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Turneffe Flats Lodge

Turneffe Atoll


The country of Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America. The Caribbean Sea binds it to the east, Mexico to the north and northwest, and Guatemala to the west and southwest. Numerous islands as well as the world’s second longest barrier reef fringe the flat and swampy coastline, while the inland terrain rises gradually below the peaks of the Maya Mountains. The official language is English, which is spoken by nearly the entire population. Spanish is the native tongue of nearly 40% of the population and is spoken by 20% of the population as a second language, while the Amerindian tribes still speak their original native languages. Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize has maintained the English culture, institutions, and national language; making travel and understanding this unique country very easy, friendly, and safe for tourists… And Belize is only three hours direct from the Dallas / Ft. Worth International Airport!

We like Belize because of the vast array of consistent multi-species fly-fishing that can be accomplished the majority of the year. It's the opportunities for the fabled "Grand Slam" (bonefish, permit, and tarpon in one day) that attracts so many experienced fly-rodders to Belize. No matter the species you are after, they can be found throughout the country in ever-present numbers.


Turneffe Flats Lodge is located on the Eastern (seaward) side of the Turneffe Atoll approximately thirty miles from the mainland. The lodge is located on a private picturesque point with coconut palms and white sand beach allowing immediate access to miles of wadeable flats. Through the years we have maintained a healthy relationship with "T-Flats". It is wonderful to know that recent trips have confirmed that the quality of the fishing, almost inexplicably continues to improve. Although one of the most tenured operations in the Caribbean, Turneffe Island’s fishery is once again in the spotlight of the fly-fishing travel industry, with frequent reports of phenomenal angling, improved accommodations, updated boats and equipment, and wonderful staff.

Turneffe Island is one of the most beautiful and diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Whether you are wading the miles and miles of Turneffe’s flats, fishing or diving on it’s enormous reef, or cruising through the vast interior of the island’s lagoons and backcountry, you will be blown away by the amount of vibrant life, color, and beauty discovered around every turn. Many of our repeat clients will be first to tell you that Turneffe Island is perhaps the prettiest island in the Caribbean. "T-Flats" is a wonderful destination for families, divers, snorklers, hard-core anglers, or those who just want to hang out on a private, white sand beach and read a book.


Saltwater anglers enjoy fishing the waters of Turneffe Atoll because of the wide variety of species available to anglers on a year round basis. Turneffe Island is one of the few places on earth where fisherman can expect to have a good shot at the saltwater "Grand Slam". Numerous times every season guests come back boasting of landing bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in one day. Although typically smaller in size than Bahamian bonefish, they are found in large numbers. The majority of the fishing at Turneffe Flats is done wading the ocean side of the island on hard-bottomed white sand flats looking for giant groups of schooling bonefish. Fishermen also have the luxury of getting out of the wind by concentrating their efforts in Mangrove lined lagoons or inner flats in calmer water. These fishing areas are soft-bottomed and it is necessary to fish off of the bow of the boat. All boats at Turneffe Flats are standard 16' Dolphin Super skiffs with poling platforms and reliable motors.

Many anglers visit Turneffe Flats just for the permit fishery. Although there are some wading opportunities for permit, the preponderance of the Permit fishing is done from the bow of the skiff in the deeper cuts and channels that surround the flats. Permit are opportunistic feeders, darting on and off the flats chasing crabs and other small crustaceans. One recent TailWaters client returned from Turneffe Flats after landing five permit, and hooking three others in six days of fishing!

As mentioned earlier, tarpon are another species that is prevalent at Turneffe Flats Lodge. Belize Tarpon are primarily migratory fish. While in season, 50-100 pound Tarpon inhabit the creeks and lagoons of the Atoll. Most of the Tarpon fishing is done by throwing at "rolling" fish in deeper water, as there are few options for sight casting to these fish. Tarpon are most numerous in the summer months, with viable opportunities starting in April and September. There are a few resident fish that inhabit these waters year-round.

