Many anglers would agree that the best way to explore the world is by combining it with the quest for a trophy fish. Even better if it’s paired with a stay at a luxury lodge, offering ultimate relaxation after a long day on the water. Here are five of the world’s top luxury fishing lodges in 2025.
COSTA RICA - Crocodile Bay
Fishing Species: Crocodile Bay is a haven for anglers seeking diversity, offering sailfish, striped, blue, and black marlin, dorado, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, cubera snapper, Jack Crevalle, bluefin trevally, sierra mackerel, tripletail, and grouper. The abundance of marine life ensures a rewarding experience for fishing enthusiasts of all levels.
Boats and Equipment: The resort boasts a fleet of 40 boats accessible from its private 850-foot pier. Options include 24- foot center consoles, 27-foot offshore center consoles, 32-foot and 33-foot tower boats, and a 35-foot owner’s tower boat. A fully stocked tackle shop provides all necessary gear, including rods, reels, and bait. Rental fees vary depending on the boat size and trip duration, starting at approximately $300 per half-day trip.
Accommodation: Crocodile Bay offers accommodations tailored for singles, couples, and families. Standard rooms feature air conditioning, fishing gear racks, purified water dispensers, and queen-sized beds. Premium options include suites with private jacuzzis and second bedrooms. For families or groups, private villas with spacious living areas and kitchens are available, with prices ranging from $250 to $700 per night, depending on the season and room type. All rooms offer stunning views of lush gardens or the ocean.
Dining Options: The lodge serves a hearty breakfast, an à la carte lunch, and an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet featuring local and international cuisine. Guests can also explore nearby eateries offering Costa Rican delicacies such as casado (a traditional dish with rice, beans, and plantains) for $10 to $30 per meal.
Non-Angling Activities: Beyond fishing, Crocodile Bay offers kayaking, rainforest canopy tours, snorkeling, visits to animal sanctuaries, botanical gardens, and surfing. Families with kids can enjoy birdwatching and horseback riding, while the resort’s spa provides relaxation for adults. The lodge can arrange transportation from Puerto Jiménez Airport, just a 30-minute drive away. Car rentals are available for exploring the region.
PANAMA - Selva Terra Private Island Resort
Fishing Species: Anglers at Selva Terra can target marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, cubera snapper, wahoo, mahi-mahi, bluefin trevally, snook, grouper, and amberjack. The waters surrounding the private island are teeming with these species year-round.
Boats and Equipment: The resort operates five sportfishing boats, including 32-foot BlackFins and center consoles, designed to comfortably accommodate up to four guests per trip. Each boat is equipped with fishing gear, GPS navigation systems, refreshments, safety gear and spacious casting areas to enhance the fishing experience. Rental fees start at $400 for half-day trips, with full-day charters also available at competitive rates. Knowledgeable and experienced guides are on hand to provide expert advice, assist with equipment, and help guests target specific species, ensuring a successful and memorable fishing adventure.
Accommodation: Selva Terra offers nine luxurious ocean-facing casitas, a three-bedroom villa, and a two-story beach house, perfect for groups or families. Private island rentals are also available for exclusive stays. Prices range from $350 per night for casitas to $1,200 per night for larger villas, with panoramic ocean views from every room.
Dining Options: The resort features an all-inclusive package with international and Panamanian cuisine, including an open bar. Meals consist of luxurious breakfasts, lunches, and three course dinners. Local dishes like sancocho (a traditional chicken soup) and fresh seafood are highlights.
Non-Angling Activities: Selva Terra provides diverse activities such as scuba diving, island hopping, whale watching, yoga, massages, snorkeling tours, and surfing. Guests can also explore nearby mangroves by kayak or hike to observe howler monkeys. Families with kids and elderly members will find these activities safe and enjoyable. Transportation from David Airport to the resort can be arranged, with car rentals available for further exploration.
SEYCHELLES - Alphonse Island
Fishing Species: Alphonse Island is renowned for its bonefish population, along with several species of trevally, milkfish, triggerfish, permit, and other reef and flats species. This location is a paradise for fly-fishing enthusiasts.
