Turneffe Flats Lodge

Turneffe Flats Lodge is Belize's foremost destination for saltwater fly fishing, scuba diving, and marine eco-tours. Located on Turneffe Atoll, the lodge offers incredible angling for Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, and other species with its pristine flats and abundant marine life. Guests can also enjoy a host of other activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Turneffe Flats features comfortable lodging, knowledgeable guides, and fabulous meals prepared using fresh, regional ingredients.

 

Who It's For

• Flats Anglers
• Couples/Families

 

When To Go

At Turneffe Flats, anglers can find excellent Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon fishing year-round. For anglers seeking larger migratory Tarpon, May through October typically offers the most opportunities. Generally, temperatures at Turneffe are fairly stable and warm throughout the year, with average highs in the 80s, sometimes reaching the mid-90s.

 

Bonefish

Bonefish are an abundant target species at Turneffe, with expansive wading flats within close proximity to the lodge. It's common for anglers to see hundreds of Bonefish in a day, as many flats hold fish throughout the tidal swings. From sight-fishing large cruisers to targeting schools of tailing fish, there are plentiful bonefishing opportunities for anglers of any ability.

 

Permit

Turneffe Atoll boasts some of the finest Permit water in Belize, due to its lack of fishing pressure and abundance of habitat. Permit are targeted on shallow bars and flats within Turneffe's central lagoon, and the ocean-side flats. Whether you're wading sand flats or fishing turtle grass from the bow of the skiff, sight-fishing for tailing fish under the tutelage of an expert guide is a challenge that brings many anglers back to Turneffe Atoll year after year.

 

Tarpon

Resident Tarpon can be found year-round in the creeks, channels, and lagoons of Turneffe Atoll. Their larger, migratory cousins typically make their appearance from May through October. These larger fish can weigh up to 150+ lbs and will test any angler's endurance and fortitude.

 

Other Species

In addition to the big three, many exciting species swim the waters of Turneffe Atoll. Anglers routinely see Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Snook, and other reef species when exploring the many bays and lagoons of the Atoll.

 

Boats

At Turneffe Flats, you'll be fishing out of 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs. These flats skiffs are comfortable vessels that allow your guide to easily pole onto the skinny flats where bonefish feed.

 

Equipment

A range of rod sizes with matched reels will be necessary for a week at Turneffe Flats. We recommend bringing 3 rods: an 8wt for Bonefish, a 9wt for Permit, and a 10-12wt for Tarpon. Your guides will help you rig appropriately for the day's fishing. We recommend adhering to the packing and equipment lists provided by Trident.

Itinerary

Day 1: From Home to Turneffe Flats

A weeklong trip at Turneffe Flats Lodge is typically Saturday to Saturday. Getting to the lodge begins with a Saturday flight to Belize City, Belize (BZE). Upon arrival in Belize, a Turneffe Flats representative will drive you to the Radisson Marina, from which you will take a 90-minute boat transfer to Turneffe Flats Lodge.

 

Days 2 - 7: The Fishing Days

Fishing days start with a full breakfast before heading out with your guide for the day. Lunches are typically served on the water, allowing you to relax, eat, and hydrate. Following an afternoon fishing session, you'll return to the lodge before dark to unwind and enjoy a flavorful dinner consisting of regional and international dishes. After dinner, feel free to fish off the dock, enjoy a cocktail with other guests, or retire early.

 

Day 8: From Turneffe Flats to Home

After your week of fishing, you'll enjoy breakfast on Saturday morning before beginning your transfers back to Belize City, Belize (BZE), where you'll board your flight to your home destination.

Lodging

Accommodations

There are four lodging options available at Turneffe Flats Lodge:

 

Beach Cabanas 

These spacious, air-conditioned cabanas feature two queen beds and a private bathroom. Each unit is located on the beach with a covered oceanside deck, providing a relaxing haven to take in the sights and sounds of the Caribbean over morning coffee.

 

The Reef Villa

This three-bedroom, air-conditioned beach Villa features a large common area with satellite television, a kitchenette, and an excellent view of the home flat from your front door. One bedroom offers two queen-sized beds, with the other bedrooms having one queen bed each, totaling four queen-sized beds. Each bedroom has its own private bath.

 

The Garden Villa

The largest accommodation at Turneffe, this air-conditioned Villa features a kitchenette, a spacious common area replete with satellite television, and three bedrooms with private baths. Each bedroom has one queen and one twin bed, for a total of six beds.

