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Turneffe IsTurneffe
Island Lodge
Turneffe
Island Lodge has been recognized for over three decades as one of
the Caribbean’s top destinations for Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit.
This one of a kind Caribbean, fly-fishing paradise is a
private 12 acre island located at the Southernmost tip of the
Turneffe Atoll. This undisturbed
saltwater paradise teems with Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon as well
as Grouper, Snapper, Snook, Barracuda, Jacks, Wahoo, King Mackerel
and Tuna. The crystal
clear waters are inhabited by the greatest variety of coral and
tropical marine life found anywhere in the Caribbean.
The
Fishing
Saltwater
anglers thrill in the challenge of chasing the difficult and
prestigious "Grand Slam" — catching a bonefish, permit
and tarpon all in one day. The lodge’s 12-acre island
home is surrounded by one of the most fertile marine ecosystems in
the world. It is
located in the heart of what is commonly known as the most
productive geographic area of the 30 - mile long Atoll.
This eliminates the need for long boat rides (commonly a 10
– 15 minute ride to the fishing sites).
English is the native language of the experienced and
friendly guides. The
Eastern side of the Atoll is lined with pristine and productive
wadeable flats. A network of flats, creeks, and lagoons dotted by literally
hundreds of mangrove islands runs throughout the shallow interior
of the Turneffe Atoll. Big
schools of Bonefish are commonly seen tailing on the
wadeable flats of the atoll.
Bonefish are found in singles, doubles and small schools,
tailing and cruising the acres of interior soft bottom flats. The "Golden Bonefish," (a rare golden colored
bonefish) unique to the area, provides anglers with an additional
challenge. Turneffe
Island Lodge is one of the few flats fishing destinations in the
world with consistent opportunities for catching shallow-water Permit.
These fish are considered by many to be the ultimate
saltwater fly-rod challenge, and numerous anglers have scored
their first Permit catches while visiting the lodge.
Permit
are found tailing and cruising in numbers ranging from singles to
schools of up to twenty in both the wadeable and interior flats.
Tarpon range in size from 40 to 100+ pounds and
inhabit the atoll year-round.
However, they provide the most action from May to September
when the migratory schools of Tarpon join the resident population.
Tarpon fishing grounds are most common in the nearby creeks
and lagoons, but Tarpon can also be found on deeper flats.
Typical
Day
A
typical day in "Paradise" begins with coffee delivered
to your room, followed by your choice of hot or cold breakfast
about 7:30 am. Following
breakfast you're off in one of the lodge's Dolphin Super Skiffs to
hit the waters of your choice.
Anglers sometimes opt to head out at or before daylight,
typically to tarpon fish, and then return for breakfast.
Anglers will also have the option of packing a lunch and
staying out all day, or returning to the lodge for one of the
kitchens famous dinnertime creations.
The
fishing schedule is flexible.
Guests work out their own schedule on a day-to-day basis
with their fishing guide. The
Lodge does ask that you return to the Island before dark in order
not to miss the delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served in
the bar, followed by a gourmet dinner at 7:30 pm.
The
lodge employs a "line up" of some of the most talented,
friendly and professional guides in the Caribbean.
The guides are local Belizeans, who grew up in and around
the Atoll and have been guiding for up to 20 years.
They are hard working, patient, and capable of instructing
fly and spin fishing. The
lodge’s fishing manager is also available for instruction and
tips on fishing and fly tying.
Turneffe guides captain a top-notch fleet of radio-equipped
Dolphin Super Skiffs, and each guide is paired up with no more
than two anglers per boat.
Accommodations
The
lodge is the only resort on the 12-acre island, so there’s
plenty of elbowroom. Twelve
guest rooms ring the perimeter of the island to catch the cool
ocean trade winds and views of total tranquility.
The cottages and facilities were built in the early 1960s.
Although completely renovated and modernized in 2000, they
have retained their original feeling of old Caribbean charm.
Each room has ceiling fans, private baths and a screened
verandah overlooking the Caribbean.
Air-conditioned rooms and private beach cabanas are
available for an additional charge.
Season
Sunshine
and salt-water fishing is open year-round!
