Coral Islands - Belize

Coral Islands Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Belize City, Belize. Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you will be met by an Island Expeditions representative and transferred to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo. After settling into our forest cabanas we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers over dinner. At the Tropical Education Center, you can explore the surrounding savannah forest through their network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms. There is also an interpretative center, which details the diverse ecology of Belize, and is an ideal starting point for the adventure ahead. Dinner included.

• Day 2

  We rise early to start today’s extraordinary journey, which takes us deep into the Mayan underworld known as Xilbalba (shil-balba), a mythical realm inhabited by spirits and powerful gods, an underworld of untold fears and dreams where Mayan shaman, in supposition to the gods, ventured into darkness to conduct their secretive rituals. As we venture underground into the caves, we learn from our guides how the caves played an important role in the ancient Maya civilization and about ongoing archaeological research taking place underground in Belize. After our jungle and cave adventure, we travel through the Maya Mountains along the Hummingbird Route to meet up with our motor boat charter waiting to take us to the barrier reef from the coastal town of Dangriga. This 45 minute trip takes us to our island lodge perched on the eastern edge of the southern Barrier Reef. We arrive in time to settle in, have dinner and plan our next days on the barrier reef. All meals included.

• Day 3

  Perched north over the water, we rise early to the sounds of the sea. After breakfast and an island orientation your guides teach you beginner to advanced snorkeling and then the remainder of the morning is snorkeling from the cay. Then in the afternoon guides begin with kayaking fundamentals, and go over ocean touring techniques with the whole group, including how to pack our boats. After a short paddle, we arrive to our first camp already set-up, giving us time to settle into our accommodations, enjoy a fine meal cooked by your guides, and instruction on the finer points of horizontal hammock surfing. All meals included.

• Days 4-6

  We sail and paddle south along the barrier reef camping on idyllic tropical cays, usually traveling five to ten miles each day along the reef (with some lay-over days). We have plenty of time to snorkel, fish and enjoy the scenery and marine life of the Caribbean. We explore many different regions of the reef including the inner and outer walls, patch and fringing reefs, mangrove ranges and protected lagoons. Our traveling 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. Each night we camp on small cays along the barrier reef. All meals included.

• Day 7

  We end our journey on an island along the inner channel of the barrier reef, and are transferred to the mainland by motor charter. Back in Dangriga, we settle into our accommodations, and have a chance to shower, dress and relax before our evening celebration at a local family’s house for dinner. Trip finishes in Dangriga the following day. All meals included.

• Next Day

  Fly home. (Our office will make arrangements for you to return to Belize City, unless you have made other arrangements with us. We will book a domestic flight from Dangriga to Belize City. The cost of this flight back to Belize City, 25 minutes, is approximately $60.00 USD per person.)

Trip accommodations are based on double occupancy. We try to pair up single travelers based on their gender and with another traveler with a similar profile. If a single tent is requested, we will do everything possible to accommodate the request, based on available equipment. If a single room is requested during a lodge stay, the guest will be required to pay a nominal surcharge (typically $40-$75), locally at the hotel.

All accommodations; all meals as noted in the daily itinerary; airport transfers; transportation within Belize; local English-speaking guides; kayaks and gear (life vests, paddles, dry bags, etc.); Southwater Cay Marine Park Fees; Government taxes.

Airfare to Belize, transfer from Dangriga to Belize City; departure taxes; guide gratuities; items of a personal nature; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.

This trip is rated Easy Active [2].  It is suitable for people of all ages who enjoy an active, adventurous, and educational vacation. We provide thorough expert skills instruction during our trips—no previous experience is needed to participate.

The climate of Belize is sub-tropical. Although we will be traveling during the dry season, the infrequent “northerly” can blow down from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing with it cooler temperatures and rain. Inland conditions can change quickly with afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rainfall commonly occurring. Typically, temperatures range from 70 - 100° F with high humidity during the day, dropping at night to 70 - 80°F. From December to May, conditions are usually clear, sunny and warm. December is generally cooler.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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