Turneffe Island Resort

Fishing at Turneffe Island Resort is centred on sight-casting for bonefish, permit and tarpon across six major saltwater flats and a wider system of lagoons, mangrove shorelines, creeks and back-reef channels. The atoll’s varied habitat allows guides to adjust the day according to tides, wind, visibility and the priorities of the anglers. Bonefish provide the most consistent fishing, while permit and tarpon create more technical opportunities for anglers hoping to complete a Grand Slam.

The fishing is available throughout the year. Bonefish and permit are resident across the seasons, while tarpon range from smaller fish in lagoons and mangrove channels to larger fish moving through deeper water. Spring, summer and early autumn generally provide the strongest combination of settled conditions and opportunities for larger tarpon, although daily weather and tides can be more important than the month alone.

Anglers fish from 50-horsepower, four-stroke Dolphin Super Skiffs with one guide and a maximum of two anglers per boat. Guided days include approximately eight hours on the water, with anglers rotating positions on the bow. Most fishing is completed from the skiff, although wading may be possible on selected flats when the tide and bottom conditions allow. Spin fishing, trolling and reef fishing for snapper, barracuda, jacks and other species can also be arranged.

The fishing program operates on a catch-and-release basis. Anglers should bring their own rods, reels, lines, leaders and flies whenever possible, as rental equipment is limited. An 8-weight outfit is suitable for bonefish, while 9 and 10-weight rods cover permit and resident tarpon. Heavier equipment may be useful for larger tarpon.

The standard fishing package uses a Deluxe Room, with upgrades available to Superior Rooms and several private villa categories. All accommodation is positioned beside the beach and provides views across the Caribbean Sea or the island’s protected lagoon.

Deluxe Rooms are on the beach level and can be arranged with one king bed or two twin beds. Each room has air conditioning, a ceiling fan, private bathroom, mini-fridge, safe, screened porch and a private screened outdoor shower. Superior Rooms offer a similar layout on the upper level, with additional space and vaulted ceilings.

Private Villas provide more room and privacy, while the Premium, Sunset, Honeymoon and Presidential villas add features such as larger sitting areas, private porches and plunge pools. The Presidential Villa has two bedrooms, separate bathrooms and a shared living area.

Facilities include a freshwater swimming pool, clubhouse, bar, spa, fitness centre, tackle shop and gift shop. Complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and a Hobie Cat are available, together with shore snorkelling and other beach activities. Satellite Wi-Fi is provided, although the remote location can affect speed and reliability. Mobile phone service is limited.

Three meals are served each day, with morning coffee and tea delivered to the room. Packed lunches are provided for anglers remaining on the water throughout the day, while hors d’oeuvres are served before dinner. Water, tea, coffee and lemonade are included. Alcohol, sodas and other bar purchases are charged separately unless a drinks package has been added.

Turneffe Island Resort is located on Little Caye Bokel within Turneffe Atoll, approximately 35 miles east of Belize City. There is no public ferry service to the island, so anglers travel on the resort’s scheduled private boat.

International anglers fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, normally shown as BZE. Scheduled transfers operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flights should arrive before 2:00 pm, allowing time to clear immigration and customs before the boat departure.

A resort representative meets anglers outside the airport and transfers them by air-conditioned vehicle to Fort George Marina. Anglers already staying in Belize City should arrive at the marina by approximately 2:00 pm. The resort boat leaves at around 2:30 pm, and the crossing takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

Rates Per Angler:
Starting from R5,490.00 per person

What’s Included:

What’s Not Included:

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to the Island
Arrive at Belize City International Airport before 2:00 pm, where anglers are met for the transfer to Fort George Marina. Board the resort boat for the approximately 90-minute journey to Turneffe Island Resort. After checking into the room, anglers attend an orientation and prepare fishing equipment before dinner.

Days 2 to 7: Guided Fishing Days
Each morning begins with breakfast before anglers meet their guide and leave in pairs aboard a flats skiff. The day may focus on bonefish, permit, tarpon or a combination of species, depending on tides, weather and recent fish movements. A packed lunch is provided for the boat, and anglers normally spend approximately eight hours on the water before returning to the resort for hors d’oeuvres and dinner.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, anglers board the scheduled boat back to Belize City. On arrival at the marina, the resort provides the connecting road transfer to Belize City International Airport. International flights should depart after 11:00 am.

What level of fishing experience is required?
Turneffe Island Resort can accommodate anglers ranging from first-time saltwater fly anglers to experienced permit and tarpon anglers. Guides provide help with presentations, fish spotting and tackle selection. Anglers will benefit from practising quick, accurate casts in wind before travelling.

How many anglers fish from each skiff?
Each skiff carries a maximum of two anglers and one guide. Anglers normally rotate time on the bow during the day. Private-skiff arrangements are available at an additional cost.

Is fishing equipment included?
No. Limited rental equipment is available, but anglers are encouraged to bring their own rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies and terminal tackle. Rental equipment should be reserved before arrival.

Is a Belize fishing licence required?
Yes. Every angler participating in the fishing program must purchase a Belize sport-fishing licence before fishing. The current weekly licence fee is USD $25 and is not included in the package.

What species can anglers target?
Bonefish, permit and tarpon are the main targets. Other possible species include snook, snapper, barracuda, jack crevalle, triggerfish and several reef species. Catching a bonefish, permit and tarpon in one day completes a Caribbean Grand Slam.

What is the best time to visit?
Fishing is available year-round. Bonefish and permit are resident throughout the seasons, while larger tarpon are more likely during the warmer months. Wind, cloud cover, tides and water clarity can affect the fishing at any time of year.

Can conventional anglers fish at the resort?
Yes. Although the resort is best known for fly fishing, spin fishing, trolling, bottom fishing and reef fishing can also be arranged. The preferred method should be discussed before arrival so the appropriate boat and equipment can be prepared.

Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes. Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is available, but it should be treated as a basic communication service rather than a dependable connection for streaming, large downloads or video calls.