TURNEFFE FLATS LODGE BELIZE
DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015
[ TURNEFFE FLATS LODGE ]
CONTENTS 4 6 14 20 22 26
DESTINATION DESCRIPTION
THE FISHING
ACCOMMODATIONS
TRAVEL & ITINERARY
WHEN TO GO
RATES
OUR TRAVEL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE! You the client don’t pay a penny for our travel services! Our destination recommendations, organization, and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge – and oftentimes less expensive than booking direct with a lodge or outfitter. We can assist with every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost!
BOOKING INFORMATION TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5420
TURNEFFE FLATS LODGE QUICK HITS +
LOCATION & TRAVEL
TURNEFFE ATOLL IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MILES FROM MAINLAND BELIZE. Direct flights to Belize City (BZE) are available daily from Dallas, Miami, Houston, New York, and other cities. From Belize City, guests travel by boat 90 minutes to the lodge. +
TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES
Bonefish, permit and tarpon are the predominantly targeted species, but angler will invariably have run-ins with barracudas, jacks, snook, snapper, sharks, and more. Wade-friendly bonefish flats are nearly limitless, and shots for permit and tarpon are a possibility every day. +
SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO
TURNEFFE FLATS IS OPEN YEAR ROUND. Belize’s southerly latitude makes for great winter fishing. While the spring months are the most popular with anglers, the summer months usually have light southeasterly breezes and larger migratory tarpon. Tropical storms can happen anytime June-November with August-October most likely. Autumn months are normally very consistent and similar to spring conditions. +
IS TURNEFFE FLATS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Turneffe Flats is a great destination to consider for folks interested in a Belize trip with a little more solitude. While short weeks are available on a case-by-case basis, their Saturday-Saturday weeklong program is the norm during peak season. Turneffe is considered one of the best permit fisheries in the world, and legions of cooperative bonefish make for a great venue for beginners or novice saltwater anglers to put a bend in the rod. Accommodations are very comfortable and luxurious considering its remoteness, and active non-anglers (especially divers and snorkelers) will be well entertained. +
COST & EXPENSES
7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING = $4237 PER PERSON (JANUARY-JUNE 28) 7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING = $3710 PER PERSON (JUNE 28 – DECEMBER 27) Inquire for shorter week itinerary pricing. Price includes 6 full days of guided fishing, all meals, ground and water transportation. Additional expenses include but are not limited to airfare to Belize City (BZE), gratuities, bar tab, equipment rentals.
THE
DESTINATION
Turneffe Flats Lodge is located on the Eastern (seaward) side of the Turneffe Atoll approximately thirty miles from mainland Belize. The lodge is located on a private picturesque point with coconut palms and white sand beach allowing immediate access to miles of wadeable flats. Although one of the most tenured operations in the Caribbean, Turneffe Island’s fishery is always in the spotlight of the fly-fishing travel industry, with frequent reports of phenomenal angling, updated accommodations, well maintained boats and equipment, and wonderful staff. Owners and operators, Craig and Karen Hayes, have been running Turneffe Flats for over two decades, and have built a well-oiled machine of a fly fishing lodge. It is a true institution and one of the most well respected destinations in the saltwater fly fishing community. Turneffe Island is one of the most beautiful and diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Whether you are wading the miles and miles of Turneffe’s flats, fishing or diving on its enormous reef, or cruising through the vast interior of lagoons and backcountry; you will be blown away by the island’s vibrant life, color, and beauty. Many of our repeat clients will be first to tell you that Turneffe Island is perhaps the prettiest island in the Caribbean. “T-Flats” is a wonderful destination for families, divers, snorkelers, hard-core anglers, or those who just want to hang out on a private white sand beach and read a book.
