Wilderness
Adventures.CA
http://wildernessadventures.ca/KayakingCoralIslandBelize.html
1-866-383-9453
adventurescanada@yahoo.ca
Belize Paradise Islands 5 day / 6 night Lodge Based Kayak Adventure
Departures 2009 Nov
22, 24, 29 Dec 6, 13, 20, 22, 27, 29
Departures 20010 Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Feb 7,
14, 21, 28 Mar 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr 4,
11, 18, 25 May 2, 9
|
|
Duration:
5 Days / 6 Nights
Begin From: Belize City End In: Dangriga Group Size: 6-12 Guides: 2-3 |
| Activities | Accommodations |
| Sea Kayaking (paddling & sailing) | 1 night forest bungalow |
| Snorkeling, Fishing (Optional Scuba Diving) | 4 nights island lodges |
| Photography | 1 night mainland lodge |
| Natural History | |
| Interpretation |
Trip
Fee: $1514.00 CAD
|
|
(includes
$130 Gov't Fees & Taxes)
|
The Setting...
| 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 Dangriga to start our kayak Adventure, 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:
Day 0: |
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 one of our staff 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 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 Caye Marine Reserve
we are ideally positioned to explore the surrounding reefs and cayes.
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 snorkelling at (our first snorkelling
session begins with a thorough instruction and demonstration and
beginner through to advanced skills are taught) at the Tobacco Caye
cut and the outer reef walls. In the afternoon we’ll paddle
to nearby cayes to explore the sheltered lagoons and mangrove channels
returning in the evening to Tobacco Caye. 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 travelling to today– Southwater
Caye. After packing our kayaks with our personal gear bag, 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 reef system. The waters
are shallow and clear, and we’ll see a tremendous variety of marine
life including southern stingrays, eagle rays, grouper, nurse sharks and
more. As we make our way to Southwater Caye with it’s coconut palms
swaying in the wind, this is a day you’ll wish could 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 even a nighttimes snorkel
session on 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 inter-action 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:
|
This morning, we turn west towards the inner islands of the Belize Barrier Reef system. Weaving north west through the Twin Cayes and the inner channel, with a lunch stop enroute, we make our way to the Coco Plum Range where we stay at lovely new lodge on the sandy shores of Coco Plum Cay. Here, with a backdrop of the sun setting over the sea and the Maya Mountains on the mainland we celebrate our final night together with a seafood feast and island festivities.
Day 6: (fly-home
day): Meals: Breakfast |
 |
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.
What's Included...
1. All meals, accommodation,
and transfers described in the tour
2. Unlimited use of our Equipment
3. Use of waterproof dry bags during kayak trip
4. Accommodation on the day before the trip (' Day 0 ') and the final
night.
5. Professional Guiding Services (both North American Leaders and Belizean
Guides).
6. Comprehensive Pre-Trip Information Package
7. Belize 9% Tour Tax
8. Belize 10% Sales Tax
What's Not Included...
1. Gratuities2. International Flights and Airport Departure Tax
3. Extra costs due to late Arrivals, lost baggage and other circumstances beyond our control.
4. Transfer back to Belize City
5. Alcoholic Beverages
Getting back to Belize City
…
Please book your flight directly with Tropic Air: http://www.tropicair.com
or Maya Air: http://www.mayaairways.com
. It's about a $60 US and 25 min flight back to the Belize international
airport and you can book this flight for anytime after 9:15 am. Or you
can travel overland by bus (2-3 hours) for approximately $10.00 US
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: Toll Free: 1-800-433-7300 website: http://www.aa.com
Continental Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-523-3273 web site: http://www.continental.com
US Airways: Toll Free: 1-800-622-1015 website: http://www.usairways.com
Delta Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-221-1212 website:http://www.delta.com
United Airways: Toll Free: 1-800-421-4655 website: http://www.united.com
Expedia: website: (Canada) www.expedia.ca (US) expedia.com www.expedia.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
Printable View of this itinerary
*Prices and intineraries subject to change without notice