Epic Belize Adventure Itinerary
7 Days / 6 Nights
“From sacred caves and Mayan ruins to remote island reefs, explore Belize’s natural and cultural wonders in one unforgettable journey!”
Duration: 7 Days – 6 Nights
Starts: Belize City
Finishes: Belize City
Seasonal Trip: December to April
Habitats: Caribbean Pine Savannah – Pine Ridge – Broadleaf Tropical Rainforest – Barrier Reef – Lighthouse Atoll Activity level: ..00 [3] No experience required Activities: Caving, Mayan Ruins Exploration, Wildlife Viewing, Sea kayaking (paddling and sailing), walk in snorkeling, handline fishing, stand-up paddle boarding Optional: Scuba diving -fees apply
Group Size: 6-13
Guides: 2-6 leaders
Activities: Caving, Mayan Ruins Exploration, Wildlife Viewing, Sea kayaking (paddling and sailing), walk in snorkeling, handline fishing, stand-up paddle boarding Optional: Scuba diving -fees apply
Accommodations: Crystal Paradise Resort, Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye
Package includes:
- 3-night at Crystal Paradise Resort
- 3-night safari-style “basecamp” accommodations
- Meals (as per itinerary)
- Boat transfers Belize City/Half Moon Caye Guided activities and equipment (as per itinerary)
- Park fees and taxes
Package does not include:
- Airfare
- gratuities,
- medical/travel insurance
- snorkel/scuba gear, additional activities (scuba)
- costs incurred by flight delays
Trip Highlights: Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, Caracol Mayan ruins, swim the Rio Frio pools, fantastic birdwatching and wildlife, the Great Blue Hole, paddling in crystal clear waters, glamping on a private island, fishing for dinner, explore the magnificent frigate bird rookery and redfooted booby colony
Recommended for: solo travelers, couples, thrill seekers, off-grid adventurers, digital detox
Please find PRICE and DATES Here (Belize Main Page)
The Adventure
Journey west to explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) sacred caves and a full-day expedition into the Chiquibul Forest Reserve to swim the Rio On pools and to explore the ancient Mayan city of Caracol. Over three nights, we enjoy the intimate hospitality of the Tut family at their Crystal Paradise Resort near San Ignacio overlooking the Macal River in the beautiful Cayo District. Next, travel to Belize’s most remote island group at Lighthouse Reef Atoll – a marine protected area and UNESCO world heritage site, located fifty-six miles off the shore of the Belize coast. Stay on Half Moon Caye, where you will spend four memorable nights. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, Half Moon Caye is the perfect base to go out and explore the wonders of the coral reef system.
“Basecamping” involves sleeping in wall-tented cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents have ample headroom to walk around, are on raised wooden floors, and have real wood-framed beds (6-inch foam mattresses). Tents can be configured with either double or single beds. All bed linen is provided.
Typical Daily Itinerary:
 |
Day 1:
Accommodation: Crystal Paradise Resort Meals: Dinner Rendezvous with your driver in Belize City, and transfer west to the village of Cristo Rey. From here, we follow meandering road to Crystal Paradise Resort, which is in a picturesque setting and perched on a hill above the Macal River. You have time to settle in and explore the property.
|
 Glovers and Caves Day 2 |
Day 2:
Accommodation: Crystal Paradise Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After an early breakfast, the drive deep into the most remote rainforest location in Belize, to the ancient Mayan city of Caracol. Today’s drive takes us through breathtaking scenery through the Mountain Pine Ridge, over a series of creeks and rivers, and descending into the lush tropical rainforest of the Chiquibul Rainforest Reserve. The ancient Mayan city of Caracol dates back to the classic period and is believed to be one of Belize’s largest Mayan settlements of that era. The city walls contain over 35,000 known structures, including five plazas, four palaces, three temples, 24 stelae, two ball courts, reservoirs, causeways, and an astronomical observatory. Upon our return from Caracol, we stop at Rio Frio Caves and a refreshing dip into the Rio On Pools for a swim. Here, you can immerse yourself in the refreshing waters, swim in the serene pools on the edge of the mountain pine ridge. |
 venture inland caving stalactites |
Day 3:
Accommodation: Crystal Paradise Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Today’s extraordinary adventure takes us deep underground and into the Mayan underworld known as Xibalba, a mythical realm inhabited by spirits, powerful gods and sacred rituals. We hike, wade, ford, swim, and climb into the sacrificial chambers to witness first-hand artifacts deep in the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves system. We find evidence of ceremonial offerings, and sacrifice. As we climb the underground river system to the high chamber, it ends at the top with the Crystal Maiden, skeletal remains that have been calcified into the flowstone.
