Welcome to Blue Horizon Lodge

PLEASE WEAR A MASK, BE KIND, AND WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN.

PRE-TRIP INFORMATION & ONSITE DETAILS FOR BLUE HORIZON LODGE

Please read it carefully:  

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

TRAVEL:  DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT. A valid passport is required to enter Belize.  We recommend that you carry a change of clothing and your necessary personal items such as medications in your carry-on bag. Although we have not had a substantial problem with lost luggage, being prepared will help prevent the major inconvenience of lost luggage.

CURRENCY:  U.S. currency is easily exchanged in Belize at a rate of $2 BLZ for $1 US, and you do not need to exchange money before leaving home. Large US bills ($50's and $100's) can 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 or US dollars prior to traveling to Belize. Blue Horizon Fishing accepts most major credit cards. Most major Credit Cards are accepted throughout Belize.

GETTING TO BLUE HORIZON LODGE: Belize City International Airport is just a short non-stop flight away from many North American cities: Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Newark, and LA. You can also find daily flights from Belize to other countries in Central America, such as Guatemala and Mexico.

ARRIVAL: We ask that you book an international flight that arrives no later than 3:00 pm, into Belize City. Upon arrival at international airport, you will clear immigration, pick up any checked luggage, clear customs and exit the arrivals area. You will then go to the domestic ticketing area (accessed through two sets of doors, upon exiting the arrivals area). In case you need assistance with your luggage, airport porters are available (they do expect a tip for their services). You will then enter the domestic area in the airport, check in for your flight to Placencia at the Tropic Air or Maya Island Air counter, and receive your boarding pass and instructions for catching your flight. We suggest you ‘check’ as much baggage as you as can, as there is limited room in the airplane seating area for carry on items. The next step is to go through a typical airport security check point and enter the departure gates. If time allows, we highly suggest you visit Jet’s Bar… if you ask anyone will be able to point the way. 

The flight to Placencia will most likely make a short stop in Dangriga before continuing to Placencia. The total flight time will be about 30 minutes from Belize City to Placencia. 

Once you arrive in Placencia, you will be greeted by a Muy’ono representative, who will help you gather your luggage and then transfer you to The Placencia Resort, where our boat and captain will be waiting. 

Depending on the schedule of other arrivals, you may be required to wait for a short period of time while other guests arrive. During your wait, you will have access to the resort’s bar and restaurant, as well as the pool. Once, all of the guests have arrived at The Placencia Resort, you will be transferred to our island lodge. 

NOTE: The representative who greets you at the airstrip in Placencia will ensure that your luggage is delivered to the boat. You can simply enjoy your time at The Placencia Resort.

Our island lodge is a quick 30-45 minute boat ride from The Placencia Resort. The boat ride is included with the purchase of the all-inclusive package. We utilized a fleet of boats for these transfers. We suggest you keep your rain gear handy in case the weather requires it. Your luggage will be stowed in a covered storage area and/or covered with waterproof tarps.

NOTE: The last flight to leave Belize City departs at 4:45 pm daily. If your intentional flight is delayed and you miss the last flight to Placencia, you will need to stay in Belize City. The first flight from Belize City to Placencia is at 7:45 A.M. The cost of meals and lodging, and/or the services in Belize City is not covered in your Blue Horizon Fishing package. We are happy to assist with making arrangements if need. 

NOTE: It is not uncommon to be moved to an earlier commuter flight on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. If you are moved to an earlier flight, PLEASE contact us ASAP so we can arrange to have our teammate at the airstrip in Placencia when you arrive. Please contact our Operations Manager: Marcy Usher by calling 011-501-670-4567. You can also email reservations@bluehorizonbelize.com or email info@bluehorizonbelize.com.

DEPARTURE: On departure day, breakfast is adjusted slightly later in the morning, and we ask that your bags are packed and ready to travel before you arrive for breakfast. The boat transfer to the mainland departs our island lodge at either 6:45 am or 8:30 am, depending on the flight schedules of the departing group. On your departure day we can recommend you book an international flight scheduled to depart at 11 a.m. or later. 

NOTE: We can accommodate earlier departures, but additional charges may apply for private or special transfers. 

WHAT TO EXPECT ONSITE

LOCATION: 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 the 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

Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols: Per the Belize Tourism Board’s Gold Standard Certification, Blue Horizon Lodge has instituted comprehensive cleaning and safety protocols at all levels of our operation. These standards apply to all vehicles and boats as well as all guest areas. Our staff has been thoroughly trained in safety and disinfection procedures and appropriate policies are in place. 

COVID-19 related Policies: Masks will be encouraged when guests are in contact with non-family members. Appropriate social distancing will be applied depending on the group makeup and the wishes of each group.

MAIN LODGE: To keep with the heritage and history of the island and Lincoln’s legacy, we converted one of the original guest rooms into our main lodge and dinning area. The foot print was doubled, the walls on two sides opened up and wrap around deck were added to create this open air lodge with striking views of the home flat (yes, you will be able to fish to tailing permit in front of the lodge). The unique design allows the lodge to be fully open to the ocean, have a portion open to the outside, or we can completely close off the lodge to protected it from the weather. Our lodge will invite you in to enjoy the comfortable lounge and of course the community dining table. 

