Glover’s Reef & Mayan Caves
Thirty-six miles offshore of the Belize mainland lies a group of tropical islands cradled within a turquoise lagoon and surrounded by a living coral reef. Glover's Reef Atoll is considered to be one of the richest tropical marine environments in the entire Caribbean. Our private island base of over 13 acres is perched on the southern edge of the atoll with a dramatic view facing east over the main reef crest and the open Caribbean. Based from our comfortable field camp we are fully equipped to spend six and a half days sea kayaking, kayak sailing, snorkeling, diving and fishing. After our adventures each day we like to reward ourselves with a bounty of fresh seafood, island baking, tropical fruits and yes, even rich, decadent desserts! We’ll combine this with an opportunity to experience the diversity of the rainforest and the rich Mayan culture of Belize.
REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with our travel partner, Island Expeditions Co.
Glover's Reef & Mayan Caves Itinerary:
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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.
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Day 2
For early risers, the Tropical Education Center has exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in the early hours of dawn as the pine savannah and rainforest awakens with a diversity of feeding birds, turtles and other creatures around the central lagoon. After a hearty breakfast, we travel along the Hummingbird Highway to our underground cave float. We take a short hike through the rainforest to the river put-in where we float on large inner tubes with our headlamps into the ancient limestone caves.
After our tour of the caves, we continue overland to Banana Bank Lodge. We settle into our accommodations, have lunch in the lodge, and then make a choice of horseback riding, a river float, or an interpretive birding walk for the afternoon. Banana Bank Lodge is a resort and an equestrian facility situated on over 4,000 acres along the banks of the historic Belize River. Our location is superb. For those who wish to stay behind and relax, there is a swimming pool, a greenhouse with over 50 varieties of orchids, and a night-sky observatory for our pleasure. All meals included.
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Days 3-7
We depart early in the morning by charter boat out past the main Barrier Reef to our private base-camp on Southwest Cay, at Glovers Reef Marine Reserve.
We are introduced to our new environment and get settled into our accommodation. Once settled, the guides provide instruction, teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling and safety in the tropics. Then, we paddle out to a nearby patch reef and start to explore some of the 700 sites that Glovers Atoll has to offer. Glovers is one of only four atolls in the Caribbean Sea, and is truly the most spectacular marine environment in Belize. Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. We spend the days exploring the atoll with both single and double kayaks (rigged for sailing). Our itinerary is flexible in order to respond to both group and individual desires and abilities.
Activities include: sea kayaking, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, learning to sail a kayak for both novices and experienced paddlers. For experienced snorkelers, guides can provide full instruction with our Sea-Breathe Diving System: a free floating air pump designed to provide air by hookah lines down to 20-25 feet.
In the mornings and the evenings, we host informative sessions on a range of topics, providing an opportunity for guides to share their knowledge of Belize, the marine environments and local culture. Perhaps a high stakes game of Hermit Crab Racing to finish the day! If all this sounds a little too busy, you always have the choice of just kicking back in a hammock and relaxing with a good book and a cold drink. All meals included. -
Day 8
For our last morning at Glover's, the choice is yours. We may choose to don mask, snorkel and fins for a last visit to your favorite coral reef, or work the flats with your most productive Bonefish fly, before our motor charter comes to pick us up for the return ride to Dangriga. Here we arrive to a waiting vehicle that whisks us to the local airstrip for a flight to Belize City. Once airborne, we have the Manatee Lagoons over our left shoulder and the Belize Barrier Reef over our right, giving us an impressive view of Belize’s coastal topography from the Caribbean sea to the Maya Mountains. We end our journey with a comfortable night at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, where they have a wonderful pool-side courtyard and bar. Breakfast and lunch included.
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Next Day
Fly home.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate the trip.
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 transfer from Belize airport; charter flight from Dangriga to Belize City; transportation within Belize; local English-speaking guides; kayaks and gear (life vests, paddles, dry bags, etc.); Southwater Caye Marine Park fees; Glovers Reef Marine Park fees; government taxes.
Airfare to Belize, transfer from Belize City to airport; departure taxes; guide gratuities; items of a personal nature; beer and soft drinks on Glovers; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.
