A wonderful experience at Turneffe Flats Lodge for Rhett M.!
Did you find the trip booking process through Yellow Dog enjoyable and useful? If not, please share why.
- Yes - it was friendly, easy, thorough, and very helpful in preparing for (and during) the trip. All staff were fantastic in answering questions (first salt flats trip) and providing support. Shout-out to Alec Gerbec for all of his help in getting me rigged up during an August trip to the fly shop, and Matt Kelsic for Q&A and pre-trip check-in. All of the YD staff are excellent.
Were the Yellow Dog pre-trip planning packet(s) and travel itinerary you received for your trip helpful and accurate? If not, how could it be improved?
- Yes - they are excellent and easy to read. The one-pager format where possible was super convenient and easy to print those relevant pages that I wanted to bring along. I'm a list guy, and appreciate the thorough approach.
Did the lodging (rooms, dining area, social area, etc) match what you were expecting? If not, please provide additional comments or constructive feedback.
- The rooms exceeded my expectations for this relatively remote destination. Large, well-lit and air conditioned, and fair amount of useful counter space. The other areas (dining, social, etc.) were quite nice. The pool area and surrounding deck, chairs, tables, made for a great place to socialize outside with the group after the fishing day- very much appreciated since I arrived at this destination as a solo but got to make some new fishy friends.
Did the food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) match what you were expecting? If not, please provide additional comments or constructive feedback.
- The food was fine-good. Breakfast was what I expected - better if started earlier so not rushing to eat before fishing departure. Ate lunch on the boat - they were packaged great and easy to eat quickly so as to get back to fishing asap. Dinner time was great for pre-meal drinks and socializing, with a well-organized start time and presentation.
Do you have any comments or constructive feedback based on the service, friendliness, etc of the lodge staff?
- The service and friendliness exceeded my expectations - everyone couldn't have been more hospitable. Craig and Karen (and Angel) were excellent hosts, making sure to talk with everyone and spend time at everyone's tables during dinners. Truly a well-managed property with great leadership and positive morale amongst staff. Felt like home away from home, and an easy place to make new friends.
Were you pleased with your guide(s) customer service, communication skills, professionalism, work ethic, and general fishing knowledge? If not, please share why.
- The guide (Daniel) was great. He spoke softly but communicated well, was always early and did what he promised, and very knowledgeable about where to go and how to deal with changing conditions. Went out of his way to help me get dialed in to flats fishing, even repairing my broken rod tip one evening. He taught me tons about how to fish properly for each of the target species. Very professional and patient.
What key piece(s) of gear, tackle, flies, soft goods, etc. made your trip successful?
- The Patagonia River Salt II wading boots (with neoprene socks) were an awesome recommendation by YD and truly made a difference during my week of wading. Skwala sol hoodies and sol wading pants kept me very comfortable in the warm temperatures.
Would you return to this destination? Please share why or why not.
- Yes - in a heart beat. Traveling often as a solo, TFL does an excellent job with hospitality and in facilitating social interaction amongst guests. And the fact that this results in supporting their mission and sustainable approach makes it all the more compelling.
About the Lodge: Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as Belize’s premier saltwater fly fishing, scuba diving, and marine eco-tourism destination; and we are proud to have worked with them for two decades. Located on the beautiful Turneffe Atoll in the Caribbean, the resort specializes in superior flats fishing, diving, guided snorkeling, and other eco-tours for a limited number of guests. Their fishing and reef adventure programs create the ideal destination for anglers and their non-angling companions.
