Belize Maya Reef Explorer Kayak Adventure: 8 Days / 8 Nights Itinerary
“Lighthouse Reef was fabulous – away from the crowds and worry-free. From the moment we awakened, opened our tent and looked at the ocean yards in front of us the experience was unforgettable. Every good thing we had read about the trip was true, but none discussed the amazing gourmet meals prepared for us and the cultural knowledge and experiences that were shared with us by everyone at camp. I will never forget my first (planned and carefully supervised) wet exit from my kayak, kayak sailing, stand-up paddleboarding over a ray, snorkeling over a small reef to realize I was directly over a shark, and seeing photoluminescence during night snorkeling (which two guides kindly took me on despite no other guest wanting to go after our long day!). My bird-loving hubby really enjoyed Crooked Tree as well. Surprisingly the zoo was a treat – small, intimate, and close-up to the animals.”
Kory Kelly
Maya Reef Explorer
Group Size: 6-22
Guides: 2-6
Accommodations: 3 Nights Birdseye View Lodge, 4 Nights Lighthouse Reef Basecamp, 1 Night Biltmore Plaza Hotel,
Activities: Rainforest, River Travel, Swimming, Stand-up Paddle Boarding, Snorkeling, Sea Kayaking (Paddling), Sea Kayak Sailing, Archeology, Mayan Ruins, Birding
Please find PRICE and DATES Here (Belize Main Page)
About the Trip
The Maya Reef Explorer combines a three day inland adventure to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary with five days at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a remote tropical marine park and designated world heritage site fifty-five miles off the shore of the Belize Mainland.
Ideal for those wanting to experience both reef and inland, as well as the local Creole and ancient Mayan cultures. Well suited for families and couples of mixed abilities, our Basecamp trips offer a choice of guided activities on the reef and the flexibility for traveling companions to do things together or separately. All abilities welcome! Includes accommodation on the mainland before and after your trip to Lighthouse.
Discover the diversity of indigenous birds and wildlife at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat tour of Crooked Tree Lagoons.
- Check out Crooked Tree, one of Belize’s oldest Creole settlements
- Journey to the ancient Mayan ruins of Lamanai and Altun Ha.
- Explore and stay on remote and renowned Lighthouse Reef Atoll, with four nights in a tent-walled cabana at our all-inclusive Adventure Basecamp on Half Moon Caye.
- Paddle and snorkel ‘the Aquarium,’ as well as Jacques Cousteau’s legendary Blue Hole.
The Adventure
The Setting…
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Lighthouse Reef One of three coral atolls offshore of Belize, Lighthouse Reef is a remote tropical marine park and UN world heritage site fifty-five miles off the shore of the Belize Mainland. Stay on Half Moon Caye, a protected island that is managed by the Belize Audubon Society. |
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Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Located northwest of Belize City the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary consists of a large network of inland lagoons, wetlands, and waterways.[read more]The sanctuary provides both the abundant food sources and the safe resting areas necessary to support a large and diverse population of birds. Those visiting in the later months of the dry season (Feb – May) are treated to a concentration of wildlife, which congregate in the park’s shrinking lagoons, as freshwater resources across the country dry-up. |
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The Mayan Sites… |
Lamanai – The ruins of Lamanai lie scattered along the banks of the New River covering an area of 950 acres of tropical rainforest in central Belize. The Mayan name Lamanai translates into “submerged crocodile”.
Due in part to its location straddling a major trade route. Lamanai was one of the longest continuously occupied Mayan cities in Central America – from about 500 BC to 1675 AD. The first major excavation was undertaken by the Royal Ontario Museum starting in 1974. During a series of field seasons they mapped 718 structures stretching out along the shore of the lagoon. [/read][read more] Lamanai’s importance is reflected in the large imposing Late Pre-Classic temple-pyramids built over top of earlier temples. On one site researchers found, buried deep inside a temple dating back to 600 AD, a well preserved Pre-Classic temple estimated to be seven centuries older – that’s 100 BC![/read]
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Altun Ha – Translates into “stone water” due to the ancient Mayan reservoir, or aguada, that Belizeans call “rock stone pond”.
