You do not need to run far offshore to bend a rod here. The water between the island and the barrier reef holds plenty of fish, and it is calmer and closer than the open sea. This guide to booking a reef fishing charter Ambergris Caye visitors arrange through White Sands Dive Shop covers what you can catch, how long the day runs and what to sort out before you go.
It is written for families, first time anglers and divers who want a relaxed day on the water between reef dives. Experienced anglers will find the practical details here too: group size, start times and the license you need.
What happens on a reef fishing charter from Ambergris Caye?
Quick answer: You fish inside the barrier reef and at the channels for snapper, barracuda, jacks and groupers. Your guide supplies the tackle, gear and bait. A half day usually runs 4 hours, morning or afternoon, and a full day runs 7 to 8 hours with a beach barbecue option. Charters take 1 to 4 people, and each angler needs a Belize sport fishing license.
Where you fish: inside the reef and at the channels
Most of the reef fishing action happens inside the reef and at the channels. Inside the reef means the sheltered water between the beach and the line of breaking waves you can see from shore. The channels are the natural cuts through the reef, where water flows in and out and fish gather to feed.
Because you stay in this protected water, the ride is usually gentler than a trip out to blue water. That makes reef fishing a good choice if anyone in your group is new to boats, prone to seasickness or simply wants to enjoy the view of the reef between bites.
What you can catch on the reef
Snapper, barracuda, jacks and groupers are some of the common catches on a reef fishing day trip. Each one fights differently, so a mixed day keeps everyone on the boat guessing about what is on the end of the line.
- Snapper: bottom fish that live around hard structure. NOAA notes that red snapper get their name from their enlarged canine teeth, and that adults live near coral reefs, rocks and ledges.
- Barracuda: fast, toothy hunters that hit hard and often run when hooked.
- Jacks: strong, stubborn fighters that test your arms and your drag.
- Groupers: heavy fish that head straight for cover, so you need to keep them coming up.
No guide anywhere can promise a particular fish on a particular day. What a reef trip does offer is a steady chance of action in calm water, which is why it suits mixed groups so well.
Half day fishing trip in San Pedro, Belize, or a full day?
Reef fishing can be booked as a half day charter or a full day charter. Half days usually last 4 hours and full days 7 to 8 hours. The table sets the two side by side so you can choose the one that fits your plans.
| Detail | Half day reef fishing | Full day reef fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Time on the water | Usually 4 hours | 7 to 8 hours |
| Start time | Morning or afternoon | Usually 7 or 8 in the morning; earlier or later can be arranged |
| Group size | 1 to 4 people | 1 to 4 people |
| Tackle, gear and bait | Provided by your guide | Provided by your guide |
| Beach barbecue | Not part of a half day | Available as a full day option |
| Best for | First timers, children, and fitting fishing around a dive | Keen anglers and groups who want a whole day out |
Most guides start the day at 7 or 8 in the morning, but you can arrange an earlier or later start. A morning half day leaves your afternoon free, while an afternoon half day lets you sleep in or dive first. Current half day and full day rates are on our reef, fly and deep sea fishing page with current charter rates.
Fishing and beach BBQ on Ambergris Caye
The full day reef charter can be booked as a fishing day with a beach barbecue. It turns a fishing trip into a full island outing, with time ashore in the middle of the day before you head back out for the afternoon bite.
If you would like the barbecue, mention it when you email Elbert so the day can be planned around it. Ask him what is on the menu and anything else you want to know about the stop, and let him know about any dietary needs in your group.
What your guide provides and what you bring
Tackle, gear and bait are provided by your guide, so there is no need to pack rods or a tackle box. What you do need is a Belize sport fishing license for each person who fishes. Our guide to buying your Belize sport fishing license online walks you through the steps.
- Your sport fishing license, printed or saved on your phone.
- Reef safe sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses to cut the glare off the water.
- A light long sleeve shirt for sun cover on a full day.
- Drinking water and a small dry bag for your phone and camera.
- Motion sickness medicine taken before you board, if you need it.
Reef, deep sea or fly fishing
Reef fishing is the most relaxed of the three ways to fish with us. If you want a shot at billfish in blue water beyond the reef, read our guide to deep sea fishing for marlin and sailfish off Ambergris Caye. That trip is for anglers who want big game and do not mind the open sea.
If sight casting to fish in shallow water appeals more, our guide to bonefish, permit and tarpon fly fishing on the flats explains the catch and release trips. Plenty of guests try two styles in one week.
Divers in your group can spend another day on the reef from below. Our guide to scuba diving on Ambergris Caye covers the local dives, and nondivers can join a Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley snorkel trip.
Who sets up your fishing day
White Sands Dive Shop is a 5 Star PADI Dive Facility on the beach in San Pedro, licensed by the Belize Tourism Board. It is owned and operated by Elbert Greer, a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, and you can read more about Elbert Greer and how he runs the shop.
When you book, you deal with Elbert himself, not a call center. Bryan Nelson wrote to thank him for “all the personal and professional attention you gave to our group of divers”, and you can read the rest in the letters from Elbert’s students and guests.
Reef fishing charter, Ambergris Caye: your questions answered
Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?
No. Tackle, gear and bait are provided by your guide on every reef fishing charter, so you only need sun protection, water and your license.
How long is a half day reef fishing trip?
A half day usually lasts 4 hours and can start in the morning or the afternoon. A full day runs 7 to 8 hours.
How many people can fish on one reef charter?
Each reef fishing charter is for 1 to 4 people, which suits a couple, a small family or a group of friends.
Do I need a fishing license for reef fishing in Belize?
Yes. Every angler needs a Belize sport fishing license, and you can buy it online before your trip.
Can we add a beach barbecue to the trip?
Yes. The full day reef fishing charter has a beach barbecue option. Mention it when you email Elbert to book.
Book your reef fishing day
Send Elbert your dates, the number of anglers, and whether you prefer a half day or a full day with the beach barbecue. Email elbertgreer@fastmail.fm or call 011 (501) 226 2405, and he will set up your charter.