|
 |
Day 4:
Accommodation: Half Moon Basecamp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner We rise early for breakfast and transfer to Belize City for our awaiting motor boat charter. You will have a chance to stop for snacks and provisions along the way. We travel by boat 56 miles out to sea, passing through mangrove ranges and white sand cayes before arriving at Belize’s furthest island group. Expect the ride to take 2-3 hours. Upon arriving at Half Moon Caye, your guide team will orient you to the island and settle you into your accommodations. You will enjoy a late lunch and then an intro session of walk-in snorkeling at one of our local reefs. |
  |
Day 5 – 6:
Accommodation: Half Moon Basecamp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Over the course of the next few days, we will give you the chance to discover all of our local walk-off snorkel sites. In between snorkels we host information sessions on the history of Belize, its unique marine ecosystem and the local culture. We will also travel to the famous snorkel site “The Aquarium” and world renowned “Great Blue Hole”. A huge collapsed sinkhole that was discovered and made famous by ocean explorer, Jacques Cousteau. This perfectly circular formation is bejewelled with an array of hard and soft coral and a wide variety of colorful reef fish. This is a great place to practice more advanced snorkeling techniques or observe others doing so from the surface. All guided sessions are optional and laying in a hammock is considered an “official” activity. Evenings at our basecamps are filled with happy hour gatherings, delicious dinners, beach games, star gazing, cold beverages, cultural presentations, and incredible Caribbean sunsets.
|
 |
Day 7:
Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast, Lunch The choice is yours for your last morning at Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Snorkel your favorite patch reefs, walk the island trails, and swing in a hammock or beach comb along the island beaches. After lunch, a motorboat charter picks everyone up for the return trip to the mainland. This return journey takes you through Turneffe Atoll across the Great Barrier Reef, and you’ll arrive at the Belize City Biltmore Hotel, usually by late afternoon.
|
Travel Notes: For travelers leaving Belize after this trip, we also strongly suggest spending a night in Belize City. International connections out of the country require a departure the next day.
On Arrival in Belize: The Belize International Airport (BZE) is easy to navigate. After immigration, you collect your bags and move through the customs area. Once you clear customs, proceed to the departures terminal of the airport and locate the Maya Island Air desk. Provide them with your passport for identification and they’ll get you on to your domestic flight to Dangriga. Here you are met by company representative and shuttle you to your first night’s accommodation.
Departure from Belize: You will stay on the cayes for the last night of your trip. The following morning after breakfast, our charter boat will bring you back to the mainland – usually arriving around 12 noon. On your return to Dangriga the group will be taken to our Operations Base. Here you can pick up the luggage, change, and then make your connections for further travel in Belize or your international flight home.
Travel note: For those making connections home on this last day, international connections departing Belize should be booked after 3pm. You will require a 20 minute flight from Dangriga to the International Airport at a cost of approx. $115USD per person and we are happy to make this reservation for you in advance. We will have a vehicle waiting to take you to the Dangriga airstrip. If you are unable to find a return flight after 3pm on the departure day, we have Flight & Hotel Packages available.
For those departing Belize the following day we offer a Dangriga to Belize City Flight & Biltmore Hotel Package. Package Cost: Single – $260 USD, Double – $190 USD per person, Triple – $170 USD per person, Quad – $155 USD per person.
