Welcome to Belize

Location, Type of Fishing:

A contemporary fishing lodge and dive camp, Turneffe Flats has provided its guests with the opportunity to fish the rich and diverse waters of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve for over three decades. Sight-fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon can be found every day of the year on the atoll, making this experienced and dependable lodge the go-to place for anglers wanting to bag a grand slam. A grouping of islands located east of the mainland, Turneffe Atoll sits 30 miles off the Central Coast of Belize. It is the largest of the three atolls that lie within the territorial waters of Belize, and is located just offshore from the Belize Barrier Reef. With over 250 square miles of flats, there is an enormous expanse of fishing area to explore within this vast marine sanctuary. Characterized by an intricate network of mud flats, channels, creeks, mangroves and lagoons set among a ring of islands, the ancient remnants of a once massive island now provide the ideal habitat for a wide array of fish, invertebrates and other marine organisms. Home to a host of inshore gamefish throughout year, many anglers come to these islands to target permit, tarpon and bonefish, but many non-traditional species can also be caught on fly rods, including triggerfish, snapper, jacks, barracuda and sharks. A truly remarkable fishery, the best way to experience its wonders is to come and stay in one of the resort’s relaxing, beachfront cabanas and become familiar with the superior service and incredible fishing that have made this remote lodge one of the world’s finest grand slam destinations.

 

• Season: Year-round
• Species: Permit, Tarpon, Bonefish, Shark, Barracuda
• Rods: 7-12 wt. Saltwater, Fast-action
• Rates: 7 night/ 6 days fishing $4,280.00

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

Situated on the East Coast of the atoll with easy access to all the best water, the lodge rests on a lovely spit of sand marked with coconut palm trees and picturesque views of a beautiful bonefish flat just a stone’s throw away. Watch tailing fish from the balcony of your cabana that looks out over the reef to the Caribbean in the distance. Excellent for getting in some extra fishing time when you not in the boat, fish the flat right in front of the lodge, or wade out further where small jacks and snapper eat clousers and deceivers thrown into the surf. An excellent destination for anglers who like to wade, good hard-bottom flats can be found throughout the atoll, so you don’t have to spend all your time in the boat. Several bars and flats lie inside the lagoon that can be successfully waded for bonefish and permit, in addition to the ocean-side flats on the windward part of the islands. One of the things that makes this lodge special is that it is owned and operated by true conservationists. Your host, Craig Hayes, is the Board Director of the Turneffe Atoll Trust, a non-profit working to promote sustainable use to help protect one of the world’s truly unique naturally-occurring formations as well as other similar marine environments around the globe. A biological diverse ecosystem, Turneffe Atoll is one of just a few “true” coral atolls located in the Western Hemisphere. One of the group’s most significant achievements came in 2009, when they led the effort to enact catch and release regulations for all tarpon, bonefish and permit in Belize waters.

 

Fishing:

Arguably, one of the best places to go bonefishing in Belize, Turneffe Flats is also one of the best places in the world to try for permit. A challenge to catch on a fly rod, many guests have managed to bag their very first permit on the fly here. The bonefish of the atoll, on the other hand, can be excellent game for those who just want to catch a lot of fish. While not exceptionally difficult to feed as they typical don’t see a lot of flies, larger fish do frequent these flats and can provide an interesting challenge to fly fishermen, as the fly must be delivered with great accuracy to get these big fish to eat with any regularity. Fly fishing takes places all throughout the atoll, but with a concentration on the mixed grass and coral flats of the Central Lagoon and the sandy-bottom ocean-side flats along the East Coast of the islands. In the backcountry, you’re likely to sight-fish to cruising bones and permit in small schools, as well as pairs and some solitary fish. On the ocean-side, it is not uncommon to see large schools of bonefish in excess of fifty fish feeding on the flats during the incoming and outgoing tides. Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons year-round, and most fish jumped are between 60-90 pounds in size, with some larger fish in the 100-150 pound range. Tarpon season extends from mid-April to October, where it is not uncommon to come across a bona fide monster cruising the flats, greater than 150 lbs. You will fish Dolphin Super Skiffs, imported from the States, that feature a very level casting deck in the front of the boat, and can be equipped with a lean bar, if needed.

