Who is best suited to this destination? Beginning to intermediate saltwater fly anglers will enjoy Turneffe Flats, as will all non-fishing guests. Advanced saltwater fly anglers that enjoy challenging and technical bonefishing may find the fishery less demanding than some other destinations, but the permit fishery will always keep their attention.
Where is the lodge? The lodge is located on the Turneffe Atoll, approximately 25 miles off the coast of Belize to the east.
How do I get there? Guests fly into Belize International Airport where they are met by a lodge representative for a 15-minute transfer to the Radisson Fort George hotel in Belize City. From there guests typically board the lodge’s 54-foot dive boat for a 90-minute ride through the Great Barrier Reef and out to the Turneffe Atoll. Typical trips are a Saturday-to-Saturday itinerary, although shorter weeks are possible
When should I go? Although the lodge is open year-round, the peak fishing months are February through May and September through November.
How will I fish? Anglers fish two per boat with a single guide. The 17-foot flats skiffs are clean and well-suited for fly fishing.
Is there wade fishing? Yes, good opportunities to wade the flats exist depending on guests’ desires and fishing goals.
Where will I fish? Guides fish both the exterior, ocean-side flats of the Turneffe Atoll and the interior lagoon.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? In general, runs to the fishing grounds are anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. In some cases, depending on preferences, guests may find fish 10 minutes from the lodge or even on the flat directly in front of the lodge.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? Good bonefish opportunities exist year-round. Permit and migratory tarpon are around in good numbers from June to September. Guests might also encounter jacks, snapper and barracuda.
How many fish will I catch? Any time an angler hooks double-digit numbers of bonefish in a single day, is a great day. Permit can be one of the most elusive and tricky species in the world to hook on a fly, so even if only one is caught, it’s a big deal! As well, migratory tarpon can be difficult to hook but the chances are good to encounter one during a week of fishing.
Will I see other anglers? The Turneffe Atoll is very remote and requires guests to pass through the Great Barrier Reef while traveling from Belize City. While on the water, guests may see other anglers from the lodge while but in general, the fishery is expansive, and overcrowding is not an issue.
What are the guides like? The guides are local Belizeans and are hired and trained directly by the lodge. In general, the guides are very skilled, good-natured, and a pleasure to fish with. English is the first language for the guides.
What are the physical demands? There are no special physical demands for this trip. Anglers with good balance and good casting technique will do the best.
Are there any special skills required? Good casters that are accustomed to dealing with the wind will always excel in the saltwater, but no special skills are required.
Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes, the lodge does have high-quality rental gear available and a small, well-stocked fly shop on site. It’s a good idea to let us know in advance if you are planning on using lodge equipment, but an angler could show up to Turneffe Flats without any equipment and be well-looked after.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? Fast action 8-weights with floating lines are ideal for bonefish. Fast action 9-weights are ideal for permit or if the wind picks up. An 11-weight is ideal for migratory tarpon.
What are the top flies? Some of the popular patterns at Turneffe Flats in Bonefish Bitters, Pearl Gotcha, EP Crab, Bauer Flats Crab, Enrico Puglisi Tarpon Streamer, and Squimp.
What are the options if weather conditions become challenging? The guides are adept at moving around the atoll (both the interior lagoon and outer ocean-side flat) to find protected waters. With a circular atoll, there is almost always a way to find a leeward side.
What is a typical day like? Days typically start with coffee and a quick breakfast in the lodge dining room. Anglers then board boats for the day on the water. Fishing is done in the early evening and anglers gather around the lodge to tell fishing stories, have drinks, appetizers, and dinner.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The lodge is casual, comfortable, friendly, and very relaxing. Guests dine together family-style with lodge staff and the lively bar is always a hot spot in the evenings for telling fish stories.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? The owners Craig and Karen Hayes are often on-site (spending much of the year living on the property), looking after the operation and entertaining guests. The Turneffe Flats management staff is friendly, attentive, and does a great job of making guests feel at home and welcomed.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are hearty and feature a blend of traditional Belizean cuisine and American dishes often with copious amounts of fresh seafood.
What is the alcohol policy? Turneffe Flats has a well-stocked bar including scotch, bourbon, gin, rum, tequila, vermouth, other liqueurs, as well as a selection of red and white wines, and local Belikin beer. Liquor, beer, and cocktails are not included in the package price; individual tabs are kept, and guests can check on their tab at any time.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The accommodations are comfortable and well-appointed. Nothing is over-the-top at Turneffe Flats, but details are carefully looked after, and the rooms are very clean and comfortable. Both private beachside cabanas and private villas are available.
Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes, the lodge does have a satellite Wi-Fi internet connection available in the main lodge. Connection speeds are relatively slow compared to mainland connections.
Are there other activities? Scuba diving, snorkeling, birding and the popular “Atoll Adventure” program – which explores the eco-system daily with a guide – are great activities that can also be enjoyed at Turneffe Flats. There is a small pool and guests can also walk the extensive property.
Are there any other expenses? There are no significant, non-included expenses to be prepared for on this trip.
Do I need a visa? Anglers do not need a visa to visit Belize, only a valid U.S. passport.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Like most destinations in the Caribbean, mosquitoes, sand-fleas, and biting black flies (mostly during the summer) can be a nuisance at times. It’s a good idea to bring bug repellent and long sleeves/pants for precautionary reasons. We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.