Best of Belize: Snorkeling, Kayaking & Culture

Destination: Belize

The best of Belize! The Paradise Islands of Belize, located in the less developed southern region of Belize's Barrier Reef, remain close to a pristine marine ecosystem. We'll kayak through the shallow reef-strewn waters, snorkel to our hearts' content, go to sleep lulled by the sound of ocean waves breaking on the shore, and fill each day with lots of exercise, delicious food, and the kind of relaxation that stems from immersion in a very different world and way of life. Then it's back to inland Belize, exploring wildlife sanctuaries, lagoons, and the ancient Mayan ruin of Lamanai. We'll experience true Belizean culture and see how these ancient economies have transitioned to the current day world. This is the perfect vacation for anyone with some kayaking and snorkeling experience and has an appreciation for other cultures. Maximum group size: 13

Highlights

Kayak in warm Caribbean waters over reefs full of diverse marine life
Snorkel among reefs teeming with brightly colored fish
Try your hand at kayak sailing or stand up paddle boarding
Learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit this unspoiled marine environment
Exploring inland Belize including world class birding, lagoons, waterways, and a Mayan ruin
Becoming steeped in Belizean culture, current and past
Stay in small, hospitable, locally run lodges
Feast on freshly prepared Belizean cuisine

Departures and Prices

March 06 to March 14, 2021

$3845.00 - Available

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Inclusions

A local Belizean guide (male) for 8, 2 local guides and an AGC guide for more than 8
A Belizean guide team for the inland portion of Belize
Eight nights lodging as described, and meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the last day
All snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding equipment
Transportation within Belize including an airport pickup, if you arrive on Day 1, and an airport drop-off at the end of the trip.

What's not included: Travel to and from Belize, alcoholic beverages, snacks, guide gratuities, and travel insurance.

Details

The trip requires some aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week. Additional endurance exercise may be suggested. There are typically 4 to 6 hours of daily activity.

This trip is designed for women in good condition who want an active vacation in a warm winter environment. Our days are full, although there is time to relax built into each one and also the option to opt out of some activities if you want more downtime. The kayaking and snorkeling on this trip are truly intertwined, as we will do most of our snorkeling from our kayaks. The most kayaking we do in one day is 6 miles, with 3-4 miles being more typical. You should have some prior kayaking experience and be comfortable on the water as you may be paddling in rough or windy conditions at times. Rating: 1 [2] [3] 4 5.

We'll kayak, snorkel, and swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean. The coral reefs of Belize are known for providing both an excellent snorkeling environment and (usually) tranquil water. Some kayak experience is required; your guides will teach you safety skills and basic boat handling and paddling strokes. The kayaks are primarily double kayaks, but you can talk with the guides while you are on the trip if you would like the opportunity to try a single kayak.

One night will be spent at the Tropical Education Center in Belize City, adjacent to the Belize Zoo. The Center has rustic forest cabanas, each on a raised platform, fully screened and equipped with two twin size beds complete with linens. One full size bed is available upon request. There is a shared shower and restroom facility for the cabanas.

Three nights at Tobacco Caye Paradise is a small Belizean-style vacation property with six private "over the water" beach cabanas. All cabanas face north to the Belize Barrier Reef and have wonderful decks perched over turquoise tropical waters. Each deck has a hammock and an amazing view of the Caribbean Sea. The accommodations are clean, comfortable and charmingly rustic. There are five 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom cabanas, and one 2 bedroom / 1 bathroom cabana. Each bedroom has either one or two beds. Each cabana has a private bathroom and cool (unheated) rainwater-fed showers .

We'll spend two nights at IZE on South Water Caye. Seaside cabanas are nestled in the mangroves on the eastern shoreline of the island to take advantage of the cooling trade winds. They are so close to the water's edge that you will awaken to a view of the barrier reef and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore beneath you. The cabanas have private bathrooms with hot water showers.

The last two night will be at Bird's Eye View Lodge, a family owned lodge in standard rooms with two double beds and en-suite bathrooms.

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Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

DAY 1

Arrive at the Belize International Airport by 2:00 p.m. today; you'll be met and transferred to the Belize Biltmore Plaza where the group gathers at 3:00 p.m. From there we go to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo and our lodging for the first night. We will be staying in Forest Cabanas, situated in the midst of idyllic tropical pine forest with a network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms at our doorstep. You can start getting ready for the adventure at the Interpretive Centre, which details the diverse ecology of Belize and is an ideal introduction. About 6 pm we'll gather for introductions and share a "Welcome to Belize Dinner." If you're not too tired, we highly recommend joining us for an optional nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo. Jaguars, ocelots, tapirs and other native species provide our first introduction to Belize's amazing wildlife. Overnight at the Tropical Education Center. (D)

DAY 2

Our first day in the Tropics. We start the morning with a drive over the Maya Mountains to our Operations Base in Dangriga. Here we'll transfer all our items into dry sacks (provided) and hop onto a charter boat that takes us to our first of the aptly named Paradise Islands on the Southern Barrier Reef. We'll meet our Belizean guide team who will give us an overview of tropical marine safety. We'll then begin with kayaking instruction: safety, group and self-rescues, and touring techniques with an emphasis on how to use our muscles most efficiently and how to get in and out of kayaks safely. If you've never received formal instruction, you'll be surprised how much a few basic tips can improve your kayaking. After a break for a swim, some time to explore the island shoreline, and a tasty Belizean lunch, we'll practice our new strokes and become familiar with the local waters. We'll return to our lodging, enjoy drinks and dinner, and be lulled to sleep by the sound of ocean waves. Overnight on Tobacco Caye. (B, L, D)

