Sailfish Oasis Lodge

What we like

Situated in a gated, residential complex of Iztapa (only a seven-minute drive from the marina), bordering a saltwater canal that leads to the Pacific, Sailfish Oasis offers comfortable, all-inclusive accommodations, first-class service and delicious food and drink in a gorgeous setting that promotes relaxation and mingling with fellow anglers.

Capt. Chris “Kiwi” van Leeuwen and his wife, Liz, are the lodge owners. Originally from New Zealand, Chris is a seasoned big-game captain who has fished many of the world’s best billfish destinations and came to Guatemala in 2002 to run Classic and Coyote, part of the fabled fleet at the now defunct Fins and Feathers Lodge. After discovering the incredible potential of the local waters, he decided to stay and start his own operation.

In 2009, Chris and Liz opened Sailfish Oasis and assembled a terrific staff that works hard to ensure you enjoy your stay to the fullest. Chilled cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a refreshing swim in the pool await guests after their days out on the water. The poolside bar is well stocked, has satellite TV so you won’t miss the big game, and there’s always a friendly bartender ready to mix your favorite cocktail to perfection.

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Season

Year Round

Species

Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado, Pacific Sailfish, Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna

Accomodations

Five bungalows with air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms and ensuite bathrooms. Shaded swimming pool, poolside bar, and dining area to enjoy meals alfresco.

Occupancy

20 Guests

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The Sailfish Oasis Lodge Experience

Built on the edge of a mangrove-laden canal within a secure, residential development in Iztapa, Sailfish Oasis is an all-inclusive lodge with lush, tropical gardens, an inviting swimming pool, adjacent outdoor bar and spacious seating and dining areas. The service and the food are top-notch, and so are the accommodations. Boardwalks lead to the private, air-conditioned bungalows, all with comfortable, well-appointed rooms and ensuite baths.

Guatemala’s spectacular billfishing has been on avid big-game fans’ radar for more than two decades, and for good reason. No other angling destination can rival the astonishing numbers of releases consistently recorded by the local sportfishing fleet in Iztapa, appropriately dubbed “sailfish capital of the world.” This coastal town is situated a mere hour and a half from Guatemala City, and productive waters begin as close as 10 to 15 miles out.

Benefiting from a rare combination of conducive bottom structure, strong currents and favorable trade winds, which draws a bounty of forage and predator species to the region, the area’s skilled crews repeatedly return to port with release flags flapping down the entire length of the right, left and center outriggers. In fact, boats have recorded 100-plus-release days on numerous occasions over the years.

Pacific sailfish, the main attraction, are abundant year-round. However, October through June is considered peak time simply because the rainy season in Guatemala lasts from mid-July through September. Despite the sporadic showers, the sails are still around, along with a seasonal influx of marlin, and local captains rarely have trouble skirting any significant precipitation.

Fishing Schedule

A little before 7 a.m., anglers head to Marina Pez Vela (a seven-minute ride) to board their boat in Sailfish Oasis’ air-conditioned van, which will be waiting to take them back to the lodge when they return to port at about 4:30 p.m., after a full day on the water.  

Boats

Capt. Chris “Kiwi” van Leeuwen owns and skippers Allure II, a quick, modern, roomy and very comfortable 40-foot Capps, which is considered one of the top billfishing boats in Guatemala. It has an air-conditioned cabin, private head and ample seating. Plus, it is rigged specifically for big-game angling, equipped with top-notch gear, and crewed by a dynamic duo of veteran mates who excel in the art of teasing fish within fly-casting range.

In addition, Sailfish Oasis uses other select game boats that consistently rank among the top producers in the region, chosen by the size of your group, your desired fishing style (conventional or fly) and availability.

Loaner Gear

Sailfish Oasis’ boats carry a selection of flies and fly outfits from top brands, rigged specifically for offshore big-game. However, visiting anglers are welcome to bring their own gear and enlist the experienced crews to help with proper rigging.

