TURNEFFE FLATS LODGE
Trip Description
Turneffe Flats Lodge is located approximately 30 miles off the coast of Belize on the Turneffe Atoll. This unique system of islands surrounded by a reef has some of the most diverse fishing in all of Belize. Basically the atoll is an oblong reef about 30 miles long and ten miles wide. Inside this reef there is a chain of long narrow islands with an inner lagoon of about 200 square miles. Within this lagoon are hundreds of other islands creating a perfect environment for growing bonefish, permit and tarpon.
Between the outer reef and the first ring of islands there are flats that tem with bonefish. All of these flats are taylor made for wading making it the only true wade friendly bonefishing destination in Belize. The ocean side flats are hard sand and coral with some turtle grass ( but firm below) as well. The inner lagoon is almost always fished from a boat and is famous for it's permit population with schools of 20-50 fish common.
Your trip starts in Belize City International airport where you will greeted by our driver who will take you to the boat dock in Belize City for the 1 hour and thirty minute ride to the lodge. The boat ride is smooth in our 48 foot dive boat which doubles as our passenger ferry inn and out of Belize City.
As you arrive at the lodge you will head to your room and your luggage will be delivered as well. Get a quick tour of the facility and have a welcome to paradise drink at the Turneffe Flats Bar. If you look out the front door of your room you will see a flat that extends off to the south ( left) - try to find a bonefish tail flashing in the setting sun. The reef is about 200 feet from your room with the Caribbean waves crashing in, but between you and the reef is 1-3 feet of flat water, this is the kind of bonefish flats you will find to the north and south of the lodge. We are ideally located to enjoy all of Turneffe's 250 square miles of expansive flats, healthy coral reef and remarkably rich marine habitat.
For years Turneffe Flats has been known as one of the Caribbean's premier saltwater fly fishing destinations. The diversity of our saltwater flats fishing sets us apart from other destinations and the opportunity to catch bonefish, permit and tarpon on a given day makes Turneffe Flats one of the rare spots to pursue a 'Flats Grand Slam'.
Although the spin fishing at Turneffe is exceptional, we are primarily a fly fishing destination. We are privileged to have a large repeat customer base with anglers from the finest fly shops and outfitters around the world making Turneffe Flats their annual saltwater fly fishing destination.
Each day you will be fed breakfast tin the dining room early enough to be out on the flats early. ( some tarpon hunters will go out before breakfast and come back to the lodge a few hours later for breakfast with the rest of the guests) Lunches are packed for the boat or you may return to the lodge as most of the fishing is quite close. Dinners are served in several courses in a family style with 4-8 people sharing a table. You will not go hungry. There is a full bar at your disposal as well. A tab for all drinks from the bar, and flies or other fishing gear at out fly shop, and other extras is kept for you until your departure
Bonefishing
Permit Fishing
In recent years, increasing numbers of saltwater anglers have developed a serious interest in the elusive permit. Turneffe Flats is one of a select group of saltwater destinations where you can experience the excitement of flats fishing for tailing permit with a reasonable opportunity to catch one. Our permit fishing is also consistently available throughout the year.
Tarpon Fishing
Because tarpon are migratory, tarpon fishing is seasonal. Although some tarpon are around throughout the year, our tarpon season begins in April and continues to mid October. June, July and August are generally the best months for tarpon fishing. Most of our migratory tarpon are in the 70-90 pound range but we see a few 150-200 pound monsters each year.
Please click [Fishing] for further details about the fishing on Turneffe
Belize's best SCUBA Diving
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The offshore atolls of Belize are consistently rated amongst the world's 'best dive destinations'. With pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life and warm Caribbean seas, it's easy to see why. Turneffe Flats is ideally located to take advantage of Belize's best diving, and three dives per day plus a weekly night dive are standard. Our dive vacations also include a day trip to Lighthouse Reef to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and Long Caye. Small dive groups are our norm (4 to 8 divers) with our excellent Instructors and Dive Masters emphasizing personalized service and maximum flexibility. PADI & SDI Instruction is available on-site and we offer a range of courses including Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water Referral and Advanced Diver Certification. |
Please click [Diving] for further details
Atoll Adventure (Marine Eco tours) |
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Because there are so many wonderful things to see and do at Turneffe, we developed a snorkeling and adventure package several years ago. This has now evolved into a diversified marine ecotourism vacation with multiple activities from which to choose. World-class snorkeling is a mainstay of this package with a number of different snorkeling opportunities available including night snorkeling. There have been over 60 bird species identified on on the Turneffe atoll and looking for West Indian Manatees or Bottlenose Dolphins is exciting and fun. Learn about the fascinating history of the Turneffe Atoll from the Maya who fished and traded on the Turneffe Atoll as far back as 400 A.D. to the Pirates of the Caribbean who used Turneffe as a favored hideout. Sign up for a Belizean cooking class or just relax in a hammock under the coconut palms. Our Atoll Adventure Guides are informative and fun, and our 25 ft., twin engine, boat is at your guides disposal allowing you access to all of this wonderful marine eco system. This is a very flexible package that is adapted to the desires of our guests on a day-to-day basis. |
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Inland/Island Package
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One consideration when planning a vacation in Belize is how to see the most of this wonderfully diverse country. The offshore atolls and the inland rainforests offer very different opportunities. For the fullest possible experience, we have joined with Chaa Creek, the top-rated inland/rainforest ecotourism resort in Belize. This vacation allows you to enjoy the Atoll Adventure activities at Turneffe Flats such as exploring for dolphins & manatees, world-class snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing on the Caribbean shore. You will then transfer to Chaa Creek for jungle walks, river canoeing, birding and visiting the Maya ruins. You can choose to spend four nights at Turneffe Flats and three nights at Chaa Creek, or the other way around.
