Turneffe Flats Lodge

Saltwater anglers seeking their first permit or bonefish would be hard pressed to find a better option. Turneffe Flats offers an interesting phenomenon in which guides pole a long mangrove shoreline where schools of permit travel and offer multiple shots to anglers. Bonefish are found near the reef and provide repeated shots for anglers. Cagey permit—including some very large fish—are found in singles and doubles and small groups along various flats through the atoll. Resident tarpon are found throughout the year and migratory tarpon are present from May to October and range between 50 and 200 pounds (seriously, you could hook a 150-to 200-pounder here). Snook, jacks, ‘cuda, triggerfish and snapper round out the options.

Most Turneffe guests target bonefish at least part of the time—and there are some great options to be had. The seaward side of Turneffe Atoll has large schools of bonefish that offer beginning anglers plenty of shots while they learn the saltwater game. For experienced anglers, large singles and doubles averaging six-to eight pounds—with some eclipsing the 10-pound mark—can be found on the seaside back reef flats.

Hard-core permit anglers know that Belize is “the permit capital of the world” and that Turneffe Atoll is an epicenter. Anglers mostly cast to singles and doubles on numerous flats and bars, but large schools of permit are also found tailing in shallow water. In either case, anglers fish most often from poled skiffs, although wade fishing options are also found on the oceanside flats.

Migratory tarpon arrive at Turneffe in May and remain through September. These are large, migratory beasts that range between 60 and 200 pounds. Tarpon inhabit Turneffe’s creeks, channels and lagoons and pounce on large baitfish imitations. To handle these bad boys you’ll need a 10-to 12-weight rod and no fear—hooking into a 100-to 150-pound tarpon is one of fly-fishing’s greatest thrills.

While the “big three” demand the most angling effort, other species are worth pursuing while visiting Turneffe Flats. Barracuda are abundant, and the interior of the atoll offers snook, snappers and jacks, all of which are hard-fighting fish. One of the most rewarding experiences at Turneffe is wade fishing the home flat in front of the lodge, casting Clousers and poppers, never knowing what might eat a fly. Pure, simple fly-fishing fun for novice and experts alike.

Schedule: Turneffe’s schedule is quite flexible, depending on which species is your primary target and how long you want to be on the water. Standard days run about eight hours, beginning after breakfast and ending around 5 p.m. Adjustments are made to take advantage of prime tides and other factors. Tarpon anglers may start their days before breakfast and take advantage of prime morning hours. Packed lunches are available or anglers can choose to return to the lodge to refuel and then hit the flats in the afternoon.

Boats & Equipment

Anglers fish from 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs custom built in the U.S. These are comfortable boats that cut the chop when running and pole well in skinny water. They have large casting decks and six rod holders. All skiffs are equipped with VHF radios and safety gear. Lean bars available on request.

Don’t hesitate to bring your non-angling or half-time angling family and friends. In addition to their fishing program Turneffe Flats offers a top-quality scuba diving operation, including weekly trips to Lighthouse Reef to dive and explore the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall, and Long Caye. PADI and SDI instruction are available on-site. The lodge offers a wide range of courses, including Discover programs and Advanced Diver Certification. Turneffe Flats also offers a popular eco-adventure package to explore the atoll aboard a 25-foot twin-engine boat, led by the lodge’s informative and fun Atoll Adventure Guides. This flexible package is completely adaptable to the desires of guests on a day-to-day basis.

Travel to Belize from the United States is easy with direct flights to BZE from the following locations: Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Newark, NJ.

Arrival & Departure Time

Twice a week, guests are ferried to Turneffe Flats on a large and comfortable private vessel. It is vital that guests arrive in Belize City no later than 3PM. Should a guest arrive later than 3PM, the lodge can arrange for a night to be spent in Belize City’s Radisson Fort George Hotel. Guests can then take the staff boat out to the atoll early Sunday morning.

On the day of departure from Turneffe Flats, guests are urged to schedule their flights out of Belize City after 11:30AM. This allows for leeway should any unforeseen weather circumstances that morning that may delay arrivals at the airport.

Arrival & Departure Time

Typical stay is 7 nights/6 days (Saturday to Saturday). Shorter midweek stays and single angler arrangements can be made, based on availability

Double Occupancy:

7 Nights/6 Days
December 28 through June 20 $4,690
June 20 through December 19 $4,090

4 Nights/3 Days
December 28 through June 20 $2,750
June 20 through December 19 $2,750

3 Nights/2 Days
December 28 through June 20 $1,790
June 20 through December 19 $1,790

Single Occupancy:

7 Nights/6 Days
December 28 through June 20 $6590
June 20 through December 18 $5,990

4 Nights/3 Days
December 28 through June 20 $3,990
June 20 through December 18 $3,990

3 Nights/2 Days
December 28 through June 20 $2,490
June 20 through December 18 $2,490

*All prices per person, USD

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Saturday and Wednesday airport transfers

Seven nights lodging at Turneffe Flats

Daily guided activity as per package booked

Three meals daily plus hors d’oeuvres

Use of on-site amenities including pool, internet, sea kayaks and gym

What’s Included

• Saturday and Wednesday airport transfers
• Seven nights lodging at Turneffe Flats
• Daily guided activity as per package booked
• Three meals daily plus hors d’oeuvres
• Use of on-site amenities including pool, internet, sea kayaks and gym

What’s Not Included

• Flights to and from Belize City
• Bar tab, gratuities, equipment rentals
• Additional transfers on days other than Saturday and Wednesday
• Gratuity for guides and staff
• Belizean taxes

INTERNET/COMMUNICATIONS

Wi-Fi is available at the lodge. Cell phones may or may not function in Belize City. They will not work while on Turneffe Atoll.

At Gil’s Fly Fishing International, we are always happy to help you book a trip without charging any fee. We do not believe in extra payments, which is why even if you book a trip through the lodge directly or through outfitters, the amount will be exactly the same.

Bookings are confirmed with a 50 percent deposit. Balance must be received before the start of your trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival in order to receive a full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency at GFFI’s discretion.