Belize Lighthouse Reef & Mayan Adventure
7 days
From
$ 4599
Duration7 days
Set out on a 9-day adventure in vibrant, vivid, vibing Belize. Belize is as beautiful as they come, full of distinct ecosystems and beaches that beckon us to explore. Clear, blue waters teeming with tropical fish, hundreds of bird species, and more than 10 different cultures contribute to a spectacular melting pot. On this adventure, we experience it all. Belize is home to the Barrier Reef, the longest unbroken reef in the western hemisphere. Within the reef are seven protected areas, two of which can be found at our first stop: Lighthouse Reef. The waters of the remote Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear, offering some of the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. From here, we have access to the Blue Hole Natural Monument, one of the top ten scuba diving and snorkeling sites in the world. After four glorious, adventure-filled days on the reef, we head inland to Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge. Leave the Caribbean Sea behind for mountainous terrain filled with rocky plateaus and impressive Mayan archaeological sites. We spend our final days in Belize hiking and biking some of the 90 miles of wilderness trails, full of creeks, waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 7 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: Belize CityPhysical Grading: Light
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Ages: 18+
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Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Belize!
Start place: Belize City
Your trip begins in Belize City, Belize. Group members can take one of three transfers from the airport to our hotel in Belize City. Relax by the pool surrounded by tropical plants this afternoon after a day of traveling. In the evening we will have our orientation at the hotel. Dinner on own.
Day 2: Travel to Lighthouse Reef, the most easterly of Belize’s atolls
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to the boat dock and board our speed boat for the scenic two hour journey to Lighthouse Reef. We arrive at Half Moon Caye, a crescent-shaped island, and our beach basecamp. Half Moon Caye was dedicated as a monument in 1982, the first protected area in Belize. It is also home to the only red-footed booby sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere besides the Galapagos. We'll settle into our comfortable oceanfront walk-in tents before a dinner of the freshest bounty from the sea. Accommodations: Tent-walled cabanas with shared bathrooms. All meals included.
Introduction to snorkeling: 2 hours; boat transfer: 2-3 hours
Introduction to snorkeling: 2 hours; boat transfer: 2-3 hours
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Kayak, snorkel or stand up paddle board in a vibrant reef system.
Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear, with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. To begin, the guides provide instruction, teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding and safety in the tropics.
Over the next few days we have many options to explore, including a shipwreck that looms just north of the caye. In 1971, a ship named the Ermlund lost power during a storm and was deposited on the reef by a large wave. This 4000 ton rusted wreck sits silent as a landmark and is one of many shipwrecks in the area that serve as a constant reminder of the hazards of navigating these waters. We also have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology and the island’s mangrove and interior forest habitat that spread over the park’s 45 acres. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a 4,000 red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a viewing platform to intimately observe the many nesting sites. And, of course, we always have the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold drink!
On one of the days of our stay we will visit the famous Blue Hole which was first brought to prominence by Jacques Cousteau. We’ll bring our masks and fins and motor out to the Blue Hole to snorkel along the rim of this amazing natural feature. This dive spot is known for its profusion of fish and fascinating coral formations.
Please note that weather plays a major factor in determining how and when we visit the Blue Hole as well as where and when we do all activities while on the island. Based on the weather and the group's abilities and desires, guides will determine the itinerary each day during our stay at Half Moon Caye basecamp. On our kayaking outings, expect to spend 2-5 hours paddling in total, with time in the boat split up by meal breaks and snorkeling opportunities. All meals included.
Kayaking (or other activities including snorkeling and stand up paddle boarding): 4 – 6 hours per day
Over the next few days we have many options to explore, including a shipwreck that looms just north of the caye. In 1971, a ship named the Ermlund lost power during a storm and was deposited on the reef by a large wave. This 4000 ton rusted wreck sits silent as a landmark and is one of many shipwrecks in the area that serve as a constant reminder of the hazards of navigating these waters. We also have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology and the island’s mangrove and interior forest habitat that spread over the park’s 45 acres. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a 4,000 red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a viewing platform to intimately observe the many nesting sites. And, of course, we always have the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold drink!
On one of the days of our stay we will visit the famous Blue Hole which was first brought to prominence by Jacques Cousteau. We’ll bring our masks and fins and motor out to the Blue Hole to snorkel along the rim of this amazing natural feature. This dive spot is known for its profusion of fish and fascinating coral formations.
Please note that weather plays a major factor in determining how and when we visit the Blue Hole as well as where and when we do all activities while on the island. Based on the weather and the group's abilities and desires, guides will determine the itinerary each day during our stay at Half Moon Caye basecamp. On our kayaking outings, expect to spend 2-5 hours paddling in total, with time in the boat split up by meal breaks and snorkeling opportunities. All meals included.
Kayaking (or other activities including snorkeling and stand up paddle boarding): 4 – 6 hours per day
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Travel from the blue waters of the atolls to the mountainous and Mayan-rich Cayo District.
