Central Alberta Trout Unlimited Dinner Auction will be Rescheduled

The Dock at the Landings

The dock at The Landings has been a focal point of so many of our trips to San Pedro. The dock, why? 

Well, everyday, it all starts from the dock. We have spent a lot of time on or near the dock over the years. It was a place where we got the kinks out of our fly lines, practiced casting and caught lots of bonefish. The dock is where our guided days start with Omar and Hilian coming to get us. The dock is where there is a lot of anticipation and hope at the start of the day. Our pickup at the dock starts as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 7:00 a.m. The 5:30 am start includes motoring at dawn to our first stop. Our guided days end around 3:00 p.m. At the end of a guide day, the dock is the first place where we share our day with others. Sometimes all you want is a cold Belekin or two. Luckily we are all open to talk about our days on the water and, of course, that starts right at the dock.

Our first full day in San Pedro this year, we fished lots around the dock. Karen and I met my buddy Hilian at the dock at 6:00 a.m. so we could say hello and have an early morning visit. The first words that came out of Hilian's mouth after Karen and I waved to our dear friend was, "Do you see the direction of the wind?" We already knew a cold front was blowing from the north. A present from Canada. That could mean a lot of things but often the fishing will be off for a day or two. Hilian was on his way to met a client while Karen and I set to fly fishing off of the dock. We were hooking up quite regularly while we drank our morning coffee. We also noticed that the sargassum grass that had been a problem the last few years was nonexistent. I think the nasty hurricane that decimated Abacos Island helped to change the ocean currents slightly and the sargassum grass has moved to other places for a change.

Well the dock was also the place where we slid into the ocean to DIY fly fish or swim and snorkel. Everybody fished from the dock, even as the dusk set in.

We have caught lots of bonefish, small tarpon, reef fish (snapper or blue runners), a ray (that was a tough unintentional battle), jacks and even permit  right off of the dock.  If you pay attention to the tides, there will be fish hanging around the dock. We even have iguanas sunning themselves off of the dock.

Of course other guests get picked up for diving, snorkelling and sight seeing tours.

Yes, the dock is a great place. We spend lots of time on the dock or around it every day. It is a focal point of our entertainment.

Yep,  permit at the dock!

Getting to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in Belize is Easy

We are all retired so travel to Belize has to be economical. We secured West Jet Master Cards. That allowed us to have an annual companion flight and no baggage costs when travelling on West Jet. The second person flies to Belize for about $300. It is a great deal and if you can hit a seat sale, the savings can be excellent. We also do not travel during peak times to avoid the higher costs associated with Spring Break and Easter. It works for us! Be sure to think about securing out of country medical insurance if you do not already have it.

Our day starts with a very early get up so we are at Calgary International Airport by 6:30 am. Once there, we stop at the Duty Free Shop just past security to get our scotch for the trip! Then it is up to West Jet to fly us directly to Belize City. The flight takes a little less than 6 hours. By early afternoon, we can see the beautiful turquoise coloured ocean alongside Central America.

Once we land and pass through Belize Immigration, we get ready for the short flight to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye! The 15 minute flight gets you excited. You pass over some of the water you are going to be fly fishing. The channels at the south end of Ambergris Caye always get my attention.

Once we land, our hosts at the The Landings (Chad and Kimberly), pick us up with golf carts and then it is a short 15 minute ride to our condo. Colin pulled our golf cart over and I ran into a bakery to get cinnamon buns for breakfast the next morning. We usually eat out the first day to unwind from our travel. Before supper, a few groceries were bought at the store that is right behind the condo! The Landings managers already have Belekin beer, water and pop in the fridge for us. We have security on sight and safes in the condos for added security!

Once we unpack, there is a short 10 minute walk to the Dive Bar for supper. It is the perfect place to unwind and settle in. Many restaurants are open air. The trade winds blow warm ocean air over the reef. You are there. Time to enjoy the great hospitality and relax.