 

The Pelican Villa

The newest of the accommodations at Turneffe, the Pelican Villa has two air-conditioned bedrooms - each with a private bath, a spacious living room with satellite TV, and a kitchenette. One of the bedrooms has a king bed, and the other has one queen and one twin-sized bed. This Villa can accommodate a group/family or can be configured separately as each bedroom has its own private entrance.

 

Food

Meals at Turneffe Flats Lodge are a flavorsome mix of Belizean and international favorites, typically including fresh seafood, local produce, and home-baked pastries. Breakfast and Dinner are generally served family-style in the dining room, allowing for plenty of fishing stories and camaraderie. Hearty lunches are packed each day by your guide, allowing you to eat on the water. The bar at the lodge is well-stocked for apres-fishing libations.

 

Connectivity

Satellite WiFi and landline phones are available in the main lodge building. Depending on your service plan, cell service may be available in Belize City, but it is generally not available on Turneffe Atoll.

Rates

Fishing Packages

Trident Travel's expert planning service is free of charge. The rates below are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the lodge.

All rates below are per person for seven nights and six days of fishing. Rates are subject to change at any time. Contact us for the most current pricing.

 

2025

Double Occupancy (Per Person)

December 30, 2024 to July 27, 2025 = $5,890

July 27, 2025 to December 21, 2025 = $5,190

 

Single Occupancy (Per Person) 

December 30, 2024 to July 27, 2025 = $8,090

July 27, 2025 to December 21, 2025 = $7,490

 

2026

Double Occupancy (Per Person)

December 20, 2025 to July 25, 2026 = $6,090

July 25, 2026 to December 19, 2026 = $5,390

 

Single Occupancy (Per Person) 

December 20, 2025 to July 25, 2026 = $8,390

July 25, 2026 to December 19, 2026 = $7,790

 

What's Included:

• Saturday and Wednesday airport transfers
• Lodging at Turneffe Flats
• Guided fishing
• Meals and Appetizers
• Use of amenities including internet, pool, gym, and sea kayaks
  

 

What's Not Included:

• Taxes
• Fishing license
• Bar tab, gratuities, and any equipment rentals
• Marine Reserve Fee of $25 per person
• Additional transfers on days other than Saturdays and Wednesdays
• Blue Hole Park Fee of $40 per diver
  
• Airfare to/from Belize City (BZE)

FAQ

What skill level is required for this trip?

Turneffe Flats offers something for everyone, from beginners to advanced anglers. No previous experience is required for this trip, although we always recommend practicing your casting before a flats trip to get the most out of your experience.

 

Is Turneffe Flats Family Friendly?

Yes! The staff at Turneffe Flats is very accommodating of families, and the lodge offers an array of other activities such as snorkeling, Scuba diving, cooking classes, and eco-tours.

 

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. We recommend Travel Guard, a well-established insurance company that offers excellent, affordable policies designed for angling travel.

 

What happens if I'm injured or have an emergency requiring evacuation?

Every situation is different when medical and security emergencies happen. To ensure you're protected when things don't go as planned, we highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue.

 

 

Is traveling to Belize safe?

Belize is generally considered a safe country for international tourists. As with any international travel, use common sense and keep your wits about you. Once at Turneffe Flats Lodge, crime is of little concern as the island is very isolated.

 

Is the water safe to drink?

Purified water is available at all times at the lodge.

 

What kind of electrical outlets are there?

Electrical outlets are the same as in the U.S. - 110 Volt AC power.

 

What is the weather like?

The climate of Belize is subtropical with temperatures averaging around 80 degrees F throughout the year. Lows during winter months rarely drop below 70 and highs during the warmest months are only occasionally above 100. April and May tend to be the warmest months and cold fronts in the late fall or early winter generally bring the coolest temperatures.

 

Is there WiFi available?

Limited satellite WiFi is available in the main lodge building. It is good for checking emails, but not for streaming or downloading. Inclement weather can sometimes disrupt the Satellite signal.

 

Is there a pool?

Yes, there is a swimming pool overlooking the Sea with comfortable lounge chairs and palm trees for shade.

 

What other amenities does the lodge offer?

Turneffe Flats Lodge offers a well-appointed gift shop, an exercise room, a conference room, massages upon request, and the use of sea kayaks.

 

Is tipping customary in Belize?

Yes, tipping is customary although it is at your discretion. We generally recommend tipping 10-15% of your trip total per person. Turneffe Flats accepts credit cards and cash (USD).