All of these experienced guides are San Pedrano natives and second or third generation sailors and fishermen; who grew up in the sea and turned his affinity for nature into a profession that has challenged and delighted thousands of visitors over the years.
The dive master at a well-known dive shop and adventure center recalls that in the 1960s, retired US Navy dive instructors came to San Pedro and began teaching scuba diving to the natives and one of the first students was Robert Peter (Roberto) Bradley. , and then his eldest sons. Rene Bradley donned his first tank at the age of 11 under the supervision of his older brother George and spent every available moment following his brothers’ bubbles and assisting in the efforts of guide. In 1984 René and his younger brothers Jacinto and Alberto joined already well established dive and fishing guides Francisco (Pancho) Verde and older brothers George, Roberto and Leonardo to lead Belizean visitors on adventures in the sea.
Why did these young San Pedranos choose to become guides? The transition from lone fishermen to hosts and ambassadors was easy. As Pancho Verde says, “I was already fishing every day anyway and guiding visitors gave me the opportunity to meet new people and make friends from all over the world.”
Over the years these guides have introduced the waters of Belize to countless guests, including many celebrities. Leonardo has fond memories of Harrison Ford and his crew during the production of Mosquito Coast, while Alberto remembers Cyndi Lauper as unsurprisingly a lot of fun.
George Bradley, the older brother and a truly gifted fly fisherman, is soft spoken and very excited about a day on the water. His guests, many of whom book their vacations around his schedule, feel the same way. Roberto Jr, the youngest member of the team, has proudly followed in his father’s footsteps and when asked about the guests they take fishing, they say they are all stars, whether seen in movies or! No!
All of these expert Belizean diving and fishing guides agree that the true reward of their profession is the look of delight on the face of a novice diver or the excitement of an angler who meets the “big one” after a morning on the water. The plains. They are rightly proud of their beautiful country and the role they play in promoting and preserving it for future generations.
When looking for a great Caribbean vacation with world-class diving, snorkeling, and fishing, Ambergris Caye offers the best combination of luxury accommodations, a relaxed atmosphere, and the friendliest, most professional guides available anywhere.