All photos by Jess McGlothlin
Our friend Ali Flota from El Pescador on Ambergris Caye in Belize reports that they had an excellent reopening week after the Belize government opened the international airport on October 1. She says that the travel felt very safe, with lots of masks and social distancing, and it felt incredible to feel her toes in the sand, feel the warm tropical breeze, and most importantly, welcome anglers back to flats-fishing paradise. The very first angler to arrive, Ken Z, went out and caught a beauty of a permit on a light brown Mantis Shrimp pattern.
Photographer Jess McGlothlin was there to document the first groups of anglers to hop into pangas and head off in search of bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Hopefully, these fish and the smiles they elicit are a sign of many more to come this season.
To learn more about El Pescador, visit their website or contact Dan Davala at Orvis Travel: travel@orvis.com; 1-800-547-4322.
I’m glad Belize is open, but is it safe? My Cardiologist and his guide were shot and killed while fishing the flats by a drug dealer. How is the government policy on protecting tourists and sportsman?
The people of Belize are heartbroken by that horrific event. We were shaken to our core and feel so much for Dr. Swank’s family and your entire community. I know it does not help, but it appears to have been an isolated incident targeting his specific guide for personal reasons. Since then, not one other incident has occurred. The police acted immediately and increased security measures to ensure safety. It has proven successful to date. Incidents on tourists are extremely rare in Belize, as we have a Tourism Police Unit, in all tourism areas, specifically to protect and assist tourists. I lived there for almost two decades, raising my children there, and always felt very safe and comfortable. Sending my heart-felt condolences to Dr. Gary Swank’s family, friends, and entire community. With love from Belize.