, Fast-action
• Rates: 7 night/ 6 days fishing $3,947.00- $5,094.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

We can’t think of a better family-friendly destination than Copal Tree Lodge. Not only does it have a great, comprehensive fly fishing program for the saltwater angler, it also has many fun and informative activities that the whole family will enjoy. Copal Tree Lodge sets the bar high for luxurious lodging, delicious farm-to-table dining, unique workshops and family-friendly activities. There are also many off-site excursions provided that compliment their fantastic fishing program, because anglers are not the only ones drawn to this special part of the world.. The property has an interesting past, going back to before our civil war when it was settled by immigrants from the American south to produce cane sugar and rum. In modern times, the site became the location of a rustic fishing lodge for El Pescador South. A little over a decade ago, the property changed hands again, and it was transformed into the magnificent fishing lodge and farm center that stands there today. In addition to fly fishing, many exciting and educational programs were added to the activities the lodge now offers, and the farm produces organic crops of cane, cacao, coffee and vanilla. Set in perfect harmony with it's surroundings, the main lodge retains features that are reminiscent of a jungle safari, yet still offering superior accommodations and suites with completely modern touches. Where once stood a simple and basic fishing lodge, a new era of eco-chic, agro-tourism has been ushered in, and a once-average property on top of a hill above a small town has been forever altered for the better. Bring the family to Southern Belize, and experience something here that everyone in your family will love.

 

 

Fishing:

The outfitting at Copal Tree Lodge is not conducted in-house, but is more accurately contracted by Garbutt’s Marine Fishing Charters, located in nearby Punta Gorda.  As a fly fishing guest of the lodge, you are provided a complimentary shuttle to the marina in a Land Cruiser early on the mornings of your scheduled fishing days. A short drive of about ten minutes, you will be greeted by the guides upon your arrival at the dock and loaded into boats quickly before heading out to the flats for the day. Most anglers come to these waters for a shot at catching their first permit on the fly, as there are a great many to be found on the flats of Southern Belize. There are also some really good chances for snook and baby tarpon as well. Large, migratory tarpon can be found on the flats and in the lagoons part of the year from spring through summer. Bonefish are not found here in as high of concentrations as they are in the north, but when the weather permits, you may run out to Sopadilla Cayes to scan the white sand flats in search of these hard-fighting fish. Fishing in the marine park is only accessible by boat and you will do so under the watchful care of these veteran guides. All have a minimum of fifteen years of experience guiding on the waters you will fish. Helpful and knowledgeable in all facets of saltwater fly fishing, they instruct all abilities of anglers from the very experienced to the first timer. You will fish from 23’ super pangas, rigged with poling platforms and level casting decks. Some may have bimini tops, helping to make runs to the fishing grounds even more comfortable by shielding you from the intense, direct sunlight.

 

Lodge:

Copal Tree Lodge sits above the coast on lush, green hills amid a 12,000-acre rainforest preserve, showcasing the stunning views of the jungle, mountains and coastline. On property, there is an organic working farm that provides up to 70% of the food that is served at the restaurant. The main lodge houses a fantastic restaurant and bar. In the main lodge you will find goodies to snack on, like fresh-baked cookies or other baked treats, and it is also where many guests choose to relax and unwind at the end of the day with a specialty drink from the bar before dinner. On property, there is a spa, swimming pool, and multiple observation decks for you to take in the panoramas of the coast and the seemingly endless rainforest spreading out to the mountains in the distance. Sixteen luxurious private suites, with comfortable, spacious interiors are perfect for achieving the best in relaxation, and they are all air-conditioned. Well-appointed with fresh lavish bedding, each room has a screened veranda, ideal for taking in the peaceful surroundings. Luxury bathrooms with walk-in showers, feature floor to ceiling tropical rainforest views. A testament to Belize’s natural beauty and craftsmanship, nearly every detail, from the woodwork to the tiles to the artwork, is sourced from local artisans. The best in hospitality and comfort, your suite is just a short walk from the restaurant and bar at the main lodge. Wi-Fi internet service is available everywhere on property.

 

Dining:

The menu at the Jungle Farm Restaurant features delicious and authentic food. Culturally complex like the Belizeans themselves, there are influences of Mayan, East Indian, Creole, Mexican and Garifuna Cultures. They offer an experience of “true food”, based almost exclusively on ingredients grown at the farm. Humanely-raised meat reared on-site and sustainable seafood regularly appear on the bill of fare, helping to support small scale, local fishermen. Don’t be surprised at just how delicious the lion fish ceviche can be, if you haven’t already had it. An invasive species now found throughout the Caribbean, the act of harvesting it helps to protect the reef from species and habitat loss. At the Jungle Farm Restaurant in the main lodge, all of your meals are included in the fishing package. Entrées are fresh, light and vegetable driven with minimal cooking and fuss, allowing the tropical flavors to shine through. The taste of their dishes is accentuated with citrus, fresh herbs, locally pressed, unrefined coconut oil, and as much organic produce as can be harvested daily from the gardens. Premium wines are available from the full-service bar.

