Turneffe Atoll: Belize's Tropical Paradise

Turneffe Atoll is a remote group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea, 30 miles (48 km) off the coast of Belize in Central America. It is one of three atolls that make up the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef atoll in Belize. The atoll is approximately 30 miles long (48.3 km) and 10 miles wide (16.1 km), and it is known for its clear waters, colourful reefs, and diverse marine life. The islands offer a range of activities such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, and birdwatching, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Turneffe Atoll is 20 miles from Belize City

Turneffe Atoll is a chain of small Caribbean islands located 20 miles (32 km) off the coast of Belize City. It is the largest coral atoll in Belize, measuring approximately 30 miles (48 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide. The atoll is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which also includes Glover's Reef and Lighthouse Reef.

As one of the top destinations for diving and fishing in Belize, Turneffe Atoll offers clear waters, colourful reefs, and world-class dive sites. The Elbow, for example, is known for its stunning drop-offs and dramatic reef formations. The atoll is also a popular spot for saltwater fly fishing, where anglers can attempt to catch bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day, known as a "Grand Slam".

Turneffe Atoll is easily accessible from Belize City, with transportation options including chartered boats, planes, and helicopters. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours by boat and about 20 minutes by air. Some resorts on the atoll, such as the Turneffe Island Resort, offer private boat transfers for their guests, departing from the Radisson Fort George Marina in Belize City.

In addition to its marine attractions, Turneffe Atoll is also a haven for birdwatchers. Over 60 different species of birds have been identified in the area, many of which can only be spotted on the atoll. The atoll also has a rich history, with the infamous pirate Blackbeard spending the winter of 1717-1718 in the area.

It's the largest coral atoll in Belize

Turneffe Atoll is located southeast of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize in Central America. It is approximately 30 miles (48 kilometres) long and 10 miles (16 kilometres) wide, making it the largest coral atoll in Belize and in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The atoll is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which also includes Glover's Reef and Lighthouse Reef.

As the largest coral atoll in Belize, Turneffe Atoll boasts a diverse ecosystem that supports numerous marine species. The atoll was officially recognised as a marine reserve in November 2012, highlighting its ecological significance. This reserve encompasses not only the atoll itself but also the surrounding open sea, resulting in a protected area of approximately 131,690 hectares (325,412 acres). This makes the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve the largest of its kind in Belize.

The Turneffe Atoll is a popular destination for divers and fishermen due to its proximity to vibrant reefs and world-class dive sites. Its clear waters and varied depths cater to both snorkelers and divers, while its reputation as a fishing hotspot has attracted anglers for over forty years. The diverse ecosystem provides a unique opportunity for fishermen to catch bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day, an achievement known as a "grand slam".

The atoll is characterised by a network of flats, creeks, and lagoons, with over 150 mangrove islands and cays. This diverse landscape provides essential habitat for a wide range of species, including fish, crocodiles, lobster, conch, and invertebrates. The intact mangrove and seagrass habitats serve as crucial nurseries for these species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the atoll.

Turneffe Atoll is also steeped in history, with connections to the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who operated in the region during the winter of 1717-1718. The atoll's remote location and natural features continue to attract visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation, making it a significant marine destination in Belize and beyond.

It's a popular destination for divers and fishermen

Turneffe Atoll in Belize is a popular destination for divers and fishermen. Located 20 miles off the coast of Belize City, it is the country's largest coral atoll, spanning approximately 30 miles long by 10 miles wide. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef and is known for its clear waters and colourful reefs. The atoll is also home to a diverse range of marine life, making it a prime spot for scuba diving and fishing.

Divers are drawn to Turneffe Atoll for its proximity to world-class dive sites, such as the Elbow, which boasts stunning drop-offs and dramatic reef formations. The Elbow is known for its large schools of snappers and jacks, as well as the presence of groupers and eagle rays. Another popular dive site is the Wreck of the Sayonara, a former passenger/cargo boat now covered in sponges and corals, providing a vibrant backdrop for a variety of marine life. With over 70 known dive sites, Turneffe Atoll offers a diverse range of underwater landscapes and marine life to explore.

For fishermen, Turneffe Atoll offers the unique opportunity to achieve a "grand slam" by catching bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day. The atoll's diverse fishery sets it apart from other destinations, as it provides the chance to land a variety of fish species. The crystal clear, firm-bottomed, wadable flats of Turneffe are ideal for fly fishing, and the atoll's creeks, channels, and flats are inhabited by large migratory tarpon between April and October, with resident tarpon available year-round.

Turneffe is also known for its luxurious island resorts, which offer easy access to diving and fishing spots. These resorts provide a range of amenities and services, including guided tours, fishing and diving equipment, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a relaxing and memorable experience on the atoll.

With its diverse marine life, stunning reefs, and world-class dive sites, it's no wonder that Turneffe Atoll is a popular destination for divers and fishermen seeking an unforgettable Caribbean adventure.

It's home to a diverse ecosystem and many threatened marine species

Turneffe Atoll is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a diverse ecosystem and many threatened marine species. It is one of the most pristine areas within the Mesoamerican Reef System, with well-represented coastal and marine ecosystems. The atoll is surrounded by a shallow fringing reef and filled with a labyrinth of channels and mangrove-covered cayes. It is considered one of the best-developed coral atolls in the Caribbean, with a diverse range of ecosystems, including reef, seagrass and mangroves, all growing in close proximity.

The coral reefs of Turneffe Atoll are teeming with life and are a draw for tourists from around the world. The reefs support a wide array of fish species, as well as crocodiles, lobster, conch and other invertebrates. The atoll is home to more than 500 species of fish, 65 species of stony corals, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife. The large expanses of intact mangrove and seagrass habitat provide important nursery functions for these species.

The seagrass beds of Turneffe are critical for the maintenance of ecosystem connectivity, providing a link between the reef and the mangroves. These seagrass meadows support a resident population of West Indian manatees and provide an intermediate habitat for many juvenile reef fish and invertebrates, such as parrotfish. Queen conch also rely on seagrass, grazing on their leaf blades. Along with lobster, these large molluscs form the basis of Belize's fishing industry.

The terrestrial ecosystems of Turneffe Atoll are equally impressive, with approximately 20% of the atoll considered terrestrial. Sandy beaches provide critical nesting sites for globally threatened sea turtles and American crocodiles, while littoral forest and mangroves provide shelter for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The red mangroves, with their arched roots, offer protection for juvenile fish and help to prevent the loss of cayes from erosion during storms.

The Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR) was established in 2012 to protect and sustain these ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities who depend on traditional fishing practices. The reserve covers an area of approximately 1,317 square kilometres and is the largest offshore atoll marine reserve in Belize.

It's accessible by chartered boat or plane/helicopter

Turneffe Atoll is a remote and sparsely populated atoll off the coast of mainland Belize. It is Belize's largest and northernmost atoll, located 20 miles (32 km) from Belize City. As it is so remote, the only way to get there is by chartered boat or plane/helicopter.

By Boat

From Belize City, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to get to Turneffe Atoll by boat. The majority of resorts in Turneffe Atoll, such as Turneffe Island Resort, offer a boat transfer service from Belize City. This is included in the price of your stay, and they will greet you at the airport and transfer your bags to the boat.

By Plane/Helicopter

You can also reach Turneffe Atoll by plane or helicopter in about 20 minutes. Helicopter transfers are often provided by resorts as an additional service for guests seeking a more luxurious mode of transport. These transfers can also serve as a sightseeing tour of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Getting Around Turneffe Atoll

Once you have arrived at Turneffe Atoll, you can get around by walking, kayaking, or taking a chartered boat.

Frequently asked questions