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Dive Review of Turneffe Flats in
Belize

Turneffe Flats: "My wife's favorite dive trip", May, 2022,

by Richard Schifreen, WI, US (Reviewer Reviewer 5 reports with 2 Helpful votes). Report 11999 has 1 Helpful vote.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations N/A Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling 5 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments This was our second visit and we have booked a third. TF caters mostly to fisherman, but has active dive and adventure/snorkeling programs. The resort is quite comfortable and places a strong emphasis on sustainability. They are truly exceptional in this regard with no issues regarding electricity, hot water or drinkable water. There is no cell phone; internet and WiFi are slow and a bit spotty but acceptable. Dinners are served over limited time periods with one main menu option, although exceptions are available on request; preferably requested at breakfast. Breakfasts are cooked to order and excellent. Bag lunches - several choices, snacks and beverages - are served on the dive boat. There is an open cash bar. We found the meals to be delicious with adequate portions. A majority of the employees have been with TF for multiple years and do a great job. The owner is a physician so first-aid, COVID testing and quarantine are all available on-site. TF is very isolated, and more extensive medical care would require evacuation.

It is a small dive program, typically no more than 4 divers with the divemaster. The boats are modern and well-equipped. Everything is totally valet - with truly excellent service. The divemaster would pick up and return my camera gear to my room each morning and afternoon. I bring my own equipment, but rental was a viable alternative with the usual minor issues. Nitrox is available, but costs extra. I'd rate the diving as very good, but not spectacular. The reefs are in very good condition and conservation is supported by the marine reserve. The divemaster is tuned in to the guests and adjusts plans accordingly. There is a once weekly trip to the Great Blue Hole and surrounding sites, weather permitting.

Two minor negatives. First, although a night dive is listed as available it never happened in my two visits. The selected site is not optimal and no one seems especially upset to miss it. Second, the divemaster disturbs the marine organisms to give guests a better view or photograph. I am a strict believer in "leave no trace" and would rather miss a photo than disturb marine life.

My wife is a non-diver and finds the adventure/snorkeling program to be exceptional. On some days she sees more than I do! This outstanding program makes TF her favorite dive trip and keeps us coming back year after year.
Websites Turneffe Flats   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving My dive travel has been substantially reduced due to COVID, but I have visited multiple sites in the Caribbean and Pacific.
Closest Airport Belize City Getting There Regular commercial flights to Belize City, although schedules may be problematic. Met by agent at the airport and transported to the dock for the boat ride to the resort.

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, rainy Seas calm, choppy
Water Temp 82-86°F / 28-30°C Wetsuit Thickness 1
Water Visibility 50-75 Ft/ 15-23 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions The dive guide kept the group together.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas None
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics 3 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments There is no shore facility dedicated to photography, but the divemaster picks up and returns photography gear to your room each morning and afternoon. There are plenty of outlets (110V) in each room for charging. I asked for an extra large towel for the camera. The divemaster maintains a separate fresh water tub on the boat for cameras in addition to the water bucket supplied for each diver's mask. There is no capability for charging batteries on the boats. The divemaster will offer advice regarding choice of lens and do their best to meet diver's requests for photographic subjects.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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