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Turneffe Flats Lodge
Trip Summary:
Those considering a trip to Turneffe Atoll and Turneffe Flats should know that this is one of our very favorite destinations here at Yellow Dog Flyfishing! In fact, Yellow Dog is proud to be Turneffe's largest and most consistent booking agent. We send so many people here for very good reason! One of the best operations in the entire Caribbean.
Fishing & General
Information:
LENGTH OF STAY
The average package is a one week (six fishing days and seven nights) package, although trips and itineraries of any length can be accommodated.
THE FISHING
Bonefishing is the mainstay of the fishing on Turneffe, and the atoll has miles of crystal-clear, wadable flats. The atoll’s ocean-side flats, only five to fifteen minutes from the lodge, are some of the most picturesque flats found anywhere in this part of Central America. Anglers can sight-fish to large schools of tailing bonefish at all hours of the day. There are also smaller schools of medium-sized bones, and occasional large “cruisers” in the six to ten-pound range. The bonefishing is consistently good throughout the year and offers something for anglers of all experience levels. Novice saltwater anglers can expect to see hundreds of bonefish over the course of a week, a scenario that provides a great opportunity to learn the intricacies and nuances of flats fishing. Experienced saltwater anglers will find plenty of challenging fishing and opportunities to cast to large bonefish. Aside from the large ocean-side flats, bonefish also inhabit the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats in the interior of the atoll. While these fish are generally larger and at times take a fly more readily, the fact that they are constantly on the move makes casting accuracy important. The fishing in the interior of the atoll is mostly done from the bow of the lodge’s 16' Dolphin Superskiffs.
As far as permit fishing goes, the atoll is home to an exceptional population of these elusive and difficult fish. Turneffe is one of a select group of saltwater destinations where you can experience the excitement of flats fishing for tailing permit throughout the year, either from a skiff or while wading the ocean-side flats. Anglers serious about chasing these fish can expect numerous shots at 10 to 20-pound permit and occasional shots at fish in the 30 to 40-pound class. Anglers wishing to fish for the “Silver King” can catch small, resident tarpon that inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the atoll throughout the year. The fishing for the larger, migratory tarpon begins in April and continues through mid-October. June, July, and August are generally the best months for tarpon fishing, as this is the season when most of the migratory fish in the 70 to 150-pound range are passing through. Each season, the lodge sees a few monsters in the 150 to 200-pound range!
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BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
OFFERED
Guides fish from 16-foot Dolphin super skiffs. The lodge offers top of the line rental gear and equipment from Sage, Hatch Reels, Simms and Patagonia, and sells small items such as flies, leaders, tippet and fly lines.
Accommodations:
THE LODGING
Guests at Turneffe have a choice of three different choices for accommodations - all of which are the same price and included in the package rate.
Beach Cabanas
Eight spacious, air-conditioned, individual guest rooms are located directly on the beach, and all offer panoramic views of Turneffe's nearby coral reef. All of the rooms are furnished with two queen-sized beds, and each room has a large private bath with two sinks and a shower. All of the beachfront cabanas have recently being upgraded, rennovated and enlarged.
The Reef Villa
The Reef Villa is a three bedroom villa with common area. This option offers a large beach area in front and perhaps the best view on the island. The common area includes a sitting area with satellite television and a small kitchenette without cooking facilities. This Reef Villa bedroom has two queen beds and the other two rooms have one queen bed and two single beds respectively. All bedrooms have their own private bathrooms.
The Garden Villa
The Garden Villa is also a three bedroom villa with a larger common area. This building is set slightly back from the beach but has wonderful views of the manicured grounds and the Caribbean. The Garden Villa's spacious common area is a great gathering area for friends and family. Satellite television and a small kitchen area, without cooking facilities, compliments this room. The Garden Villa has three nicely appointed guest rooms, each with a private bathroom.
The social center for Turneffe Flats is the spacious, air-conditioned main lodge. A pre-dinner gathering in the lodge for hors d'oeuvres and refreshments is customary, and the screened verandah is a wonderful place to enjoy the tropical evening with new and old friends. Meals at the lodge are a tasty combination of Belizean and American dishes served family-style. Fresh seafood, local produce, and home-baked pastries are standard fare. Three delicious meals per day are part of the lodge package, and each morning you will awaken to fresh coffee or tea served on your private verandah. The bar is well-stocked with premium liquor and offers a variety of wines as well as local Belikin beer.
In 2011, Turneffe Flats completed construction on a new swimming pool area and deck complex, perfect for non-anglers as well as fishermen looking to relax after a day on the water!
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Rates & Details:
RATES
| Please call for current pricing |
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| Travel arrangements and lodge bookings are handled through our travel partner, Yellow Dog FlyFishing Adventures, LLC (YDFA). We work together to combine all of the best that a Full Service Fly Shop and a Specialty Fly Fishing Travel Booking Company can provide. YDFA terms and conditions apply. Click here to learn more about YDFA terms, deposit/payment information and cancellation/refund policies. |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Fully guided daily fishing (two anglers per boat and one guide,) air conditioned double-occupancy lodging, round trip land and water transfers between Belize City and Turneffe, three meals per day, and coffee and tea each morning on your verandah.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
International flight to Belize City, bar tab, gratuities for guides and staff, items purchased at gift shop, diving, and non-fishing adventure packages. Applicable taxes are listed above.
