Glover's Reef & Mayan Caves Multisport

Glover's Reef & Mayan Caves Multisport 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. Here we are able to explore the surrounding savannah forest through their network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms. There is also a great interpretive center, which details the diverse ecology of Belize, and is an ideal starting point for the adventure ahead. After settling into our rustic forest cabanas, we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers over dinner. Transfers from the airport, dinner and lodging are included.

• Day 2

  Today begins with a short drive along the Hummingbird Highway toward the River of Caves area of Belize. We begin with an interpretive trail through lush rainforest to the cave entrance and then, using inner tubes, we embark on an enjoyable 2 hour float underground through a limestone cave system rich with classic formations including soda straw, flow stone, stalactite and stalagmite. After lunch we then head into the rainforest canopy for a unique opportunity to travel by a series of treetop platforms and zip-lines through the rainforest . In the evening we return to the Tropical Education Center to enjoy the evening in our beautiful tropical pine forest setting. After dinner we have a rare opportunity to have an exclusive nocturnal tour of the renowned Belize Zoo for an up close experience with the wildlife that inhabits the forests, wetlands and mountains of Belize. (Please note this activity is by donation to the Belize Zoo and Conservation, we suggest $10 USD). All meals included.

• 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.
  
  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, you may choose to rise early this morning, enjoy a coffee on the dock and, for the last time, watch the sunrise over the atoll before enjoying a hearty breakfast. Our boat charter departs mid-morning back to the mainland with an estimated arrival around noon in Dangriga. From there, we'll fly out of 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. Breakfast and boxed lunch included. Please schedule flights out of Belize City after 2p.m. today.

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 ensure 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; 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, flight from Dangriga to Belize City; 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 the first two nights 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. 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 Days 3 through 7 at Southwest Caye, we are "base camping," 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. On the island we have a fully equipped kitchen, fresh-water collection system for drinking water, access to fresh-water showers, and modern composting toilets, as well as a large dining area and a resource library lounge.

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 at the time of your initial reservation, 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.

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

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.
• Pack lotions that can help ease itching from bug bites.
• 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.