Reef Fishing Tour from Hopkins: Trolling and Drop Fishing

The boat reaches prime reef spots in 30 to 45 minutes instead of hours.

A reef fishing tour from Hopkins Village on Belize's Southern Barrier Reef, where you use trolling and drop fishing to catch snapper, grouper, kingfish and barracuda, led by a local guide with gear and refreshments included. Choose between a half-day (4 hours) or full-day (7 hours) option. The full day adds snacks and a soda. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the guide speaks English.

The experience

You depart directly from Hopkins Village and reach the fishing grounds within 30 to 45 minutes: a short boat ride that puts you on the Southern Barrier Reef while other tours are still traveling. Your local guide teaches you trolling and drop fishing techniques, adjusting the method based on tide and weather. The reef holds snapper, grouper, jack, kingfish, barracuda and more, and whether you've fished before or never cast a line, the guide offers hands-on instruction and personalized attention throughout the day.

Small group sizes keep the experience intimate and give you room to learn at your own pace. The boat carries quality gear, so you don't bring your own. Bottled water and soda come along on full-day trips, with snacks included as well. You'll spend the morning and afternoon on the water surrounded by the reef's clear Caribbean views, learning traditional Belizean fishing methods while you work.

What’s included

• Fishing gear and tackle.
• bottled water.
• soda and snacks on full-day trips.
• entrance fee.
• local English-speaking guide.
• boat transport from Hopkins Village to the reef.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-day reef fishing lasting 4 hoursGuide in English · 08:00 and 12:00Reef fishing trip lasting 4 hours; includes fruit snacks and bottled water; pickup is included

Full-day reef fishing lasting 7 hoursGuide in English · 08:00Lasts 7 hours; includes lunch, bottled water and fruit; pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:00

Book up to13h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Senior (71 to 85 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Julian Transfers and Tours

Is this one for you?The short 30 to 45 minute boat ride suits travelers who want to maximize time actually fishing rather than commuting, and the small group size works well for anyone learning to fish for the first time or looking for personalized instruction instead of a crowded charter.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish can I expect to catch on the Southern Barrier Reef?

Snapper, grouper, jack, kingfish and barracuda are common catches on the reef depending on the season and conditions. Your guide knows which species are biting and adjusts the techniques (trolling or drop fishing) to match what's running that day.

How long is the boat ride to the fishing grounds?

The boat reaches the prime reef spots within 30 to 45 minutes of leaving Hopkins Village, so you spend most of your time actually fishing rather than traveling.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

No. Fishing gear is included, so you arrive at the dock and the guide has everything ready. You just need to bring sunscreen and a willingness to learn.

What's the difference between the half-day and full-day options?

The half-day trip runs 4 hours. The full-day runs 7 hours. The full-day option includes snacks and a soda in addition to bottled water, giving you more time on the reef and more chances to fish.