The Belize River Lodge is a tried and proven world class fishing lodge in continuous operation since 1960.
Previously known as Barothy’s Caribbean Lodge, it was the first of three lodges built in Belize in the early 1960′s by the late Vic Barothy. In Belize, he located the ideal settings for three different lodges; one on the southern end of Turneffe Atoll, one on Spanish Creek, about thirty miles inland, and one about four miles up the Belize River, which is the present day Belize River Lodge.
Today Mike Heusner and Marguerite Miles own and operate the Belize River Lodge which rests quietly on the banks of the Belize River. Most people are quite impressed with the construction of the well kept Lodge as it was built from solid mahogany and is situated in a colorful tropical setting among the palm, coconut, mahogany, logwood and mango trees. Many native trees were left in place around the Lodge for atmosphere and shade. The Lodge is located just ten minutes from the Belize International Airport, approximately 10 miles north of Belize City, and 4 miles up-river from the Caribbean Sea.
The Lodge can accommodate up to sixteen people. The Guest House is a two story mahogany building which contains four rooms, each with two single beds, private hot and cold showers, ceiling fans, and screened verandas overlooking the Belize River. The Cottage is set up for two groups of two or for a family of four. Each room has separate hot and cold showers, ceiling fans, and two single beds. Both are separated by a connecting door and share an open veranda. One of the cottage rooms has a cozy sitting area. The Bungalow has two rooms, each with a double & a single bed, private hot and cold shower, ceiling fan, a/c, and a large screened veranda. All of the Lodge rooms are air conditioned and decorated with a tropical Belizean ambiance. When you return from fishing, fresh water and ice will be ready in your room, and your bed will be turned down for you during dinner.
The main Lodge houses a large porch with a fly tying desk and self service bar, comfortable lounge and dining room where you can find some of the finest dining and socializing in Belize. After a good day on the water, drinks, appetizers and stories are shared on the verandah.
Belize River Lodge operates two systems of fishing; From the Lodge and From the Mothership.
Fishing from the lodge: Fish from comfortable 23′ fiberglass Panga skiffs with an experienced professional English speaking guide. From the lodge you will be fishing a very large area including the Belize River, Sibun River, Manatee River, Black Creek, and several other creeks. Offshore you will fish classic Belizian flats, cays and mangrove islands with a great variety of fishing conditions and scenery. Depending upon where you fish you will likely encounter tarpon, snook, bonefish, permit, barracuda, jacks, snapper, cobia, and a variety of other fish. Many species of birds and other wildlife such as Manatees, Howler Monkeys, Iguanas, Turtles, and occasionally Crocodiles may be seen while fishing from the Lodge.
Cruises: The mothership comes with it’s own crew, Captain, Guide, Chef, and flats skiffs. Living aboard the mothership allows you to visit a variety of grounds. This is the most successful and versatile way to travel to remote locations in order to fish the flats, mangrove cays, coral patches and reefs which are not otherwise accessible from a land base. Grand Slams (tarpon, bonefish and permit) are common on these trips.
The mothership provides for earlier and later fishing, and afternoon siesta’s. A day from the mothership is similar to the Lodge’s day, except fishing can start earlier (early morning can be some of the best times of the day), returning to the yacht for breakfast then going out again and fishing until lunch, then taking a siesta. After your nap, you can go out again and fish until dark (or you can fish all day long if you like!). There are no long runs in the skiff to the areas, since your captain has anchored your mothership nearby in a calm protected area.
As a bonus, good snorkeling is usually close. A typical day depends upon you, your friends, and your crew, as there are no schedules to keep. The only change will be if you are moving, as the mothership moves during daylight hours.
The mothership is called the Blue Yonder, a 52′ Chris Craft motor yacht. This Air Conditioned Vessel features two bedrooms with two single beds in each. It has two bathrooms, one with a freshwater, hot and cold shower. A large salon/dining area to relax in offers a radio/cassette player. An open air aft deck, with table and chairs, is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy cocktails. The fly bridge offers a great place to watch sunrises and sunsets.
The Traditional Cruise is a minimum trip of 6 night/5 days and covers the areas from Hick’s Caye to Southern Long Caye, and the Turneffe Islands.
Or try the Southern Belize Cruise which is a minimum of 7 nights/6 days. This Adventure covers South to Bluefield Range and provides greater access to Permit, tarpon, and Bonefish.
The Vacation cruise is similar to fishing cruises but with less emphasis on fishing. Usually, one skiff is towed behind the motor yacht and used for fishing, snorkeling, exploring the reef, cayes, beaches, and shore areas. This is more a family type cruise or for the two couples looking for a very relaxing get-away-from-it- all vacation.
Long Caye Outpost: The BRL Outpost at Long Caye sits on the front of the island overlooking Belize’s Barrier Reef and offers spectacular views of the sparking blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea. The Outpost caters to anglers and people who are just looking to get away from it all in a comfortable and relaxing setting. While called an outpost, BRL’s Outpost is more of a destination, offering three double occupancy bedrooms and a shared bath (hot & cold water) for all guests, thereby catering to groups/families of up to 6 people. The main building has a full verandah overlooking the beach and sea. All rooms have ceiling fans and power is from a generator which will run while you are visiting this breathtakingly beautiful island retreat.
Whether you are fishing or touring, both are available from the Outpost. If fishing, BRL’s Outpost focuses on fishing and as with fishing from the main Lodge, BRL’s guides fish long hours and as the Outpost sits in some of Belize’s best fishing waters, you have a choice of your fishing day, fish early and/or fish late. If you are relaxing or touring, BRL’s Outpost caters to your preference and you can snorkel the Barrier Reef, manatee watch, swim in the warm Caribbean waters or relax on the beach in an astoundingly beautiful setting, being waited on by your Outpost staff.
At the Outpost, your day is up to you; you and the staff decide on the activities of the day. If you would like to sleep in, your cook can make a late morning breakfast or if you are an early riser, coffee will be ready with a breakfast to start the day. BRL’s Long Caye Outpost is the only resort on the island, so it makes for a relaxing get-away-from-it-all vacation with the amenities and service that Belize River Lodge is known for.
Leisure Time Travel – Your best and most knowledgeable choice for fishing the Caribbean
Leisure Time Travel Inc.
531 N. Citrus Ave.
Crystal River, Florida 34428
352-795-FISH (3474)
1-800-771-2202
All Photgraphs by Edward R. Johnston
Copyright © 2012 Edward R. Johnston & Leisure Time Travel, Inc. 1996-2012
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