Just past the barrier reef, the water turns from turquoise to deep blue, and that is where the big fish live. This guide to deep sea fishing Ambergris Caye visitors book through White Sands Dive Shop explains what you can catch, the boats we use, how long a trip runs and the one piece of paperwork you need before you cast a line.
It is written for anglers who want a shot at a billfish, for families who want a day on the open sea, and for divers who want a change of pace between reef days. If you have never fished offshore before, you are in the right place too.
What can you catch deep sea fishing on Ambergris Caye?
Quick answer: Deep sea fishing from Ambergris Caye targets billfish in the blue water beyond the reef: Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Sailfish, plus Wahoo, Dolphin-fish, Tuna, King Mackerel and Black Grouper. White Sands Dive Shop books half and full days on 30, 32 and 37 foot boats with restrooms, for up to 5 people. You need a Belize sport fishing license.
Marlin and sailfish fishing in Belize: the target species
Our deep sea trips mainly go for billfish. NOAA describes billfish as some of the largest and fastest predators in the sea, and hooking one is the reason many anglers come offshore at all. Alongside the billfish, the blue water holds several other species worth the trip.
- Billfish: Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Sailfish, the main targets of every deep sea trip.
- Wahoo: a long, slim open water fish that many anglers rate as a highlight of the day.
- Dolphin-fish: the fish often sold as mahi-mahi, not the mammal.
- Tuna and King Mackerel: open water species that can keep the rods busy between billfish strikes.
- Black Grouper: a bottom fish that adds variety to the day.
Fishing is fishing, and no captain anywhere can promise a marlin on a given day. What we can promise is a day in blue water where you get to try your luck at the end of the rod and reel for your fish of a lifetime.
Deep sea, reef or fly fishing: which trip fits you
Deep sea is only one of three ways to fish with us. Each style happens in a different kind of water and suits a different kind of angler. The table compares them using the details on our Fishing page.
| Trip | Where you fish | Main catches | Group size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep sea fishing | Blue water beyond the reef | Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Dolphin-fish, Tuna, King Mackerel, Black Grouper | Up to 5 persons | Anglers after big game and a full day on the open sea |
| Reef fishing | Inside the reef and at the channels | Snapper, barracuda, jacks and groupers | 1 to 4 people | Families, beginners and calmer water |
| Fly fishing | The flats in and around the island | Bonefish, permit and tarpon, catch and release | 1 or up to 2 persons | Experienced fly anglers who like sight fishing |
If wading the flats with a fly rod sounds better than trolling offshore, read our guide to bonefish, permit and tarpon fly fishing on Ambergris Caye. Rates for all three trips are on the deep sea, reef and fly fishing page with current charter rates.
The boats, the group and the length of your day
Our deep sea charters run on 30 foot, 32 foot and 37 foot boats, and every one of them has a restroom. That detail matters more than it sounds when you are out for a full day or bringing children along.
Half day or full day
You can book deep sea fishing as a half day or a full day, for up to 5 persons on the boat. A half day suits first timers and anyone worried about the motion of the open sea. A full day gives you more time on the water, and more time is the single biggest factor in raising your chances with billfish.
Because the charter is priced per boat rather than per person, a group of four or five friends shares the day. For the current half day and full day rates, see our Fishing page with deep sea charter details. Please note that a 12.5% government sales tax applies to the rates listed there.
Your Belize sport fishing license
Everyone who fishes needs a Belize sport fishing license, whether you plan to keep your catch or release it. The license is issued by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, and you can buy it before you travel.
- Go to the official Belize sport fishing license portal.
- Choose the license that covers your travel dates and complete the purchase.
- Keep a copy on your phone or printed, and bring it on the day of your trip.
Sorting the license at home means one less thing to think about once you land. If you are fishing with a group, make sure each angler has their own.
How to prepare for a day offshore
Blue water is open ocean, and it moves more than the sheltered water inside the reef. A little planning makes the day far more comfortable, especially if this is your first time offshore.
- If you are prone to seasickness, ask your doctor or pharmacist about motion sickness medicine and take it before you board, not once you feel unwell.
- Eat a light breakfast and drink plenty of water during the day.
- Pack reef safe sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses and a long sleeve shirt, because there is little shade on the open sea.
- Bring a dry bag for your phone, camera and license.
- Tell us in advance if you hope to release your billfish, so everyone is ready for a quick photo and a fast release.
Make it part of a bigger island week
Most of our guests mix a day of fishing with time under the water. Our guide to scuba diving on Ambergris Caye covers the local barrier reef dives, and nondivers can join a Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley snorkeling trip.
For a bigger day out, certified divers can book the full-day Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef dive trip. If you would rather stay dry, the Lamanai river trip and cave tubing Maya tours take you into the jungle on the mainland.
Who arranges your trip
White Sands Dive Shop is a 5 Star PADI Dive Facility on the beach in San Pedro, owned and operated by Elbert Greer and licensed by the Belize Tourism Board. Elbert is a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, and you can read more about Elbert Greer and White Sands Dive Shop.
You email Elbert directly with your group size, dates and goals, and he arranges the trip. To hear how he looks after visitors, read the letters from Elbert’s students and guests.
Deep sea fishing, Ambergris Caye: your questions answered
Can you catch marlin and sailfish off Ambergris Caye?
Yes. Our deep sea trips mainly go for billfish, which means Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Sailfish, along with Wahoo, Dolphin-fish, Tuna, King Mackerel and Black Grouper. No one can guarantee a billfish on a given day.
Do I need a fishing license for a deep sea charter?
Yes. Every angler needs a Belize sport fishing license, and you can buy it online from the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute before your trip.
How many people can go on one deep sea trip?
Our half day and full day deep sea charters take up to 5 persons, on 30, 32 or 37 foot boats that all have restrooms.
Should I book a half day or a full day?
A half day suits first timers and anyone who worries about seasickness. A full day gives you more time in blue water, which is the best way to improve your chances with billfish.
Where can I find the deep sea fishing rates?
Current half day and full day rates are on our Fishing page, and a 12.5 percent government sales tax applies. Email Elbert with your dates to check availability.
Book your deep sea fishing day
Tell us your dates, how many people are fishing and whether you want a half day or a full day, and Elbert will set it up. Email elbertgreer@fastmail.fm or call 011 (501) 226 2405.