DAY 3

For those who love the early morning, watching the sun rise is the perfect way to start your day. After breakfast we'll have our first snorkeling demo and instruction, learning both beginning and advanced skills as appropriate, at the Tobacco Caye cut and outer reef walls. In the afternoon we'll paddle to nearby reefs to snorkel and explore healthy and vibrant coral and brightly colored fish. Staying right on the Barrier Reef in the heart of the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, we are ideally situated to explore all the surrounding reefs and cayes. For experienced divers, we can also look into arranging an optional scuba dive. This requires advanced notice and and is subject to availability. We'll return that night to our lodge on Tobacco Caye and another delicious dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 4

We're staying at the same lodge tonight, so we have lots of flexibility today and lots of time to kayak, snorkel, fish, enjoy the marine life of Belize and - dare we say it - even relax if we choose. We'll explore both the inner and outer walls of the reef, follow wandering paths through mangrove ranges, and dip into protected lagoons. We gain insight into the lives of the fishermen who make this area their home and their living from the sea. Ho Hum, just another day in Paradise. Overnight Tobacco Caye. (B, L, D)

DAY 5

This morning we'll pack all our personal gear into our kayaks and paddle south along the Barrier Reef crest to Southwater Caye and our lodge for the next 2 nights. We'll start with an introduction to kayak sailing - nothing like letting the wind do some of the work for you! We'll paddle and sail our kayaks along one of the most beautiful sections of the entire reef system. The clear, shallow waters reveal an abundance of marine life: southern stingrays, eagle rays, nurse sharks (they're safe, don't worry), grouper, and more. Landing on the beach near our lodge, we'll be glad for a cold drink, a chance to relax, and a swim to cool off. In the afternoon we take a short paddle to a nearby island that is home to the Smithsonian Institute, here we are treated to a tour of the research lab. As the sun sets it's time to enjoy a well-earned dinner that will recharge us after our full day. Overnight South Water Caye. (B, L, D)

DAY 6

Today we spend our last full day kayaking to Billy Hawk Caye, formerly a Garifuna Fishing Camp, located in the Blue Ground Range. Arriving in time for lunch, we'll have time to relax in the most idyllic hammock setting and recharge for an afternoon of snorkeling. Sadly, we leave our kayaks on this island and enjoy a fun boat ride back to South Caye. This evening we'll celebrate our final evening together with a feast and a chance to enjoy island festivities. Overnight South Water Caye. (B, L, D)

DAY 7

After basking in Belizean island life for a week, it's time to explore the culture, flora and fauna of inland Belize. After a boat ride to Dangriga and a short in-country flight, we will take a van ride to our new home for the next two nights, Bird's Eye View Lodge. Located in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary the lodge sits along the banks of the Crooked Tree Lagoon, a protected area created in 1984 primarily to preserve resident and migratory birds. This afternoon we'll experience hands on demonstrations of what has sustained the economy of the local Crooked Tree village over hundreds of years. Tonight, we enjoy a home cooked dinner that incorporates many ingredients grown right on the property. Overnight Bird's Eye View Lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 8

Today we have a full day of exploration as we travel overland and by river to some Mayan ruins. During our exploration of the New River en route, we'll learn the history of this ancient mahogany trading route. In addition to the large variety of bird species (including parrots and toucans), monkeys, crocodiles and other animals may also be seen. What a way to arrive at Lamanai, the site was one of the longest continuously occupied Mayan cities, from about 500 BC to 1675 AD. During our guided tour we'll thoroughly explore the many temples, plazas, palaces, and museums within the park boundaries. Perhaps we'll meet one of the four troops of howler monkeys that make their home here. About 3.0 miles of walking, with frequent stops to listen and explore these historic ruins. We'll welcome the return to our lodge along the banks of the Crooked Tree Lagoons for another delicious dinner. Overnight Bird's Eye View Lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 9

This morning we will enjoy an extended tour of the Crooked Tree lagoon, a network of inland lagoons, swamps, and waterways, where you will discover just how aptly named the Birds Eye View Lodge is. There are literally hundreds of species within the sanctuary, including, snail kites, tiger herons, snowy egrets, ospreys, black collared hawks, and the reserve's most famous resident, the massive jabiru stork. Our Belizean guide knows the species well and will be identifying them for you along the way. Late morning will take us back to the Belize International Airport where you can book your flight out after 12:30 p.m. (B)

Trip Summary

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I have never kayaked before, is this the right trip for me?

We suggest that you have at least some kayaking experience and feel comfortable in a boat. You should also feel comfortable with swimming and being in the water. Some of the snorkeling is out in the open water so being able to get in and out of your kayaks is important.
Where do we eat?

You will be eating all your meals at the family-run lodges where you're staying.
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?

If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.
Are there bothersome insects?

Some women have noticed sand flies in the evening at dinnertime, especially when the typical breeze isn't blowing, but they haven't been at a level that impacts anyone's trip.

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Best of Belize: Snorkeling, Kayaking & Culture