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THE
FISHING
Saltwater anglers enjoy fishing the waters of Turneffe Atoll because of the wide variety of species available to anglers on a year round basis. Turneffe Island is one of the few places on earth where fisherman can expect to have a good shot at the saltwater “Grand Slam”. Numerous times every season guests come back boasting of landing bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in one day. Turneffe’s unique fishery is a great spot to consider for both beginner flats anglers as well as experienced fly rodders. From wade friendly ocean flats to leeward lagoons or interior flats, the atoll has every style and species of saltwater flats fishing available in the Caribbean.
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BONEFISH Although typically smaller in size than Bahamian bonefish, they are found in large numbers. The majority of the fishing at Turneffe Flats is done wading the ocean side of the island on hard-bottomed white sand or turtle grass flats looking for groups of schooling bonefish. While the ocean side flats are a wade fisherman’s dream, some of these fish can be a bit spooky at times. This technical style of fishing really hones your skills and keeps the interest level high. Fishermen also have the luxury of getting out of the wind by concentrating their efforts in mangrove lagoons or inner flats in calmer water. Most of this interior flats bonefishing is done from the skiff, and
ARGENTINAFLATS TURNEFFE DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - BELIZE - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
anglers typically encounter a bit bigger and more
such names as Cabral and Westby - both big names
solitary fish when compared to the schoolers on
in the Belizean guiding community. They are real
the reef side of the atoll. All boats at Turneffe Flats
deal generational guides – many of which have fished
are standard 16’ Dolphin Superskiffs with poling
Turneffe for over twenty years.
platforms and reliable motors PERMIT TARPON
Many anglers visit Turneffe Flats just for the permit
Tarpon are another species that is prevalent at
fishery. Although there are some wading opportunities
Turneffe Flats Lodge the majority of the year. While
for permit, the preponderance of the permit fishing is
Turneffe should not be considered an exclusive tarpon
done from the skiff in the deeper flats and channels
destination, there are year round opportunities for
surrounding and in the interior lagoon of the island.
resident baby and juvenile tarpon around the atoll.
Like many permit fisheries in the Caribbean, anglers
These fish are most often targeted in the mangroves
should expect consistent opportunity for schooling
and secluded areas of the lagoon both sight casting
permit in the 5-15 pound range, and a few shots at
and throwing to rolling fish. During the summer
larger and more solitary specimens over twenty or
months (May – September) larger adult migratory
even thirty pounds. Presentations can involve small
tarpon filter through the island’s flats, creeks and
crabs in very skinny water for dedicated feeding/
channels, and offer shots for real trophies in the
tailing fish, or spawning shrimp patterns in deeper
50-150 pound range. Tarpon will infrequently show
water for more active cruising targets. Regardless of
themselves laid up or cruising both the flats and along
the fishing conditions for the week, Turneffe Island
the reef as well – making for an exciting incidental
always yields numerous opportunities to tag perhaps
surprise while targeting bonefish or permit.
the greatest of all saltwater flats trophies.
OTHER SPECIES
RENTAL GEAR AVAILABLE
The interior of the Turneffe Atoll offers miles of
The lodge is equipped with quality rental gear
mangrove-lined bays, creeks and lagoons to fish for
including Sage Rods (8, 10, 11 weights), Abel and
various snappers, jacks and barracuda. This can be
Hatch Reels (left and right hand retrieve), as well as
some very exciting saltwater fishing with either a fly
Patagonia and Simms flats boots for those who don’t
rod or spinning gear. Along the reef, wading anglers
want to bring their own gear. The lodge also has a
can also expect to take snappers and jacks by casting
nice fly and gift shop that inventories flies, terminal
deceiver patterns or poppers into the surf. Spending
tackle, sunscreen and some souvenirs.
