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, seagrass 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.

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. 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 the largest reef in the western hemisphere and the second largest in the world. In Belize, this reef is a well-formed wall extending 185 miles (300 km) along the coastline. Approximately 35 miles beyond the Barrier Reef lies one of Belize’s most spectacular atolls – Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

These circular-shaped reef systems climb up from the ocean floor and surround a central lagoon. The reef structure is primarily made up of two kinds of coral, the hard hydro-coral (reef-forming coral) such as brain coral or elkhorn coral, and the soft corals, such as sea fans and feather plumes. 

The lagoon shelters one of the world’s most diverse sea environments; harboring an extensive community of fish, shellfish, and patch reefs. One mile off the eastern shore of the atoll and the shallow waters of the lagoon the reef wall drops precipitously over 3000 feet to the ocean floor below 

The interaction between the deeper open waters of the Caribbean and the sheltered lagoons of the atoll results in diversity and abundance of marine life, which is unsurpassed for sea kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.

Half Moon Caye has one of the Caribbean’s most important nesting colonies of red-footed boobies. Around the atoll and the Reef, there are nesting sites for loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles, and often we see them while out snorkeling or kayaking.

Day 1:

Accommodations: Half Moon Basecamp Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Meet at 8:30 am in the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel lobby, make a quick stop at a local shop and head to our waiting motor boat charter. We travel by boat 56 miles out to sea, passing through mangrove ranges, white sand cayes, arriving at Belize’s furthest island group, on Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

Upon arriving at Half Moon Caye, your guide team will orient you to the island and camp to settle you into your accommodations. You will then enjoy a late lunch and then a session of sea kayak and snorkeling instruction before heading out on the water.

Day 2-7:

Accommodation: Half Moon Caye Basecamp Meals: B, L, D

Due to its isolated location from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef are exceptionally clear with the most abundant fish populations and colorful coral reefs in Belize. This rich ecosystem offers access to some of the best sea kayaking and snorkeling (as well as scuba diving) in the Caribbean.

You will have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology, the local flora and fauna, as well as the island’s coconut and littoral forest (more common to the interior of the mainland).

Over the next few days, you will have many options to explore, including a quickly disappearing shipwreck just north of the caye. The guides will present activities each day based on the weather conditions, and the group’s desires. And of course, we always give you the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold beverage!

On this trip, we explore further into the Lighthouse Reef atoll, with extended fishing trips, as well as new patch reefs, or downwind paddle trips on the SUP’s.

The guides will use the conditions of the day and present several options to keep each guest engaged.  

On this final night, we return for a wonderful dinner prepared especially for you by our cooks.

After dinner, we have a cultural presentation of drumming and dancing to celebrate the last night at Half Moon Caye.

Accommodation: None Meals: B, L

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.