Turneffe Flats Belize: Activities and Things to Do Beyond Fishing

If you haven't been keeping up with our blog, we have scheduled a hosted trip to Turneffe Flats Lodge, Belize in April (info HERE). This is a specially organized trip where we get to take a group of anglers to experience some of the best flats fishing in the world. Check out below what makes this place such a special location for not only some of the finest tropical fishing anywhere, but also why it's continually a destination for travelers with spouses and children or simply groups with mixed interests.

Turneffe Atoll is the most biologically diverse coral atoll in the Western Hemisphere. Although it is regarded as one of the premier saltwater fly fishing destinations on the planet, it's what Turneffe Flats Lodge offers in addition to its guided fishing which can really give you the full experience. If you decide to join us in April on our hosted trip (info HERE) and want to include/substitute any of the below activities for either yourself or another guest, prices can be adjusted accordingly. Space is limited so contact us soon to reserve your spot!

Atoll Adventure Program

One of the aspects that sets Turneffe Flats apart from other fishing lodges (anywhere) is their Atoll Adventure program. This daily exploratory trip is typically lead by naturalist guide Abel. Depending on what the guest wants to do, the Atoll Adventure guide will take you out to swim, snorkel, explore, photograph wildlife, and learn about Turneffe Atoll. The healthy, vibrant coral reefs also offer some of the finest snorkeling opportunities in the Caribbean. Abel took a small group of us out one night to find crocodiles along the mangroves which was great post-dinner trip. After every day he would come into the lodge with pictures. Displayed on the flat screen in the main lodge, everyone was able to relive what Abel and his guests had discovered. Some guests book their stay strictly for this program at any time of the year. For many eco-tourists, it's considered to be the "best marine eco-tour program in all of the Caribbean." This is a fascinating and unique opportunity not offered many other places!

photo: Adam Bautz

photo: Adam Bautz

The Atoll-Adventure Can Include:

• World-Class Guided Snorkeling Tours
• Mantee, Dolphin, and Sea Turtle Encounters
• Flats Walking Tour
• Daytime and Evening Island Walking Tours
• Turneffe Birding Tour
• Sea Shell and Starfish Tour
• History - The Maya and Turneffe
• Sea Kayaking
• Saltwater Crocodile Tour
• Blue Hole and Lighthouse Atoll snorkeling and birding (on a space available basis only)

Scuba Diving

Belize has some of the best scuba diving in the world and Turneffe Flats is geared up and prepared for even the most experienced divers. They like to call their dive program "a true valet dive service." With a full service dive shop on the premises and more than 60 sites available to dive, Turneffe sets a standard for scuba diving in Belize. Easy access to the world famous Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef is only a short boat ride away. Additionally, Turneffe offers a "Discover Scuba" program. Full dive certifications are available, but if someone wants to do just one day of diving - a quick 30 minute instruction off the dock is all that's needed for a full dive the following day! This "Discover Scuba" opportunity gives even the most novice diver the opportunity to see the waters of Turneffe.

Diving the Blue Hole

Belizean Cooking Class

Belize is a country of many cultures. An English speaking country with Spanish, Maya, Kriol, and Caribbean roots, Belize is a melting pot of its history. With the vast amount of influences, the food is a pure reflection of it all. Although technically offered through the atoll-adventure program, guests can schedule individual cooking classes for any of the days of their stay with ease. Using locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, including from the garden out back, is the staple of food at Turneffe Flats. Even the pastries served in the morning with breakfast are homemade. You have a chance to get the behind-the-scenes look when taking one of these classes. Check out some of their recipes HERE

Belizean BBQ for dinner

Kayak/Snorkel/Relax Locally

Turneffe Flats has kayaks and snorkel gear available for guests to use at any time. They can be used around the lodge in the many creeks, channels, flats, and around the islands of the immediate area. This gives guests a great chance to explore the area on their own time and at their own pace.

photo: Paul Smith

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Adam Bautz (who was a guest at Turneffe Flats while I was there in August/Sept) graciously allowed me to use his photos from his adventures with Abel. If you are ever in Las Vegas and want to see the "other side of Las Vegas," check him out at "Bullets and Burgers."