The interior of the Turneffe Atoll offers miles of mangrove-lined bays, creeks and lagoons to fish for various snappers, jacks and barracuda with poppers or clouser minnows. This can be some very exciting saltwater fishing with either a fly rod or spinning gear. Barracuda are an underrated and acrobatic game fish inhabiting the reefs at Turneffe in large numbers. Some anglers prefer to troll a fly for them, but they can also be taken by sight casting on the flats or by casting poppers into the deeper holes along the reef. Along the reef, wading anglers can also expect to take snappers and jacks by casting deceiver patterns or poppers into the surf. Spending some time during your stay at Turneffe "chasing" other species is always fun and usually rewarding.

The guides at Turneffe Flats have a wonderful reputation as being some of the best in the business. If you have fished often throughout Belize, you will recognize such names as Cabral and Westby - both big names in the Belizean guiding community. Jason Elkins is the director of fishing at Turneffe Flats. He grew up in Wyoming and has been fishing since he was a young boy. Jason has worked as a lodge manager and fishing guide in Montana before joining the Turneffe Flats management team. Jason is an excellent instructor, passionate angler and understands what our guests expect from a first class fishing operation. Jason is happy to assist visiting anglers in any way that he can.

If you are looking for a very convenient yet complete saltwater flats fishing experience that you should strongly consider Turneffe Flats Lodge. The fishing seems to be improving with each season, and owners Craig and Karen Hayes run a flawless operation. Only a three-hour direct flight from Dallas!


The lodging at Turneffe Flats Lodge is as nice and comfortable as you will find in any organized fishing lodge. Guestrooms accommodating 16 anglers per week are about 450 sq. feet and have ample room for guests to unpack and feel at home. All rooms are centrally air-conditioned and each room includes a large, private bath. Furnishings include a queen-sized bed and an extra long single bed. Each room has its own verandah overlooking the turquoise water of the Western Caribbean. The main lodge is fully air-conditioned facility where guests take meals and relax at the bar. The bar is well stocked with most liquor, red and white wine, and the local Belikin beer. Three meals are served daily and consist of traditional Belizean fare of seafood and fresh local produce.


16 Anglers Per Week


Guests at Turneffe Flats fly into the capital of Belize, Belize City. Belize City is serviced by both American and Continental Airlines from most major U.S. cities. Once in Belize City, guests are met and escorted to the dock in the city harbor to board a comfortable, forty-eight foot jet boat for a ninety-minute and scenic boat ride to the island. As with all destinations in Belize that we recommend, Turneffe Flats Lodge can easily be reached in half a day with a direct three-hour flight from Dallas or Miami.


Turneffe Flats Typically operated on a seven night / six day package based on a Saturday - Saturday itinerary. Package costs are based upon this schedule, however shorter week itineraries are available under some circumstances. Please inquire for details.

Saturday
Travel to Belize City. Upon arrival in Belize City, you will be met and escorted to the pier in the harbor for the ninety-minute boat ride to the island. No activities planned on day of arrival.

Sunday - Friday
Fishing, Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Beach Combing, Knapping, Eating and Drinking Days!

Departure Day
No fishing planned for the day. After breakfast guests are transported by boat back to Belize City and on to the United States.


The country of Belize has defined seasons that potential guests should understand before booking their trip. Belize has a subtropical climate that is uniformly hot and humid, although it is tempered by the trade winds. The dry season is from February to March with another brief spell during August, while the hurricane season is from late July to October. Temperatures during the summer months can become extremely warm, and anglers who are especially bothered by heat may want to consider a spring or fall trip. However, do know that Turneffe Flats does have extremely comfortable fully air conditioned facilities to get out of the heat on a hot summer day. Also know that a breeze helps to keep things comfortable during the summer months as well.

Temperatures throughout the year range from 75-95 degrees (average 84). Water temperatures average 79-80 degrees in the winter and 83 degrees in the summer. A comfortable southeasterly trade wind blows throughout most of the year, and tends to pick up in March and early April. June is called the 'rainy season' in Belize but this relates primarily to the mainland rainforest and has little effect on the off shore atolls.

