Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as one of Belize's premier saltwater fly fishing, SCUBA diving and marine ecotourism destinations. It is located on the Turneffe Atoll, the largest and most biologically diverse coral atoll in the Caribbean. Set on the northeastern side of the atoll, on a private point with white sand beach, the lodge offers great vistas and a bonefish flat right outside the door. The lodge is ideally located to enjoy all of Turneffe's 250 square miles of expansive flats, healthy coral reef and remarkably rich marine habitat.
Awaken in your air-conditioned beachfront cabana to see the sun rising out of the ocean, a cup of coffee in your hand as you contemplate the fishing ahead. You are surrounded by an incredible tropical seascape of white sand beach, expansive bonefish flats, lush mangroves and surf breaking over the reef for miles in either direction.

Turneffe Flats was started in 1981 by current owners Craig and Karen Hayes. From is rustic beginnings as a fishing and diving camp it has become one of the Caribbean's premier saltwater fly fishing and diving destinations. The diversity of the saltwater flats fishing sets them apart from other destinations, with the opportunity to catch bonefish, permit and tarpon on a given day for a Flats Grand Slam.

Bonefishing is a mainstay of the fishing, with miles of crystal clear, wadeable flats. While wading Turneffe's extensive turtle grass flats, you will sight-fish to large schools of bonefish as well as to smaller groups and singles. Bonefishing remains consistently good throughout the year.

Increasing numbers of saltwater anglers have developed a serious and fanatical interest in permit fishing. Turneffe Flats is one of the special saltwater destinations where you can experience the excitement of flats fishing for tailing permit and have a reasonable opportunity to catch one. Good permit fishing is available throughout the year, with the best beginning with the warmer weather of spring.

Because tarpon are migratory, they are by nature seasonal. Although some tarpon are around throughout the year, the prime season generally begins in mid-to-late April and continues to mid-October with June, July and August generally being the best months. Most of the migratory tarpon are in the 70-90 pound range, but a few 100-200 pound monsters are seen each year.

Atoll Adventure
Because there are so many wonderful things to see and do at Turneffe, they have developed a marine ecotourism vacation. Incredible snorkeling is the mainstay of this package with a wide variety of snorkeling choices. More than 60 bird species have been identified on the Turneffe atoll and seeing West Indian Manatees or Bottlenose Dolphins is exciting and fun. Learn the fascinating history of the Turneffe Atoll from with the Maya, who fished and traded on the Turneffe Atoll as far back as 400 A.D., to the Pirates of the Caribbean who used Turneffe as a favored hideout. You can also join a Belizean cooking class or just relax in a hammock under the coconut palms.

The Atoll Adventure guides are informative and fun, and a 25-foot boat is at your day’s schedule is centered around the fishing. The guides are very knowledgeable and the staff and managers offer a hospitality that makes you want to return.