Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
Belize is a tropical country where the average temperature is in the 80s year-round. This means we fish year-round and the fish are active all the time. The busy season coincides with the dry season from late November to May. The traditional prime time to fish in Belize is from February through May, but our guides fish 365 days a year. Our guides favorite times to fish are June, July, and August. What remains more important for anglers chasing flats fish is coming out at the right tides. The tide cycles coincide with the moon cycle and we generally recommend fishing around the new and full moon. Our guides are experts at knowing when fish will show up at each flat. So no need to worry about figuring out the tides, the team at Blue Horizon can assist you in this.
Where is Blue Horizon Lodge located?
In Belize, a “caye” (pronounced key) is an island. There are different spellings, most commonly Caye or Cay. Blue Horizon Lodge is located on North East Caye. The original island our head guide, Lincoln Westby, settled and developed over 20 years ago. He chose the island because of its proximity to the best permit, tarpon, and bonefish flats. Our lodge is the most central location for accessing the prime flats of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve.
You can look up our island on Google Earth using these coordinates: Latitude: 16°41’17.57"N Longitude: 88°11’13.58”W
How do I get to Blue Horizon Lodge?
We recommend all guests fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City as it is just a short non-stop flight away from many North American cities. A valid passport is required to enter Belize. Once in country travel is made easy by frequent commuter flights throughout the country of Belize. We recommend landing in Belize City no later than 3:00 PM in order to plan for a smooth connection on a commuter flight to your final destination. You can also check this link.
What do I need at the Lodge?
Once you book, we will send out a full list of what we suggest to bring. Or you can see it here.
What’s the currency used in Belize?
U.S. currency is easily used in Belize at a rate of $2 BZD for $1 USD, and you do not need to exchange money before leaving home. Large US bills ($50's and $100's) can be difficult to break, and we suggest that you bring smaller bills. We also recommend clean, crisp, or new bills for hassle free use during your travels in Belize. Other currencies should be exchanged for Belizean dollars (BZD) or US dollars (USD) prior to traveling to Belize. Blue Horizon Fishing accepts most major credit cards. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Belize. Blue Horizon guides and staff accept tips in USD.
What language do the guides speak?
The official language of Belize is English, but many other languages are spoken in the country.
How is the Lodge powered?
Blue Horizon Lodge is powered by solar, wind, and diesel generators. Normal US standard power plugs will work in the outlets in the rooms and lodge.
Does the Lodge have Internet?
Blue Horizon Lodge has wireless internet access covering the majority of the property. Your room and the main lodge are 100% covered. Cellular service is limited, but available to most US carriers.
How do you leave tips?
Tipping is at your discretion and should relate directly to the level of service you receive. We are often asked about customary tipping, so we offer the following suggestions. Tips should be paid in cash and we suggest that all tipping be done at the end of your visit.
Fishing Guides - All gratuities to the guides should be given directly to the guide. We recommend tipping your fishing guide $100.00-120.00 USD per day ($50-60 per angler per day for 2 anglers in the boat). If you are part of a multi-boat group, we suggest tipping at the end of each day. If you are scheduled to fish with the same guide each day of your stay, please feel free to tip anytime during your stay. One important note: the guides often depart for home shortly after completion of the fishing day on the final day of your trip, so don’t forget to tip your guide before he departs for home.
Lodge Staff - Our lodge staff is integral to the enjoyment of your stay at Blue Horizon Lodge. Even if you don’t see them during your stay, they are there to ensure the lodge is operating at the highest standards. We recommend tipping the lodge staff $20-25 USD per guest per night of your stay (ex: 7 Nights / 6 Days of fishing = $140-175 per guest). Staff tips should be given to the lodge manager to distribute the tips equally to the staff.
Are non-fishing tours available?
We can help arrange tours for many points of interest in Belize either before or after your stay. These arrangements are best made prior to your arrival in Belize, with the reservation office or through your booking agent.
What’s the cancellation policy?
A 50% deposit is due within 10 days of booking your trip. Full payment is due 90 days prior to scheduled trip.
All cancellations must be received in writing. Prior to 90 days, 100% of deposit may be transferred to another date/angler or refunded minus the cancellation fee. Between 45 - 90 days, 50% of package may be transferred to another date or angler or refunded minus the cancellation fee. Less than 45 days, payment may not be transferred or refunded. All cancellations will be charged a 5% cancellation fee. There are no refunds available if a guest chooses not to use their entire package. Trips cancelled or shortened as a result of inclement weather and/or acts of nature including hurricanes or due to airline delays, strikes, or political unrest are not refundable.
We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance.
It is the Tour Operator’s / Agent’s responsibility to ensure that their clients are informed of the above mentioned cancellation conditions and that they are covered by a travel insurance policy to offset unforeseen cancellation charges. Conditions are subject to change without notice.
We recommend all guests purchase travel insurance to protect you and your family from the unexpected before and during your trip. Blue Horizon Lodge and all Muy’Ono Resorts are proud to partner with Generali Global Assistance. To learn more about Generali and to add it to your trip, click here. When entering the total trip cost, please enter the total for all lodging, tours, or transportation purchased through Blue Horizon Lodge. Generali Global Assistance offers a 10-day free look and can only be purchased up through the date of your final payment. For more information visit Generali.
