Turneffe Atoll, Belize (Central America)
Year-Round
Maximum c apacity at Turneffe Flats is 16 anglers and another 12 non-anglers per week
Bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, jacks, snapper, more
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 the number one largest and most consistent booking agent working with Turneffe Flats.
















LENGTH OF STAY
Standard package is a six day / seven night package (Saturday to Saturday.) Partial week packages are available with some restrictions. Please call Yellow Dog for details.
FISHING INFORMATION
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!
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, Abel and Patagonia, and sells small items such as flies, leaders, tippet and fly lines.
THE LODGE
Individual, air-conditioned guest rooms are located on the beach, and all offer panoramic views of Turneffe's nearby coral reef. All of the rooms are furnished with one queen-size bed and one extra-long single bed. Each room has a large private bath with two sinks and a shower.
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.
2010 RATES
The following rates are effective December 26, 2009 through December 29, 2010.
Standard Saturday to Saturday Packages |
Double Occupancy Fishing and Lodging (Per Person) |
+ Belize Resort and Sales Taxes |
TOTAL Cost of Turneffe Flats Fishing Package |
Dec 26 - May 28 |
$3,660 |
+ $289.05 |
$3,949.05 |
May 28 - Aug 28 |
$3,460 |
+ $272.05 |
$3,732.05 |
Aug 28 - Dec 18 |
$3,140 |
+ $244.85 |
$3,384.85 |
Dec 22 - Dec 29 |
$3,660 |
+ $289.05 |
$3,949.05 |
Other Packages |
Cost Per Person |
+ Belize Resort and Sales Taxes |
TOTAL Cost of Package |
Single Angler Rate |
$4,620-$4,960 |
$353.50 - $382.04 |
$4,973.50 - $5,342.40 |
Non-Angler Rate |
$1,729 |
$124.92 |
$1,853.92 |
Atoll Adventure Rate |
$1,765-$1,875 |
$127.98- $137.33 |
$1,892.98 - $2,012.23 |
Diving Rate |
$2,025 - $2,325 |
$150.08 - $175.58 |
$2,175.08 - $2,500.58 |
Fishing & Diving Combo Rate |
$3,300 - $3,800 |
$258.45 - $300.95 |
$3,558.45 - $4,100.95 |
2011 RATES
The following rates are effective January 1, 2011 through December 28, 2011.
Standard Saturday to Saturday Packages |
Double Occupancy Fishing and Lodging (Per Person) |
+ Belize Resort and Sales Taxes |
TOTAL Cost of Turneffe Flats Fishing Package |
Jan 1 - May 28 |
$3,600 |
+ $283.95 |
$3,883.95 |
May 28 - Aug 27 |
$3,460 |
+ $272.05 |
$3,732.05 |
Aug 27 - Dec 21 |
$3,140 |
+ $244.85 |
$3,384.85 |
Dec 21 - Dec 28 |
$3,600 |
+ $289.05 |
$3,889.05 |
Other Packages |
Cost Per Person |
+ Belize Resort and Sales Taxes |
TOTAL Cost of Package |
Single Angler Rate |
$4,240-$4,760 |
$321.20 - $365.04 |
$4,561.20 - $5,125.40 |
Non-Angler Rate |
$1,695 |
$122.03 |
$1,817.03 |
Atoll Adventure Rate |
$1,895 |
$139.03 |
$2,034.03 |
Diving Rate |
$1,945 - $2,095 |
$143.28 - $156.09 |
$2,088.28 - $2,251.03 |
Fishing & Diving Combo Rate |
$3,275 - $3,795 |
$256.33 - $300.53 |
$3,531.33 - $4,095.53 |
* Remember that our services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter.
** TURNEFFE FLAT'S 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1 BEGINS JUNE 26, 2010! **
Turneffe will once again be offering their 2-anglers-for-the-price-of-1-single-angler deal beginning June 26, 2010 and good for all trips June 26 - December 18, 2010. Instead of a cost of $3,949.05 per angler, two anglers can now book for the low price of $2,671.20 per person based on double occupancy. This is a savings of $1,277.85 per person! Book today to reserve prime dates and the best guides. Contact Yellow Dog today for available dates and details.
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.
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.
OTHER INFORMATION
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.
TESTIMONIALS
"The experience completely exceeded our expectations. The lodge, the staff and the fishery were all world-class!”
- Jim H.
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.
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.
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.
Port Hueneme, CA