Turneffe Flats Lodge

Fishing at Turneffe Flats

Turneffe Flats sits on Turneffe Atoll, the largest of only four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere. The diverse fishery provides the opportunity to land bonefish, permit, and tarpon on any given day.

The Atoll
Located 30 miles from mainland Belize, Turneffe Atoll features:

• Crystal-clear, wadeable flats
• Expansive seaward flats for bonefish
• Flats and bars throughout the atoll
• Creeks, channels, and lagoons for tarpon
• Healthy coral reef

Target Species

Bonefish (Albula vulpes)
Consistent mainstay of the fishery.

• Location: Expansive flats on seaward side of Turneffe
• Fishing: Large schools regularly fill the flats
• Opportunities: Perfect for beginner and seasoned saltwater fly anglers
• Challenge: Larger bonefish can be targeted in skinny water

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus)
Turneffe Flats is the permit capital of the world.

• Season: Year-round tailing permit every month
• Fishing: Most done from poled skiffs on flats and bars throughout atoll
• Wading: Opportunities exist
• Encounters: Singles, small groups, and larger schools tailing in shallow water
• Track Record: Many anglers celebrate their first permit here, many return year after year

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
Ultimate challenge of saltwater fly fishing.

• Resident Tarpon: Always around year-round
• Migratory Season: Mid-April through October
• Location: Creeks, channels, and lagoons of the atoll
• Average Size: 60-90 pounds
• Maximum: Up to 200 pounds

Bonus Species

• Snook
• Snapper
• Jacks
• Variety of other species

Turneffe Flats Lodge

Located on a remote, picturesque point featuring white sand beach and coconut palms, Turneffe Flats provides a full-service island experience 30 miles from mainland Belize.

The Main Lodge
The social center of Turneffe Flats:

• Beautiful mahogany bar
• Spacious sitting area
• Dining room
• Upper and lower decks with incredible views
• Perfect spot to enjoy tales of the day and tropical sea breeze

Accommodations
Beach cabanas (double occupancy) provide comfortable island lodging.

Amenities

• Infinity pool
• Sit-on-top kayaks
• Coral reef snorkeling from the dock
• Limited WiFi
• Satellite telephone
• Small conference center
• Massage services (schedule in advance or on-site)
• Small gym
• Satellite television
• Television viewing area

Dining
Meals are a combination of Belizean and International dishes:

Standard Fare:

• Fresh seafood
• Local produce
• Home-baked pastries

Lunch Options:

• Packed lunch on the water
• Return to lodge for lunch (your preference)

Dinner Service:

• Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
• Soup or salad
• Entrée (seafood, chicken, pork, beef - rotated)
• Dessert
• Special dietary needs accommodated

The Bar:
Located in the lodge adjacent to the dining area with plenty of open space to gather after fishing.

Environmental StewardshipTurneffe Flats has long been one of the western Caribbean's most innovative fishing and diving resorts when it comes to green tourism and environmental sustainability. The solar-powered system is one of the largest off-grid solar systems in the Caribbean (100 kilowatts), providing approximately 80% of the island's energy needs and replacing 17,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually.

Travel to Turneffe Flats

International Airport
Belize International Airport (BZE), Belize City

Required Documents:

• Valid passport (does not expire within 6 months of trip dates)
• At least two blank, unstamped pages in passport
• Passport must not be torn, de-laminated, or damaged
• Immigration form (fill out on arriving flight, keep bottom portion for departure)

Transfers Included:

• All regional transfers from airport to Radisson Marina area
• Water taxi from Radisson Marina area to Turneffe Flats (30 miles)

Travel Recommendations:

• Carry change of clothing and necessary personal items (medications) in carry-on bag
• Keep important documents accessible

Front Range Anglers Assistance:FRA will assist with airline tickets, hotels, transfers, and all travel logistics. Contact 877-935-2975 or info@frontrangeanglers.com for airfare ticketing, travel services, and trip insurance details.

