Turneffe Flats is home to some of the most experienced fly fishing guides in Belize. These English-speaking local guides bring decades of experience on Turneffe Atoll and are experts at spotting and stalking bonefish, permit, and tarpon across the atoll’s flats and channels.

Their deep knowledge of local tides and fish behavior helps anglers quickly find productive water, whether wade fishing near the lodge or exploring remote areas. Professional, patient, and encouraging, Turneffe Flats guides provide expert instruction and a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Fly Fishing at Turneffe Flats

Turneffe Atoll is one of the world’s premier saltwater fly fishing destinations, with bonefish, permit, and tarpon dominating the flats. Covering 250 square miles of shallow, crystal-clear flats, anglers can wade or fish from skiffs while stalking these trophy species.

Conventional & Spin Fishing

Turneffe Flats also offers exceptional conventional fishing opportunities for anglers using spinning rods or baitcasting gear. Target species include tarpon, snook, jacks, snapper, grouper, and barracuda, with techniques ranging from trolling and popping to live or bait fishing around deeper channels, mangroves, and reef edges.

Conventional fishing is perfect for families, mixed groups, or anglers seeking variety beyond fly fishing, providing a flexible and rewarding experience in the pristine waters of Turneffe Atoll.

• Bonefish – The primary target on the flats, found year-round.

• Permit – Challenging and prized, usually found on sand flats and near structure.

• Tarpon – Often in larger schools, especially in spring and early summer.

Turneffe Flats offers air-conditioned accommodations on the Caribbean Sea, perfect for anglers, divers, families, and adventure travelers. All rooms feature private bathrooms and stunning views of Turneffe Atoll’s reef and flats.

• Beach Cabanas: Spacious beachfront cabanas with two queen beds, private bathrooms, and ocean-view decks.

• Reef Villa: Three-bedroom beachfront villa with private baths, living area, kitchenette, and top reef views.

• Garden Villa: Three-bedroom villa with private baths, common area, and garden and sea views, ideal for larger groups.

• Pelican Villa: Two-bedroom, two-bath luxury villa with living space, kitchenette/bar, private entrances, and reef views.

Turneffe Flats is open year-round with warm temperatures and excellent fishing conditions. Bonefish and permit are abundant throughout the year, with permit fishing most consistent when winds are steady.

Tarpon are seasonal, peaking from April through August, making June to August the best time for a flats “Grand Slam” — catching bonefish, permit, and tarpon in the same trip.

Belize enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, with average air temperatures in the mid‑70s to mid‑90s. The rainy season runs June to November, but offshore atolls like Turneffe are less affected, ensuring great fishing almost any time of year.

Turneffe Flats Packages & Rates

Peak Season

December 20, 2025 – July 25, 2026 | 7 nights / 6 days guided fishing (Saturday–Saturday)

Guided Fishing Packages:

• Two anglers per boat & room: $6,578.26 p.p.

• One angler per boat & room: $9,073.75 p.p.

• Fishing + Diving Combo: $6,795.25 p.p.

• Diving Package: $4,299.76 p.p.

• Non-Angler sharing room: $3,974.25 p.p.

• Atoll Adventure: $4,137 p.p.

Low Season

July 25 – December 19, 2026 | 7 nights / 6 days guided fishing (Saturday–Saturday)

Guided Fishing Packages:

• Two anglers per boat & room: $5,818.76 p.p.

• One angler per boat & room: $8,422.26 p.p.

• Fishing + Diving Combo: $6,144.26 p.p.

• Diving Package: $3,930.86 p.p.

• Non-Angler sharing room: $3,757.26 p.p.

• Atoll Adventure: $3,865.76 p.p.

Partial Week (4 nights / 3 days) – available year-round:

• Two anglers per boat & room: $3,986.85 p.p.

• One angler per boat & room: $5,614.35 p.p.

• Fishing + Diving Combo: $4,203.85 p.p.

• Diving Package: $2,793.35 p.p.

• Non-Angler sharing room: $2,359.35 p.p.

• Atoll Adventure: $2,684.85 p.p.

Shorter 2- and 3-day packages are also available.
Note: Off-schedule arrivals/departures may incur additional airport transfer fees.

Fly Rod & Reel Recommendations at Turneffe Flats

Bonefish

• Rod: 7–9 wt saltwater fly rod

• Reel: Saltwater reel with 150–200 yds of 20 lb backing

• Line: Tropical weight‑forward floating
  Ideal for stalking fast, shallow-water bonefish on the flats.

Permit

• Rod: 9–10 wt fly rod

• Reel: Saltwater reel with ~200 yds of 20 lb backing

• Line: Weight‑forward floating
  Heavier rods turn over larger crab and shrimp patterns, even in windy conditions.

Tarpon

• Rod: 11–12 wt fly rod

• Reel: Saltwater reel with 200–300 yds of 30 lb backing

• Line: Intermediate or sink-tip
  Powerful setup designed to handle strong tarpon runs and fast, acrobatic fish.

Standard guest capacity: The lodge can accommodate up to 16 anglers per week, which represents the maximum number of fishing guests on a typical full-week package. This corresponds to its 16 guest rooms (8 cabanas and villas), allowing for 16 guests to stay comfortably at one time.

Custom 16‑foot Dolphin Super Skiffs, designed specifically for flats fishing on Turneffe Atoll. These skiffs are tiller‑steered and built in the U.S., with comfortable casting decks, lean bars for poling in shallow water, rod holders, and dry storage. All boats are equipped with VHF radios, GPS tracking, and safety gear to support a full day on the water targeting bonefish, permit, tarpon, and other species.

Getting to Turneffe Flats

Fly Into Belize City
Most guests arrive at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), with direct flights from major U.S. hubs including Miami, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Newark. After clearing customs and collecting luggage, a Turneffe Flats representative will meet you for your transfer to the marina.

Transfer to the Marina
A short van or taxi ride takes you to the Radisson Fort George Marina in Belize City. There’s usually time to relax with a drink or snack while waiting for the boat departure.

Boat Ride to Turneffe Atoll
The lodge’s 90-minute boat transfer takes you through offshore cayes, across the Barrier Reef, and into the central lagoon of Turneffe Atoll. Guests should plan to arrive in Belize City in time for the scheduled boat, typically on Saturday or Wednesday.

Departure Back to Belize City
On your final day, the boat leaves around 7:30–8:00 AM, arriving at the marina by 9:00–9:30 AM for airport transfers. Flights should be after 11:30 AM to allow check-in time.

Travel Tips

• Arrive by mid-afternoon (around 3:30 PM) on your arrival day to ensure a smooth transfer.

• If flights are delayed, the lodge can assist with overnight accommodations in Belize City and alternative boat arrangements (at your cost).

The Packages Include:
• • Saturday and Wednesday airport transfers
• Double-occupancy lodging
• Meals and appetizers at the Lodge
• Guided activities based on package
• Use of pool, sit-on-top kayaks, and gym
• Limited Wi-Fi

The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Belize City
• Special charters to the Lodge on days other than Saturday and Wednesdays
• Alcohol
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• In-room massages at the Lodge
• Fishing equipment rentals
• Marine Reserve Fee, $50 p.p.
• Fishing license, $25 p.p.
• Blue Hole diving fee, $40 p.p.
• Items purchased in the lodge’s gift shop or fly shop
• Belize Departure Tax
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.