Altun Ha was an important Classic Period site situated to take advantage of the trading that occurred between the waters of the Caribbean and the deep interior of the Mayan Civilization. The entire city covered three square miles and the population is estimated to have been between eight and ten thousand people at its peak. [read more]Within the central portion of the site there are more than 275 structures. Altun Ha has become famous for a large jade head representing the sun god Kinich Ahau that was discovered in the main temple. This relic is the largest Mayan jade artifact ever discovered, weighing ten pounds. It is now the national symbol of Belize and seen on the corner of every Belizean banknote.[/read] |
A Note About the Ecology…The Flora and Fauna
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InlandWe begin our trip, immersed in the rich savannah, grassy lowlands, lagoons and broadleaf rainforests of Central Belize. Within the savannah and lowland habitats of Belize, the dominant plant species is the Caribbean pine, but there also exists an abundance of other species such as grasses, palms, palmettos to cecropias and miconias. Although, this ecosystem is not as diverse vegetation as the broadleaf tropical rainforest, it does posses a unique system that relies on specific ecological influences. Fire is the major ecological influence, which contributes to the continuous dominance of this system.[read more] This can be seen through-out the lowland savannah zones as charred stumps and burned bark on many of the trees, which seems like a destructive force to the untrained eye, however, this is an important factor in the regions ongoing renewal. The cycle of burns renews growth in the region, and certain species cannot release their seed without fire! The lagoons and riverine environments of the lowlands also harbor an tremendous diversity of plant-life, which ranges from small thin-boled trees, to large kapoks along the floodplain. While traveling in the Crooked Tree Sanctuary of northern Belize, we have great opportunities to view a diverse array of wildlife.Travelers flock to the region to see the diverse bird life found throughout the savannah and marshlands; over 250 different species have been spotted in this region (approximately 2/3 of Belize’s total). During the dry-season, when the birds tend to congregate in shrunken pools and riverbeds, it is not uncommon to see one hundred species or more in a day. Some of the birds seen are: the jabiru stork, the belted kingfisher, the tri-colored heron, boat-billed heron, the snail kite, tiger heron, the osprey, and the black-collared hawk. While traveling along the river or lagoons we are also likely to spot some of Belize’s interesting land creatures, such as the Morelet’s crocodile, turtles, and iguanas.[/read] SeaBelize’s Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the northern hemisphere, second largest in the world, extending 185 miles (300 km) along the coastline. Nineteen miles seaward from the eastern border of the Barrier Reef, lies one of Belize’s most spectacular atoll – Glover’s Reef. These circular shaped reef systems climb from the ocean floor and surround a central lagoon. The surrounding reef 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 sheltered lagoon harbors one of the world’s most diverse sea environments; an extensive community of fish, shellfish, and patch reefs. One mile off the eastern shore of the atoll, the reef wall quickly drops 2600 feet to the ocean floor below. The interaction between the deeper, open waters of the Caribbean Sea and the sheltered lagoons of the atoll, results in a diversity and abundance of marine life, which is unsurpassed for sea kayaking, snorkeling and diving. |
Typical Daily Itinerary:
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Day 1
Accommodations: Birdseye View Lodge Meals: Dinner is included on this nigh You’ll arrive at the Belize International Airport where an Island Expeditions’ representative will meet you and welcome you to the country. You’ll be taken to Bird’s Eye View Lodge in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. After checking into your accommodations you’ll have a chance to meet your fellow travelers, enjoy a fine meal and if time permits, explore Crooked Tree Village.[read more]Crooked tree Village is one of Belize’s oldest Creole Settlements. Airport transfers, dinner, and lodging are included. [/read] |
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Day 2
Accommodations: Birdseye View Lodge Meals: B,L,D You will have a full day of exploration as you travel overland and by river to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai. With the very best guides you explore the many temples, plazas, palaces, and museums within the park’s boundaries. In the afternoon, you’ll depart Lamanai by riverboat and your guides will help you discover amazing opportunities for birding and viewing wildlife.[read more]Iguanas, parrots, toucan, aracaris, and Morelet’s crocodiles are frequently seen while traveling down the New River. You will return turn to your lodge along the banks of the Crooked Tree Lagoons. [/read] |
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Day 3 Accommodations: Birdseye View Lodge Meals: B,L,D Coffee is served at sunrise. With your binoculars in hand, you’ll enjoy the sounds and sights of the awakening wilderness. You’ll also have the opportunity to see hundreds of birds feeding along the shores of the Crooked Tree Lagoons. This protected area was created in 1984 primarily to preserve resident and migratory birds. It consists of a network of inland lagoons, wetlands, and waterways, which shelter one of the world’s largest flying birds, the Jabiru Stork.[read more] On this day, you’ll enjoy boat tours through the protected lagoons and a tour to the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. Altun Ha is considered one of the major Mayan ceremonial centres of Belize, and functioned as an important trading center between the people of the interior and the coast during the Classic Period (250-900 AD). Within the site, there are more than 275 structures and 250 to 300 unexcavated mounds. [/read] |
