What we're Doing
El Pescador is a proud participant in the international effort toward sustainable tourism and responsible stewardship of our environment. We want our guests to enjoy themselves and the beauty of Belize and know that by selecting El Pescador, they have contributed to the protection and preservation of the natural environment they came to experience.
Below is a brief summary of our Green Policies and Initiatives.
Scholarship Donations to the Island Academy School in San Pedro
All of us at El Pescador feel privileged to live and work here and are dedicated to supporting our island community. We believe that the most practical way to improve the quality of life on Ambergris Caye is to invest in the education of our children. To that end, each time a guest visits El Pescador, the resort donates a portion of the proceeds to scholarships for Belizean students to the Island Academy School in San Pedro and to the University of Belize. In addition, 100% of the profits from our cookbook The El Pescador Table are donated to these educational scholarships.
Eco-Friendly Resort Policies
The owners, managers, staff and guides at El Pescador have adopted a set of guidelines to lessen our impact on the environment. While we realize our efforts are a small contribution, we're proud to help advance the cause. Below are some policy highlights:
- Installation of Energy Saving Light Bulbs
- Elimination of Plastic Cutlery and Styrofoam Containers
- Serve Glass Bottled Soft Drinks
- Use of Green Cleaning Products
- 50% Reduction in Printed Materials
- Ceiling Fans reduce reliance on air conditioners
- Indigenous Plants and Landscaping - require less water
Promoting Sustainable Sport Fishing
Belize is home to some of the best saltwater flats fly fishing in the world. El Pescador owner Alissa Flota has worked for years to promote sustainable sport fishing in Belize. In January 2009, the Cabinet of Belize passed legislation prohibiting the possession of tarpon, bonefish and permit except in the act of catch and release. El Pescador was named co-recipient of the Environmental Organization of the Year Award by the Belize Tourism Board due to Alissa's work on behalf of sustainable sport fishing. To increase awareness of the new legislation as well as gather data on the local population of bonefish, tarpon and permit, El Pescador is a proud sponsor of the Tres Pescado Slam Tournament each August. All tournament proceeds will be donated to local charities to further the protection of the three grand slam species.
Recognized by the Tourism Industry
Over the years, we've received many industry-related honors and awards, but we're particularly proud to have been included on Forbes Travelers List of Top Ten Luxury Eco Resorts. In April 2009, the Belize Tourism Board named El Pescador co-recipient of the Environmental Organization of the Year Award. We were honored for the efforts of owner Alissa Flota who worked to promote and pass some of the most comprehensive catch and release fishing legislation in the world.
We were also honored to be names as the Orvis International Lodge of the Year in 2013, 2017, and 2022.
Testimonial
My trip to El Pescador gave me the perfect opportunity to "double dip"! I no longer need to choose between a great fishing vacation for myself or a wonderful family vacation. Although I chose El Pescador because it is known first and foremost as a world-class fishing destination, they go out of their way to cater to the non-angling guest. They offer free use of kayaks and bicycles for exploring the Caye and offer trips to snorkel and dive, explore Maya ruins, zip lining, etc. We'll be back!