Angler in a cap holding a large catfish with an orange tail fin in a boat on a Guyana river

Exotic Fishing in Guyana

A true fishing adventure in Guyana, offering anglers the chance to target giant catfish, the legendary arapaima, and other rare Amazon predators. Fish in the heart of the rainforest, exploring untouched jungle rivers and the wild waters of the Essequibo River with experienced local guides.

Fishing days
4 full days on the river
Group size
1 to 6 people
Region
Upper Essequibo, King William Rapids
How to get there
Small plane and boat
Age
From 18 years old; children 6+ with parents

Unforgettable Fishing Adventure in Guyana

An intense, adventure-packed fishing experience in the heart of Guyana, where the mighty Essequibo River flows through dense rainforest and pristine jungle landscapes. This remote region is home to legendary arapaima, giant freshwater catfish, payara (vampire fish), aimara, and other powerful Amazon predators sought after by experienced anglers.

Your fishing trip leads deep into the untouched King William Rapids, accessible only by small plane and boat. Stay at a remote jungle fishing camp, guided by Indigenous experts who know every rapid, lagoon, and hidden spot where trophy fish hold. Expect long, action-filled fishing days and a true expedition spirit that delivers unforgettable emotions, wild nature encounters, and stories for a lifetime.

Arapaima Legend of the Amazon

Arapaima is one of the rarest and strongest freshwater predators on the planet, weighing 100–150 kg and more. Guyana is the only country in the region where sport fishing for arapaima is officially permitted, so the upper Essequibo is one of the best places in the world to pursue this trophy.

A fight with an arapaima takes strength, technique, and endurance: powerful runs toward the jungle, heavy pressure on the tackle, and a sudden change of course in seconds.

On this tour, arapaima fishing in Guyana takes you to the places where record-size specimens live, a dream within reach of only a few anglers.

Angler standing in the river holding a large arapaima caught in GuyanaTrophy arapaima
Four people holding a giant arapaima in shallow river waterGiant arapaima

Giant Catfish and Exotic Predators

Guyana is a living museum of rare freshwater fish, many found only in the Essequibo basin. Giant catfish live here — piraiba, jau, and redtail — each able to give you an hours-long fight and become the trophy of a lifetime.

Alongside them: the fanged payara, the powerful aimara, the arowana with its almost monkey-like behavior, and the giant black piranha, known for its strength and temperament. Each species is caught in its own way, so the fishing stays intense and varied.

This expedition lets you assemble a collection of trophies that cannot be matched in any other country in the world.

Angler in the water at night with a giant catfish caught in GuyanaGiant catfish at night
Angler showing a payara with long fangs on a Guyana riverFanged payara
Angler on a river rock holding a black piranha with a fish grip and a crushed can in his other handBlack piranha

Expedition to the Upper Essequibo

Fishing in Guyana is a journey into the wilderness of one of the most remote countries in the world. Reaching it may take up to six flights, then jungle and the rapids of the Essequibo River to the King William Rapids area, hidden from civilization by dozens of kilometers of impassable nature.

With no fishing pressure, the upper Essequibo’s arapaima, giant catfish, and other predators are strong, active, and wild as they were thousands of years ago.

Local Indigenous guides lead you along routes traveled only by the best-prepared expeditions, and every day of this Guyana fishing expedition brings new trophies, rapids, and the feeling of a real journey into the unknown.

Rapids of the upper Essequibo with a person standing on the rocks in GuyanaUpper Essequibo rapids
Angler sitting in a fast motorboat on the upper Essequibo River in GuyanaMotorboat on the Essequibo

Remote Jungle Fishing Camp in Guyana

The fishing camp sits in one of the wildest and most remote regions of Guyana, in the upper Essequibo River near the King William Rapids. Accessible only by small planes and a boat journey through untouched jungle, the camp offers anglers a true wilderness experience. With virtually no fishing pressure, trophy fish remain abundant, strong, and aggressive, making every day an unforgettable adventure.

The camp is surrounded by untouched wilderness, and all river travel and fishing are guided by Indigenous experts who know every lagoon, rapid, and secret spot where the biggest predators hide. Enjoy an authentic jungle atmosphere, the calm of the wild, and ideal conditions for world-class fishing adventures.

  • Accommodation in the Upper Essequibo

    The camp is located right in the fishing zone — no daily transfers needed

    Aerial view of a jungle fishing camp with green-roofed lodges and boats on a sandy bank of the Essequibo River in Guyana
  • Guided by Indigenous Experts

    Experienced specialists who know the behavior of trophy fish

    Man in a fishing shirt sitting in a boat with a caught piranha at his feet on a river in Guyana
  • Full Camp Autonomy

    Meals, accommodation, and fishing arrangements are all provided on site

    Two men standing on a sandy riverbank in front of the wooden lodges of a fishing camp, with a motorboat in the foreground, Guyana
  • Four Days of Trophy Fishing

    Four full days on the river — exploring different sections of the Essequibo and changing fishing spots

    Aerial view of a motorboat with passengers on the Essequibo River in Guyana, with rocks and rainforest along the bank

