Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as a premier saltwater fly fishing, scuba diving and marine ecotourism destination. Located on Belize's Turneffe Atoll, the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean, we specialize in superior service for a limited number of guests. We are ideally located to enjoy all of Turneffe's 250 square miles of expansive flats, healthy coral reef and remarkably rich marine habitat. Take advantage of our fishing, diving and atoll adventure Fall Special and call us now!! http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/turneffeflats/hotel/329/3/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:01:49 EST Turneffe Flats offers you all inclusive fly fishing, diving or snorkeling vacations emphasizing superior personalized service for a limited number of guests at our private island paradise. Experience world-class bonefishing as well as great permit fishing and tarpon fishing or enjoy the wonders of Belize scuba diving and snorkeling. Over 50 unspoiled dive sites on Turneffe Islands are yours to explore and weather permitting we include a day trip to the world famous Belize Blue Hole. Allow yourself to be "pampered in paradise". General Information Shopping We have a very nice gift shop stocked mostly with Belizean and Guatemalan items. Our fly shop is well-stocked with a full assortment of flies and terminal tackle. Power Turneffe Flats is operated with diesel generators, which supply 110/220V AC. Generators run around the clock but are NOT within hearing distance of guest rooms. Water Water at Turneffe Flats is supplied primarily by rainwater collection and desalinization. You can safely drink water from any of the taps at the lodge. Dress Dress at the lodge is casual, and there is no need for formal clothing. Travel DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT. A valid passport (for at least 6 months) is required to enter Belize. We recommend that you carry your basic fishing and/or diving gear, a change of clothing and your necessary personal items such as medications in your carry-on bag. Currency U.S. currency is easily exchanged in Belize at a rate of $2 BZE for $1 U.S., and you do not need to exchange money before leaving the U.S. Large U.S. bills ($50's and $100's) are difficult to break, and we suggest that you bring smaller bills. Other currencies should be exchanged for Belizean dollars or U.S. dollars prior to traveling to Belize. Travelers Checks are fine. Major Credit Cards are accepted in Belize City, as well as at Turneffe Flats. Turneffe Flats also accepts personal checks drawn on U.S. banks. Arrival Upon arrival at Belize International Airport, you will clear Customs and exit the airport. A representative of Turneffe Flats will meet you outside of Customs. You will then be driven to the Marina to meet our boat for the trip to Turneffe Flats. Belize City Our boat leaves the marina on Saturday afternoon. If for any reason you miss the boat, you will need to stay in Belize City Saturday night and catch our boat from the Princess International Marina at 8:00 A.M. Sunday. Please proceed to the Princess International desk to make arrangements to spend Saturday night. Plan to be at the marina with your luggage by 7:30 A.M. Sunday morning. The cost of meals and lodging in Belize City is not covered in your Turneffe Flats package, and you will need to settle your hotel bill when checking out. Boat Trip to Turneffe The boat trip to Turneffe Flats takes approximately 90 minutes in our Pro 48 ft. boat. You will travel through several offshore cayes, the Barrier Reef, and then across the Turneffe Islands to Turneffe Flats. Belize Tours We can help arrange tours of the many points of interest in Belize either before, during or after your stay at Turneffe Flats. These arrangements are best made prior to your departure with the U.S. office or through your booking agent. The social center for Turneffe Flats is our air-conditioned 'Lodge'. A pre-dinner gathering for hors d'oeuvres and refreshments is customary, and our screened verandah is a wonderful place to enjoy the tropical evening with new and old friends. Our spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms are all located on the beach with panoramic views of Turneffe's coral reef. All rooms are furnished with a queen size bed and an extra-long single bed. Each room has a large private bath with two sinks and a shower. Our bar is well stocked with Scotch, Bourbon, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Tequila and several liqueurs. In addition, we offer a variety of wines as well as local Belikin beer. Cuban and Dominican cigars are available as well. Saltwater Fly Fishing For years Turneffe Flats has been known as one of the Caribbean's premier saltwater fly fishing destinations. The diversity of our saltwater flats fishing sets us apart from other destinations and the opportunity to catch bonefish, permit and tarpon on a given day makes Turneffe Flats one of the rare spots to pursue a ‘Flats Grand Slam'. Although the spin fishing at Turneffe is exceptional, we are primarily a fly fishing destination. We are privileged to have a large repeat customer base with anglers from the finest fly shops and outfitters around the world making Turneffe Flats their annual saltwater fly fishing destination. Bonefishing Bonefishing is a mainstay of our 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 smaller groups and singles. Our bonefishing is consistently good throughout the year. Permit Fishing In recent years, increasing numbers of saltwater anglers have developed a serious interest in the elusive permit. Turneffe Flats is one of a select group of saltwater destinations where you can experience the excitement of flats fishing for tailing permit with a reasonable opportunity to catch one. Our permit fishing is also consistently available throughout the year. Tarpon Fishing Because tarpon are migratory, tarpon fishing is seasonal. Although some tarpon are around throughout the year, our tarpon season begins in April and continues to mid October. June, July and August are generally the best months for tarpon fishing. Most of our migratory tarpon are in the 70-90 pound range but we see a few 150-200 pound monsters each year. Belize's best SCUBA Diving The offshore atolls of Belize are consistently rated amongst the world's ‘best dive destinations'. With pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life and warm Caribbean seas, it's easy to see why. Turneffe Flats is ideally located to take advantage of Belize's best diving, and three dives per day including a weekly night dive are standard. Our dive vacations also include a day trip to Lighthouse Reef to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and Long Caye. Small dive groups are our norm (4 to 8 divers) with our excellent Instructors and Dive Masters emphasizing personalized service and maximum flexibility. PADI Instruction is available on-site and we offer a range of courses including Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water Referral and Advanced Scuba Diver Certification. Atoll Adventure ( Marine Eco tours ) Belize Snorkeling Tours Because there are so many wonderful things to see and do at Turneffe, we developed a snorkeling and adventure package several years ago. This has now evolved into a diversified marine ecotourism vacation with multiple activities from which to choose. World-class snorkeling is a mainstay of this package with a number of different snorkeling opportunities available including night snorkeling. There have been over 60 bird species identified on the Turneffe atoll and looking for West Indian Manatees or Bottlenose Dolphins is exciting and fun. Learn about the fascinating history of the Turneffe Atoll from 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. Sign up for a Belizean cooking class or just relax in a hammock under the coconut palms. Our Atoll Adventure Guides are informative and fun, and our 25 ft., twin engine, boat is at your guides disposal allowing you access to all of this wonderful marine ecosystem. This is a very flexible package that is adapted to the desires of our guests on a day-to-day basis. Island/Belize Rainforest One consideration when planning a vacation in Belize is how to see the most of this wonderfully diverse country. The offshore atolls and the inland rainforests offer very different opportunities. For the fullest possible experience, we have joined with Chaa Creek, the top-rated inland/rainforest ecotourism resort in Belize. This vacation allows you to enjoy the Atoll Adventure activities at Turneffe Flats such as exploring for dolphins and manatees, world-class snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing on the Caribbean shore. You will then transfer to Chaa Creek for jungle walks, river canoeing, birding and visiting the Maya ruins. You can choose to spend four nights at Turneffe Flats and three nights at Chaa Creek, or the other way around Meals are a tasty combination of Belizean and American dishes served family-style. Fresh seafood, local produce and home-baked pastries are standard fare. Three delicious meals are part of our vacation packages. Type: Resort No. of Rooms: 14 Diving: Dive Resort/Dive Operator Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/turneffeflats/hotel/329/3/ Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:01:49 EST