Turneffe Flats, Belize

Getting to Turneffe Flats is an experience in itself. With easy, short flights out of Denver, Atlanta, and Houston into Belize City it makes getting to this untouched location way too convenient. After arriving in Belize City, you are greeted by a driver from Turneffe Flats who takes you to a marina for a scenic boat ride across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. This travel sets the tone for the week ahead: easy, epic, and enjoyable. The ride out to the lodge builds anticipation with every passing mile—watching the vast flats come into view, spotting diving birds, and glimpsing a tailing fish or dolphin along the way heightens the excitement for what’s to come. By the time you arrive to the dock, you’re more than ready to hit the water. The sight of an endless flat stretching to the horizon right in front of the lodge really gets the heart racing!

After settling in, we gathered for an orientation, where the guides broke down the week’s plan and what to expect on the water. With a mix of seasoned saltwater anglers and first-timers in the group, the excitement was palpable—especially when we headed back to our cabanas to get things rigged for the first morning of fishing!

The Fishing: Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon

Each day began with a hearty breakfast before heading out with our guides on skiffs, searching for the holy grail of flats fishing: bonefish, permit, and tarpon.

Bonefish: Turneffe is loaded with bonefish, and they provide the perfect warm-up for the week. Sight-fishing for these silver ghosts in ankle-deep water is pure excitement. Even experienced anglers quickly remember that their speed and power are no joke, as each hookup led to blistering runs across the flats.

Permit: If bonefish are the warm-up, permit are the heartbreaker. Throughout the week, we had multiple shots at these elusive fish, but as any permit angler knows, nothing is guaranteed. However, after plenty of rejections and some serious patience, a few in our group managed to connect, making for unforgettable moments.

Tarpon: The deeper lagoons and channels surrounding Turneffe hold impressive numbers of tarpon. We spent one morning chasing rolling fish at sunrise, and there’s nothing quite like watching a silver king inhale a fly before launching into the air. While landing them is another story, every encounter left us wanting more.

While the fishing at Turneffe Flats is the main attraction, the lodge offers more than just time on the water. Evenings were spent swapping stories over fresh seafood and cold drinks, with the sunset painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. 

Beyond the fishing, Turneffe Flats sets itself apart with its deep commitment to conservation. Since 2009, the lodge has played a leading role in protecting this incredible fishery, aiding in the founding of the Turneffe Atoll Trust. This organization works to preserve the atoll’s marine ecosystem, promote catch-and-release fishing, and advocate for sustainable practices. Being part of a program like this inspires all anglers to minimize their impact and appreciate the effort that goes into protecting such a valuable resource. The pride the lodge takes in balancing world-class fishing with responsible stewardship is evident, making it a destination that doesn’t just offer unforgettable experiences—it ensures they’ll be there for future generations of anglers to enjoy.