Note: This is one of our most adventurous trips. It takes place in a remote wilderness region of Belize. Participants need to be in good physical condition and ready to handle the unexpected. Weather conditions can greatly affect water levels and hiking trails into the river and may increase the level of difficulty. We also believe that the remoteness and variability of conditions are what make this trip the best of its kind in Belize. Trip itineraries may vary significantly depending on water levels.
|
What’s Included… 1. Comprehensive Pre-trip Information package
2. All meals, accommodation, and transfers described in the itinerary 3. Professional Guiding Services 4. Unlimited use of our Equipment and facilities 5. Government Fees & Taxes |
What’s Not Included… 1. Gratuities
2. Fishing Licenses 3. Scuba Diving 4. International Flights and Airport Departure Tax 5. Extra costs due to late arrivals, lost baggage, and other circumstances beyond our control |
Transportation…Rendezvous with your driver in Belize City, and transfer west to the village of Cristo Rey. From here, we follow a meandering road to Crystal Paradise Resort, which is in a picturesque setting and perched on a hill above the Macal River. You have time to settle in and explore the property.
Fly-Fishing… The best fishing is done right from where we stay, particularly if there are accessible sand flats, mangroves or abrupt drop-offs. When paddling or sailing your kayak you can troll a weight forward or sinking line. This is a good way to catch barracuda, grouper or snapper. [read more]
For bonefish you want to have a 7, 8 or 9 weight rod, nine foot or slightly longer depending on the size of the fish and the flies you are using. A 5 or 6 weight stream fishing rod will do for smaller bonefish and can be great fun, but you will wish you had heavier gear if you hook into a 3 or 4 pound fish. Effective bonefish flies are Crazy Charlies #4, #6, #8 in gold, tan & pink; Horror’s # 4, 6, 8 in orange, and Snapping Shrimp # 4, 6 in tan. A heavier tippet of 10-12 lb will hold up well in the shallow coral and rubble strewn waters. The heavier rod weights will work for jacks and barracuda as well. If you plan to fish for tarpon we suggest 10, 11 or 12 weight rods.
Apart from matching the right reel to the type of fish you are going after, the most important thing is a reel that can handle the harsh saltwater conditions. You need to be religious about washing your reel in fresh water each day, particularly if you are using the reel you bought for trout fishing at home. Many of the fish you will hook are fast and unbelievably strong, therefore your reel should hold a minimum of 150 yards of backing, and 20 to 30 pounds test or more for tarpon. A weight-forward tapered floating line is good for bonefish – you will want a sinking line as well for tarpon. If you are serious about your fly-fishing you should bring an extra line with you. Nine to twelve foot leaders are fine – heavier and shorter leaders are easier to use within the difficult, windy conditions that are often encountered on the Belize reef. 2X & 4X for calm conditions in shallow waters and 1X, 0X, or 02X are also okay.
Barracuda, grouper, jacks, snapper, mackerel and tarpon are some of the more prized fish we catch with spin-casting gear or simple bait-trolling rigs. Fly-fishing for bonefish is best at Glovers Reef. It is catch and release only and you will need to bring your own gear. Our Lighthouse Reef trips are not as well suited for flats fishing, as there is a 1 mile square “no fishing / no take” zone on Halfmoon Caye. We do Belizean handline fishing at both basecamps, where we travel outside park boundaries to fish for the pot.
However, for people that love fishing, here are some suggestions on what to bring:
Tackle
The type of tackle that you bring with you will depend on what type of fish you want to catch and how serious you are about fishing. With many hundreds of miles of fishing grounds, Belize is a superb sport-fishing destination. In Belize, bonefish, tarpon, barracuda, jacks and king mackerel are most common. Permit are also a prime catch but can be very difficult to find.
If you are bringing your own equipment the following list of items may be useful:
- Small spin-casting rod and reel (6-12 1b test)
- 100 yds of 20-50lb test fishing line for hand- line fishing
- 5-10 wire leaders
- A small assortment of single hooks and a very large hook for trolling bait
- Silver/pink/green trolling and casting spoons, large Rapalas, or Tomic plug.
- A variety of weights
[/read]
Scuba Divers…
There are some great opportunities to scuba dive at Lighthouse Reef including diving the Great Blue Hole if your are a PADI certified Advanced Open Water Diver or have a equivalent certification.
Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip.
Please let us know in advance.[read more]Scuba Diving Rates…(average rate) $75 USD – single dive, $125 USD – 2 dive package with BC and Reg, $165 USD – 3 dive package with BC and Reg.