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Day 4 Accommodations: Lighthouse Reef Half Moon Caye Basecamp Meals: B,L,D This morning you’ll travel to Belize City, and board a chartered water taxi to Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Our route takes you along numerous white sand, partially submerged mangrove cayes until you cross Belize’s Barrier Reef. From there, you’ll enter the narrow passages within the Turneffe Islands before crossing the blue waters towards Lighthouse Atoll.[read more]Upon reaching our Half Moon Caye Basecamp, your guide team will orient you to your new setting and accommodations. You will receive thorough instruction on the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling, and safety on the Caribbean Sea. In the afternoon, weather permitting; you’ll have an opportunity to sea kayak and snorkel within this marine reserve. You’ll also be taken on a snorkeling excursion to the renowned Blue Hole, a site made famous by the legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau. The Blue Hole is an underwater cave and sinkhole in the middle of the Lighthouse lagoon. [/read] |
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Day 5-7
Accommodations: Lighthouse Reef Half Moon Caye Basecamp Meals: B,L,D Early risers may want to go for a swim, do some yoga – or just grab a cup of coffee and watch the tropical sunrise. After a healthy Belizean breakfast everyone gathers to plan the day’s activities. The waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear with a fabulously rich reef system, which offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the Caribbean. [read more] Throughout your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to try a variety of activities as you explore this remote and magical part of Belize. Snorkeling at the ‘Aquarium’ is a favorite guest activity. The Aquarium has a profusion of tropical fish and towering coral formations, and is an unforgettable underwater experience. You’ll also be taken on a snorkeling excursion to the renowned Blue Hole, a site made famous by the legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau. The Blue Hole is an underwater cave and sinkhole in the middle of the Lighthouse lagoon. In the mornings and evenings, a favorite guest activity is to walk to the red-footed booby colony to watch nesting boobies come in from the sea to tend their nests and feed their chicks. [/read] |
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Day 8
Accommodations: Belize Biltmore Hotel Meals: B, L (Dinner is not included on this day) For your last day on Lighthouse Reef, choose from a variety of activities. Don a mask, snorkel, and fins and swim to a favorite patch reef. Circumnavigate Half Moon Caye by kayak or explore by Stand Up Paddleboard. Walk the trails, or beachcomb along the island beaches. Our water taxi typically arrives later in the afternoon to take everyone back to the mainland.[read more]The Belize Biltmore Hotel is your final destination for today, a comfortable hotel located on the outskirts of Belize City. You can go home anytime on Day 9. [/read]
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Day 9
Accommodations: N/A Meals: N/A This last day is yours to enjoy at your leisure before you fly home or continue on your travels. Relax by the pool or investigate the optional tours offered by the hotel activity desk. Note: Breakfast and transfer to the airport on day 9 are not included. |
NOTE: Due to the remote location of the Lighthouse Reef Basecamp, the activities on the reef portion of this trip are weather dependent. This itinerary is a ‘guide’ and must remain flexible and open to changes at the trip leaders’ discretion. We hope you bring a spirit of adventure with you, and allow us to adjust the sails.
Accommodations….
When beginning our itinerary with the Reef component on ‘Day 1’, we will be staying at the Bird’s Eye View Lodge at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
While out at Half Moon Caye, we are “Basecamping”, sleeping in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents have ample headroom to walk around and are on raised wooden floors with double or single beds, with all linen provided. On the island, we have a fully equipped kitchen, fresh-water collection system for drinking water, fresh-water showers, and modern composting toilets. We also have a large dining area and resource library lounge.
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| Nights 1-3: Birdseye View Lodge | Nights 4-7: Half Moon Caye Basecamp | Nights 8: Biltmore Plaza Hotel |
Transportation…At the start of the trip we pick you up on arrival at the Belize International Airport on Day 1. On the last day of the trip we can drop you off directly at the Belize International Airport or the Biltmore Plaza Hotel. All transportation by land and water from Day 1 to Day 8 on the trip is included.
Equipment…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.
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. Post-trip transfer to Belize International Airport
2. Gratuities 3. Fishing Licences 4. Scuba Diving 5. International Flights and Airport Departure Tax 6. Extra costs due to late Arrivals, lost baggage and other circumstances beyond our control |
| Scuba Divers… There are some great opportunities to scuba dive at Lighthouse Reef.
The Belize Barrier Reef offers great wall dives, as well as gentle slopes. Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip.[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 by 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…
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Many of our guests travel on their own. Our style of trip is ideal for single travelers combining the benefits of group camaraderie and group security with lots of individual flexibility in what you want to do each day. Single supplement options vary by trip style. Standard trip pricing is based on double occupancy. Solo guests can request either to share twin accommodations with another traveler or request single accommodations for an additional fee. If you are willing to share and we are able to match you up – no problem and no extra cost. If we cannot match you up then we have a simple, affordable $250 USD supplement fee for trips of 6 nights and longer. Please Note that the shared accommodation option is not available during Covid. Please see the Private Room Rare below.
Should you prefer private accommodations, we can provide you with your own room and the following charges apply:
Private Room: Maya Reef Explorer – $500 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.
