Belize City, Belize

Inns, Lodges, Resorts

February 2023

By Polly Dean

Photos by Jimmy Jacobs

Ideally situated in Belize for a myriad of fishing opportunity, the Belize River Lodge also enjoys a unique and varied history of hospitality. Mike Heuser and Marguerite Jones Miles are the current and longest owners and operators of the resort, including having managed the lodge prior to ownership. They also have a well-rounded and complete knowledge of the area’s fishing and how to cater to traveling anglers. Eco-tours also are offered to guests seeking to explore inland wonders.

The lodge is located near the International Airport in Belize City on the Belize Old River. It is 3.5 miles from the coast. The location also offers easy access to different rivers, creeks, mangrove cayes, flats and the barrier reef. The varied fishing offers species such as snook, bonefish, tarpon (large and small), permit, barracuda, snapper and tripletail to name just a few.

Built right on the bank of the river, the resort rests among palm, coconut, mahogany and mango trees. Accommodating up to 16 guests, it truly resides in a lush jungle setting with atmosphere and shade. Mahogany is the wood used in the lodge’s construction.

The lodge’s accommodations include the Guest House, a two-story building that contains four rooms, each with two single beds, private showers, air conditioning and WiFi. Screened verandas overlook the Belize Old River.

The Cottage is set up for two groups of two or a family of four. Each room has separate showers, air conditioning, WiFi and two single beds, separated by a connecting door and sharing a large screened veranda. One of the rooms has a sitting area.

The Bungalow has two rooms with each having a queen and double bed. Each has a private shower, air conditioning, WiFi and large, screened veranda. The Main Lodge houses the  kitchen, office, gift shop, dining room, lounge area, self-service bar and Mike’s Fishing Closet. The Closet serves as the resort tackle shop, offering a small array of flies, lines, leaders and tippets.

Using the freshest ingredients and old family recipes, under the tutelage of Marguerite the lodge’s cooks offer the best combination of Belizean, Creole and American cuisine. Evening meals are served family-style around the dining room’s three solid-slab mahogany tables. Save room for coffee, tea and mouth-watering desserts.  Afterwards you can retire to the porch for an after-dinner cocktail and conversation, as well as having the option of the lounge area with its fly-tying table.

Belize River Lodge offers an assortment of packages, whether your group consists of all anglers  or some that do not fish, and even going solo. Packages include fishing, eco/adventure-touring or a combination of both. You can create an itinerary that suits your stay, or even if coming ashore from a cruise for just a day in Belize City. The lodge offers a day of fishing that caters to that option. With its beautiful scenery, tasty food, diversity of activities and cleanliness, Belize River Lodge is one of the best places to be in Belize!