A special cancellation policy applies to all Belize trips. Please note that the holiday departures cancellation policy is more strict than REI Adventures’ standard policy. The following fees apply:
Regular season departures (Jan 2 to Dec 14)
91+ days prior to departure – $200 penalty
61 to 90 days – full deposit is non-refundable
31 to 60 days – 50% of trip cost
0 to 30 days – 100% of trip cost
Holiday season departures (Dec 15 – Jan 1)
91+ days prior to departure – $400
61 to 90 days – 50% of trip cost
31 to 60 days – 75% of trip cost
0 to 30 days – 100% of trip cost
This trip is rated as 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.
On our arrival into Belize, we overnight in our forest cabanas at the Tropical Education Center (TEC). Here we are able to experience first-hand the wondrous tropical wildlife of Belize at the Belize Zoo and at the TEC there is also a fantastic interpretative center with a network of trails and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring the pine savannah setting. On Day 2, we will be staying at Banana Bank Lodge, located at the gateway to the Cayo District. This spectacular resort is spread over 4,000 acres, and houses a restaurant, a main lodge, and a number of small cabanas. Our accommodations for the evening are beautifully furnished, thatched, roofed cabanas, outfitted with ceiling fans and hot water showers. On the premises, there is also an Orchadia which houses more than 50 varieties of orchids and bromeliads, a swimming pool, night sky observatory, a two-story birding platform overlooking the lagoon, as well as an art gallery. On Days 3 through 7 at Southwest Caye, we are "base camping", sleeping in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents are have ample headroom to walk around and are on raised wooden floors with double or single beds. On the island, we have a fresh-water collection system for drinking water, access to fresh-water showers, modern composting toilets, a fully equipped. We also have a large dining area, resource library lounge, and a field marine lab. On our final night, Day 8, we will be staying in Belize City. Our accommodations are at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, a comfortable, modern hotel with a inviting pool-side courtyard and bar. The Belize International Airport is a short cab ride from the hotel, which can be arranged through the front desk. The hotel also has a tour desk that can help you arrange activities if you are planning on staying longer in the Belize City area.
There is now a $25bz ($12.50 USD) fishing license for fly-fishing within the reserve at Glovers Reef. New regulations require that all fishing is catch and release, and that anglers use barbless hooks. Please contact our office for more details.
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.
Glover’s Reef & Mayan Caves
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
The climate of Belize is sub-tropical. Although we are traveling during the dry season, there can be the infrequent “northerly” which blows 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.
Gear Checklist
- Kayaks and paddling gear (for sea and river)
- Tents
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase (wheels and retractable handle are fine) sturdy and large enough to hold clothing and gear
- Passport security pouch or belt
- Daypack
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Waterproof, breathable rain jacket (or poncho)
- Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes, broken in
- Sport sandals for kayaking and caving - toe protection is recommended
- Protective water booties / shoes for swimming and shore walks (coral sands can harm bare feet)
- Lightweight, easily washable items for city/evening wear or when traveling
- Windbreaker
- Lightweight fleece or synthetic top
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirt(s), quick-dry
- Hiking shorts, quick-dry
- Hiking pants, quick-dry
- Hiking socks
- Underwear
- Swimsuit(s)
- Sun hat
- Bandana(s)
- Small personal dry bag for camera, personal items, etc. (10 lt.)
- Mask, fins, snorkel (a must)
- Water bottles, 1-quart size or hydration pack
- Handy wipes
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Insect repellent (20-100% Deet)
- Personal first-aid kit
- Toiletry kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
- Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries/bulb
- Beach and/or bath towel
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Pocket knife or pocket tool
- Reading and writing materials
- Small binoculars (recommended)
- Field guides
- Laundry soap
- Ziploc bags for easy storage
- Favorite energy snacks and drink mixes
- Paddling gloves
- Mesh bag for snorkel gear
- Fishing rod and tackle
- Clothes line and pegs
- Wet suit (water temperatures in Dec. and Jan. can be cool)
- Aquasocks
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/sandals and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- Bring clothing that is light in weight and color, which ventilates and protects you from the sun. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeve fleece or synthetic top, especially for the evenings.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry. Use Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
- If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens wearers should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
- Space for luggage is limited. Pack lightly, fitting all clothing into one duffel bag. During the day, plan on carrying a small daypack with sunscreen, water bottle/hydration system and camera.