Weekly Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival

• Fly to Belize International Airport (BZE)
• Clear customs and immigration
• Transfer to Radisson Marina area
• Water taxi to Turneffe Flats (30 miles, approximately 1 hour)
• Arrive at remote island lodge
• Settle into beach cabana
• Welcome dinner at main lodge
• Trip orientation

Days 2-7 – Fishing Days

• Breakfast at lodge
• Depart for guided flats fishing (2 anglers per skiff)
• Fish crystal-clear wadeable flats for bonefish, permit, tarpon
• Pole flats and bars throughout Turneffe Atoll
• Target tailing permit, large bonefish schools, seasonal tarpon
• Packed lunch on water or return to lodge (your preference)
• Continue fishing through optimal tides
• Return to lodge
• Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
• Dinner featuring Belizean and International cuisine

Day 8 – Departure

• Final breakfast
• Water taxi to Radisson Marina area
• Transfer to Belize International Airport
• Connect to homeward flights

Package Rates

2025 Pricing (based on double occupancy):

High Season (December 31 – July 27):

• 7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing: $5,890 per person

Low Season (June 28 – December 30):

• 7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing: $5,190 per person

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability

What's Included:

• Seven (7) nights lodging (double occupancy in beach cabanas)
• Six (6) days guided fishing (2 anglers per skiff)
• All regional transfers from airport to Radisson Marina area
• Water taxi transfers from Radisson Marina to Turneffe Flats
• All meals
• Non-alcoholic beverages while fishing on the water

Not Included:

• Mainland USA or international flights to Belize
• VAT (Value Added Tax)
• Additional taxes
• Beer and sodas at the lodge
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Belize exit fee ($40)
• Belizean fishing license
• Any incidentals purchased at Turneffe Flats
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Reservation Policy

• At booking: 50% deposit due and payable
• 90 days before trip: Remainder plus VAT and taxes due

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation 90+ days out: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement found)
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless qualified replacement provided
• No refunds for weather, acts of God, or airline/travel issues

Travel Insurance
FRA REQUIRES all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue recommended) and HIGHLY recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

For insurance questions contact: Jessica Minard | 617.210.8106 | jminard@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Belize Experts

Ready to fish the permit capital of the world on Turneffe Atoll? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about Turneffe Flats, permit tactics, travel logistics, and what to expect at this remote island lodge.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Manager
John is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and has extensive saltwater experience. He can provide detailed insights on permit fishing, Turneffe Atoll tactics, and trip preparation.

What We Can Help With:

• Permit fly selection and presentation tactics
• Year-round permit fishing strategies
• Bonefish vs. permit vs. tarpon tackle recommendations
• Seasonal timing (migratory tarpon April–October)
• What to expect at Turneffe Flats
• Atoll Adventure Package options for non-anglers
• Travel logistics and transfers
• Pairing you with compatible trip partners
• Pre-trip preparation and packing consultation

Contact Us:
Email: Johnb@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater gear, test cast permit rods, and talk with our team about your Turneffe Flats adventure.

What to Bring to Turneffe Flats

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 8-9 weight rod for bonefish
• 9-10 weight rod for permit (primary)
• 10-12 weight rod for tarpon
• Floating tropical saltwater lines
• Intermediate lines for permit
• Large arbor reels with strong, smooth drags
• 250+ yards of backing (300+ for tarpon)

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-12 foot leaders (variety of weights)
• Fluorocarbon tippet (10-16 lb bonefish, 12-20 lb permit, 20-40 lb tarpon)

Flies:

Permit:

• Crab patterns essential (Merkins, Del's Merkin, Spawning Mantis) (#2-1/0)
• Tan, olive, brown, white colors
• Variety of weights

Bonefish:

• Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, Squimp (#4-8)
• Shrimp patterns (tan, pink, white)

Tarpon (April–October):

• Large streamers, Toads, Black Death (#2/0-#4/0)
• Black, purple, chartreuse

Wading Gear:

• Flats boots or wading shoes (non-marking soles)

Clothing for Belize Weather

Sun Protection (Essential):

• Long-sleeve sun shirts (UPF-rated, multiple)
• Long fishing pants
• Wide-brim sun hat or cap with neck flap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Polarized sunglasses (bring backup pair—essential for permit)
• Sunglasses retainer/strap
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe)
• Lip balm with SPF

On-Water Clothing:

• Quick-dry pants (light color, long)
• Quick-dry shirts (long sleeve, multiple)
• Light rain jacket (packable)
• Light fleece for boat rides

Evening/Lodge Wear:

• Casual shorts and shirts
• Light pants
• Comfortable sandals or shoes
• Swimsuit for infinity pool

Essential Accessories:

• Waterproof bag/dry bag for gear
• Stripping basket (helpful for permit)
• Fishing pliers
• Wire cutters
• Nail clippers or nippers
• Small flashlight
• Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
• Return flight confirmation
• Immigration form (completed on arrival flight)
• Cash for exit fee ($40), fishing license, gratuities, incidentals

Medications & First Aid:

• Personal medications (carry in carry-on)
• Basic first aid items
• Toiletries and personal care items