Offshore Fishing from Ambergris Caye: What's Biting and When

The offshore fishing from Ambergris Caye is world-class. Sailfish run year-round. Mahi-mahi (dorado) peak March through June. Blue marlin make appearances May through October. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the sport fishing world's governing body since 1939, keeps world records across all major offshore species. Belize waters are producing them: in February 2026, a 386-pound broadbill swordfish was landed at Turneffe Atoll, one of the largest on record in Belize.

What You Can Catch, and When

Sailfish - Year-Round

The blue water off the continental shelf east of the reef produces sailfish year-round, with peaks November-March and June-July. Trolling ballyhoo and artificial lures at the shelf break - about 12 miles east of Ambergris Caye - is the standard approach. Most charter captains practice catch-and-release for billfish.

Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) - March to June

Mahi-mahi are arguably the most consistent offshore target. They gather around floating weed lines along the shelf in spring, often in large schools. Fast-swimming, acrobatic, and excellent eating - dorado are the fish most first-time offshore anglers end up catching. The peak window is March through June, with some action extending into August.

Wahoo - November to March

Wahoo are among the fastest fish in the ocean, and the winter months bring them in from deeper water. Trolling at high speed with lures or rigged ballyhoo is the primary technique. They hit hard and run fast - the fish most likely to spool you on light tackle.

Wahoo run strong enough in Belize that the Belize Game Fish Association runs an annual Wahoo Classic tournament, drawing teams from Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Grouper and Snapper - Year-Round (Reef)

If you'd rather fill the cooler than chase pelagics, reef fishing for grouper, snapper, and barracuda produces reliably year-round. This is bottom fishing over reef structure at 60-120 feet - no special skill required, and the fish are excellent eating.

Belize fishing regulations under the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI) set minimum sizes and seasonal closures for reef species. A licensed operator knows the current rules.

How to Hire a Charter from MBR

Half-day (4 hours): Reef fishing, bottom fishing, near-shore trolling. $350-450 USD for up to 4 people, including gear.

Full-day (8 hours): Bluewater offshore for sailfish, mahi, wahoo. $750-950 USD for up to 4 people. This includes the run to the shelf break and back.

All charters operating from San Pedro are licensed through the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). Most captains will pick up directly at the MBR dock.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen - you're on open water with no shade on the run out
• Polarized sunglasses (essential for spotting bait schools and weed lines)
• Light rain jacket for early morning runs
• Cooler if you plan to keep fish; most charter coolers are small
• Sea sickness medication if you're prone - the shelf run crosses open-water swells

Fishing License

A sport fishing license is required for all anglers. Your charter captain handles this - it's included in the price for most charters. Independent anglers fishing from a dock or kayak need to obtain a license through CZMAI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to go offshore fishing? No. Captains provide all tackle and run the boat. Offshore trolling is one of the most accessible forms of fishing - your job is to hold the rod, set the hook, and reel.

Can I keep the fish I catch? For most reef species, yes - within size limits. For billfish (sailfish, marlin), catch-and-release is standard practice and expected by most operators.

What's the best month overall for offshore fishing from Ambergris Caye? March through June is the peak window - mahi-mahi are running, conditions are calm, and visibility is high. But you can find good fishing in any month.