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Guest Comments ( Fishing)
"Wanted you to know of how good your fishing is getting!.... Not only are there more fish, but flies are taken more readily by them! These are NOT mudding fish nor deep water schooling. These fish are mostly the larger singles and shallow water schools of bones which skilled anglers desire" Craig Mathews
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"Our 2nd time was as great as the first - we'll be back again! Thanks! Amy and Josh Molho (CA)
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"Three permit landed in one day -- this is heaven." Terry Gunn
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"This has to be one of the world's greatest places. Even when I don't catch fish I enjoy it!" Herb Waterman, (Casper, WY)
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"One of the great flats lodges in the world. Gina and I feel at home and can't wait to go back." Steve Abel
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"This is truly a top notch fishing/diving venue. One I would highly recommend. The staff and management could not have been more accommodating" Ann and Garth Jooste, (Citrus Heights, CA)
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"Greatest trip ever. Best hosts, Best guide (Pops). Best everything!" Bob and Anne Steele (IN)
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"Excellent attention to detail. Always a superior experience!" Bill Klyn, (Jackson, WY)
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Jorge" George is the most amazing guide I have ever had the pleasure to fish with. Thanks to everyone for another spectacular vacation (and this time, honeymoon)." Dennis Pfaff
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"You have a great staff and the guides know how to find fish. Two Grand Slams in four trips, what more can I say! Wendy Gunn
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"Could not have been better! 20lb Permit - hook ups on two 100lb+ tarpon" Paul Gerlach
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A great week with great people & a Grand Slam Afternoon! Joe Graviss
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"I was very pleased with the trip in all respects. The combination of diving and fishing was very well coordinated!" Charles Hartz, (Fargo, ND)
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"Exceeded my expectations! 2 permit landed!" John Daugirda
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"1st time fishing & diving ever - so wonderful - 1st bonefish! Thanks for an unforgettable experience" DeeAnn Bonnell
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"Still to this day, the week I spent at Turneffe Flats is the best week of my life. I brought my girlfriend, got engaged, we both enjoyed the friendliest people on the planet while eating the most delicious food that could be imagined, enjoying the snorkeling, and how can I ever forget all the fish. From Bonefish to Barracuda and yellowtail to snapper, the entire experience was first class. We will be back again." Brad Yeomans (MD)
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"1st trip - 1st Tarpon, I will return" John Schuler
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"Another wonderful trip and fishing adventure" Phil Gonzales
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"2nd permit - had a great time! Wonderful experience - can't wait until next year" Shannon Wallace
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"Pair of Aces 1st trip (3 permit hooked, 2 landed) dem bones, dem bones, dem bones..." Michael Aquilla
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"1st Permit, tarpon hooked, blew grand slam - I'll back." Adam Yates (AR)
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Guest Comments ( Divers)
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"What a fabulous time I had at Turneffe Flats! Everything was so perfect, the crystal clear blue waters, the fishing (I caught a barracuda and I've never even fished before!), everything. Snorkeling around the reefs was like being in a giant aquarium. The beautiful colors of the coral and the fish, it was extraordinary. What a great, un-commercialized place Turneffe is--a real treasure. And the staff---who could ask for more? They are wonderfully welcoming!" Sherry Cameron
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| "A truly first-class dive experience. They couldn't do enough for us." Jim Satterthwaite
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| "Turneffe Flats may be the best kept diving secret anywhere in the considerable Belize dive environment". Rick Frehsee
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| "My experience at Turneffe Flats was simply outstanding. I expected a good experience, but you exceeded my expectations in every area! You truly are a first-class operation. The accommodations were excellent by all standards." Mark Chambers
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| " Way beyond our envisioned expectations, AAA+++." Fred and Melinda Rickson
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"We had one of our best vacations ever while staying with you. The diving was PHENOMENAL! Every day had something magical and special." Anne Mullen
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| "Fabulous experience. One of the best vacations I've ever had. This was my first diving experience and I think the rest of the world has a lot to live up to!" Teresa Lantz
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| "The dive staff is wonderful - very friendly, & helpful. The handling of our equipment was a wonderful service. Much appreciated. My best diving experience yet." Brian Tune
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| "Couldn't have had a better trip! The diving was the best I have ever experienced. It seemed like every day got better and better. Your staff is excellent - accommodations wonderful. We will be back." Maurizio and Lisa Gianardi
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"This was a wonderful trip - already looking at coming back!'" Daniel Smith
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| "Wonderful resort! First one we've decided we're coming back to!" Robin King and David Smith
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| "Finally certified! Thanks, Andy & Juan. Amazing time, look forward to returning soon." Monique Piquet
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| "Excellent diving, great food - we will be back. Dan & April Hann
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"Stay was awesome - would come back in a heartbeat"
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"Fantastic place, Fun Guests, Great" Staff." Scott and Jody Elnicki
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BELIZE!
TURNEFFE FLATS LODGE
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