PRE-TRIP INFORMATION & Recommendations

The following information will allow you to be fully prepared for your upcoming trip to Turneffe Flats.  Please read it carefully.  

TRAVEL:  DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT. A valid passport is required to enter Belize. Because of the ever-present chance that your luggage could be lost, we recommend that you carry a change of clothing and your necessary personal items, including medications, in your carry-on bag.  

Please be aware that when a child travels with one parent, Belize and many other countries require the traveling parent to have a notarized letter of consent from the other parent approving the travel. Airlines will check for this and will not allow travel without it.

IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS FORMS: On January 1, 2024, Belize replaced its paper immigration and customs form with an electronic form for both arrivals and departures. Either form will be accepted until March 1, 2024, but the electronic form will be required after that date. The electronic form can be accessed and submitted through the following online location. We recommend that you complete your form prior to arriving at the airport.

https://belizetravel.immigration.gov.bz/Belize_Digital_Forms/

When the QR code appears at the end of the process, it must be saved to be used when you check in at the airport. The QR code can be saved by downloading the image or taking a screenshot. Families traveling together can use one form, but passport information must be submitted for each family member.

CURRENCY:  US currency is widely accepted across Belize and is easily exchanged in Belize at a rate of $2 BLZ for $1 US. You do not need to exchange money before leaving the US. Large US bills ($50's and $100's) are difficult to break so we suggest bringing smaller bills. Other currencies should be exchanged for Belizean dollars or US dollars prior to traveling to Belize. Turneffe Flats accepts MasterCard, VISA, and AMEX but not Discover. Major credit cards are accepted in Belize City.

ARRIVAL:  Your incoming flight should arrive into Belize International Airport (BZE) no later than 3:30 pm. Upon arrival at the 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 Fort George Marina. There you will be notified of the boat’s scheduled departure time, which varies according to guest arrivals. A restaurant/bar is available at the Fort George for lunch or a beverage while you wait to leave for Turneffe Flats. If for any reason you cannot find the Turneffe Flats representative at the airport, please take a taxi to the Fort George Marina.

If your flight is delayed and you miss our transfer boat, you may need to stay in Belize City on Saturday night and take a private charter early Sunday morning. Turneffe Flats will make these arrangements for you, so please contact us as soon as possible after arriving. Turneffe Flats can be reached at our local numbers (280-9022) and (623)-742 3920, or through our reservation office (888-512-8812). The cost of meals and lodging in Belize City, as well as a potential charter to Turneffe Flats, are not covered in your package price, and you will be responsible for these expenses.

BOAT TRIP TO TURNEFFE: The boat trip to Turneffe Flats takes approximately 90 minutes and is typically enjoyable. You will travel through several offshore cayes and the barrier reef prior to an eight-mile open ocean crossing. From there you will travel through Turneffe’s Central lagoon to Turneffe Flats.

DINING:  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 international 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 6:30 - 8 am.  Guests have the daily option of taking a packed lunch or returning to the lodge for lunch. Most guests take a tasty packed lunch on their fishing skiff, dive boat or Atoll Adventure boat. For those returning to the lodge, lunch is served from noon - 2 pm.  Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are served at around 6:30 pm on our verandah or in the Main Lodge.  Dinner is served at 7 pm and is the main meal of the day. Entrees include local seafood, chicken, pork and beef. 

MAIN LODGE: The social center for Turneffe Flats is our air-conditioned main lodge, which includes our dining area and bar. A pre-dinner gathering for hors d'oeuvres, drinks and conversation is customary and the large breezy verandah is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the evening. Our fly shop and gift shop are also located in this building.

GUEST ROOMS: Our accommodations include:

•  8 large cabanas located on the beach, each with 2 queen beds

•  The 4-bedroom / 4-bath Garden Villa

•  The 3-bedroom / 3-bath Reef Villa, and

• The 2-bedroom / 2 bath Pelican Villa

Our oceanfront Beach Cabanas provide a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and Turneffe Atoll reef. The Reef Villa and Pelican Villa are also located right on the beach, with wonderful views of the reef. The Garden Villa, our largest accommodation, is set back a few yards from the beach and also enjoys fantastic vistas. All rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms.

DRESS: Dress at the lodge is casual and there is no need for formal clothing.

POWER: Turneffe Flats is operated with an off-grid solar system with diesel generator backup. The power is 110V / 220V / 60Hz AC. Outlets are the same as the US and there is no need for adapters. Our generators are not within hearing distance of guest rooms.

WATER: Water is primarily supplied by rainwater collection with a backup desalinization system.

INTERNET ACCESS: Internet is readily available in the Main Lodge, but access varies in guest rooms. Our service allows for email and internet usage, but we do not have enough bandwidth for extensive streaming services.

BAR: Our bar is well stocked with scotch, bourbon, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, vermouth and several liqueurs. In addition, we have a nice selection of wines sold by the glass or bottle, as well as local beers. Liquor, wine, beer and drink setups are not included in your package price. Individual tabs are kept throughout the week, 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 or credit card. Turneffe Flats accepts all major credit cards except for Discover. Staff tips are best paid with cash, but if you wish to use your credit card, a 5% charge will be added to that portion of your tab. Also, please remember we have a limited amount of change available at the resort.

OTHER ACTIVITIES: There is a very nice area to swim and snorkel in front of the lodge. We have a limited supply of snorkeling equipment available so you may want to bring your own. If you wish to rent equipment, please notify the Reservation Office before your visit. We also have sit-on-top kayaks available, and guests are always welcome to enjoy our infinity pool.

BELIZE TOURS: We can assist with arranging tours of the many points of interest in Belize either before or after your stay at Turneffe Flats. Tours after your stay can be scheduled during your visit, but it’s better to make these arrangements with our Reservation Office before you arrive if possible.

TIPS: Tipping is at your discretion and should relate directly to the level of service you receive. We are often asked about customary tipping practices and provide the following suggestions for your convenience. Tips should be paid in cash at the end of your stay, although it is also possible to apply tips via credit card. The suggestions below are in US dollars.

Fishing Guides:  $25-$50 per angler per day for shared boat and $50-$100 per angler per day for private boat.  

Dive Staff:  $20-$40 per diver per day (this covers all dive staff)

Atoll Adventure:  $20-$40 per guest per day

Lodge Staff: (kitchen staff, housekeepers, waitresses, luggage handlers, etc.)  $100-$200 per guest per week. 

EMERGENCIES: If you have an emergency, please call our reservation office at 888-512 8812 or 623-742-3920. Our local phone number on the island is +501-280-9022.

DEPARTURE FROM TURNEFFE FLATS: You will leave the island on Saturday at 7:30 AM, following a light breakfast. Our boat arrives at the Belize City marina at approximately 9:00 AM and you will be transferred to the airport with plenty of time to check in for your f light. We can accommodate flights departing at 11 AM or later.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:  Medical and family emergencies can happen anytime. Turneffe Flats highly recommends that you purchase travel insurance. Global Rescue is one of the most comprehensive providers and offers memberships for travelers worldwide. For more information visit https://globalrescue.com/turneffeflats .

Thank you for choosing Turneffe Flats and have a wonderful trip.