Copal Tree lodge is a deluxe jungle lodge and represents the finest accommodations of any of southern Belize’s hard-core permit destinations. It also and has some of the best facilities for non-anglers eco-tourists and families.
Punta Gorda is well known for its outstanding permit fishing, and this unique lodge built on a jungle hilltop represents the finest in accommodations and dining. The southern region of Belize remains relatively un-impacted by tourism, a stark contrast to the northern beachfront resorts.
Copal Tree maintains a high quality fishing program, while offering many opportunities for families and couples looking to combine an angling adventure with non-fishing activities. The main lodge is spacious and inviting, perfectly complimented by the sixteen luxury suites. All suites feature air conditioning, private bathroom, a California king or two queen beds, and a large screened deck overlooking the jungle canopy. In addition, they have a spa, garden side swimming pool, mountain bikes, hiking trails, kayaks, and canoes.
For non-anglers, tours can easily be arranged including trips to nearby Indian villages, Mayan ruin excursions, guided outings on the Rio Grande River, snorkeling, manatee watching, even cave tubing and more. In addition, there are some excellent on-site activities at the lodge, including mountain biking, canoeing, bird watching, kayaking, nature hikes, chocolate-making, and touring the farms and gardens. The Copal Tree Lodge and its surrounding grounds and vistas are incredible. The food is outstanding, and the service, accommodations, and amenities rank among the best in Belize.
Unlike many of the fly fishing destinations that we represent in Belize, Copal Tree is not located on the water. Instead, it’s built on the top of a forested hill, with a jungle river well below that winds its way to the sea. This is a beautiful resort nestled in the jungle, with private suites among the trees, and others built on top of the hill, taking advantage of the view. Surrounded by colorful flowering shrubs and tropical palms, the swimming pool is a lovely place to swim and relax. A recent addition on the farm is a rum distillery, producing the Copal Tree brand of spirit. They even grow their own sugar cane used in the rum production.
The southern region of Belize around the sleepy town of Punta Gorda remains relatively un-impacted by tourism. It’s just far enough away from Belize City and the resorts of Ambergris Cay in the north to remain largely unexplored, and, more importantly, its waters are seldom fished. The result is some of the best permit fishing in this small Caribbean country.
Anglers fishing with Copal Tree Lodge are catered to by the famous Garbutt brothers and their staff of experienced native Belizean guides, using comfortable 23′ super-pangas with casting decks and poling platforms. These boats are at home all up and down the Yucatan and Belize coastal waters. They are very comfortable in deep waters and just as at-home in shallow flats. The fishing at Copal Tree Lodge is usually a combination of poling the deeper flats and wading the shallower coral and turtle grass flats.
Headed out on your next adventure with us? The Fly ShopⓇ has you covered. As a thank you to our travel guests, enjoy 15% off all retail purchases for a year! — the perfect chance to gear up before your trip.
Whether it’s flies, leaders, apparel or a new rod and reel outfit, we’ve got everything you need to make your journey more comfortable, more successful, and more fun. (some exclusions apply)