 

Typical Day:

The night prior to the first day of fishing, the guides will come up to the lodge during happy hour for introductions. They will go through your gear with you, discuss expectations and develop a plan for the next day’s fishing. There’s a small fly shop on-site, if you might need anything. The lodge will be happy to lend you equipment, if it’s available. In the morning, brew a fresh cup of French press coffee in your room, or head to the restaurant and have the waitstaff bring you a cup. Breakfast is served starting at 6 am. The waitstaff always brings out fresh pastries when you sit down. When available, we recommend  the chilaquiles bowl or a breakfast burrito. The portions are large, and the restaurant serves the best fresh-squeezed juices. The shuttle to the marina leaves promptly from the reception area in front of the main lodge at 6:45am, so have your gear ready. Lunch is usually taken right in the boat. The night before, servers will give you a menu where you can choose from a selection of salads and sandwiches as well as a choice of drinks. These lunches also come with cut fruit, chips and cookies. Lunches and drinks will be in a cooler with ice on the boat when you arrive at the dock in the morning. Fish for eight hours from 7 am to about 3:30 pm. After fishing, cool off with a dip in the pool, relax and reflect on the day’s events. The Rum Bar at the main lodge is where most guests meet around 6 pm for a beer, a glass of wine or a farm fresh cocktail. Dinner is served from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm each night.

 

How to Get There:

Your adventure to Copal Tree Lodge begins with your arrival to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. This small airport was designed to make retrieving your baggage and clearing customs easy. Next, proceed to the domestic terminal where you will make the connection for your Tropic Air flight servicing Punta Gorda. As you fly south  along the beautiful coast, there may be a couple of  brief stops at Dandriga and Plancencia, but you will arrive at your final destination in Punta Gorda in about an hour. A representative of the Copal Tree Lodge will meet you at the airport to help you with your luggage and take you in safari-trucks to the lodge about fifteen minutes away. At the main entrance to the lodge, you will drive past the farm center where many classes and workshops will be available throughout your stay. A calendar of activities will be posted to your room. Upon your arrival at the main lodge, check-in with the friendly reservation staff there to welcome you. After a brief introduction to the facility, and you’ll soon be settling into your plush and relaxing suite, the ultimate reward to the successful completion of your travels. Should you need anything, please feel free to contact the front desk or ask anyone of the staff there to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. At the end of your stay, you will be provided ground transportation back to the airport, where you will return to Belize City on Tropic Air to make the connection for your return flight home. At the International Airport in Belize City, you may be required to pay a mandatory departure tax of $20 USD per traveler if it is not already included in price of the airline ticket.

 

What’s Included:

Round-trip domestic air to/from Punta Gorda, accommodations, guided fishing in between travel days, all meals, and ground transportation.

Not Included: Round-trip International air to/from Belize City, fishing license, gratuities for the guides and staff, tours, workshops, classes, some non-angling activities and excursions.

 

Non-angling Activities:

It is rare to find a premier fishing lodge with first-class fly fishing that also offers so many family-friendly adventures that are fun for both kids and adults, alike. There are too many workshops, classes and tours to list all of them in the limited space here, but there are a few excursions that are so fantastic, they are worth noting. One of their signature activities, combines a remarkable outing with a unique and delicious sampling of seafood that is certain to delight. “Snorkel with the Chef” is a half-day trip which features boating to one of the local keys for some snorkeling and swimming. Along the way, the crew drags gear behind the boat and the chef prepares and cooks whatever delicious seafood they catch right on-board this specially-modified dive boat. Ranked among the best diving spots in the world, Copal Tree Lodge also offers scuba diving trips to the Sapodilla Cayes for certified divers who are interested in exploring this top-notch dive location. Weather-permitting, a 1.5 to 2-hour boat ride is followed by a 2 tank dive with lunch and drinks to be provided. Looking to have some fun fishing with the kids? Have Captain Jack take you and your kids out on a 3-hour tour, where they can try their luck at snook, snappers and jacks while trolling from a pontoon boat among tarpon rolling on the river. While there are a variety of complimentary activities, these activities, and many more, are available at an additional cost. Please contact a 2Salt Travel specialist for a full list of activities offered.