Today, there is quite a bit of travel after lunch, so plan to be active this last morning at Half Moon Caye. The choice is yours: don a mask, snorkel and fins for a visit to a favorite patch reef, grab a stand up paddleboard for a last glide over the coral formations, or jump in a kayak and paddle out to the reef. After lunch our motor charter arrives to pick us up for the return boat trip back to the mainland. Afterward we’ll transfer by land to our next destination and a completely different area of Belize: the Mountain Pine Ridge of the Cayo District. Our remote lodge is nestled in 7200 acres of a private reserve where both pine forest and tropical jungles collide. The flora and fauna are like few places on earth. Once we’re settled into our new and comfortable rooms, there may be time for a dip in the pool before dinner tonight. All meals included.
Snorkel, kayak or paddle board; 1-2 hours; boat transfer: 2-3 hours; driving: 3 hours
Snorkel, kayak or paddle board; 1-2 hours; boat transfer: 2-3 hours; driving: 3 hours
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Hike and bike a reserve teeming with waterfalls and other natural beauties.
Today, we explore some of the 90 miles of trails inside the beautiful reserve. We start our tour by biking on roads and trails. We travel upland through the pine forest that makes up part of this 7,200 acre private park. We’ll mainly travel dirt roads that follow the contours of the rolling hills. At one point, we’ll leave our bikes and venture into the verdant jungle to hike to beautiful Butterfly Falls. There we’ll have a chance to plunge into its tantalizing waterfall pool to cool off from our morning’s activity. We’ll continue on the trail following a lovely mountain stream that, at times, opens to other beautiful pools just right for swimming. After our hike we’ll get back on our mountain bikes and follow the well maintained trails to our ideal picnic spot. After our lunch break we’ll continue biking to the lookout of a breathtaking waterfall where, if we’re lucky, we may see a king vulture or an orange-breasted falcon soaring in the sky. Here guests may opt out to travel back to the inn by motor transportation or, if we still feel active, continue back to the lodge by bike. The rest of the afternoon can be spent hanging around the pool and Jacuzzi or perhaps take another trail around the lodge. Note: if all activities are done, this day would be rated a Level 3: moderate activty. All meals included.
Biking: 3-4 hours; Terrain: Unpaved, sand and packed roads with rolling hills; Hiking: 2-3 hours.
Biking: 3-4 hours; Terrain: Unpaved, sand and packed roads with rolling hills; Hiking: 2-3 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Explore one of largest and least visited ancient Mayan sites.
No adventure in Belize would be complete without an exploration of the ancient Mayan culture and Belize’s extensive cave system. Western Belize and the Cayo district in particular are filled with numerous towns and villages which vary from Mayan Indian to Creole cultures. Archaeologists now believe that the Cayo District was the epicenter of the ancient Mayan population. Evidence of their villages and temples can be found in this area. One of the country's most impressive sites includes Caracol. Caracol – The Snail- is the largest of the Mayan sites found in Belize. To this day, the Sky Palace within the site is Belize’s largest man-made structure and boasts impressive views of the surrounding jungle. Our morning will be spent visiting this gem of all Mayan sites.
After a lovely picnic we’ll make a stop at the massive Rio Frio Cave, known for the enormous 65-foot arches that frame both ends. Standing in front of the cave, we are curious to see past the opening that beckons us forward. Once inside the cave, the other large entrance (or exit) can also be seen, as the entire cave is less than half-mile long. A river runs through the cave, but it is possible to walk inside without getting wet. We view the stalactites and strange-colored rocks while hearing stories of how caves like this became so important to the culture of the Mayan people. We’ll make our last stop at the Rio on Pools. Here is a great place to slip in the water and refresh ourselves in the cooling pools at the end of a delightful day. Tonight, we celebrate our final dinner and reflect on our time spent in this small country filled with abundant natural beauty. All meals included.
Walking among ruins: 3 hours; cave visit: 1 hour; time at pools: 1 hour; driving: 3 hours total
After a lovely picnic we’ll make a stop at the massive Rio Frio Cave, known for the enormous 65-foot arches that frame both ends. Standing in front of the cave, we are curious to see past the opening that beckons us forward. Once inside the cave, the other large entrance (or exit) can also be seen, as the entire cave is less than half-mile long. A river runs through the cave, but it is possible to walk inside without getting wet. We view the stalactites and strange-colored rocks while hearing stories of how caves like this became so important to the culture of the Mayan people. We’ll make our last stop at the Rio on Pools. Here is a great place to slip in the water and refresh ourselves in the cooling pools at the end of a delightful day. Tonight, we celebrate our final dinner and reflect on our time spent in this small country filled with abundant natural beauty. All meals included.
Walking among ruins: 3 hours; cave visit: 1 hour; time at pools: 1 hour; driving: 3 hours total
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Departure Day
This morning, enjoy a breakfast buffet before transferring to the airport in Belize City. We expect to arrive at the airport around noon so flights out of Belize City must be scheduled after 2pm. Breakfast included.
Driving: 3 hours
Driving: 3 hours
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- All accommodations
- all meals as noted in the daily itinerary
- airport transfer from the Belize airport to hotel on Day 1 only
- transportation within Belize
- local English-speaking guides
- kayaks and gear
- stand up paddleboards
- bikes and bike helmets
- park fees and taxes
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Accommodation
Hotel, 1 night, beach base camp, 4 nights, boutique lodge, 3 nights