Belize

Belize is the spiritual home of the saltwater grand slam. The reef runs virtually the entire length of the country — 185 miles, second only to the Great Barrier — and the protected interior lagoons, atolls, and river mouths create some of the most consistent multi-species flats fishing in the Caribbean.

Turneffe Atoll is the trophy permit destination. Lodges like Turneffe Flats and Turneffe Island Resort run small flotillas of specialized permit skiffs across flats that see genuine double-digit permit daily. Bonefish are plentiful but a secondary target; migratory tarpon push through March–June, and the grand slam is a realistic ambition on a 6-day trip.

Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) is the lifestyle destination — bigger town, resort accommodations, easy trips with multiple quality lodges like El Pescador and Victoria House. Permit shots are less consistent than Turneffe, but volume is higher and the infrastructure is excellent for mixed-interest groups.

Placencia in the south fishes the Belize Barrier Reef and the inshore flats between the cayes. Smaller operation, more mangrove tarpon, strong permit water at the reef passes. The Caye Caulker / Glover's Reef expedition operations offer mothership-style trips into less-pressured water.

Everything flies through Belize City (BZE). From there it's a small plane or water taxi to the island lodges (20–30 minutes) or a 45-minute charter to Turneffe. March–July is prime grand slam season; November–February fishes well for bonefish and resident tarpon but permit get harder. Storm season (September–October) closes most operations.