DEPOSIT INFORMATION
A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip is due to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures (YDFA) within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. YDFA reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Click here to view Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures terms and conditions.
Travel Specifics:
HOW TO GET THERE
International flights to Belize go through Miami, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Charlotte. The major airlines that service Belize are American, Continental, US Air, Delta, and Taca. It is necessary to arrive into the Belize City International Airport (Phillip Goldson International) before 3:30 PM in order to make your boat connection to the Atoll. You will be met at the airport by a representative from the lodge and transferred to the Princess Hotel docks to meet the shuttle boat bound for Turneffe.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
A valid passport is required for all visitors to Belize and must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the duration of your stay. Citizens of the U.S., the British Commonwealth, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community are NOT required to have Visas.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Yellow Dog can assist with the travel arrangements for all destinations that we offer! Contact Us for details on airfare, itineraries, and details.
ESSENTIAL GEAR
Belize fly fishing gear should include 9' Fly Rods in both 8, 9 and 10 weight depending on
conditions. For calm, delicate presentations to Bonefish, a 7 weight Fly Rod can be used. Saltwater conditions
and hard running Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon demand the best of your equipement. Quality anodized reels with smooth drag
systems, larger arbors, and capacity for at least 150 yards of 20 pound test backing. Floating
Saltwater Fly line with fluorocarbon leaders ranging from 9' to 12' in 10, 12, 15 and 20 lb. test.
You should also have tippet ranging from 8 lb. to 15 lb. test. Smaller shrimp patterns in tan and pink are Belize Bonefish favorites. Crab patters are very effective for Belize Permit. Typical Tarpon patterns are also a staple for Belize Tarpon. Clousers and snook patterns are also effective in the rivers, creeks and mangrove lagoons. This is a remote tropical destination with limited/no opportunity to purchase gear so you need to come prepared
to make the most out of your fishing trip.
Click here for the customized list of everything you need for the trip.
Call or e-mail us and we'll be happy to assist you!
Non-Angling Activities:
For non-anglers, the offshore atolls of Belize are consistently rated among 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 for a dive package. Dive vacations can also include a day trip to Lighthouse Reef to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall, and Long Caye. Small dive groups of four to eight are the norm at Turneffe Flats, and the program emphasizes personalized service and maximum flexibility. PADI & SDI Instruction is available on-site, and the lodge offers a wide range of courses including Discover programs and Advanced Diver Certification. For non-divers, they have also developed a snorkeling and adventure package that over time has evolved into a diversified marine ecotourism experience with multiple activities from which to choose. World-class snorkeling is a mainstay of this package with a number of different opportunities available. For wildlife enthusiasts, there have been over 60 bird species identified on the atoll, and looking for manatees and bottlenose dolphins is exciting and fun. Learn about the fascinating history of Turneffe and the people of Belize, from the Maya who fished and traded on the Atoll as far back as 400 A.D. to the pirates who used Turneffe as a favored hideout. Sign up for a Belizean cooking class or simply relax in a hammock under the coconut palms. The possibilities for this fantastic beach vacation are endless! The lodge’s “Atoll Adventure Guides” are informative and fun, and a 25-foot, twin-engine boat is at the lodge’s disposal, allowing you access to the atoll’s entire marine ecosystem. For non-anglers or those who simply want to mix things up, this is a very flexible package that is completely adapted to the desires of guests on a day-to-day basis.
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Other Information / Testimonials:
As the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean, the Turneffe Atoll is one of the most productive and sensitive marine ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere. Through “1% for THE PLANET”, Turneffe Flats commits 1% of their annual revenue to organizations promoting conservation and sustainability of coastal marine habitats such as the Turneffe Atoll.
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"The experience completely exceeded our expectations. The lodge, the staff and the fishery were all world-class!”
- Jim H. of Chicago, IL
"The entire Turneffe experience was excellent. I look forward to returning next year - if I can wait that long! I've fished throughout the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, and in Mexico. This was by far the best trip I've taken."
- Frank P. of Wilmington, NC
"This is truly a top notch fishing and diving venue. One I would highly recommend. The staff and management could not have been more accommodating.”
- Ann and Garth J. of Citrus Heights, CA
"Turneffe was everything you told us it would be - great fishing, awesome environment, fantastic food, and solid accommodations. In fact, there were many more intangibles that made it even more special. For example, the lodge staff is first rate and the owners are great at tailoring the right experience for everyone. My wife was able to spend three days on the boat with me and then spend the rest of the week exploring with the most amazing nature guide I have ever seen (Abel). I think the non-fishing aspect of the lodge is not publicized the way it should be... What a great asset they have there! The lodge also arranged a short Mayan site visit while we were waiting for the flight out on Saturday. In all, awesome time. Not sure when the next trip will fit, but we'll be coming back to work with you again."
- Lance F. of Port Hueneme, CA
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