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Be Pampered in Paradise Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as one of Belize's premier saltwater fly fishing, SCUBA diving and marine ecotourism destinations. Located on the Turneffe Atoll, the largest and most diverse coral atoll in the Caribbean, we specialize in superior service for a limited number of guests. Awaken in your air-conditioned beachfront cabana to an incredible tropical seascape of white sand beach, expansive bonefish flats, lush mangroves and the surf breaking over the reef for miles in either direction. Watch a spectacular sunrise from your verandah and when night falls, the stars look close enough to touch. We are ideally located to enjoy all of Turneffe's 250 square miles of expansive flats, coral reef and remarkably rich marine habitat.
Flats Fishing For nearly three decades Turneffe Flats has been known as one of the Caribbean's finest 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.
TURNEFFE FLATS HONORED
2011 - Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner 2012 - Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Award, Top 10 Small Hotels in Central America 2013 - Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner 2013 - Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Award, Top 5 Resorts in Belize
Belize July 19-23 • 102 Main St • Minturn, co 81645 • (970)827-9500
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Bonefishing Bonefishing has been the mainstay of our fishing for decades with Turneffe Atoll's 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. Bonefishing remains consistently good throughout the year.
Permit Fishing Increasing numbers of saltwater anglers have developed a serious interest in permit fishing. Turneffe Flats is one of a select group of saltwater destinations where you can regularly experience the excitement of flats fishing for tailing permit. Good permit fishing is available throughout the year.
Tarpon Fishing Because tarpon are migratory, they are, by nature, seasonal. Although some tarpon are around throughout the year, our prime season generally begins in mid-to-late April and continues to mid-October with June, July and August generally being our best months. Most of our migratory tarpon are in the 70-90 pound range, but we see some 150-200 pound monsters each year.
"I've been fishing inshore for over 12 years and this was by far the greatest fishing I've ever experienced. Perfect location, excellent guide, good luck and timing... The stars aligned and we caught 8 permit between the 2 of us in 2 days, along with over a dozen bonefish and hooked two tarpon." Kyle Keeney, August, 2011
Belize July 19-23 • 102 Main St • Minturn, co 81645 • (970)827-9500
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“THE NECESSITIES” Shoes: Simms Flats Sneaker $119.95 I’m sure you all have had a horrible day where shoes were the factor. Times that by 10 for Saltwater trips! Pants: Simms Arapaima Pant $99.95, Patagonia Tropical Flats Pants $79.00, Patagonia Guidewater Pants $79.00 Shorts are not a good idea so these lightweight and cooling quick drying pants are the key to not being burned while obsessing over the fish. Sunglasses:. Costa or Smith optics $150-$260. Take your pick but choose a 100% polarized lens. These are the brands we love and we are happy to assist you and order the right pair for you. Travel Case: Fishpond Dakota bag for carrying reels and rods with you $179.95. to show up for the best fishing trip of your life with unorganized or broken gear.
You don’t want
Sun Gloves: Simms Solar Flex Gloves $29.95 or Patagonia “technical sun gloves” $45.00 FYI Sling Pack: Patagonia “Stealth atom Sling 7L” $89, Simms “Sling Pack” $89.95 so your stuff stays dry. Dry Bag: Simms “Dry creek roll-top bag” $49.95 the boat.
We prefer slings
Needed to keep your belonging clean and dry on
Shirts: Simms “Current Hoody”, Free Fly “Midweight Hoody” Free Fly Apparel “Bamboo “Lightweight Long Sleeve” $54.95 Very important! These shirts are the only types of shirts used these days for many reasons aside from sun protection. We will be happy to explain. Sungaiter: Simms “Sungaiter” $29.95 breathable, Patagonia Sun Mask $29.99 UV Buff $29.99 I don’t know how we lived without these things. $30 bucks is not worth skin cancer! Outerwear: Simms “Hyalite Rain Shell” $149.95 or Patagonia Minimalist Wading Jacket or Patagonia Torrentshell $129.99 or Torrentshell Stretch Jacket 199.99 You will want to wear dull colors to prevent from pissing off your guide by spooking fish…. Sungaiter: Patagonia Lightweight Boxers or Briefs $29.99 to endure!
