Fishing in San Pedro during November delivers one of the most productive months of the entire fall season. The island sits in a prime zone along the Belize Barrier Reef, and the mix of cooler air, steady trade winds, and clear water creates strong feeding conditions for reef, flats, and offshore species. Pressure drops, bait gathers along the reef line, and most systems stabilize after the wet season. November gives anglers a reliable balance of action, visibility, and comfortable weather whether they are targeting tarpon in the lagoons, bonefish across the flats, snappers on the reef, or pelagics offshore.
What Makes Fishing in November Good
November works because it marks the shift from rainy-season humidity to cooler, more stable patterns. Water temperatures drop slightly but stay warm enough to keep flats species active. The reef becomes clearer, currents settle, and predators feed heavily before winter patterns begin. The reduced rainfall brings cleaner lagoon water and better sight-fishing conditions. On the reef, snappers, grouper, jacks, and mackerel tighten around structure. Offshore, early-season sailfish and tunas appear when conditions line up. Combined, these patterns make November one of the most consistent fishing windows in San Pedro.
What’s Biting in November
November produces a wide selection of species across inshore, reef, and offshore zones.
Tarpon remain present in the lagoons and channels, especially smaller juveniles that stay active year-round. Bonefish feed aggressively across the flats and are highly reliable on sunny days. Permit show in smaller numbers but still offer realistic shots during the right tides. Around the reef, snapper, grouper, barracuda, jacks, and cero mackerel bite well and provide high catch rates. Offshore waters begin seeing wahoo, blackfin tuna, and the first seasonal sailfish when the weather opens up.
- Bonefish feeding heavily on flats
- Juvenile tarpon active in lagoons and cuts
- Permit opportunities on calm, clean-water tides
- Snapper, grouper, and jacks on the reef
- Barracuda and cero mackerel along edges
- Offshore wahoo and tuna on weather windows
Weather Conditions in November
November is comfortable across Ambergris Caye and the surrounding reef system. Expect air temperatures in the low to mid 80s with steady but manageable trade winds. Water temperatures stay in the upper 70s to low 80s, ideal for all major gamefish. Rainfall drops significantly compared to September and October, improving water clarity across the flats and lagoons. Wind direction remains mostly from the east, which protects many of the inside flats and creates fishable conditions most days. Visibility improves quickly after any passing showers, and clearer skies make spotting bonefish and tarpon far easier. Overall, November is a stable and enjoyable time to fish the Belize Barrier Reef region.
Trip Information for November
November charters in San Pedro are built around tide cycles, wind direction, and species priorities. Flats trips typically run early to take advantage of morning sun angles for sight-casting at bonefish and permit. Lagoon tarpon trips are effective throughout the day but are often strongest during moving tides. Reef trips offer the highest action, with most boats working snapper, grouper, and barracuda along patch reefs and coral edges. Offshore runs depend on calm days but can produce excellent wahoo and tuna when boats can push beyond the reef line. Three-hour, half-day, and full-day trips are all common on the island, giving anglers plenty of flexibility.
Types of Trips Available and Average Charter Costs
San Pedro offers a full spread of November trip types across flats, reef, and offshore waters.
Flats trips target bonefish, tarpon, and permit through poling the backcountry and shallow sand flats. These trips rely on clear water and sunlight, both of which November provides consistently.
Reef trips stay just outside or inside the Barrier Reef, focusing on snapper, grouper, barracuda, and jack crevalle. These are the most popular trips due to consistent action and calmer seas.
Offshore trips run beyond the reef for wahoo, tuna, and early-season sailfish but depend heavily on weather stability.
- Three-hour reef or inshore trip:250 to 350
- Half-day flats or reef: 350 to 500
- Full-day flats or reef: 550 to 800
- Offshore full-day: 900 to 1500 depending on distance
Most trips include rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, water, and marine park fees. Anglers should bring sun protection, polarized sunglasses, a hat, lightweight clothing, and any personal items needed for long sun exposure.
Why Book Direct with Top Rated Charter Captains
San Pedro’s fishery rewards captains who understand tides, wind shifts, water clarity, and how these conditions affect each zone around Ambergris Caye. The best captains know how to find clean water on windy days, how to position anglers for bonefish and tarpon shots, and how to work the reef when currents push bait into feeding lanes. Booking directly with top rated guides ensures you get honest updates, real availability, and a custom plan designed around your goals instead of a generic third-party listing. Direct communication with the captain gives you the highest chance at strong November action and puts your money into the hands of the professionals delivering the experience.
