Canadian Canoe and Kayak Wilderness Adventures
http://wildernessadventures.ca/KayakingCoralIslandBelize.html
1-866-383-9453
adventurescanada@yahoo.ca

Belize Paradise Islands 5 day / 6 night Lodge Based Kayak Adventure

Departures 2005 Dec 20,
Departures 2006 Jan 3, 29     Feb 12, 26     Mar 5      Apr 10

The Barrier Reef, which runs the full length of the Belizean coastline, is considered one of the richest marine ecosystems on earth. The 185 mile (300 km) long reef runs from 10 to 25 miles offshore, is the longest continuous reef in the Caribbean, and the second longest in the world. Along the Barrier Reef are over 225 cays, ranging from small, sand-fringed islands perched along the reef's edge, to larger islands of partially submerged mangroves. Historically, ships avoided this area of the Caribbean because of inaccurate charts and the difficulty of navigating the shallow reef-strewn waters. Teeming with brilliantly colored fish, sea grass beds and patch reefs, the reef systems have not seen nearly the level of human impact as witnessed in Mexico to the north and Honduras to the south. We travel in the less developed southern regions of Belize's Barrier Reef, which remains a near-pristine marine ecosystem that is unparalleled in the Caribbean. It is in this region that we find the best sea kayaking and snorkeling. Our base of operation, in the southern coastal community of Dangriga, is the ideal launching point for us to explore this spectacular region.

The ecology of the Belizean coast is a complex combination of coral reefs, sand flats with extensive turtle grass and mangrove ranges. The Barrier Reef shelters the Belizean coastline from the rougher open waters of the Caribbean sea. It acts as a huge breakwater, holding in the sand, resulting in the beautiful islands forested with coconut palms, sea grape and coco plum, and in the remarkable protected reef structures. The 'breakwater' action also enables the diverse ecosystems of the mangrove and turtle grass to flourish. These tangled partially submerged "forests" provide essential feeding and nursing habitat for hundreds of species of fish, shellfish, reptiles, marine mammals, and birds.

		wild mammals that inhabit the forest floor, including Belize's largest herbivore, the Baird's Tapir. While traveling along the Barrier Reef, paddling from cay to cay among the many "patch" reefs, we will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds, such as: bonefish,angel and parrot fish, stingrays, conger, moray eels, goatfish, just to name a few. Trailing a line from our kayaks, we also may get a chance at a tug from barracuda, grouper, tarpon, or snapper. Over our heads, we may see various birds including osprey (the billy hawk), sea gulls, brown-footed and white-footed boobies, frigate birds, hawks, mangrove warblers, and white crowned pigeons.
On our journey to Actun Tunichil Muknal, we travel through broadleaf, semi deciduous forest. All around us are signs of life, from the tropical birds high in the canopy like the keel-billed toucan and mot-mots to the many		Throughout the reef and along the coast are nesting sites for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. If we're lucky, we may see them while out snorkeling. We will definitely have a chance to see and sample the main staple for Belizean fishermen-the spiny lobster (in season) and the queen conch.

Typical Daily Itinerary:

		We are 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. There is also a great interpretive centre, which details the diverse ecology of Belize, and is an ideal starting point for the adventure ahead. After checking into our accommodations we enjoy a welcome to Belize dinner with our fellow travellers and our Belizean guide team. This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment. Transfers from the airport and lodging are included.
Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you are met by an Island Expeditions representative and transferred to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo.		Accommodations: (Lodge) Meals: Dinner is included on this night

Day 1:

Waking up to the sounds of the tropics is a pure delight with the chatter of parrots and parakeets flying overhead, the fresh morning air scented with tropical blossoms and the expectation of an exciting adventure filled day ahead. After breakfast we travel the Hummingbird Route through the Maya Mountains to meet up with our motor charter waiting to take us to our first island on the southern Barrier Reef. We’ll introduce you to safety in a tropical marine environment and then begin with teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, including safety, group and self rescues and touring techniques. Enjoy a swim, explore the island shoreline and then after a tasty Belizean lunch we begin our journey paddling over top submerged coral reefs , turtle grass beds and through narrow mangrove channels to reach our first nights accommodations. We’ll land our kayaks right in front of our lodge on Tobacco Cay settle into our accommodations and then enjoy drinks and dinner. Accommodations: (Island Lodge) Meals: B,L,D

Day 2:

Situated right on the barrier reef in the heart of the Southwater Cay Marine Reserve we are ideally positioned to explore the surrounding reefs and cays. Start with a steaming mug of coffee and fresh tropical fruits then enjoy an early morning swim or paddle before breakfast Our focus for the morning will include snorkeling (our first session begins with a thorough instruction and demonstration with snorkeling techniques, beginner to advanced) and scuba diving Tobacco Cay cut and the outer reef walls. In the afternoon we’ll paddle to nearby cays to explore the sheltered lagoons and mangrove channels returning in the evening to Tobacco Cay. Many of the cays we visit are completely wild, including one cay which is not even on the marine charts! Accommodations: (Island Lodge) Meals: B,L,D

