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
We begin our trip with an introduction to the inland waterways of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Here we experience 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.

Our Journey to Lighthouse Atoll takes us 60 miles offshore to Belize’s most remote and spectacular atoll. On our way to Lighthouse we weave our way through channels and picturesque islands within Belize’s Barrier Reef, then after crossing the reef wall we enter a keyhole passage and wind through narrow mangrove-lined channels to reach the eastern Coral Wall of Turneffe Atoll and then continue another 20 miles to the world renowned Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Half Moon Caye. One of only four coral atolls in the Caribbean, Lighthouse is home to the famous Blue Hole. In 1972, Capt. Jacques Cousteau and the intrepid crew of the Calypso explored and filmed this incredible atoll, exposing its amazing underwater diversity to the world for the first time.

In partnership with the Belize Audubon Society, we have established an Adventure Camp within the Half Moon Cay Marine Reserve, opening up for the first time this spectacular wilderness to kayakers, snorkelers adventurers.

Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you will be met by an Island Expeditions representative 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 morning, 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, 60miles offshore of the mainland.

On reaching Halfmoon Cay your guide team will orient you to our new island setting and settle you into your accommodations and camp and enjoy a late lunch and an afternoon snorkel or kayak around Halfmoon Cay.

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

Perhaps an early swim or before breakfast participate in a yoga session with our resident yoga instructors ( yoga is not available on all departures please check our website or call the office for a current schedule of trips with yoga instructors) After a healthy Belizean breakfast we gather to plan the days activities. To begin our activities the guides provide instruction; teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling and water safety on the sea. From this point we venture forth into a world that most of us can only dream of; turquoise waters, solitary beaches and a remarkable abundance of marine life surrounds us wherever we are. 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 Due to it’s isolation from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear with a fabulously rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean.

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 its profusion of fish and towering coral formations. We return home, stopping at the Half-moon Wall for a spectacular drift snorkel over the undersea cliff of the atoll.

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

Day 4:

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

Day 5:

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 the trip finishes.

Accommodation: (Hotel) Meals: B, L

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.