Turneffe Island Resort, Belize
Discover fly fishing at Turneffe Island Resort
Whether you are wading or your guide is poling the flats, large schools of bonefish are a common occurrence along the miles of hard coral and soft grass flats on either side of the southern end of Turneffe Atoll. Turneffe Island Resort is the most comfortable operation available on this pristine atoll and ideal for the fly fisherman and his family.
Some of the world’s best flats
Many flats hold resident bonefish that will tail in the deeper water scattered along the inside reef flats. Bonefish are mostly in the two to four pound range but if you move out of the schooling fish and work the backsides of the flats you will find much larger fish of eight to ten pounds.
Permit invade the flats as the tide rises and the schools spread out to comb the grass flats and shoals to look for crabs, shrimp and small bait fish. Permit range in size from eight to 12lb up to bruisers over 30lb.
The tarpon season begins in March and lasts well into October with the summer months being the peak season. Tarpon holes are abundant due to the large number of creeks and lagoons that are present on the atoll. The average catch will be 60 to 90lb with larger catches ranging from 100 to 130lb. Most casting is to the sound of rolling tarpon as they come up in the early morning or late evening to feed.
Relax and enjoy the sea breeze
Each room in the resort has a queen bed, private bath and shower, air conditioning, and ceiling fans. Rooms with two beds are also available upon request. To ensure your added comfort, all windows have screens and may be opened to enjoy the ocean breeze. Accommodation comprises eight deluxe rooms, four superior rooms and 13 private villas.
The deluxe guestrooms are just steps from the dive and tackle shops so you can walk along the white sand path to your next adventure in a matter of seconds every morning after breakfast. The superior guestrooms are perched atop four of the deluxe guestrooms and are easily accessible from the docks. With a private staircase they offer heightened privacy and lovely ocean views. The private cabanas are located on the oceanfront, nestled between the coconut palms. The interior of each cabana from floor to ceiling is constructed from Belizean mahogany. Alongside these is a selection of private villas which offer a little more privacy and space. The latest additions are three ‘sunset villas’. Each of these has a sweeping view of the Caribbean Sea, a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, expansive screened porch and direct beach access. The cosy mahogany interiors boast a king bed, seating area and provide a perfect refuge after a day of ocean adventures.
Meals that you may never forget include snapper with lemon nut crust, coconut shrimp, fillet of beef, or grilled lobster. For those who do not wish to fish or dive activities include snorkelling, kayaking, sailing or just kick back in a hammock and relax.
“This trip was double bonus for me: I caught my first permit (and second) when staying at Turneffe Island Lodge and my wife, who doesn’t fish, had a great time while I was off trying to break my duck” L.B.
Gorgeous views and white sand beaches
Turneffe Island Resort is located on a private island on the southern tip of the Turneffe Atoll approximately 30 miles off the mainland of Belize. It has gorgeous views of white sand beaches and the Caribbean Sea, and is reached by 90 minute boat ride.