Chaffing is a nightmare you don’t want
Pliers/Nippers: Hatch Tempest Pliers $200, Abel Nippers & Lanyard $85 Yes, you will tie some knots and doctor up your rig if your guide is on the poling platform or with your buddy on the flats.
Belize July 19-23 • 102 Main St • Minturn, co 81645 • (970)827-9500
“When putting these packages together we have to consider what we are after, and that is Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon. Also know that with how quickly a Permit can appear on the flats they can vanish, so when walking the flats you will want two rods strung up and at the ready. An nine weight for bonefish will do great and a nine or preferably a ten weight for the permit will be a tremendous advantage. Having done this trip three years ago I went the first three days without touching a permit despite having over 30 shots, until we switched to a none tapered leader of 12lb fluorocarbon at 14-16’ in other words not easy to cast and turn over when accuracy is the name of the game. I was the only one in a group of 8 anglers that landed permit that week and the only one that had switched his rig and had the proper equipment. Having a heavier weighted rod made turning over those long leaders much easier and it made my drinks that night taste a little better than the rest of the groups.”
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Erin Hale Minturn Anglers Director of Education and Outreach Parker, CO store
Below is a list of preferred gear we at Minturn Anglers stand by based off of performance and reliability and will be included in the package of your choice. No need to fret about the details of each rod and reel. Just give us your package level and we will be happy to handle the rest. Permit Tier I: Reels: Hatch 7plus, Abel “Super Series” 9/10N, Waterworks Lamson “Vanquish”, Sage “8000 Pro Series 9-10” Rods: Scott S4S, Sage One or Sage Method Line: Rio General Purpose Saltwater WF9F FREE! Backing: Rio or SA 30lb Gel Spun FREE! Permit Tier II: Reels: Waterworks-Lamson Ligtspeed 3.5, Waterworks-Lamson “Guru HD” 3.5 Rods: Temple Fork Outfitters BVK and TFO Mangrove, Sage Motive Line: Rio General Purpose Saltwater WF9F FREE! Backing: Rio or SA 30lb Gel Spun Bonefish Tier I: Reel: Hatch 7plus, Abel Super Series 9/10N, Waterworks-Lamson “Vanquish 8 LT”, Sage “8000 Pro Series 9-10” Rods: Scott S4S, Sage One Line: Rio Bonefish line FREE! Backing: Rio or SA 30lb Gel Spun FREE! Bonefish Tier II: Reels: Waterworks-Lamson Ligtspeed 3.5, Waterworks-Lamson “Guru HD” 3.5 Rods: Temple Fork Outfitters BVK and TFO Mangrove, Sage Motive Line: Rio General Purpose Saltwater WF9F FREE! Backing: Rio or SA 30lb Gel Spun Tarpon Tier I: Reels: Hatch 11 Plus, Sage “6000 Series”, Sage “8000 Series”, Galvan T-12 Rods: Scott S4S, Sage One or Method Fly Line: Rio Tarpon Fly Line FREE! Backing: Rio or SA 50lb Gel spun FREE! Tarpon Tier II: Reels:, Galvan T-12, Waterworks-Lamson “Lightspeed 4” Rods: Sage Motive, Redington Vapen 1290 Fly Line: Rio Tarpon Fly Line FREE! Backing: Rio or SA 50lb Gel spun Belize July 19-23 • 102 Main St • Minturn, co 81645 • (970)827-9500
P RE TRIP IN F O RM A TIO N
Travel: DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT. A valid passport is required to enter Belize. We recommend that you carry a change of clothing and your necessary personal items such as medications in your carry-on bag. Although we have not had a substantial problem with lost luggage, this can help prevent some major headaches. Keep the bottom portion of your Immigration Form, which you will fill out on your arriving flight. It will be used when you depart Belize. Currency: US currency is easily exchanged in Belize at a rate of $2 BLZ for $1 US, and you do not need to exchange money before leaving the U.S. Large US 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 US dollars prior to traveling to Belize. Turneffe Flats accepts MasterCard, VISA, and Discover as well as travelers checks or personal checks drawn on U.S. banks. Major Credit Cards are accepted in Belize City.
