The Adventure

We begin our trip with an introduction to the inland waterways of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Here we experience, close at hand, the astounding diversity of birds and wildlife for which Belize is renowned. Located 33 miles northwest of Belize city the sanctuary provides both the abundant food sources and the safe resting areas necessary to support a large and diverse population of birds. The best time for viewing resident and migrant birds is December until June, during Belize's dry-season.

Next, we catch our motor charter to spectacular Lighthouse Reef, one of only four coral atolls in the Caribbean, and home to the famous Blue Hole. In 1972, Capt. Jacques Cousteau and the intrepid crew of the Calypso explored and filmed this incredible atoll, showing its amazing underwater diversity to the world for the first time.

The Setting

Lighthouse Reef, made famous by legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, has become known amongst divers as the ‘Aquarium’, renowned for its sheer abundance of marine life, crystal clear waters and thriving coral reefs.

Beyond the barrier reef, past Turneffe Atoll–some fifty miles and more eastwards of the Belize mainland– a coral atoll rises from the sea. Shimmering with white-sand cayes and lush green with groves of coconut palms, the lagoon provides a rare underwater habitat for snorkelers, with miles upon miles of shallow waters rich with corals. Where the lagoon drops off to the open sea; precipitous walls, undersea ridges and valleys brimming with life are the deeper realm of scuba divers.

Long difficult to access and out of reach for kayakers and snorkelers, we have pioneered the first-ever basecamp at Lighthouse Reef.

We sleep in spacious walk-in tents (every window has an ocean view) and after each days activities our open air dining pavilion is the perfect place to relax in comfort with fine meals and splendid company.

Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you will be met by our staff and transferred to the Birds Eye View Lodge, in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. After checking into our accommodations we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers and enjoy a fine meal and as time permits explore Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s oldest Creole Settlement. Transfers from the airport, dinner activities and lodging are included.

This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment.

Accommodation: (Lodge) Meals: Dinner

Coffee is served at sunrise, and with binoculars in hand, we enjoy the waking wilderness and many hundreds of birds feeding right in front of the lodge along the shores of the Crooked Tree lagoons. After a healthy Belizean breakfast we’ll embark by boat to explore the area . Throughout the sanctuary we have tremendous birding and wildlife opportunities: iguana, turtle, parrot, ibis and Morlet’s crocodile are frequently seen. Later in the day, we’ll drive along the old Belize Road to the sea where we board our motor charter that takes us through white sand cays and mangrove ranges, then past the main barrier reef to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, at the furthest edge of the Belize Reef System, 55 miles offshore of the mainland. On reaching Halfmoon Caye your guide team will orient you to our new island setting and settle you into your accommodations and camp.

Accommodation: (Half-moon Basecamp) Meals: B, L, D

Due to it’s 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 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 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 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 series of viewing platforms 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!

Accommodation: (Half-moon Basecamp) Meals: B, L, D

The "aquarium" is today’s big adventure. We pack a hearty lunch and our snorkel gear in our kayaks and paddle with motor support. This dive spot is known for it's profusion of fish and towering coral formations. We return home, stopping at the Halfmoon Wall for a spectacular drift snorkel over the undersea cliff of the atoll.

Accommodation: (Half-moon Basecamp) Meals: B, L, D

Day 6:

Today, we paddle along the protected waters of the southern reef to Long Caye where we have a chance to snorkel some of the atoll’s best patch reefs. After a full day of exploring, we return just in time for a wonderful seafood dinner prepared by our cooks.

Accommodation: (Half-moon Basecamp) Meals: B, L, D

For our last morning at Lighthouse, the choice is yours. Don a mask, snorkel and fins for a visit to a favorite patch reef enjoy walking the island trails or beach comb along the island beaches before the motor charter arrives to pick us up for the return boat trip back to the mainland. We transfer to the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel where we can enjoy a fresh shower and a swim in the pool.

Accommodation:(hotel) Meals: B, L, Dinner not included on this day

*NOTE: Due to the remoteness of the Lighthouse basecamp, the activities on the reef portion of this trip are weather dependent and the itinerary is only a ’ guide,’ and will remain flexible and open to any changes at the trip leaders’ discretion.

Scuba Divers...

There are some great opportunities to dive at Lighthouse Reef. Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip. Single tank dives are available from approximately $49 US. For further information please contact our office.

Equipment...

While at our base-camp on Half-moon Caye, our guests have unrestricted use of the following equipment: Double Kayaks (outfitted with special sails), Single Kayaks, Complete Research Library, On the island, we are in communication with the mainland via satellite phone and VHF Marine radio.

On Day 0, we will be staying at Birds Eye View Lodge, situated on the water's edge of the Crooked Tree Lagoon. This comfortable Belizean-style hotel offers private bath and lakeside views. Over top of the hotel there is a deck and bar, which is a perfect place to catch the evening breeze and reminisce over your recent discoveries.

On the final night we will be staying at the Belize Biltmore Hotel in Belize City. This is a modern and comfortable hotel, located 5 miles north of Belize City, with a central courtyard and swimming pool to relax and unwind.