some time during your stay at Turneffe targeting other species is always fun and usually rewarding. THE GUIDES The guides at Turneffe Flats have a reputation as being some of the best in the business. If you have fished often throughout Belize, you will recognize
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THE
ACCOMMODATIONS
The lodging at Turneffe Flats Lodge is as nice and comfortable as you will find in any organized fishing lodge, and consistent updates have heightened comfort and freshened up each of the lodges cabanas and villas. Guestrooms accommodating 16 anglers per week are about 450 sq. feet and have ample room for guests to unpack and feel at home. All rooms are centrally air-conditioned and each room includes a large, private bath. Furnishings include a queen-sized bed and an extra long single bed. Each of the lodge’s eight double occupancy cabanas has its own verandah overlooking the turquoise water
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of the western Caribbean. There are also two villas (Reef Villa and Garden Villa) offer a little more square footage, a common area with kitchenette, satellite TV and three bedrooms. The Garden Villa also has a small exercise facility on the bottom floor as well as a meeting area that works well for business or family oriented gatherings. The main lodge is fully air-conditioned facility where guests take meals and relax at the bar. The bar is well stocked with most liquor, red and white wine, and the local Belikin beer. Three meals are served daily and consist of traditional Belizean fare of
ARGENTINAFLATS TURNEFFE DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - BELIZE - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
seafood and fresh local produce. There is a beautiful swimming pool and two large upper and lower decks attached to the lodge that are great spots to enjoy the gorgeous view and a cocktail. A gift / fly shop is adjacent to the main dining room and sells souvenirs, some flies and terminal tackle, sunscreen, and a few other necessities you may have forgotten. The property sits on a gorgeous sandy point on the northeastern side of Turneffe Atoll with an idyllic view of the reef out front. The grounds surrounding the property are always well manicured and well kept, and there is not another soul around other than the other handful of guests at the lodge. If you have not had enough fishing after a full day on the water, the expansive flat in front of the lodge is home to several happy schools of bonefish for you to chase in the late afternoon. Some of the best bonefishing sessions occur unguided, after cocktail hour, as the sun is fading over the island. CAPACITY 16 Anglers Per Week
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TRAVEL & ITINERARY
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ARGENTINAFLATS TURNEFFE DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - BELIZE - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
Guests at Turneffe Flats fly into the capital of Belize, Belize City. Belize City is serviced by both American and United Airlines from most major U.S. cities. Once in Belize City, guests are met and escorted to the dock in the city harbor to board a comfortable, forty-eight foot, closed cabin power boat for a ninety-minute and scenic ride to the island. Turneffe Flats Lodge can easily be reached in half a day with a direct three-hour flight from Dallas, Houston or Miami.
SAMPLE ITINERARY Turneffe Flats Typically operated on a seven night / six day package based on a Saturday - Saturday itinerary. Package costs are based upon this schedule, however three night / two day and four night / three day itineraries are available under some circumstances. Please inquire for details. SATURDAY Travel to Belize City. Upon arrival in Belize City, you will be met and escorted to a local marina for the ninety-minute boat ride to the island. No guided activities planned on day of arrival. SUNDAY - FRIDAY Fishing, Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Beach Combing, Knapping, Eating and Drinking Days! DEPARTURE DAY After breakfast guests are transported by boat back to Belize City for commercial connection home.
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WHEN TO GO Turneffe Flats is open year round, and Turneffe Atoll enjoys excellent fishing conditions more or less all season long. Belize has a subtropical climate that is uniformly hot and humid, although it is tempered by the trade winds. The dry season is from February to March with another brief spell during August, while the hurricane season is from late July to October. Temperatures during the summer months can become extremely warm, and anglers who are especially bothered by heat may want to consider avoiding the summer heat. However, do know that Turneffe Flats does have comfortable fully air conditioned facilities to get out of the heat on a hot summer day.
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A comfortable southeasterly trade wind blows throughout most of the year, and tends to pick up in February and March. June is called the ‘rainy season’ in Belize but this relates primarily to the mainland rainforest and has little effect on the coastal regions. On rare occasion during the winter months, cooler temperatures and northerly breezes can be tougher on anglers, but for the most part Belize is a very consistent wintertime fishery. May – August are considered prime tarpon months for migratory fish exceeding one hundred pounds. For those snook anglers, the wintertime months are the best time to find this elusive species on the flats or in the mangroves.
