Billfishing Guatemala
Guatemala Sailfishing
Sailfish Oasis Lodge
Sailfish Capital of the World. As one of the largest breeding grounds for Pacific sailfish, Guatemala is among the finest sailfishing destinations in the world. Guatemala holds both the conventional and fly fishing records for most sailfish released in one day. Sailfish Oasis Lodge won the Billfish Foundation’s Overall Release category and the Sailfish Release category for the Pacific for 2014. Click here for Sherpa (up-to-date travel requirements).
Sailfish Oasis Lodge Fishing
The Sailfish Oasis fleet often averages 15 to 30 sailfish releases per day during peak season and a year-round daily average of 5 to 20 releases.
Throughout the year, anglers enjoy calm waters and a friendly fishing community. Captains are in constant communication to ensure everyone has an
unforgettable fishing experience. Whether you are new to the sport or an expert fly angler, Sailfish Oasis Lodge's experienced captains and mates help provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to land a billfish on a fly.
Species and Seasons:
Sailfish: Great year-round, with peak fishing from October through June.
Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin: May through November is their Marlin season. However, after many years of tracking marlin numbers, the Lodge has noticed they are more prolific in September and October. They raise occasional black and striped marlin, but the waters of Guatemala are predominately inhabited by blue marlin averaging between 200-500 pounds.
Dorado: All year-round, but especially in their rainy season from May through September.
Guy Schoenborn's Recap of his 2014 Hosted Week:
"Day 1: We raised 14, landing 3 on flies and 3 on bait.
Day 2: We raised 36, landing 8 on flies and 9 on bait.
Day 3: We raised 22 and landed 3 on flies and 3 on bait.
Day 4: We raised 18 and landed 3 on flies, 4 on bait, and we also caught 2 large dorados.
Captain “Kiwi” Chris and his crew did an excellent job of teasing the sails to the back of the boat - for an easy cast with a fly rod. It’s very exciting to watch a 50 to 100-pound fish eat your fly 25 feet from the boat.
The Lodge was really nice, and the meals were very good. I would highly recommend Sailfish Oasis Lodge to a flyrodder or conventional angler."
- Guy Schoenborn
Sailfish Oasis Boats:
The Lodge has some of the best fishing boats on the Guatemalan coast. Their boats are kept to the highest safety and comfort standards.
Captain Hook is a 43 ft. Willis made famous by Captain Ron Hamlin. The boat is powered by twin Cummins diesel and was built in North Carolina by master boat builders. The wooden hulls produce a low rumbling sound notorious for raising billfish. Captain Hook has a fighting chair. The boat has set many records for the number of fish caught in one day and one year.
Their Flagship Boat, The Allure II, is a 1996, 40’ Custom Carolina Capps with a cruise speed of 23 knots and is arguably the finest charter sportfishing vessel in Guatemala. The Allure II is fully equipped with top-of-the-line Shimano reels, custom rods, a marlin tower, a modern electronics package, and a reputation for excellent food and very cold beer. Captain “Kiwi” Chris has been fishing the Pacific Coast of Guatemala since 2002.
The Makina is a 2001, 36’ Out Island Express powered by Cummins 450HP C-Series motors, with a 26-knot cruise, top-of-the-line tackle, air conditioning in the cabin, and a common area. The experienced and fun Captain Juanga is at the wheel.
The Marina: Marina Pez Vela is 10 minutes from the Lodge in Puerto San Jose. It is the only marina in Guatemala protected by a breakwater structure.
The King and I The Lodge's newer boat, The King and I, is a 50-ft. air-conditioned Ocean with a 26-knot cruise. The 44-ft. Tranquility is an air-conditioned Ocean with a 23-knot cruise to a smaller 31-ft. Bertram.
Typical Fishing Day:
6:00 a.m. Wake-up call with fresh Guatemalan coffee.
6:15 a.m. Breakfast is served.
6:45 a.m., The Lodge driver will transfer you to Marina Pez Vela, a seven-minute commute.
At 7:00 a.m., You'll leave the dock for a full day of fishing. Lunch, snacks, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided on the boats.
4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., you’ll return to the dock where the driver is waiting. You'll be driven back to the Lodge, where you'll freshen up and enjoy appetizers before dinner.
(Beverages are only provided on the boats and not at the Lodge.
About Sailfish Lodge
Sailfish Oasis Lodge is open year-round and accommodates 20 guests. The Lodge is in a secure, residential, tree-lined development.
This spacious property boasts an outdoor area with lush gardens, a TV lounge area, and a nice swimming pool.
Communications: Wi-Fi is available throughout the Lodge and property. Cell phones usually work at the Lodge, but please check with your carrier.
Bedroom at the Lodge
Meals: In the evenings, guests gather at the open-air bar (rancho) or in the dining room to share fish tales and dine on delicious food such as yellowfin tuna or dorado sashimi, ceviche, ocean-fresh pan-fried mahi-mahi, jumbo shrimp marinated in ginger and sweet chili sauce, and US prime beef.
Beverages: Only beverages on the boat are included in the package. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails are available at local prices. Your tab is billed to your room.
Bedrooms: Boardwalks lead to the Lodge's five duplex-style bungalows. Each bedroom has a private bathroom with plenty of hot water, pool towels, shampoo, conditioner, and handmade soap. Hair dryers are available upon request. Rooms are cleaned daily.
Getting to the Lodge:
You’ll be met at La Aurora International in Guatemala City by Eddie, the Lodge's friendly driver. He will escort you to the group's private air-conditioned vehicle with ice-cold complimentary drinks on board. It’s a 90-minute drive from the airport to Sailfish Oasis Lodge on the Pacific Coast, and this ground transfer is included in the package. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to have a gourmet lunch in La Antigua,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Flight Times From • Miami: 2 hours • Houston: 2 hours and 30-minutes • Dallas: 3 hours • Atlanta: 3 hours or • Los Angeles: 4 hours and 30-minutes.
