Fishing in San Pedro FAQs
Straight answers about trip choices, prices, licenses, weather, pickup and what to expect when you fish Ambergris Caye with the Verde family.
Exploring Fishing in San Pedro
Start here if you are still deciding what kind of day fits you.
What types of fishing does Captain Nato’s Charters offer?
Choose fly fishing or spin casting for bonefish, permit and tarpon; reef and bottom fishing; Fish & Snorkel; Neighborhood Fishing; or seasonal spearfishing, conch and lobster trips. See the Fishing in San Pedro hub for a full comparison.
What is a Belize fishing Grand Slam?
A Grand Slam means landing a bonefish, permit and tarpon in one day. It is a genuine challenge, never a guarantee, and Belize requires all three species to be released. Learn about the Belize Grand Slam.
Who will guide my fishing trip?
Your trip is guided by one of the Verde family: Captain Nato, his brothers Ezequiel and Tayo, or Nato’s son Hazi. Each operates his own boat while following the same patient, professional family standard.
Can I request a particular guide?
Yes. Tell us when you enquire and we will try to match your request, subject to availability. If that guide is already booked, another Verde family guide can run the trip.
What is the best time of year to fish in San Pedro?
Bonefish are available year-round. Permit are especially good from February through August. Baby tarpon and snook are strong targets from October through February when north winds lower the tides. Conditions and tide direction still matter on the day. See the Belize fishing calendar.
Comparing Fishing Charters
What changes when you book a local family operation.
What makes Captain Nato’s Charters different?
This is a family-run charter, not a large fleet with rotating hired crews. The Verde family comes from Sarteneja, a working Belizean fishing village, and adapts each trip to the water, weather and skill level of the guests.
Will we still fish when conditions are difficult?
If it is safe, the guide adjusts. Cloud or wind can make open-flat permit and bonefish difficult, so the day may shift toward sheltered mangrove water for tarpon, snook or jacks. Unsafe conditions or conditions that make the planned trip unworkable may require rescheduling.
Does the rainy season mean poor fishing?
No. Passing rain does not automatically ruin fishing. Tropical storms, unsafe seas or sustained overcast conditions that remove the visibility needed for flats fishing can affect or postpone the trip.
Before Booking
Prices, payment, licenses, group size and realistic expectations.
How much does a fishing trip cost?
Current published trips range from $350 to $450 USD. Visit the Rates page for the listed price, duration and group-size details. We confirm your complete total and inclusions before you pay.
Is the Belize fishing license included?
No. Visitors must purchase the appropriate sport fishing license separately online through Belize’s Coastal Zone Management Authority before the trip. See our fishing-license guide.
How does payment work?
A 50% deposit secures the trip. The remaining balance can be paid online or in cash at pickup. Our secure payment link charges in Belize dollars, so a $225 USD payment appears as $450 BZD. The payment link does not automatically collect the remaining balance.
What happens if I cancel?
At 30 days or more, approved refunds are reduced by a $67 USD processing fee. From 29 to 14 days, a 50% cancellation fee applies to the deposit. At 13 days or fewer, or for a no-show, there is no refund and the remaining balance may still be charged. Read the complete Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy.
How many people can join a fly-fishing trip?
Two anglers fish at a time from the flats skiff. On a fly-fishing trip, one normally works from the bow with the fly rod while another uses spinning gear from the middle. A third guest can rotate into a fishing position.
Are catches guaranteed?
No responsible guide can guarantee a catch or a Grand Slam. Your opportunity depends on weather, tide, fish behavior and execution. The guide’s job is to read the conditions, find the best available water and give you honest coaching.
Need help choosing?
Tell us your group size, experience and whether you care most about technical flats fishing, steady action, snorkeling or a family-friendly day.
Preparing for Your Trip
What to bring, who can join and how to arrive ready.
What should I bring?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, lightweight sun-protective clothing, a light rain jacket, water-friendly shoes, necessary medication and a waterproof case for valuables. Brown, copper or amber polarized lenses are especially useful on the flats. See the complete What to Bring checklist.
Do I need my own fishing equipment?
No. Fishing gear can be provided when arranged in advance. You are also welcome to bring your own saltwater setup. If you want to prepare at your local fly shop, see Our Gear.
Can beginners book a trip?
Yes. The guides coach first-time and experienced anglers. Reef and bottom fishing is usually the easiest starting point; fly fishing is more technical but can still suit a motivated beginner who is ready to learn.
Can children and non-anglers join?
Yes, depending on the trip and group size. Reef fishing and Fish & Snorkel usually work best for families and mixed-interest groups. Tell us the children’s ages and your group’s priorities so we can recommend an appropriate outing.
Should I plan to tip?
Yes. Tipping is customary and expected for professional guides. Captain Nato’s guidance is generally $50–$100 USD per day depending on whether the trip is a half day or full day.
Weather and Rescheduling
How Captain Nato handles rain, wind and difficult visibility.
What happens if the weather looks bad?
Passing rain does not automatically cancel a trip. When winds exceed approximately 24 knots, a tropical storm affects the area, seas become unsafe or sustained overcast conditions prevent workable flats visibility, the trip may need to be rescheduled when possible.
How will I know whether weather affects my trip?
We will contact you directly when conditions look likely to affect the trip. Forecasts can change quickly, so the final decision considers actual local conditions and safety—not only a weather-app icon.
What if I cannot reschedule?
Contact us as soon as possible. Options depend on the circumstances and the terms of the Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy. We cannot promise a refund outside that policy.
Pickup and Meeting Arrangements
Your exact pickup point is confirmed directly before the trip.
Where does pickup take place?
Hotel-dock or beachfront pickup may be available from Las Terrazas south through Ambergris Caye when sea conditions allow. The principal meeting point is the dock near the San Pedro International Ferry Terminal on Nurse Shark Street.
What if I am staying north of Las Terrazas?
Plan on a short cab ride either to our San Pedro dock or south to the area near Castaway Belize, which may be a closer meeting point. We will confirm which option is best.
Is beachfront pickup guaranteed?
No. A direct beach or hotel-dock landing depends on wind, swell, water depth and whether the approach is safe. If the trip can run but a landing is unsuitable, we will arrange another meeting point.
How will I know my pickup time?
Your time is confirmed directly when you book because it varies with the trip, tide and pickup location. Use the confirmed time rather than a general departure time found elsewhere online.
Check your accommodation
See the pickup boundary, common resort examples and meeting alternatives before your fishing day.
After the Trip
Refund timing, legal catch and booking the family again.
How long does an approved refund take?
Approved refunds are processed within one week, subject to the Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy.
Can the guide clean fish we legally keep?
Yes, when the catch is legal to retain. Protected species, closed-season species and undersized catch cannot be kept. Bonefish, permit and tarpon are catch-and-release only throughout Belize.
Can I book another trip with the same guide?
Yes. Ask for Nato, Ezequiel, Tayo or Hazi when you enquire. We will try to honor the request based on the guide’s availability.
Where can I ask a question not covered here?
Send us a message through the contact page, WhatsApp +501 629-5953, or email [email protected].
Still Have a Question?
Tell Captain Nato what you want to fish for, your dates, group size and where you are staying. We’ll help you choose the right trip before you commit.