ARGENTINAFLATS TURNEFFE DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - BELIZE - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES Turneffe Flats caters to non-anglers with its first class dive package, adventure atoll package, and the “R&R” package. Guests not interested in fishing are well entertained while spouses and travel partners are off on the flats. DIVING PACKAGE Belize consistently ranks among the top Caribbean dive destinations and Turneffe Flats is ideally located to take advantage of some of the best diving in Belize. Over 60 sites around the Turneffe Atoll are within easy reach, and Lighthouse Atoll, home of the famous Blue Hole, is only an hour’s boat ride away. As the largest coral atoll in the Caribbean, Turneffe offers varied underwater terrain of spur and groove formations, sandy ledges and sheer walls providing spectacular dive sites to suit every level of diver. The eastern side of Turneffe is protected by 35 miles of reef. It shelves gradually to about 60 ft. where spur and groove formations meet the wall. Nutrients produced in the mangroves are dispersed on the reef by the tides and gentle currents causing huge concentrations of feeding fish on this side of the wall. On the west side of the atoll, the mangroves of Turneffe provide shelter from the swells and large waves. A gently sloping bottom lies at 30-50ft and large reef formations cover the white sand bottom. The reduced wave action allows sponges and soft corals to grow magnificently and sea feathers of 5ft tall are common. In the North, the reef is buffeted by the Caribbean swells and trade winds but on the calmest of days divers can explore these almost untouched areas. Schools of mutton snapper, atlantic spadefish and
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permit hover 80ft above the sea floor and blue and
and Advanced Open Water Certification (Underwater
rainbow runners make close passes. Turneffe’s most
Navigation, Deep Diving and 3 elective dives) as well
southern point is dotted with a variety of popular sites
as a full range of Specialty Courses. ‘Discover Scuba
that are featured in many of the Belize dive guides.
Courses’ are also available for those who wish to
The Elbow is probably the most famous site here and
experience SCUBA for the first time.
the ocean current over deep reef attracts big schools of pelagic fish. The other sites vary enormously as
ATOLL ADVENTURE PACKAGE
you move up the southwest or southeast side with
Explore the wonders and beauty of the Turneffe Atoll
everything from patch reef nurseries, dramatic coral
at your own pace. Snorkel, bird watch, or pursue a
formations to steep drop-offs.
number of other fun and informative activities. If you feel like it, stay at the lodge and lounge on the beach.
Throughout the Turneffe Atoll, you will see a variety
Every day offers a great new adventure and a perfect
of hard and soft corals as well as all of the Caribbean
opportunity to relax - that’s what the Atoll Adventure
tropicals, eagle rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins, moray
is all about.
eels, and occasionally whale sharks in addition to large schools of permit, horse eye jacks and dog snapper.
Choose from a variety of daily-guided activities led
Most diving is done from a forty-eight foot Custom
by one of the Atoll Adventure guides, all of who
Dive Boat. This is a large, comfortable, shaded boat
are informative and fun. Turneffe Flats’ twin-engine, canopied boat is at your guide’s disposal for exploring the reefs, mangroves, creeks and lagoons that make Turneffe the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean. With at least 60 species of birds at Turneffe, birding is another highlight. You may also want to tour the atoll searching for manatees and dolphins or enjoy an afternoon kayaking. The Atoll Adventure Program is a very flexible and is tailored to fit the particular interests of each group. Of course, exploring the 300 square mile Turneffe
allowing us easy access to the entire Turneffe Atoll
Atoll can itself be an adventure. Turneffe has a
as well as the Lighthouse Reef. A limited number of
fascinating history, including Mayan fishing and
guests mean that there are seldom more than six
trading settlements dating to 400 A.D. Turneffe was
divers sharing this spacious dive boat.
also a favored hideout for Blackbeard, one of the notorious pirates of the Caribbean. For most guests,
Instruction is available at Turneffe Flats through their
learning about the history of Turneffe as well as
PADI Instructors if you are a first time diver and want
the fascinating history of Belize is one of the more
to learn. Certifications include Open Water Referral
enjoyable parts of their visit.