 

Lodge:

Situated on a tranquil, private point at the north end of Blackbeard Caye, just south of the Northern Bogue- a main waterway to the Central Lagoon, Turneffe Flats enjoys comfortable access to the very best bonefish and permit flats of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. Not your basic fishing camp, Turneffe Flats is an upscale resort catering to fishermen, divers and anyone interested in discovering the marvels and exciting activities of this remote and sparsely-populated island chain in the Caribbean. Experience the ultimate in exclusion and peace as you revel in the marvelous ocean views and prime fishing right at your doorstep. Deluxe accommodations feature eight large cabanas, all of which have panoramic views of the ocean, plus two large three-bedroom villas that are perfect for small groups. The main lodge houses the dining room, bar, and sitting area, a favorite spot for guests to relax and unwind at the end of the day, and incredible views can be found on the upper and lower decks of this social center at the heart of the resort. There is also a fly shop, in case you need a must-have fly pattern, some new gear or even a gift for a loved one back home. The recent addition of an infinity pool invites guests to cool off in the late afternoon, enjoying the manicured landscaping of the grounds and basking in the spectacular views of one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Air-conditioning is available in all the rooms, provided by generators that supply power from just before you return from fishing, throughout the night. WiFi internet access is available in the main lodge.

 

Dining:

Delicious, homemade meals are served direct from the kitchen to your plate among several large tables in the dining room. A tasty culmination of Belizean and International cuisines, fresh seafood and locally-grown produce are the standard fare of a wholesome and creative menu that includes newly baked pastries fresh from the oven of this small yet remarkable kitchen far from civilization. Guests will enjoy congregating in the bar of the main lodge for a drink to complement the amazing appetizers served before dinner. Fried sticks of battered lionfish are especially favored among the guests, as it helps rid the reef of an invasive species and just so happens to taste incredible with tartar sauce. Located adjacent to the dining area, the bar offers plenty of space to gather for aperitifs and enjoy the breezy, ocean air from a large patio at dusk. The cocktail hour is followed by a three-course meal served family style in the dining room, and consists of a soup or salad, the main entrée and a scrumptious dessert. Entrees vary between seafood, chicken, pork and beef throughout the week, and the kitchen will stand of their heads to accommodate any special dietary needs that you may have. Your meal is complete with a fresh-brewed cup of coffee or an after-dinner beverage from the bar that can be enjoyed under a star-filled sky from the two decks off the main lodge, or choose to walk the beach before retiring to your room as a relaxing end to an adventure-filled day on the atoll.

 

How to Get There:

Your weeklong fishing package to Turneffe Flats begins with your arrival at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. After collecting your bags and clearing customs, exit the doors to the main terminal where a representative of the resort will greet you and transport you to the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina, about 15 minutes away by van. Typical week packages begin on a Saturday and end on the following Saturday, but partial weeks are available and arrivals/departures on days other than Saturday or Wednesday can be arranged for an additional cost. Please make your travel arrangements to get to Belize City no later than 2:30 pm, giving you enough time to make it to the boat which leaves the marina promptly at 3:30 pm (If you cannot make it before 3:30 pm, plan on staying the night in Belize City, and catching the boat early the following morning at 7:30 am). Turneffe Atoll is located approximately 30 miles east of Belize City, and the boat trip takes about 90 minutes on the resort’s roomy dive boat. The scenic trip takes you through the offshore cayes, the reef, and the mangrove channels of the atoll before arriving at this isolated and far-flung resort. On your departure day, you will set out from the resort after a light breakfast, leaving the island by boat at approximately 7:30 am. Once in Belize City, you will be provided complimentary transportation to the airport by van. The resort can accommodate departing flights after 11 am, and bring cash in the amount of $35US per person for the Belize Departure Tax, if it is not already included in your airfare.

 

Typical Day:

The day starts with fresh-brewed coffee in your room, just switch on the pot and wait for it to finish brewing. Breakfast can be made-to-order beginning at 7 am in the dining room. Hot breakfasts of eggs made to your liking, pancakes, bacon and sausage can be ordered off the breakfast menu, and there is fresh fruit, cereal and freshly-baked goods available for a lighter fare. Pack a lunch to take with you or arrange to return to the lodge at noon for a relaxing dine in the shade before returning to the flats in the afternoon. Packed lunches typically consist of a sandwich or chef salad, a cookie and plenty of bottled water. Alcoholic beverages and soda can be purchased at the bar. On normal days, expect to fish about 9 hours, leaving just after breakfast and returning around 5 pm. Arrangements can be made to go fishing before breakfast, if you like. Let your host know your wishes when he stops by the table at dinner the night before to coordinate the next day’s fishing. Bug spray is recommended during the times you are not indoors on the island, so keep some handy when you get off the boat at the end of the day. Back at the resort, order a drink from the bar and feel free to take a dip in the saltwater infinity pool, or head out to the flat in front of the lodge to wade for bonefish and permit as additional fishing time is encouraged. Hors d’oeuvres will be served in the bar beginning at 6:15 pm with dinner to follow at 7 pm.

 

What’s Included:

Ground and water transfers to/from the airport, double occupancy lodging, 6 days of guide fishing (2 anglers per guide per boat), all meals and bottled water.

Not included: tax, alcohol (you may bring your own), gratuities for the staff, guides and drivers, park fees, fishing license, and airport transfers other than Saturday and Wednesday. Single room upgrades are available at an additional cost and must be arranged in advance.