Arrival: We ask that all flights arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival at Belize International Airport, you will pick up your luggage, clear Customs and exit the airport. In case you need assistance with your luggage (a very short distance), airport porters are available. As you exit Customs, a Turneffe Flats representative will meet you and transport you to the Radisson Hotel Marina. At the Marina, you will be notified of the boat’s scheduled departure time, which varies according to guest arrivals. There is a restaurant/bar at the Marina for lunch or a beverage while you wait to leave for Turneffe Flats. If for some reason you cannot find a representative of Turneffe Flats at the airport, please take a taxi to the Radisson Hotel.
If your flight is delayed and you miss our transfer boat, you will need to stay in Belize City on Saturday night and catch our guide boat at 7:30 a.m. the next day. If the guide boat is full, you will need to hire a charter to take you across. This will be at your own expense and Turneffe Flats can arrange this for you. If you need help with arrangements, please contact the island (220-4046) or the reservation office (888-512-8812, option 1). Plan to be at boat with your luggage by 7:15 a.m. We will contact you that night to discuss the next day’s arrangements. The cost of meals and lodging, and/or the charter in Belize City is not covered in your Turneffe Flats package.
Boat Trip to Turneffe: The boat trip to Turneffe Flats takes approximately 90 minutes. You will travel throughout several off-shore cayes, the Barrier Reef, across open ocean and then through the Turnfffe Atoll to Turneffe Flats.
Meals: We pride ourselves in providing quality dining complete with fresh fruits, fresh seafood and fresh baked pastries. Meals are served family-style in the main lodge, and are a tasty combination of Belizean and American dishes. The coffeepot in your room will be prepared and ready to go. A breakfast of fresh fruit, cereal, eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage and fresh baked goods is served from 7:00-8:00 a.m. Lunch at the lodge, is served between noon and 2:00. Guests will have the daily option of returning for lunch or taking a packed lunch. Hors d' oeuvres and cocktails are served at 6:15. Dinner, at 7:00, is the big meal of the day. Entrees vary from seafood, chicken, pork and beef. Dress: Dress at the lodge is casual and there is no need for formal clothing. Main Lodge: The social center for Turneffe Flats is our centrally air-conditioned main lodge, which includes our dining area and bar. A predinner gathering for hors d'oeuvres, drinks and conversation is customary. The large breezy verandah is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the evening. The gift shop is also located in this building. Guest Rooms: Our accommodations include eight large cabanas located on the beach plus two large three-bedroom villas. Our sea-side cabanas have a panoramic view of the Caribbean and Turneffe Atoll reef. Our Reef Villa is located on the beach with a wonderful view of the reef. The Garden Villa, our newest and most deluxe accommodation, is set back from the beach but enjoys a fantastic view as well. All rooms are air-conditioned and most are furnished with two queen sized beds. All rooms have private bathrooms.
Power: Turneffe Flats is operated with diesel generators, which supply 110V/220V AC. Generators run around the clock and are not within hearing distance of guest rooms. Water: Water is primarily supplied by rainwater collection and desalinization. Our fresh water supply is somewhat limited, and we ask that guests conserve water when possible.
Internet Access: We do have wireless internet access in our Main Lodge and in some of the closer cabins. This services provides email and internet usage; however, our satellite- based bandwidth is limited and we are NOT able to support Skype or other VOIP protocols, instant messenger services, Youtube, video downloads, webcam, streaming video, IP TV, IP based mobile phones or other applications that requirelarge amounts of band width. Bar: Our bar is well stocked with at least scotch, bourbon, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, vermouth and several liqueurs. In addition, we have red and white wine as well as local Belikin beer. Liquor, beer and drink setups are not included in your package price. Individual tabs are kept, and you can check on your tab at any time during your stay. Lodge Expenses: At the end of your stay, you may pay your tab with cash, travelers’ check, personal check or credit card – Turneffe Flats accepts VISA, MasterCard & Discover. Tips are best paid with cash or travelers checks but if you wish to use your credit card, a 3% charge will be levied on that portion of your tab. Also, please remember we have a limited amount of change available at the resort.