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TURNEFFE FLATS LODGE - BELIZE
Other Atoll Adventure activities include: snorkeling, night snorkeling, Mayan ruin tours, mainland tours, manatee, dolphin, and crocodile tours, flats walking tour and Mayan cooking class. “R & R” PACKAGE “Rest and Relaxation” - This package is ideal for those who wish to relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of a private tropical island. There are hammocks under the palm trees in which to relax and shore walks, sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling are all readily available. This package does not include any organized activities but an inland tour of the Mayan Ruins or Belize Zoo can easily be arranged during your stay.
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RATES STANDARD FISHING PACKAGES (SATURDAY-SATURDAY) TWO ANGLERS PER ROOM/BOAT
NOTE: PLEASE INQUIRE REGARDING SHORTER WEEK
»» January 1 - June 28....................$4237.10
ITINERARIES & PRICING.
»» June 28 - December 27....................$3703.10
ARE BOOKED ON A SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS AND ARE
PARTIAL WEEK PACKAGES
LIMITED DURING PEAK SEASON MONTHS. PARTIAL WEEK SINGLE ANGLER FISHING PACKAGES
TRIPS ARE WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY (3 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS)
(SATURDAY-SATURDAY)
OR SATURDAY - WEDNESDAY (4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS).
ONE ANGLER PER ROOM/BOAT »» January 1 - June 28....................$6250.13
WHAT’S INCLUDED
»» June 28 - December 27....................$6250.13
Accommodations at Turneffe Flats Lodge; Ground from Belize City Airport to boat dock; Boat transfer to
DIVING PACKAGE (SATURDAY - SATURDAY)
Turneffe Atoll; Meals; Non-alcoholic beverages; Use
BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
of on-site amenities including pool, internet, kayaks
»» January 1 - June 28....................$2788.63
and the gym
»» June 28 - December 27....................$2571.63 WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED COMBO FISHING/DIVING (SAT - SAT)
Airfare to Belize City; Beer and Liquor; Gratuities;
BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Equipment rentals; $40 Blue Hole Entrance Fee
»» January 1 - June 28....................$4399.85
(Diving Packages); Park Entrance Fees and Fishing
»» June 28 - December 27....................$3965.85
License;
Any required Accommodation in Belize
City in the event of delay; Additional Water Transfer ATOLL ADVENTURE PACKAGE (SAT - SAT)
Charges (Non-Saturdays and Wednesdays); Any
BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
additional tours/sightseeing days; $35 (US) or $70
»» January 1 - June 28....................$2517.38
(BZ) Belize Departure Tax
»» June 28 - December 27....................$2300.38 TERMS & CONDITIONS REST & RELAXATION / NON-ACTIVITY PACKAGE
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation
(SAT - SAT)
policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which
BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
it represents. Turneffe Flats Lodge’s policy follows:
»» January 1 – June 28..............$2354.63 »» June 28 - December 27...........$2137.63
A refundable 25% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. All fees are refundable up to sixty (60) days prior to departure minus a $100 cancellation fee per rod. Within sixty days of departure, all funds are non-refundable unless a replacement client is found.
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ARGENTINAFLATS TURNEFFE DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - BELIZE - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Refunds or credits are not given for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated
We will provide you with more detailed information about
with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress the
travel insurance from our sponsored provider, Travel
importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your
Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters Travel.
investment.
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FIND US:
TAILWATERS FLY FISHING CO. | 47 | |4|
TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5426
Palometa Club - Ascension Bay, Mexico ARGENTINA DOVES UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014