Boats and Equipment: Fishing excursions are conducted using skiffs, accommodating two anglers per boat for a more intimate and focused fishing experience. The resort also provides access to the renowned St. Francois Atoll via the spacious and well-equipped transfer boat, St. Francois, ensuring anglers reach prime fishing spots efficiently. While clients are encouraged to bring their own gear, high-quality rods and reels are available for rent at approximately $50 per day. Additionally, the boats are equipped with essentials such as coolers for refreshments, ample storage for gear, and knowledgeable guides to enhance the fishing experience.
Accommodation: Guests can choose between private beach chalets or larger one-bedroom beach villas, both designed to provide an unparalleled level of comfort and luxury. All accommodations feature en-suite sunken baths, outdoor deck showers, air conditioning, and direct beach access, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the island’s tranquil setting. Prices range from $1,500 to $3,000 per night, reflecting the exclusivity and remoteness of the island. The interiors are thoughtfully designed with elegant furnishings and local accents, creating a harmonious blend of modern luxury and tropical charm.
Dining Options: Dining at Alphonse Island combines European and Creole influences, with freshly caught seafood as a central feature. Meals are included in the package, but guests can also enjoy local Creole dishes at nearby restaurants for $20 to $50 per dish.
Non-Angling Activities: Alphonse Island offers a variety of non-fishing activities, including biking, pedal boats, windsurfing, laser sailboats, kayaking, and scuba diving. These activities are accessible for families and elderly visitors. The island is reachable via charter flights from Mahé, Seychelles’ main island.
AUSTRALIA - Lizard Island
Fishing Species: Lizard Island is famous for black marlin fishing, along with Spanish mackerel, tuna, queenfish, and trevally. The nearby Great Barrier Reef provides unparalleled fishing opportunities.
Boats and Equipment: The resort operates a 51-foot Riviera Platinum Model Flybridge Cruiser, accommodating up to 10 people. Fishing charters start at $2,000 per day, including gear and a professional crew. The cruiser is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems, spacious casting decks, and luxurious seating areas, ensuring both functionality and comfort for anglers. Guests can also enjoy a fully stocked galley onboard, making the experience ideal for extended fishing trips or family outings.
Accommodation: The resort features ocean-view villas and rooms, some with private infinity pools, offering a luxurious retreat after a day of fishing. Rooms are thoughtfully designed to cater to singles, couples, and families, with configurations that provide ample space and privacy. Prices range from $1,800 to $3,500 per night, depending on the room type and amenities included. Guests can wake up to breathtaking views of the reef and pristine beaches, with each accommodation boasting elegant interiors, premium bedding, and modern conveniences to ensure a relaxing stay.
Dining Options: Lizard Island’s dining options include an à la carte menu inspired by local and Australian flavors. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with dishes priced between $30 and $80 at the on-site restaurant.
Non-Angling Activities: Non-fishing activities include hiking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, and spa treatments. The island is accessible via a scenic flight from Cairns, and transportation is included in most packages. Families with kids will appreciate the safe, guided activities available.
BELIZE - El Pescador Lodge and Villas
Fishing Species: El Pescador offers access to bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, and more. The surrounding flats are ideal for fly-fishing.
Boats and Equipment: Fishing trips utilize 23-foot Mexican super pangas, equipped with spacious casting decks and poling platforms, ensuring stability and comfort for anglers. Loaner gear is included in the stay, making it convenient for travelers without their own equipment. Each boat is operated by an experienced guide who provides expert tips on navigating the waters and targeting specific species. The pangas are also outfitted with ample storage space for gear and refreshments, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable fishing experience.
Accommodation: The lodge provides a variety of options, from cozy lodge rooms to private villas designed to accommodate couples, families, or larger groups. Prices range from $300 per night for lodge rooms to $900 per night for villas, all offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Each accommodation features comfortable furnishings, air conditioning, and a rustic yet elegant design that complements the tropical surroundings. Guests staying in villas can also enjoy additional amenities, such as private terraces and fully equipped kitchens, perfect for a more personalized and luxurious experience.
Dining Options: Guests can enjoy Caribbean-inspired cuisine, with breakfast made to order, an à la carte lunch menu, and a nightly dinner buffet. Local specialties like conch fritters and coconut rice are must-tries, with prices for additional meals ranging from $15 to $40.
Non-Angling Activities: Beyond fishing, El Pescador offers scuba diving, naturalist excursions, snorkeling, tours of Mayan ruins, and biking. Families can enjoy beachcombing and trips to San Pedro town. The lodge is accessible via a short flight from Belize City to Ambergris Caye, with transfers arranged by the lodge.