How
To Get There
Flights
are available on American and Continental from Miami, Dallas/Ft.
Worth and Houston. Plan
your arrival to meet the Lodge’s transfer boat on Saturday or
Wednesday. The transfer boat comes to the city on Saturdays for
guest transfer and on Wednesdays for supplies. You must arrive
Belize City no later than 2:00 pm Central Time. If you are traveling during the time of year in which
Daylight Saving Time is observed (April-October, please check
exact dates) you may arrive no later than 3:00 pm Central Time.
The transfer boat will leave the Princess Hotel and Casino’s
Marina by 3:00 pm (Central Time) or 4:00 pm (Central Time-during
Daylight Saving) for transfer to the Island during daylight hours.
If you are late arriving,
their representative will meet and advise you of alternate plans
which may include the scheduling of a special charter boat to the
island ($325 to $600 USD) or spending the night in the city (they
will arrange lodging for you at your cost) and taking a special
charter boat ($325 to $600) to the island the following day. If
you experience travel interruption, please call or fax the Island
directly at 011-501-212011 or from Belize dial 0212011.
The
Lodge’s representative will be awaiting your arrival at the
Belize City airport. First,
clear Immigration, then claim your luggage and clear Customs.
Their representative will be directly outside the airport
exit. After your luggage has been loaded, they will transfer you
in air-conditioned comfort to the Princess Marina for departure to
the Island. Dress comfortably for the approximate 1 hour transfer by boat
to the Island on Saturdays. If
transferring on Wednesdays expect a two-hour transfer.
Other
Activities
The
lodge offers comprehensive diving programs and several levels of
certification. Dives
at the famous Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye are included in the
dive and combo packages. All
necessary dive equipment is available for rent.
Other popular activities include; sea-kayaking, snorkeling,
sailing, beach volleyball and eco-tours of the Atoll.
Length
of Stay
Seven
night packages (Saturday – Saturday) are the most popular
lengths of stay. Four night (Saturday – Wednesday) and three night
(Wednesday – Saturday) packages are also available for booking
during certain times of the year.
Capacity
To
help preserve this special fishery, the lodge has limited the
number of anglers each week to a maximum of ten.
Required
Documents
A
passport is required for all visitors to Belize and must be valid for
at least six (6) months beyond the duration of your stay.
Citizens of the British Commonwealth (India excepted), the
US, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community are not
required to have Visas. All
other citizens should contact the nearest Belizean Consulate for
details on obtaining Visas before traveling.
2001
Rates
Saturday – Saturday
$2,395 plus tax/person
7 nights
*Saturday – Wednesday $1,625
plus tax/person
4 nights
*Wednesday – Saturday $1,245
plus tax/person
3 nights
*If
traveling December – June, half-week packages may be booked 30
days or less prior to arrival. If traveling June – November,
half-week packages may be booked at anytime.
Prices
based on double occupancy. Add $400 for Sat – Sat packages for
single occupancy, add $300 for half week stays for single
occupancy. Private beach cabanas – add $250 for the week and
$125 for the half week (total, not per person).
A/C rooms add $107 for the week and $53.50 for the half
week (total, not per person).
Inclusions
Fishing
guide, boat & fuel, 2 anglers per boat, lodging based on
double occupancy, breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon hors
d’oeuvres, land and boat transfers on Saturdays or Wednesdays,
sunfish sailboat, kayaking, volleyball, horseshoes, and
snorkeling.
Exclusions
Fishing
equipment rental and/or purchase, bar tab, gratuities, gift shop
purchases, airfare and airport departure tax.
Booking
Requirements
A
deposit of 25% of the package value is due 10 days from the date
of booking. Full
payment is due 45 days prior to arrival. Payments to Fly Lodge International may be made by certified
check or wire transfer. Cancellations
more than 60 days prior to arrival receive 90% refund of package
price. 59 – 30 days
prior to arrival receive 80% refund of package price.
29 days or less prior to arrival, forfeit all payments.
No refunds on unused portions of packages. No
refunds for weather related cancellations.
Cancellation
insurance is recommended!
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