Turneffe Islands Atoll

This is a renowned diving and fishing destination about 30 miles east of Belize City [1]. Most of the Turneffe islands are small dots of sand, mangrove clusters, and swamp, home only to seabirds and wading birds, ospreys, manatees, and crocodiles; a few support small colonies of fishers and shellfish divers. Only Blackbird Caye and Douglas Caye are of habitable size.

If you’re looking to hook a bonefish or permit, miles of crystal flats are alive with the hard-fighting fish. Tarpon are abundant late March–June within the protected creeks and channels throughout the islands. Those who seek larger trophies will find a grand choice of marlin, sailfish, wahoo, groupers, blackfin tuna, and many more.

Most visitors to Turneffe are day-tripping divers based in Ambergris Caye [2] or Caye Caulker [3]; a select few choose to book an island vacation package. There are a couple of upscale resorts and one research facility where visitors can stay.