Anglers should also consider the time of year to plan a trip if interested in targeting other species such as tarpon. April - August are considered prime tarpon months for migratory fish exceeding one hundred pounds. However, local and nursery fish are found on the island year round in the 10-40 pound range - tons of fun on a nine weight!


Turneffe Flats caters as much to non-anglers as it does to anglers with its first class dive package, adventure atoll package, and the "R&R" package. Guests not interested in fishing are well entertained while spouses and travel partners are off on the flats.

Diving Package:
Belize consistently ranks among the top Caribbean dive destinations and Turneffe Flats is ideally located to take advantage of some of the best diving in Belize. Over 60 sites around the Turneffe Atoll are within easy reach and Lighthouse Atoll, home of the famous Blue Hole, is only an hour’s boat ride away. As the largest coral atoll in the Caribbean, Turneffe offers varied underwater terrain of spur and groove formations, sandy ledges and sheer walls providing spectacular dive sites to suit every level of diver.

The Eastern, windward side of Turneffe is protected by 35 miles of reef. It shelves gradually to about 60 ft. where spur and groove formations meet the wall. Nutrients produced in the mangroves are dispersed on the reef by the tides and gentle currents causing huge concentrations of feeding fish on this side of the wall. On the West side of the Atoll, the mangroves of Turneffe provide shelter from the swells and large waves. A gently sloping bottom lies at 30-50ft and large reef formations cover the white sand bottom. The reduced wave action allows sponges and soft corals to grow magnificently and sea feathers of 5ft tall are common.

In the North, the reef is buffeted by the Caribbean swells and trade winds but on the calmest of days divers can explore these almost untouched areas. Schools of Mutton Snapper, Atlantic Spadefish and Permit hover 80ft above the sea floor and Blue and Rainbow Runners make close passes. Turneffe's most southern point is dotted with a variety of popular sites that are featured in many of the Belize dive guides. The Elbow is probably the most famous site here and the ocean current over deep reef attracts big schools of pelagic fish. The other sites vary enormously as you move up the South West or South East side with everything from patch reef nurseries, dramatic coral formations to steep drop-offs.

Throughout the Turneffe Atoll, you will see a variety of hard and soft corals as well as all of the Caribbean tropicals, eagle rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins, moray eels, and occasionally whale sharks in addition to large schools of permit, horse eye jacks and dog snapper. Most diving is done from a forty-eight foot Custom Dive Boat. This is a large, comfortable, shaded boat allowing us easy access to the entire Turneffe Atoll as well as the Lighthouse Reef. A limited number of guests mean that there are seldom more than six divers sharing this spacious dive boat.

Instruction is available at Turneffe Flats through their PADI Instructors if you are a first time diver and want to learn. Certifications include Open Water Referral and Advanced Open Water Certification (Underwater Navigation, Deep Diving and 3 elective dives) as well as a full range of Specialty Courses. 'Discover Scuba Courses' are also available for those who wish to experience SCUBA for the first time.

Atoll Adventure Package:
Explore the wonders and beauty of the Turneffe Atoll at your own pace. Snorkel, bird watch, or pursue a number of other fun and informative activities. If you feel like it, stay at the lodge and lounge on the beach. Every day offers a great new adventure and a perfect opportunity to relax - that’s what the Atoll Adventure is all about.

Choose from a variety of daily-guided activities led by one of the Atoll Adventure guides, all of who are informative and fun. Turneffe Flats’ twin-engine, canopied boat is at your guide's disposal for exploring the reefs, mangroves, creeks and lagoons that make Turneffe the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean.

With at least 60 species of birds at Turneffe, birding is another highlight. You may also want to tour the atoll searching for manatees and dolphins or enjoy an afternoon kayaking. The Atoll Adventure Program is a very flexible and is tailored to fit the particular interests of each group.
Of course, exploring the 300 square mile Turneffe Atoll can, itself, be an adventure. Turneffe has a fascinating history, including Mayan fishing and trading settlements dating to 400 A.D. Turneffe was also a favored hideout for Blackbeard, one of the notorious pirates of the Caribbean. For most guests, learning about the history of Turneffe as well as the fascinating history of Belize is one of the more enjoyable parts of their visit.