Departure Day: After breakfast, your driver will drive you the 90-minute trip back to Aurora International Airport in time to catch your flight home. You might enjoy spending your final night of the trip in Antigua (for an additional fee). Sailfish Oasis Lodge will gladly arrange a one-night stay at a beautiful colonial hotel in town.
2024 USD Rates
Double Occupancy Rooms.Many package options. Please request an information packet for full details.
5-nights and 4-days guided fishing:
The 50-ft. King and I Packages: (up to 7-anglers)
2-anglers per boat: $7,953.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $6,141.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $4,965.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $4,515.00 per person
44-ft. Tranquility:
2-anglers per boat: $7,753.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $6,008.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $4,865.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $4,435.00 per person
43-ft. Captain Hook or The 40-ft. Allure II:
2-anglers per boat: $7,153.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $5,608.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $4,565.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $4,195.00 per person
34-ft. to 38 ft. Boat Packages:
34-ft. Danmark, 36 ft. Jersey Cape, 36-ft. The Makina or 36 ft. The Sirena
2-anglers per boat: $6,155.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $5,070.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $4,095.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $3,805.00 per person
31-ft. Bertram:
2-anglers per boat: $5,555.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $4,670.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $3,795.00 per person
4-nights and 3-days guided fishing:
The 50-ft. King and I Packages: (up to 7-anglers)2-anglers per boat: $6,130.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $4,758.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $3,865.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $3,535.00 per person
44-ft. Tranquility:
2-anglers per boat: $5,953.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $4,658.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $3,790.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $3,475.00 per person
43-ft. Captain Hook or The 40-ft. Allure II:
2-anglers per boat: $5,503.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $4,358.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $3,565.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $3,295.00 per person
34-ft. to 38 ft. Boat Packages:
34-ft. Danmark, 36 ft. Jersey Cape, 36-ft. The Makina or 36 ft. The Sirena
2-anglers per boat: $4,805.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $3,950.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $3,205.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $3,005.00 per person
31-ft. Bertram:
2-anglers per boat: $4,355.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $3,650.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $2,980.00 per person
3-nights and 2-days guided fishing:
43-ft. Captain Hook or The 40-ft. Allure II:2-anglers per boat: $4,150.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $3,308.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $2,705.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $2,505.00 per person
34-ft. to 38 ft. Boat Packages:
34-ft. Danmark, 36 ft. Jersey Cape, 36-ft. The Makina or 36 ft. The Sirena
2-anglers per boat: $3,445.00 per person
3-anglers per boat: $2,830.00 per person
4-anglers per boat: $2,395.00 per person
5-anglers per boat: $2,195.00 per person
The Packages Include:
• Ground transfers between La Aurora Airport and the Lodge
• Lodging at Sailfish Oasis
• Wi-Fi
• All meals at the Lodge
• Fruit, snacks, plus tea and coffee
• Guided fishing
• Conventional and fly tackle (plus one fly) and bait
• Lunch and beverages on the boat
• Non-premium alcohol
The Packages Do Not Include:
• International airfare to Guatemala City, and return• Lunch on arrival day
• Gratuities to staff, boat captains, porters, and deckhands
• Personal expenses
• Premium alcohol
• Any extra flies (first fly is free)
• Tours not mentioned in your itinerary
• Room tax ($10.00 - $20.00 per night)
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Global Rescue (recommended)
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions
• Fuel surcharges may apply.
• Published prices are subject to change without notice.
Non-Angler Companion:
Rates Include: Ground transfers between La Aurora International Airport and the Lodge, lodging at Sailfish Oasis Lodge, Wi-Fi, all meals at the Lodge, and tea and coffee.
Shared Room/Double Occupancy:
3-nights and 2-days $1,275.00 per person
4-nights and 3-days $1,700.00 per person
5-nights and 4-days $2,125.00 per person
Single-Occupancy Room:
3-nights and 2-days $1,725.00 per person
4-nights and 3-days $2,300.00 per person
5-nights and 4-days $2,650.00 per person
Non-Angler Activities:
Spend a few days fishing and then add to your adventure by climbing volcanoes, visiting Mayan ruins, zip-lining over a gorgeous lake, making chocolate, mountain biking on the edge of a volcano, surf lessons, personalized Spanish classes, and more! For non-fishing family members, there's plenty to do, such as a spa day, foodie tour, yoga, massage, a weaving workshop, textile tours, and more.
Tour Options:
• Sightseeing in Antigua
• 3-day overnight hike to Lake Atitlan
• Guided surfing trips
• Glamping (Luxury camping)
Sailfish Oasis Lodge Policies:
Deposit Policy: A 50% deposit is due within two weeks after the date of booking to confirm your reservation. Reservations are subject to cancellation until the full deposit has been received. The balance is due 90 days before your trip. Reservations made within eight weeks of the arrival date must be paid in full prior to arrival and within 10 days of booking.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your trip after your reservation has been confirmed, the Lodge will try to resell your dates. If they are able to do so, you will be refunded payments made minus $150.00 per person. If they are unable to resell your dates, you will lose your deposit. For cancelations eight weeks before arrival, all payments made are nonrefundable. No-shows will not receive a refund. While at the Lodge, if you decide not to go fishing one day, no refund will be given.
Cancellations due to Weather: Your safety is their first concern. If the captain decides the boat should not go out, you will receive credit for a day of fishing.
Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing trip insurance.
Click here for our Travel Insurance page.