Belize Tours: We can help arrange tours of the many points of interest in Belize either before or after your stay at Turneffe Flats. These arrangements are best made prior to your departure with the reservation office or through your booking agent. If your outgoing flight leaves you with a couple of hours, you might want to spend them touring the Maya ruins at Alta Hun, visiting the Belize Zoo or seeing the Museum of Belize. Once “Her Majesty’s Prison,” the Museum now houses Maya artifacts and other relics. Other Belize City points of interest: the Swing Bridge, Supreme Court Building, Government House of Culture and St. John’s Anglican Church, constructed in 1812 from bricks brought as ballast from European Sailing ships. About 30 miles from Belize City, Altun Ha is one of the easiest Maya site to reach and explore. Settlements here date back to about 200 B.C. As for the zoo, it’s small, friendly and unique. It is home to Belize's stunningly beautiful jaguar and other native species. Tips: As you are often asked about customary tipping practices, we offer the following suggestions for you convenience. Tips should be paid in cash or with traveler's checks as the resort has a limited amount of change and we suggest that all tipping be done at the end of your visit. Suggestions below are in US dollars. •
Fishing Guides: $10-$25 per angler per day for shared boat and $20-$50 per angler per day for private boat.
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Dive Staff: $10-$20 per diver per day (this covers all dive staff)
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Atoll Adventure Guides: $10-$20 per guest per day.
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Lodge Staff: Kitchen staff, housekeepers, waitresses, luggage handlers, etc. $80-$100 per guest per week.
Also Don't Forget to Bring... • • • • • • •
Sunscreen and lip balm Cap with dark under bill Insect repellent Hook sharpener Camera, batteries and plenty of film if you don't use digital Prescription medications Comfortable socks for Flats Sneakers
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Diamond Package $7,575.00 - $8,519.00
Platinum Package $6,200.00 - $6,820.00
Gold Package $5,777.00 - $6,463.00
Silver Package $5,118.00 - $5,529.00
Tier I: Permit, Bonefish & Tarpon Outfits, Fly and Tackle Package, Private Lodging, Meals
Tier II: Permit, Bonefish & Tarpon Outfits, Fly and Tackle Package, Private Lodging, Meals
Tier I: Permit or Bonefish & Tarpon Outfits, Fly and Tackle Package, Private Lodging, Meals
Tier II: Permit or Bonefish & Tarpon Outfits, Fly and Tackle Package, Private Lodging, Meals
Whats Included? 5 guides, 5 skiffs, 3 Full Days Fishing, 4 Nights Lodging, Fly Rods and Reels, Fly and Tackle Package, Private Rooms For Each Guest, All Meals, Casting Instruction and Fishing Tactics by your host Anthony Mazza, All Turneffe Flats Island Activities, Airport Transportation
Whats Not Included? Airfare, Gratuity, Alcohol The Inclusive Packages we have put together are what you will need to be equip and successful on your Belize fishing trip. As a thank you, we would like to offer you a 10% discount on anything you may need from “THE NECESSITIES” List so you are comfortable and prepared at all times. These items are also what your host Anthony Mazza will not be leaving home without! We have learned the hard way on countless trips and we would hate to see our clients have their trip ruined. Some rental gear may be available for rent but it is absolutely silly to waste the money renting used and possibly abused equipment when you can purchase your own from your hosts at Minturn Anglers at discounted pricing. Again, been there, done that. It’s not worth losing the shot at a fish of a lifetime on the fly. All of the recommended gear and apparel can be used on multiple species across the globe as well as all the saltwater excursions you may have for the rest of your life and you will likely be passing it down to a loved one, friend or a not so fortunate guide who helped you catch your first Permit or Tarpon. Just simply email us the Package you prefer and your order from “THE NECESSITIES” List and we will have your Belize Care Package, with all your equipment rigged to Turneffe Flats Guides standards, delivered to your plane by your host with the most, Mr. Anthony Mazza. All rods and reels can be embossed with your Name, “Turneffe Flats 2014”, or some funny nicknames you have come up with for your friends for an additional fee. On behalf of everyone at Minturn Anglers I want thank you and congratulate you on decision to treat yourself to a trip of a lifetime!Please contact Anthony or our shop staff at your earliest convenience at 970.827.9500 or flyfish@minturnanglers.com so we can better assist you.
Belize July 19-23 • 102 Main St • Minturn, co 81645 • (970)827-9500