Surrounding our Island Basecamps are wall dives, channel dives, wrecks and stunning marine life waiting to be discovered. Diving is available at Glovers Reef, Lighthouse Reef and at Tobacco Caye but is not operated us and thus not always guaranteed on every departure.
We work with different dive operators for each of our individual trips.
Diving equipment is available for rent through the operator or you can bring your own BC and regulator.
Scuba Divers, Please Come Prepared…
- Dive cards are required by the operator, please bring them with you along with credit card for payment.
- BCD sizes need to be submitted to us ahead of time.
- If a wetsuit rental is needed, sizes will need to be submitted ahead of time.
- Guests should have their own snorkel & mask ready for the dive.
- Diving costs will be paid directly to the dive operator. Our guides will facilitate this activity by connecting guests with the operator on arrival.
- Lighthouse Reef Divers please be aware that to dive the Great Blue Hole, a PADI’s Advanced Open Water Diver certification and a checkout dive is required.[/read]
Single Traveler Policy
Our standard trip pricing is based on double occupancy. Solo guests will be charged a Single Supplement fee and get private accommodations for the entire trip.
Private Room: Epic Belize – $525 USD
Note: The number of single rooms available on most departures is limited, and may not be available at each location. If we are not able to provide your own room throughout the trip, we will pro-rate the supplement fee.
Recommended Tour-books:
Eltringham, Peter. 2002. Belize: The Rough Guide .London. Penguin Publishers. Perottet, Tony. 2000. Belize: Insight Guide Singapore. Houghton Mifflin Publishers. -Great photographs and written by a Belizean!
Recommended Reading:
Rabinowitz, Alan. 2000 Jaguar, One Man’s Struggle to Establish the First Jaguar Sanctuary New York. Island Press.
GETTING TO BELIZE
Direct Flights from Canada to Belize
Direct non-stop seasonal (Nov to Apr) flights to Belize are available with Air Canada from Toronto, and with WestJet from Toronto and Calgary.
Direct Flights from USA to Belize
Direct non-stop flights to Belize are available with United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines.
Direct non-stop seasonal (Nov to Apr) flights to Belize are available with Sun Country Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
Direct Flights from Cancun to Belize
Tropic Air has 2 daily flights from Cancun to Belize International that offer good connecting opportunities.
Seamless Flight Connections from the UK and Europe to Belize
American Airlines also offers a flight that does not require an overnight connection. This flight departs London Heathrow and has a short connection in Miami before landing in Belize City.
Tips on Searching for the Best Flight Deals to Belize
Be sure of your flight dates. Call or email us to check trip availability and to confirm your arrival and departure dates. Being flexible within one to two days each way is often a good way to find the best prices.
The internet is the main place to find the best prices and routes for airfare. Google Flights is a great place to start, it is non bias and produces all available routes and prices. Online Travel Agents (OTAs) such as Expedia and Orbitz are also popular.
Airline Website Directly: We find that searching the airline websites directly will give you the best possible fare. Here are links to the major airlines that fly directly into Belize City (airport code BZE). All other cities route through these gateways.
Air Canada – Departs & Returns Toronto on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
WestJet – Departs & Returns Toronto on Wednesdays and Saturdays and weekly on Fridays from Calgary
American Airlines – daily via Miami, FL or Dallas, TX
United Airlines – daily via Houston, TX and Newark NJ
Delta Airlines – via Atlanta GA and weekly from Los Angeles CA
Southwest Airlines – via Houston Hobby TX, Ft. Lauderdale FL, Denver CO
Sun Country Airlines – via Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Avianca Airlines – via San Salvador, El Salvador
Copa Airlines – via Panama City, PA
Tropic Air – via Cancun, Merida, Roatan, San Pedro Sula, Flores MX and Belize In-Country Flights
Maya Air – Belize In-Country Flights
We recommend you purchase flight cancellation insurance. Almost all flights purchased these days are considered non-changeable/non-cancellable so please consider coverage.
Still have questions? Please give us a call toll free in North America at: 1-866-383-9453 or email us at wildernessadventures1@gmail.com
Booking: The booking requires a 30% deposit by Visa or MasterCard with the balance due 60 days prior to trip departure.
The trip dates do sell out so please book early to get the trip dates you want.