GUEST ROOMS: Our sea-side rooms have views that extend past the edge of our home reef, have been designed to utilize as much of the original guest cabins as possible, and much of the accents of the decorate have been repurposed from Lincoln’s original Blue Horizon Lodge. All of the guest rooms are air-conditioned and furnished with two full size beds. A spacious private bathroom complete hot water showers created from recycled materials at a homey touch. Rooms 1 and 2 are nearly 100% from the original lodge, and the 3 room unit housing rooms 3, 4, and 5 share the original foot print of Lincoln’s lodge. Front porch decks give anglers the perfect place to take in the sunrise, read a book, or relax with friends and tell tales of the day’s fishing success. 

FOOD & BEVERAGE: All of our packages are all-inclusive, they include three meals per day, snacks and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Your typical daily menu consists of traditional Belizean cuisine with a modern touch. Breakfast is served buffet style and is ready early. Our location allows us the unique ability to maximize the best fishing tides, and you will either have lunch back at the lodge or take lunch on the boat with you. A three course meal always concludes your day at Blue Horizon Lodge. 

NOTE: We will cater to special dietary needs, just let us know when you book your trip what you require.

BREAKFAST: Self-serve coffee is available by 5-5:15 am each morning, with the breakfast buffet open shortly after. Breakfast consists of coffee or tea, fruit juice, fresh tropical fruits, pastry, muffin, or sweet bread, and a savory option of quiche, stuff jacks, or other to go breakfast items. Depending on the best times for fishing your guides will be ready to depart as early as 6 AM.

LUNCH: Lunch is served on the island when low tides occur mid day. During a mid day high tide, you’ll take lunch to go and enjoy it on the boat.

APPETIZERS: Appetizers are served daily at 6:15-30 PM.  

DINNER: Dinner is served at 7 P.M and will include a seafood/meat entree, complete with veggies and starch, and is followed with made on the island dessert.

BAR: Our bars are well stocked with local gin, vodka, and rum.  In addition, we have red and white wine in the cooler.  Belikin beer and stout is available. We have a full selection of sodas and juices for making cocktails. Your all inclusive package includes all of the items in the bar area. The bar is a self serve bar. 

NOTE: Our self serve bar and drink cooler is open at all times of the day. If you wish to have specific imported liquors, we suggest you purchase those at duty free upon entry into Belize.

DRESS: Dress at the lodge is casual and there is no need for formal clothing.

POWER: Our lodge and guest rooms are powered by a high efficiency diesel generator. From time to time, you should expect the power to be shut off to run daily maintenance on the generator (we typically perform these tasks while you are out fishing) Normal US standard power plugs will work in the outlets in the rooms and lodge.

WATER: Our water on the island is from rain water capture and desalination. The water is delicious and safe to drink from the tap. Drinking water is supplied on the boats in large reusable coolers. Upon check in, you will be given a souvenir pint for drinking water. Please help use reduce the use of plastic by using that water bottle. 

NOTE: Our fresh water supply is somewhat limited, and we ask that guests conserve water whenever possible.

INTERNET ACCESS/PHONE: Our island has wireless internet access covering the majority of the island. Your room and the main lodge have are 100% covered. Cellular service is limited, but available to most US carriers.

NOTE: We have installed a next generation internet system that allows for accessing the internet at fiberoptic speeds. WiFi calling, emails, internet browsing, text messaging, social media, and even high speed streaming of live TV and movies is not just possible, but standard. We expect you to be pleasantly surprised by the speed and consistency you’ll be able to access the internet. 

We do not have a hardwire local telephone line on the island. Our management and staff all have local cell phone that work on the local network. These are available for your use in emergencies only.

LODGE EXPENSES: Gift/Pro shop purchases, rentals, and other items purchased that are not included in your package will be paid for at the end of your stay. You may pay your bill with credit card ONLY – We accept VISA, AMEX, MasterCard & Discover. Some charges may incur a 3% processing fee.

GRATUITIES: Tipping is at your discretion and should relate directly to the level of service you receive.  As 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. Suggestions below are in US dollars.  

Fishing Guides - All gratuities to the guides should be given directly to the guide. We recommend tipping your fishing guide $100USD per day ($50-60 per angler per day for 2 anglers in the boat). If you are apart of a multi-boat group, we suggest tipping at the end of each day. If you are schedule to fish with the same guide each day of your stay, please feel free to tip at 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. Please make sure to tip your guide before he depart 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 our maximum enjoyment for you. 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 and they will distribute the tips equally to the staff. 

EMERGENCIES: If you have an emergency, please call our Reservations Office at 1-800-313-1672. 

You can also call our lodge manager directly at 541-390-6697.