Other Atoll Adventure activities include: snorkeling, night snorkeling, Mayan ruin tours, mainland tours, manatee, dolphin, and crocodile tours, flats walking tour, and Mayan cooking class.

"R & R" Package:
"Rest and Relaxation" - This package is ideal for those who wish to relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of a private tropical island. There are hammocks under the palm trees in which to relax and shore walks, sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling are all readily available. This package does not include any organized activities but an inland tour of the Mayan Ruins or Belize Zoo can easily be arranged during your stay.


2009 Package Rates

Angling Package (Saturday - Saturday):

Two anglers per room/boat
January 1 - May 31..............$4115
June 1 - August 27..............$3910
August 28 - December 19.........$3550

One angler per room/boat
January 1 - May 31..............$5627
June 1 - August 27..............$5146
August 28 - December 19.........$5137

Diving Package (Saturday - Saturday):

Based on double occupancy
December 29 - June 1 - $2204 + $143.92 taxes

June 2 - August 30 - $2077 + $135.29 taxes

August 31 - December 20 - $1983 + $128.89 taxes

December 20 - December 27 - $2204 + $142.92 taxes

Combo Fishing/Diving Package (Saturday - Saturday):

Based on double occupancy
December 29 - June 1 - $3894 + $258.84 taxes

June 2 - August 30 - $3707 + $246.13 taxes

August 31 - December 20 - $3383 + $224.09 taxes

December 20 - December 27 - $3894 + $258.84 taxes



Atoll Adventure Package (Saturday - Saturday):

Based on double occupancy
December 29 - June 1 - $1868 + $121.07 taxes

June 2 - August 24 - $1868 + $121.07 taxes

August 31 - December 20 - $1763 + $113.93 taxes

December 20 - December 27 - $1868 + $121.07 taxes


R & R Package (Saturday - Saturday):

Based on double occupancy
December 29 - June 1 - $1710 + $110.33 taxes

June 2 - August 30 - $1710 + $110.33 taxes

August 31 - December 20 - $1605 + $103.19 taxes

December 20 - December 27 - $1710 + $110.33 taxes

Short Week Itineraries
(Based on an Individual Basis)

4 Nights / 3 Days - All Season
Fishing (double occupancy) $2263 + $150.48 taxes
Fishing (single occupancy) $3074 + $203.03 taxes
Diving $1448 + $95.06 taxes
Combo Fish and Dive $2347 + $156.20 taxes
Atoll Adventure $1143 + $74.32 taxes
Non-Activity $1038 + $67.18 taxes

3 Nights / 2 Days - All Season
Fishing (double occupancy) $1511 + $100.20 taxes
Fishing (single occupancy) $2057 + $135.38 taxes
Diving $975 + $63.75 taxes
Combo Fish and Dive $1607 + $106.73 taxes
Atoll Adventure $807 + $52.33 taxes
Non-Activity $692 + $44.51 taxes


Ground from Belize City Airport to boat dock; Boat transfer to Turneffe Island; All meals; Non-alcoholic beverages (sodas); Shorter package durations are available. (Subject to change)

Fishing Package Additional Inclusions:
Guide and boat daily for two anglers per boat

Diving Package Additional Inclusions:
Three dives per day; Tanks, weight belts, and daily cleaning of equipment; Day trip to Blue Hole or Lighthouse Reef

Atoll Adventure Package Additional Inclusions:
Daily guided activities as mentioned above

"R & R" Package Additional Inclusions:
Unguided activities around lodge


Airfare to Belize City from the US; Beer and liquor; Gratuities; Equipment rentals; and any additional tours/sightseeing days; $35 (US) or $70 (BZ) Belize Departure Tax


A refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. All fees are refundable up to sixty (60) days prior to departure. Within sixty days of departure, all funds are non-refundable unless a replacement client is found. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund/responsibility clauses.

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