In the program

  • Angler standing in the river holding a large arapaima caught in Guyana Arapaima
  • Angler holding a catfish trophy caught on a fishing trip in Guyana Giant Catfish
  • Aerial view of an untouched rainforest and the Essequibo River in Guyana Wild Jungle
  • Angler sitting in a fast motorboat on the upper Essequibo River in Guyana Boat Transfers
  • Local Indigenous guide in a boat with a fishing rod on the Essequibo River Indigenous Guides
  • Boats and people at the landing of the jungle fishing camp on the upper Essequibo Fishing Camp
  • Rapids of the upper Essequibo with a person standing on the rocks in Guyana William Rapids
  • Angler showing a payara with long fangs on a Guyana river Exotic Predators

Wild Fishing in Guyana

  • Angler holding a catfish trophy caught on a fishing trip in Guyana

    Fishing for Essequibo Giants

    The upper Essequibo is one of the few places in the world to catch giant freshwater predators.

    • Record-size catfish, payara, aimara and other rare species live here under almost no fishing pressure.
    • Every day of fishing on the Essequibo is a chance at a trophy fish.
  • Angler standing in the river holding a large arapaima caught in Guyana

    Arapaima Fishing in Guyana

    Sport fishing for arapaima, one of the largest freshwater fish on the planet, is officially permitted only in Guyana in this region.

    • Arapaima's power, size and behavior make every catch a challenge.
    • Only a few anglers ever meet an arapaima, and only in remote jungle regions like this.
  • Angler showing a payara with long fangs on a Guyana river

    Trophy Catch: Giant Catfish, Arapaima, Payara

    One trip lets you catch species that usually take several countries to find: giant catfish, arapaima, payara, aimara, pike and other South American predators.

    • Guyana trophy fish you will not find in Europe, Asia or Africa, rare even for experienced anglers.

Guyana fishing trip itinerary

  1. DAY 1. Start

    We recommend combining it with Chile, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, or Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands to create a unique trip through the most diverse corners of the continent.
    If requested, we can arrange a full 2–3-day program before entering the jungle: curated activities, guided tours, key locations, and an intensive schedule tailored to the group.
    The extended route is custom-built on request.

  2. DAY 2. Flight to Georgetown

    Transfer and flight to Georgetown, the capital of Guyana. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Check-in, rest after the journey, and preparation for the upcoming move deeper into the country.

  3. DAY 3. Fishing Camp

    At 08:00, departure from the hotel to the local airport.
    At 09:00 — a flight from Georgetown to Apoteri on a local airline.
    Upon arrival, a boat transfer to the fishing camp awaits you, taking 2–3 hours depending on the water level.
    After arrival — accommodation, dinner, and rest in the heart of the tropical wilderness.

    Fishing camp on a sandy bank of the Essequibo River with boats and rainforest in Guyana Aerial view of the remote fishing camp surrounded by jungle on the upper Essequibo Boats and people at the landing of the jungle fishing camp on the upper Essequibo
  4. DAY 4–7. Trophy Fishing on the Upper Essequibo

    Full fishing days dedicated entirely to targeting arapaima, large catfish, and other trophy species.
    With the support of experienced Indigenous guides, you will explore different sections of the upper Essequibo, try various fishing techniques, and pursue the most powerful predators of the region.
    Each day brings new locations, new challenges, and the opportunity to catch the trophy of your dreams.

    Angler in a boat showing a catfish caught on the Essequibo River Angler showing a payara with long fangs on a Guyana river Angler on a river rock holding a black piranha with a fish grip and a crushed can in his other hand
  5. DAY 8. Return to Georgetown

    Boat transfer from the fishing camp to Apoteri, charter flight to Georgetown, transfer to the hotel, and rest. Overnight at the hotel.

  6. DAY 9. Panama City. Flight Home

    Transfer to the airport, flight to Panama City, connection to your next flight, and departure home

Booking terms

A reservation for a tour is secured with a prepayment: 50% initial deposit and 50% one month before the tour. You will also have an experienced guide accompanying you throughout the entire trip.

Tour cancellation and refund are available no later than one month before the trip. If you are unable to travel after this period, you will need to find a replacement for your spot; otherwise, the reservation becomes non-refundable.

Our tours are designed for an 18+ audience with no upper age limits, and children 6+ accompanied by parents are also welcome. Travel health insurance is mandatory.

$10,000

Price per Person

Group Size: 1 to 6 People

What’s Included in the Guyana Fishing Trip?

  • 4 Days of Fishing in the Jungles of Guyana
  • Accommodation at the Fishing Lodge
  • Boat Transfer Along the River to the Camp
  • Small Aircraft Flight from Georgetown into the Jungle
  • Guidance by Local Indigenous Guides
  • Boat Rental with Outboard Motors
  • Meals at the Fishing Camp
  • Tackle and Fishing Technique Briefing
  • Daily Fishing for Trophy Species

What’s Not Included?

  • International Flight
  • Souvenirs
  • Insurance