Nestled amidst the turquoise waters of Belize’s Turneffe Atoll, Turneffe Flats Lodge stands as an angler’s paradise, offering an unparalleled fly fishing experience for the discerning fisherman. This remote haven beckons those who seek the thrill of the chase, where elusive bonefish and permit await in abundance. Here, amid the radiant Caribbean sun and gentle tropical breezes, your angling dreams will take flight, and the shimmering flats of Turneffe Atoll will become your canvas for unforgettable adventures in pursuit of the most coveted catches of the season.
Permit fly fishing at Turneffe Flats Lodge in Belize is truly exceptional and lures anglers from around the world. The Turneffe Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its thriving flats, making it a prime destination for permit enthusiasts. Here, permit fishing is characterized by several distinctive features:
- Prime habitat: Turneffe Atoll offers a diverse and extensive habitat for permit. The expansive flats, grassy bottoms, and intricate channels create an ideal environment for these elusive fish to thrive. The atoll’s pristine and relatively unpressured waters mean that the permit population remains healthy and abundant.
- Experienced guides: The lodge employs a team of seasoned and knowledgeable fishing guides who know the waters of Turneffe Atoll intimately. These guides are experts at spotting permit, known for their camouflage and wariness, and will offer invaluable advice and support throughout your angling adventure.
- Challenging pursuit: Permit are often referred to as the “holy grail” of flats fishing due to their selective nature and sharp eyesight. These fish are known for their skittish behaviour and cautious approach to flies, making them a challenging target. Anglers at Turneffe Flats can expect a thrilling pursuit as they stalk these wily creatures in shallow waters.
- High catch rates: Despite the challenge, Turneffe Atoll boasts some of the highest permit catch rates in the world. The combination of ideal habitat, expert guides, and well-maintained equipment increases your chances of landing a permit. Whether you are a seasoned angler or new to the sport, you’ll have opportunities to test your skills and potentially achieve that coveted permit catch.
- Year-round availability: While permit fishing is excellent year-round in Belize, the autumn and spring months often see larger numbers of these fish congregating on the flats. The lodge’s strategic location ensures that you have access to prime permit fishing grounds during your stay.
- Conservation-focused approach: Turneffe Flats Lodge takes conservation seriously and practices catch and release for permit. This commitment helps sustain the thriving permit population and ensures that future generations of anglers can also enjoy the thrill of pursuing these prized fish.
In summary, permit fly fishing at Turneffe Flats Lodge in Belize is an exhilarating experience that combines challenging angling with the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean.
Bonefishing at Turneffe Flats Lodge in Belize is an angler’s dream come true. The lodge is situated in the heart of prime bonefish territory, surrounded by vast, shallow flats and intricate mangrove channels that teem with these lightning-fast fish. With skilled guides to assist, you can embark on thrilling pursuits as you stalk schools of bonefish. Present your fly with precision and you’ve a great chance of experiencing the excitement of hooking up with one of these athletic ‘silver ghosts’.
Competitively priced, Turneffe Flats offers that island paradise fishing experience that many of us seek. The lodge also caters well for non-fishing partners providing a swimming pool overlooking the flats along with excellent snorkelling and diving. The social centre for Turneffe Flats is the air-conditioned lodge. There are eight spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms located on the beach, each with panoramic views of Turneffe’s coral reef. There are also three villas for larger groups and families. All rooms are furnished with a queen size beds and an extra-long single bed and en-suite bathrooms.
Here are our five reasons for choosing to stay at Turneffe Flats Lodge:
- Owners Craig & Karen Hayes live on the island – Although this might sound a little odd as a reason to visit somewhere, once you are there it all becomes clear. Having started the operation in 1981, Craig and Karen are still there to welcome and look after their guests. Over the years they have assembled a team of like-minded individuals and developed an incredible service ethic that immediately makes you feel at home. That nothing is too much trouble allows you to truly relax.
- Turneffe Atoll is a stunning location – As one of the largest atolls in the western hemisphere, Turneffe is an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem. It has been heavily protected and offers superb fishing opportunities along with amazing snorkelling and diving.
- Flats fishing for tailing bonefish – Turneffe Flats is one of few places in the world where it is possible to wade for tailing bonefish. There is nothing as exciting as sneaking up on a tailing fish in skinny water and watching its reaction to a fly. It is also possible to pick a rod up in the evening and wade out onto the Home Flat right in front of the lodge, which is extremely rare.
- Variety – As well as the prolific bonefish population that can be hunted on the coral edges and the mangrove lined beaches, Turneffe Atoll is also one of the world’s permit hotspots. At certain times of year there is also the strong possibility of bumping into migratory tarpon, big barracuda, and triggerfish.
- Comfortable accommodation – Aside from the beautifully appointed air-conditioned beachfront cabanas Turneffe flats also offers several villa options which are ideal for families wishing for their own space. If you’re interested in travelling as a family group, you might like to have a look at this blog Charlotte Opperman wrote after a recent trip.
2024 Availability
2025 Availability
7 night / 6 day options
2024 cost for above dates is from US$5,276 per person based on double occupancy including taxes, US$7,554 for single occupancy, single guide and boat including taxes.
For those diving, cost is from US$3,648 per person based on double occupancy including tax. The Atoll Adventure package is from US$3,540 per person based on double occupancy including tax.
2025 cost for above dates is from US$6,361 per person based on double occupancy including taxes, US$8,748 for single occupancy, single guide and boat including taxes.
For those diving, cost is from US$4,191 per person based on double occupancy including tax. The Atoll Adventure package is from US$3,974 per person based on double occupancy including tax.
If you are looking for a shorter stay, in order to combine Turneffe Flats with elsewhere in Belize, then 4 night/3 day and 3 night/2 day options are also available.
For more information on Turneffe Flats Lodge please contact Peter McLeod or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389