Global Rescue provides unparalleled emergency medical services and conducts medical evacuations from the point of illness or injury back to your home country and hospital of choice. In addition, a Global Rescue membership also includes 24/7 access to critical care paramedics, and in-house physicians backed by specialists from Johns Hopkins Hospital System.  Before traveling, we recommend you consider a Global Rescue membership. If you have questions or would like to sign up please visit www.globalrescue.com/turneffeflats, or call Global Rescue at +1-617-459-4200.

24 HOUR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE: A manager is on duty 24 hours per day. In case of an emergency, please contact the manager at 675-5050 or find his room in building #6 on the map.

SECURITY: Your security while at Blue Horizon Lodge is our priority. We have armed security that patrols the island at night, from 10 pm to 6 am.  

LOCAL EMERGENCY CONTACTS: These are the locals medical service providers we would work with if needed:

Southern Regional Hospital (Dangriga): 671-0964, 613-7837, 629-7439, 633-9113

Placencia Medical Services: 622-7648

Placencia Health Center: 613-0186

Placencia Pharmacy: 523-3346

Placencia Police Station: 503-3142

SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION: Our boats are available at anytime to transfer guests to the mainland in case of emergency. We can also arrange a private transfer (at your cost) by Captian Eworth Garbutt and his team: 610-1018.

PACKING LIST: Belize is a tropical country where the average temperature is 84ºF. Dress is informal at the island resort, so bring light, comfortable clothing. You may wish to consider packing the following:

• Lightweight rain gear for tropical showers

• Light jacket or sweater for cool mornings/evenings

• Light quick-dry shirts, shorts, and pants for protection from the sun

• Polarized sunglasses for spotting fish (amber, copper, or green mirror work best on the flats)

• Wide-brimmed hat for protection from the sun

• Personal medications

• Small waterproof bag for carrying extra gear

• Camera, batteries, plenty of memory/film, and lens cleaner

• Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizers (SPF 30+)

• Insect repellent (we recommend OFF brand spray with the orange cap)

• Hand towel/rag for fishing use

• Wading shoes or boots for stalking flats fish, if desired - We recommend HARD SOLES BOOTS

• Fisherman’s pliers, clipper, and line cleaner

• Optional: binoculars and snorkeling gear

NOTE: Rental gear is available at our lodge. Wading boots, rods and reels can be rented during your stay at Blue Horizon Lodge. Rental prices:

Rod/Reel Combos: $25USD/day or $100USD/week

Wading Boots: $10USD/day or $75USD/week

Credit cards are accepted for on island purchases or gratuities to the lodge staff. We accept most major credit cards. A processing fee of 3% will apply to all on island credit card payments.

CONTACT: For any questions or further details regarding fishing, please feel free to contact our Fishing reservationist at info@bluehorizonbelize.com or 1-800-313-1672.

EMERGENCY CONTACT: Marcy Usher - Operations Manager @ 670-4567. From a US phone, be sure to dial 011-501 before the 7 digits listed.

TRAVEL / TRIP INSURANCE: We work with Global Rescue as our travel insurance partner. They are recognized as the best in the industry and offer multiple products from their signature Emergency Evacuation policies to Trip Cancellation and more. Please utilize this link for purchasing travel insurance: https://globalrescue.com/bluehorizonflyfishingbelize/

Sanitation Procedures

OUR COMMITMENT TO CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE

Muy’Ono Resorts always take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. In response to COVID-19, we have increased the frequency with which our public areas, guest rooms, and facilities are deep-cleaned and disinfected, using hospital-grade disinfectants. We also offer hand sanitizer throughout the property for guest and employee use. 

PROCEDURES & PROTOCOL

• Employees: All employees are required to take their temperature before reporting for duty. Any employees exhibiting or exposed to any illness will be instructed to stay home. We require all illness-based absences to continue until a sufficient quarantine has been completed according to CDC guidelines and individual healthcare physicians. All employees will wear face masks while on-duty.

• Communication: Constant communication with local public health officials to provide real-time updates to all guests and employees.

• Hand Hygiene: The importance of hand washing is being communicated to employees daily and is vital to keeping guests and employees healthy. Each resort is stocked with supplies to support healthy hygiene practices. 

• Guest Rooms: Our employees follow CDC COVID-19 approved cleaning and disinfecting protocols while using hospital-grade disinfectants. Rooms are deep cleaned after guests depart and prior to the next guests' arrival, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.

• Public Spaces: All Muy’Ono Resorts have increased the frequency of disinfecting these areas with a focus on the frequently touched surfaces and areas like guest entrances, lobbies, and common gathering areas. Hand sanitizer will be available for guests to use in all public spaces. All public seating will be placed 6 feet apart.

• Back of House: We have increased sanitation procedures in the spaces where employees are behind the scenes to help make your stay the best it can be. All back of the house, including kitchen staff, will wear face masks and gloves.

IN THE CASE OF AN EVENT

If we are alerted of a case of COVID-19, we will immediately partner with our public health officials and follow the procedures and protocol to ensure guests and employees are not affected. We will implement extreme disinfecting procedures of the common areas on the hotel grounds as well as areas we know the individual has been to during their stay.