WHIPRAY CAYE LODGE - BELIZE

The name Placencia has for years been synonymous with world class permit and tarpon fishing and is home to some of the finest, most experienced guides in all of Central America. Famous saltwater guides including the Cabral’s, Godfrey’s, Westby’s, and Leslie’s have long made the Placencia area a favorite destination for serious saltwater anglers. Not only is this a great place to fish, this is a place where you can really LEARN the intricacies and details of flats fishing from some of the best guides in the business. A week spent fishing with these veterans is the equivalent of taking an advanced course in saltwater flyfishing!

In the past, the only complaint that anglers have had about fishing the waters of Placencia was that each morning and afternoon required a long run from the mainland to the prime fishing areas. For those that would rather maximize their fishing time and eliminate the boat run altogether, then Julian Cabral's Whipray Caye may be the place for your next saltwater trip. Due to its prime location more than eight miles off the coast of Placencia, this is an operation that is perhaps best suited for the angler whose primary concern is long days on the water with lots of shots and opportunities above all else.

Typical Length of Stay

Standard package is a six day / seven night package (Saturday to Saturday) although trips of any length can be arranged.You can arrive and depart on any day of the week.

Accommodations and Lodging

The accommodations on Cabral's Whipray Caye are basic yet comfortable cabins, each featuring a private bathroom, ceiling fans, two beds, table and chairs, and a private veranda with hammocks overlooking the sea. There is no air conditioning, but there are large ceiling fans, which keeps the cabanas cool and well-ventilated at night.

The small lodge is also home to the famous "Sea Urchin Bar" and an eating area that is one of the most unique in the entire area. The kitchen serves up a variety of Belizean and American food, and the fully-stocked bar serves the coldest beer for miles around.

Food and Beverages

Whipray Caye Lodge is home to the famous Sea Urchin Bar and Restaurant, one of the most unique places to eat and drink in the entire area. The kitchen serves up a variety of Belizean and American food, mostly served fresh from the sea, and the fully stocked bar serves the coldest beer for miles around, all enjoyed under the thatched roof with sides that are open to the cooling breezes so you can view spectacular sunsets as you eat. Meals are all served "family style" and are included in each package.

Fishing Information

The waters that surround Placencia are perhaps best known for the amazing numbers of permit that inhabit the southern area’s huge chain of cayes and flats, most of which are a 30 to 45-minute run from town. The nice thing about staying on Whipray Caye, however, is that no long runs are required! Here, they fish the tides rather than by standard "resort fishing hours." This means that your days will typically start early and finish late.

Surrounded on all sides by deep, blue water, the healthy sand and turtle grass flats of the area are home to some of the largest permit found anywhere. A number of the nearby mangrove islands also hold good numbers of tarpon that can range in size from 20 to over 70 pounds. Schools of bonefish can occasionally be found in some areas of the cayes for those anglers interested in pursuing the elusive grand slam. This area of Southern Belize is blessed with a wide range of fishing contexts including extensive saltwater flats, mangrove islands, the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, and a plenitude of backcountry rivers and lagoons found along the mainland coast. There are few places in the Caribbean that offers a greater variety of fishing locations than Southern Belize and the waters of Placencia.

Boats and Equipment

Guides fish from 23-foot Mexican super-pangas. Quality rental gear is scarce in Placencia and at the lodge, so anglers are encouraged to bring all applicable equipment and flies with them.

Non-Angling Activities and Options

While Whipray is primarily a fishing destination, non-anglers can enjoy such basic options as swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

For non-anglers visiting the mainland, the Placencia area offers a wide variety of other activities, including naturalist excursions, tours of Mayan ruins, beach combing, swimming, trips to town, bicycle rentals, and more.

How To Get There

International flights to Belize (BZE) go through Miami, Dallas, Houston and Charlotte. The major airlines that service Belize are American Airlines, Continental / United, US Air, and Taca.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times

It is best to arrive into the Belize City International Airport (Phillip Goldston International) as early in the day as possible in order to make your necessary in-country connections and allow ample in-country travel time to Placencia. Yellow Dog will assist in setting up your Tropic Air flight from Belize City to Placencia. Once you arrive in Placencia, you will be met at the airstrip to make your final transfer by boat to the lodge.

2013 Fishing Package Rates

* Remember that Yellow Dog's services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter.

What's Included

• Meet-and-greet in Placencia,
• The number of nights lodging and days of guided fishing specified in your package,
• Round trip water transfers between Placencia airport and lodge
• Three meals per day
• Welcome drink, sodas, and all bottled water
• Belizean sales tax (12.5%), and hotel tax (9%)

What's Not Included

• International flight to Belize City
• Domestic flight to Placencia
• Alcohol and bar tab
• Gratuities for guides and staff

Travel Arrangements

Yellow Dog has a full in-house travel and reservations system, and can assist with airline tickets, hotels, transfers, and all travel logistics for every destination that we offer. Contact us at 888-777-5060 or info@yellowdogflyfishing.com for more details on airfare ticketing, travel services and trip insurance.

Other Information

For those looking for accommodations on the mainland (either high-end or budget) to add to your Whipray Caye stay, Yellow Dog will be happy to customize a complete itinerary. Please call for details.