Do you know an ambitious angler who dreams of chasing the elusive saltwater Grand Slam—catching a bonefish, tarpon, and permit in a single day? Belize has gained a great reputation in the realm of sports fishing, offering reliable opportunities for novices and experts alike. Fishing enthusiasts, and general nature lovers, should consider making Ray Caye Private Island Resort their basecamp for a multitude of marine adventures amid the Western Hemisphere’s largest barrier reef. A tropical island paradise surrounded by azure waters and flourishing coral reefs, you can swing for the fences and hit a Grand Slam with Ray Caye in Belize.
Land a Grand Slam in Belize
Photo by Duarte Dellarole
A saltwater Grand Slam is the holy grail for many fly fishermen. It is a feat that requires skill, knowledge, patience, and a bit of luck. Catching and releasing one bonefish, tarpon, and permit in a single day of the water is a rare accomplishment. But at Ray Caye, the odds are in your favor. About 16 miles east of the Placencia Peninsula, Ray Caye is a private island on the edge of the Silk Caye Marine Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Belize Barrier Reef is a vital and vibrant ecosystem. That includes colorful coral, mangrove forests, gentle shallows, and deep channels. It is home to a variety of resident and migratory sea creatures. And, it offers some of the best fishing grounds in the Caribbean.
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- Photo Credit Belize My Travels / Ray Caye Island Resort
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- Photo Cedit: Duarte Dellarole
Ray Caye is happy to offer daily fishing excursions or multi-day, all-inclusive packages. Imagine beginning your day at dawn, with the sun casting a golden hue over the crystal-clear waters. Take a slow stroll through the shallows around the island to make a few practice casts with your rod and reel. The island’s expert guides can equip you with top-of-the-line gear if you haven’t brought along your own. Embark on your all-day quest to the best fishing flats and return home to the resort in time for happy hour cocktails at sunset.
Similar: You Can Win a Private Island Vacation in Belize With This Ray Caye Giveaway
Fly fishing in Belize is a thrilling experience for beginners or longtime fisherfolks. It’s not unusual for schools of 20 or 30 bonefish to be spotted in the flats around Ray Caye. Known for their speed and cunning, these fish are nicknamed “ghosts of the flats” and can be elusive. Permits are a finicky fish that require precise casting and great technique to hook. They put up a strong fight on the line and give the fisherman an exhilarating battle to reel in. The mighty tarpon is known for its acrobatic leaps and fierce fights. Bringing in a tarpon is the ultimate test of an angler’s skill and endurance. It makes for a fitting climax to your saltwater Grand Slam adventure in Belize.
Experience the Caribbean Before It Got Crowded at Ray Caye
Photo Credit Belize My Travels / Ray Caye Island Resort
The thrill of the catch is not the only excitement to be had on Ray Caye. The private island resort boasts a full-service dive shop, a plethora of non-motorized water sports equipment, a fitness center, spa, swimming pools, and a two-story waterslide into the Caribbean Sea. After a rewarding day on the water, unwind in luxury. The resort blends comfort and elegance in stand-alone cabana-style accommodations along with gourmet meals featuring fresh, local ingredients. Ray Caye is the ultimate island escape where one can unplug and unwind yet never be bored.
Similar: Chase a Grand Slam in Belize
Plan the preeminent angling adventure at Ray Caye and chase a Grand Slam. Peak season for flats fishing is April through June but excellent opportunities are available year-round in Belize. Whether fishing or not, though, a Ray Caye Private Island Resort retreat is an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled corners of the Caribbean.
All photos courtesy of Ray Caye unless captioned otherwise