Day 3:

Looking south with our gaze following the line of breaking waves along the barrier reef crest we can see the next island we ‘ll be traveling to today – Southwater Cay. After packing our kayaks with our personal gear, wishing fond farewells to our hosts we’ll start our day on the water with an introduction to kayak sailing. From here we’ll paddle and sail our kayaks along one of the most beautiful sections of the entire system. The waters are shallow and clear, and on clear days we’ll see a tremendous variety of marine life including southern stingrays, eagle rays, grouper, nurse sharks and more. As we approach Southwater Cay with it’s coconut palms swaying in the wind, this is a day you’ll wish to go on forever. We’ll land our kayaks on the beach check into our accommodations, enjoy an ice cold drink and explore the island before dinner. Then maybe try a little bone fishing action on a fly rod, or snorkel Southwater cut.

Accommodations: (Island Lodge) Meals: B,L,D

Day 4:

We have plenty of time to kayak snorkel, fish and enjoy the scenery and marine life of Belize. We explore different regions of the reef including the inner and outer walls, patch and fringing reefs, mangrove ranges and protected lagoons. For divers we can arrange dives as requested and for those who’d like to try out diving we can arrange discover Scuba courses with prior notice. As we explore by kayak our routes often cross those of the fishermen who make their living from the sea and with this interaction we gain good company and an insight into a way of life that is very different from our own. Accommodations: (Island Lodge) Meals: B,L,D

Day 5:

Our last day on the cays we pack up and leave Southwater Cay paddling west, away from the barrier reef to another group of beautiful cays. We enjoy a full morning of kayaking and snorkeling and island scenery before being picked up by our water taxi that will take us to the small Garifuna village of Hopkins. We’ll stay at a quaint oceanside resort, and have a chance to wander and explore before our last nights dining on the shores of the Caribbean. Accommodations: (Waterfront Belizean Hotel) Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation...
On 'Day 0 we will be spending the night at the Tropical Education Centre in our Forest Cabanas. Our cabanas are situated in a serene pine setting. Sinks, toilets and showers and situated in a separate building in the Forest Cabana complex. The Education Centre harbours Belize's largest collection of tropical animal specimens, a fantastic interpretative centre, and has a great network of trails and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring the pine savannah setting. While out on the cays we will be kayaking from cay to cay along the southern barrier reef and staying in small Belizean owned lodges on the cays. We stay two nights at each lodge on Tobacco Cay and Southwater Cay. Facilities include hot and cold running water and fully serviced bathrooms. As we are paddling our kayaks to each lodge we stay at we will be carrying our personal equipment and clothe in water tight hatches in the kayaks. We will also provide waterproof bags for your use. On the final night we will be staying in the small seaside community of Hopkins Village. Our accommodations are at a charming beach front Belizean-style hotel , where we celebrate our final night of the trip.

What's Included...

What's Not Included...

Getting back to Belize City …
Our North American office can help you make arrangements for your return to Belize City the day after the trip ends, unless you have made other arrangements with us. We can book a domestic flight from Dangriga to Belize City. The cost of this flight back to Belize City (25 minutes) is approximately $56.00 USD per person or you can travel overland by bus (2-3 hours) for approximately $10.00 USD.

Belize Paradise Islands Trip Dates 2006-2007

Recommended Tour-books:
Eltringham, Peter. 1999. Belize: The Rough Guide .London. Penguin Publishers.
Perottet, Tony. 1997. Belize: Insight Guide Singapore. Houghton Mifflin Publishers. -Great photographs and written by a Belizean!

Recommended Reading:
Rabinowitz, Alan. 1986 Jaguar, One Man's Struggle to Establish the First Jaguar Sanctuary New York. Island Press.

Getting to Belize City:

American Airlines: Has 2 flights a day departing Miami, Florida at 11:06 a.m. and arriving Belize City at: 12:16 p.m. and also a Miami departure at: 1:00 p.m. arriving Belize City at 2:14 p.m.
Toll Free: 1-800-433-7300 website: http://www.aa.com

Continental Airlines: Has 1 flight a day from Huston, Texas departing at 11:55 a.m. and arriving in Belize City at: 2:20 p.m. Toll Free: 1-800-523-3273 web site: http://www.continental.com

US Airways: Has 1 flight a day from Charlotte, North Carolina departing 10:40 a.m. and arriving Belize City at 1:09 p.m. Toll Free: 1-800-622-1015 website: http://www.usairways.com

Still have questions? Please give us a call toll free in North America at: 1-866-383-9453 or email us at adventurescanada@yahoo.ca

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