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 ambience. 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 fishing stories are shared on the verandah.

Belize River Lodge operates two systems of fishing; fishing from the Lodge and fishing from the Motherships.

Fishing from the lodge: Fishing is 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 are fishing 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. Click here for rates.

Fishing Cruises: Each mothership comes with it's own crew, Captain, Guide, Chef, and flats skiffs. Living aboard one of motherships allows you to visit a variety of fishing 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's fishing from the mothership is similar to the Lodge's fishing day, except fishing can start earlier (early morning fishing can be some of the best fishing 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 fishing 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.

For motherships you have two choices: The Cristina, an air conditioned 58' Hatteras Yacht-Fisherman. This vessel is the best equipped in all of Belize, and it offers the ultimate in personal accommodations, comfort and safety at sea. The Cristina has two guest bedrooms, a master with a queen which can be converted to two single beds, and a guest room with two single beds. There are two private bathrooms with hot & cold freshwater showers. A large salon area to relax in, offers a CD player, color TV, and VCR; also an enclosed dining area with a wet bar, and ice maker. The fly bridge with comfortable seating offers great views.

Another choice to fish the same fantastic area is Blue Yonder, a 52' Chris Craft motoryacht. 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 Fishing 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. Click here for rates.

Or try the Southern Belize Cruise which is a minimum of 7 nights/6 days. This Fishing 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.

Leisure Time Travel - Your best and most knowledgeable choice for fishing the Caribbean

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Leisure Time Travel Inc.
531 N. Citrus Ave.
Crystal River, Florida 34428
352-795-FISH (3474)
1-800-771-2202
E-Mail: Belize River Lodge

© 1996-2008 Leisure Time Travel, Inc. - Photos Edward Russell Johnston


Revised March 2008 - html by Edward Russell Johnston