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For decades the Turneffe Islands have been known as a premier flats fishing destination. The ocean side flats offer miles of pristine, wadable flats, whereas the inner soft flats are best fished from the lodge's custom built flats skiffs.

The Turneffe Atoll is noted for it's variety of saltwater fishing. The availability of bonefish, permit and tarpon make Turneffe Flats one of the rare spots in the world offering a legitimate shot at a GRAND SLAM. In addition, Turneffe offers an opportunity for several less-traditional saltwater species.

Bonefishing at Turneffe Flats offers something for anglers of all levels of experience. Novice saltwater anglers see hundreds of fish per day providing a great opportunity to learn the basics of flats fishing. Experienced saltwater anglers find plenty of challenging fishing, particularly fishing to smaller schools and larger singles.

The ocean side flats are some of the most picturesque, wadeable flats anywhere, containing large schools of bonefish as well as smaller schools and singles. Fish in these large schools average 3-4 pounds with some 8-12 pound bonefish.

Bonefish also inhabit the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the Turneffe Atoll. These bonefish are generally larger and take flies more readily than the ocean side fish, although they tend to be on the move, and casting accuracy is more crucial. Fishing for these fish is mostly done from the bow of one of the lodge's 16' Dolphin Superskiffs.

Permit are a primary objective of many anglers at Turneffe Flats. On the bars and flats within the Turneffe system, you can expect plenty of shots at permit averaging 10-15 pounds. You can also expect to see some 20-40 pound permit. Permit fishing at Turneffe is primarily done from a poled skiff, although there are occasional opportunities to wade for permit.

In season, Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the Atoll. Most tarpon jumped are 60-90 pounds, with some fish in the 100-130 pound range. Most of the tarpon fishing is to rolling fish with limited sight fishing.

Tarpon fishing is quite seasonal as tarpon are migratory. Tarpon numbers begin to increase in April or May and drop off in September or October with peak tarpon months being June, July, and August. There are a few "resident" tarpon around Turneffe throughout the year.

Accommodations: The large, comfortable guest rooms are located on the beach with a panoramic view of the reef. CENTRAL AIR-CONDITIONING is standard in all rooms. Each room is furnished with one queen size bed and one single bed. All rooms have private baths with two sinks and a shower.

Main Lodge: The social center for Turneffe Flats is the main lodge building where meals are served. A pre-dinner gathering for hors d'oeuvres and drinks is customary. The large breezy verandah is a wonderful place to enjoy the evening.

2007-2008 Season Rates:

Fishing Packages: (per person, double occupancy, Saturday to Saturday. Not including air fare and taxes.)

* Partial Week Packages are available with some restrictions.
* Single Supplement Packages (private boat, guide and room) are available on request.

                                      Photos © Turneffe Flats, Terry Gunn, John Eustice