Exploring Belize's Turneffe Atoll: Travel Guide

Turneffe Atoll in Belize is a group of tropical sandy islands with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. It is home to the largest coral reef atoll in Belize and was set aside as a protected marine reserve in 2012. The biggest draw of the Turneffe Islands is the healthy reef ecosystem, with over 50 miles of coral reef and more than 100 dive sites. The islands offer world-class diving, snorkeling, and fishing, with the resorts just a stone's throw away from the best dive sites. From Belize City, getting to Turneffe Islands takes approximately 1.5 hours by boat, depending on the weather. The resorts can help arrange boat transportation, which may be complementary depending on your arrival day. Private charter flights can also be arranged, taking just 15 minutes from Belize City.

Flying to Belize

Belize City is the gateway to your island escape. The majority of guests arrive via Belize City's Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). From Houston International Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston, Texas, it is a 2.5-hour direct flight. You can also fly to Belize City from:

• Miami, Florida (MIA)
• Los Angeles, California (LAX)
• Atlanta, Georgia (ATL)
• Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT)
• Denver, Colorado (DEN)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (FLL)
• Chicago, Illinois (ORD) – seasonal flight
• Newark, New Jersey (EWR) – seasonal flight
• Toronto, Ontario (YYZ) – seasonal flight
• Calgary, Canada (YYC) – seasonal flight
• Mexico City, Mexico (MEX)
• Minneapolis, Minnesota (MSP)

Once you arrive at the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from your resort, who will help you with your luggage and transfer you to the marina. From there, you will board a boat to Turneffe Atoll. The boat ride takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the resorts can help arrange this transportation.

Alternatively, you can arrange a private charter flight or helicopter transfer to Turneffe Atoll, which takes about 15-20 minutes. These options can be more costly, but they offer a quicker and more scenic way to get to the atoll.

Getting to the Atoll from Belize City

Turneffe Atoll is located 30 miles (48 km) east of Belize City, and it takes approximately 1.5 hours to get there by boat, depending on the weather. The resorts can help arrange boat transportation, which may be complementary depending on your arrival day. The boat docks at the Radisson Fort George Marina in Belize City and departs at 3:00 pm every Wednesday and Saturday. You can either meet at the boat by 2:30 pm or get picked up at the airport and driven to the marina in an air-conditioned shuttle.

If you miss the boat, you can schedule an alternate transfer for $450 each way. You can also opt for a helicopter transfer, which is an efficient transfer and sightseeing tour of the Belize Barrier Reef all in one. Helicopter transfers can be arranged when you reserve your stay.

For a more budget-friendly option, day trips from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are possible, but tours often require a minimum number of guests.

Private charter flights from Belize City to the Atoll are also available and take 15 minutes.

Boat transfers

Turneffe Island Resort's boat departs from the Radisson Fort George Marina in Belize City at 3:00 pm every Wednesday and Saturday. The resort can also arrange alternate transfers for an additional cost of $450 each way.

Turneffe Flats' boat departs from the Radisson Marina in Belize City, with the time of departure depending on guest arrivals. The boat trip takes approximately 90 minutes and travels through several offshore cayes and the barrier reef before crossing the open ocean and entering the interior lagoon of Turneffe Atoll.

If you are not staying at a resort, you can arrange a boat transfer through one of the three major resorts on the island. These resorts usually offer this service free of charge.

It is worth noting that transportation to Turneffe Atoll is often provided by the hotel or tour operator if you are on a diving or snorkelling day trip.

Helicopter transfers

Turneffe Atoll is located 20 miles (32 km) off the coast of Belize City and is accessible via helicopter transfer. Helicopter transfers are an efficient and scenic way to travel to the atoll, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Helicopter Transfer Options

There are three main helicopter transfer routes to choose from when travelling to Turneffe Atoll:

Direct Route to Turneffe Atoll (Blue Route)

This route takes you directly over the Caribbean Sea, passing by small cayes such as the ‘Hen & Chicken’ Caye, Congrejo Caye, and southern Ambergris Caye before landing at Turneffe Atoll. Enjoy the open blue waters and the fresh breeze during this transfer option.

Reef Flight Transfer (Red Route)

The reef flight transfer route takes you on a tour of the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-largest reef. Witness the small cayes along the reef, such as Coffee Caye, Montego Caye, and Long Caye, as they sit within the deep blue waters. Keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, or sharks swimming below! This route also offers a unique perspective of Caye Caulker, divided into two separate parts by a hurricane.

Blue Hole Over Flight Transfer (Orange Route)

On this route, you'll fly over the mainland and directly into the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. As you approach the reef, you'll be dazzled by the contrasting colours of the Blue Hole, the largest ocean sinkhole in the world. With a diameter of 1,000 ft and a depth of 460 feet, it's a spectacular sight. Keep a lookout for sharks, dolphins, stingrays, manatees, or crocodiles along the way.

Practical Information

The helicopter transfer to Turneffe Atoll takes approximately 20 minutes, a much quicker option than the 1.5-hour boat ride from Belize City. Transfers are usually arranged by the resorts or tour operators, and it is recommended to inquire about helicopter transfers when reserving your stay.

So, if you're seeking a thrilling and convenient way to travel to Turneffe Atoll, Belize, consider a helicopter transfer. With stunning views, efficient travel, and the option to choose from three exciting routes, it's a memorable way to start your tropical island getaway.

Day trips to the Blue Hole

The Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop offers a day trip to the Blue Hole for snorkelling. The trip costs $165 and includes a continental breakfast, snacks, drinks, and an authentic Belizean lunch. The boat leaves at 5:30 a.m. and returns at 6:00 p.m.

Another option is to book a two-tank outing with Amigos Del Mar and then book the Blue Hole trip with them. They have the largest boat in San Pedro for the 2+ hour trip out to the Blue Hole. The trip costs around $200 and includes food and snacks. They will pick you up at your resort at 5:30 a.m. and you will return by 5:00 p.m.

If you are staying at the Captain Morgan resort, you can also book a Blue Hole snorkelling trip with Ecologic Divers or Aqua Dive. These trips are only offered on Sundays and Tuesdays.

If you are looking for a shorter trip, Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley are recommended snorkelling spots that are closer to Ambergris Caye.

Frequently asked questions