Feel free to give us a call should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at any of our stores or Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The "Expert Advice" section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
Maya World Extension
Want more of Belize? The Maya World
Extension is a great compliment to your Belize adventure. It provides a unique
opportunity to see other parts of the Mayan world that you may not
experience. The extension can be added on before or after your island trip.
For an additional $599, make the Maya World Extension part of your adventure.
Sample
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrive at the Belize
International Airport where you will be met by an Island Expeditions
representative and transferred to the Birds Eye View Lodge in the Crooked Tree
Wildlife Sanctuary. After checking into our accommodations we have a chance to
meet our fellow travelers. Airport transfer included.
Accommodation:
Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Day 1: Your
breakfast is pre-arranged in the hotel restaurant. Please enjoy your breakfast
and be packed and waiting in the lobby by 8:15 am. We will return to the hotel
briefly at the end of the extension so a bag may be left at the hotel lockup.
A vehicle from the hotel will transfer your group to the Mayan Ruins of
Lamanai. This day of exploration includes a complete guided tour, visiting the
many temples, plazas, palaces, and museums within the park boundaries.
Once
we have had a chance to tour the ruins, we depart Lamanai by boat for a scenic
ride into the Crooked Tree Area where we have tremendous birding and wildlife
opportunities: we will likely see iguanas, parrots, toucans and even
Morlette’s crocodiles along the banks of the New River Lagoon. Upon arriving
on the shore, we transfer overland for 45 minutes to Crooked Tree Village. We
will be overnight at Birds Eye View Lodge, along the banks of the Crooked Tree
Lagoon.
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: An early morning coffee and
binoculars in hand, we enjoy the waking wilderness and many hundreds of birds
feeding along the shores of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Lagoons. The
protected area was created in 1984 primarily to preserve resident and
migratory birds, and consists of a network of inland lagoons, swamps and
waterways that shelter one of the world's largest flying birds, the jabiru.
(jabiru mycteria.) After breakfast we enjoy a birding boat tour through this
area to the 3200-year-old Mayan site of Chau Hiix. Visited by very few
tourists, this remote site accessible only by water is thought to have had one
of the largest raised-bed Mayan agricultural systems.
After
lunch we have time to relax and gather our bags before departing to the Mayan
site of Altun Ha, enroute to Belize City. Considered one of the major Mayan
ceremonial centers of Belize, Altun Ha also functioned as an important trading
center between the interior and the Caribbean Sea during the classic period
(250-900 AD). However, Altun Ha has been dated as far back as 600 BC. Within
the site, there are more than 275 structures and there are up to 250 to 300
unexcavated mounds. After we tour the site, we continue to Belize City to meet
up with your other arrangements.
Those traveling on to
another REI Adventures program will continue from here to the Tropical
Education Center. All other travelers will be dropped off at the Belize
International Airport or the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City, to
continue with their independent arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast,
Lunch
Next Day: Fly home.
Price
Includes:
All meals, accommodations and transfers described in the
tour; unlimited use of equipment; professional guiding services.
Not
Included:
Alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature;
gratuities; international flights & airport departure tax; extra costs due to
late arrivals and other circumstances beyond our control.
Accommodations:
On
the nights of Day 0 and Day 1, we will be staying at Birds Eye View Lodge,
situated on the water's edge of the Crooked Tree Lagoon. This comfortable
Belizean-style hotel offers private baths and lakeside views. The rooftop deck
and bar atop the lodge is a perfect place to catch the evening breeze and
reminisce over your recent discoveries.
Transportation and
Driving Times:
On the morning of Day 1, we will be
traveling overland from Belize City into the ruins of Lamanai. From Lamanai,
we will be transported up the New River by motorboat to the town of Orange
Walk. Upon arriving on the shores of Orange Walk, we transfer overland for 45
minutes to Crooked Tree Village. The following morning we take another motor
charter into the Crooked Tree Lagoon, visiting the remote Mayan Ruins of Chau
Hiix. After lunch, we return to Crooked Tree and continue by van to the Ruins
of Altun Ha. In the late afternoon, we return the 34 miles (55 kms) to the
Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City.