Sailfish Oasis has five bungalows, each with two elegant, double-occupancy rooms with air-conditioning, private bath and all the comforts and conveniences you could possibly want, including comfy bedding, bath and pool towels, shampoo, conditioner and handmade soap. Even hairdryers and razors are available upon request. Boardwalks connect the rooms with the rest of the lodge, cutting through the tropical gardens and leading to the outdoor seating and dining areas, as well as the large, outdoor bar and adjacent pool.

Cuisine

At Sailfish Oasis, anglers start their days with great, Guatemalan coffee (or tea), fruit juice and a hearty breakfast. Lunches are prepared right on the boat and served hot, sometimes featuring a freshly-caught mahi or tuna. A refreshing cocktail awaits guests returning from their day out on the water, followed shortly by delicious appetizers. For dinner, guests can expect a variety of international dishes, including prime U.S. beef, grilled jumbo shrimp, mouthwatering ceviche, and dorado or yellowfin sashimi, as well as traditional Guatemalan favorites influenced by Mexican and Caribbean cuisine.

Of course, the staff at Sailfish Oasis will gladly accommodate any dietary needs and/or restrictions conveyed ahead of your arrival to the lodge. The well-stocked bar offers a good selection of beers, wines and spirits, and the bartender is a master at mixing most popular cocktails.

Connectivity

Some cell provider services work in Guatemala. Plus, the lodge has a phone and also offers free Wi-Fi, with boosters affording fast, stable internet service throughout the property.

Sailfish Oasis can arrange massages and spa treatments, bird-watching tours, private beach days, volcano hikes, horseback riding, surfing lessons, trips to picturesque Lake Atitlan, or a side trip to Antigua, Guatemala’s original capital city, known for its historic, Spanish architecture and cobblestone streets, its fine coffee and artisanal crafts, and great views of nearby volcanoes.

Several airlines offer direct flights to Guatemala City, the nation’s capital, from Miami (2 hours), Houston (2 ½ hours), Dallas and Atlanta (3 ½ hours) and Los Angeles (6 hours). After clearing Guatemalan customs, you will be met by a representative of Sailfish Oasis and driven directly to the lodge in Iztapa, a 90-minute drive from Guatemala City’s international airport—on a modern highway leading from the mountains to the coast.

Iztapa, where Sailfish Oasis is located, is a farming and commercial-port town. Affluent Guatemalans discovered its natural beauty and constructed a number of private, waterfront neighborhoods of opulent homes bordering the town. Marina Pez Vela in nearby Puerto San Jose, where Sailfish Oasis’ boats are docked, is only seven minutes away from the lodge. While some small businesses, cevicherias and other food kiosks line the road leading to the port, there are no tourist shops or eateries in the area. To accommodate early flight departures at the end of the trip, guests sometimes choose to spend their final night at a first-class hotel in Guatemala City.

Midcurrent’s services are completely free, so you never pay more than if you booked directly with the lodge or outfitter. All rates are per person and listed in U.S. dollars.

2023 Rates

40- to 43-foot Foot Sportfishing Boat (Allure II or Capt. Hook)

4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/group of 3: $4,358 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $1,250)
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/group of 2: $5,503 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $1,650)
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/single angler: $10,105 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $3,105)

35- to 38-Foot Sportfishing Boat

4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/group of 3: $3,950 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $1,120)
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/group of 2: $4,805 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $1,350)
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/single angler: $8,805 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $2,605)

Included:

The number of nights lodging specified in the package (double-occupancy)
All meals and complimentary beverages at the lodge
Airport ground transfers
Fishing aboard selected boat with captain and two mates (deck hands)
Full complement of gear and flies (if needed)
Lunches, snacks and complimentary beverages aboard the boat
Marina ground transfers

Not Included:

Airfare to Guatemala City, Guatemala
Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff
Side tours and non-angling activities
Alcoholic drinks
Guatemalan room tax

Bookings are confirmed with a 50 percent deposit, made no later than seven days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable.

Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. Midcurrent’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that Midcurrent represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from Midcurrent’s terms, supersede any agreements between Midcurrent and a client.

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