Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking
Beyond the barrier reef, past Turneffe Atoll–some fifty miles and more eastward of the Belize mainland–a coral atoll rises from the sea. Shimmering with white-sand cays and lush green, with groves of coconut palms, the lagoon provides a rare underwater habitat for snorkelers, with miles upon miles of shallow waters rich with corals. Lighthouse Reef, made famous by legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, has become known amongst divers as the 'Aquarium', renowned for its sheer abundance of marine life, crystal clear waters and thriving coral reefs. We sleep in spacious walk-in tents (every window has an ocean view), and after each days activities, our open air dining pavilion is the perfect place to relax in comfort with fine meals and splendid company.
REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with our travel partner, Island Expeditions Co.
Lighthouse Reef Kayaking Itinerary:
Day 1 Begin your Belize adventure in Crooked Tree Village, Belize's oldest Creole settlement.
Day 2 After some incredible wildlife viewing, we'll head out to Lighthouse Reef Atoll and settle into our luxury basecamp.
Days 3-5 Over the next few days we'll explore the waters and reef surrounding Half Moon Caye.
Day 6 The Blue Hole, also known as "the aquarium" by famed Jacques Cousteau, is our destination today!
Day 7 Lighthouse Reef is known for its density and diversity of both corals and fish.
Day 8 Enjoy one last snorkel before saying goodbye to this slice of paradise.
Day 9 Depart for 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 ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate the trip.
Trip accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you are willing to share we will pair up single travelers based on their gender and no single fee will be required. On some occasions a share room may not be available and only a single room with the applicable fee may be possible. If single accommodations are requested, you will be asked to pay the single supplement amount. Please note: we will do our best to accommodate you with single accommodations but some lodges we use are very small and a private room may not be available for all nights. If you need to share a room with a fellow traveler of the same gender we will refund any single supplement amount that may apply to the shared room.
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.); Half Moon Caye Marine Park fees; government taxes.
Airfare to Belize, transfer from Belize City to airport; departure taxes; guide gratuities; items of a personal nature; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; dive gear & scuba diving fees; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.
A special cancellation policy applies to all Belize trips. Please note that the cancellation policy is stricter than REI Adventures’ standard policy. Final payment is due 60 days before departure for regular season and 90 days prior for holiday dates. The following change and cancel 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 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 bath and lakeside views. On the second level, there is a deck
and bar which is the perfect place to catch the evening breeze and reminisce
over your recent discoveries.
On Days 2 to 7 we will be sleeping in tent-walled cabanas on raised
wooden floors. These spacious, safari-style tents with single or double beds
have ample headroom for walking around.
On the final night we will be staying at the Belize Biltmore Hotel in
Belize City. This comfortable, modern hotel located 5 miles north of town
features a central courtyard with a swimming pool where you can relax and
unwind.
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.
Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking
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
- Tents and bedding
- 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)
- Sport sandals for kayaking
- Protective water booties / shoes for swimming and shore walks (coral sands can harm bare feet)
- Comfortable walking shoes for travel and/or Maya extension
- 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.
- 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.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Activity level (8)
- Food (8)
- Group camaraderie (8)
- Guides (8)
- Exceeded expectations (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual adventurer (5), Avid adventurer (4)
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active adventures (8), Destination (7), I liked the itinerary (7), Travel with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts (6), All the details planned for me (5)
Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
Cons
- Fell Short of Expectations
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
Overall I had a good trip and enjoyed my time in Belize. I felt the price of the trip was reasonable. Rooms were rustic but right on the water with a beautiful view. We opted out of a couple of activities and just relaxed on the hammock by the water. I'm not the kind of person who needs hairdryers and hot showers, but if you are make note that most of the cabins lack hot water and electricity.
On the downside, I'm not clear I understand the value REI provided on this trip. They basically collected my trip forms and turned me over to another tour operator. On two separate occasions REI mislead me about the number of people enrolled in the trip. When I called about my first choice date I was told the trip was nearly full and I should put a deposit down right away. I did and then two days later was told the trip had only two people and was not confirmed for departure. I then switched my date. I was ultimately told there would be four people on the trip. It turned out that the tour operator combined our trip with a few others and we ended up having more like 12 people. I didn't mind the extra people but was expecting a reasonably accurate answer to my questions. Also, there was not great coordination around the initial pick-up in Belize. The experience probably would have been better if I had just signed up with the tour operator and communicated directly with them.
Although I had a good time, I didn't always feel the trip was as well organized as I would expect. There seemed to be a lot of chaos at times when we were out on activities and equipement wasn't also available for everyone. We had some weak swimmers and once or twice I was worried that our guides had lost track of a couple of people.
I would also recommend waterproof sunscreen, a hat and a rashgaurd or light wetsuit for snorkeling, particularly for people who are prone to sunburn.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Seemed like a great way to relax, snorkel, kayak, see the kayes.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Seeing an octopus and two sea horses. Sea kayaking. Side trip to caves.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- This is a great trip if you want some great kayaking opportunities, decent snorkeling and varied locations. It's likely Lighthouse Kaye has more colorful snorkeling but we still saw some interesting and fantastic wildlife on our trip. Be flexible and expect the unexpected. Bring snacks. Wear sunscreen.
Pros
- Everything
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
Food was wonderful. Guides were hardworking, helpful, and knowledgeable. There is a fantastic variety of sea life to see when snorkeling. Island Expeditions is committed to providing a safe, happy, and wonderful experience for all participants!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I have wanted to go to Belize to snorkel for approx. ten years. This trip gave me the opportunity to do so with knowledgeable guides.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- It was all highlight!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Embrace all of the opportunities that present. Have a sense of adventure and positive attitude. Get to know your guides and fellow travelers.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
Cons
- Need to hike to toilets
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
Loved that the island was a bird sanctuary and that we snorkeled around the famous Blue Hole. The food was fantastic! We all got bruises learning self-rescues in the kayaks, but it was worth it. Nightly treks to the toilets got a bit old, but I appreciate that they were modern composting toilets. Oh, and you will occasionally see and hear rats both in your tent and out, so if that freaks you out, better pack the tranquilizers.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I am a hiker/kayaker/snorkeler/hike/scuba diver, so this trip was great for me. I am also an author and always looking for great settings and plot lines for my books.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Seeing three kinds of eels in the tidepools on Half Moon Caye. And my fellow travelers helped me concoct a variety of scenarios for a future mystery.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- A lycra diveskin makes a great coverup while kayaking and snorkeling. Embrace the fine white sand: it will be with you 24 hours a day for the week. Bring flashlights for your nightly hikes to the composting toilets so you don't trip over the multitude of hermit crabs along the way.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
The greatest things about this trip were:
--Willingness of guides/trip leaders to provide a range of opportunities to snorkel/kayak. I loved having the chance to do both sunrise and sunset kayak and snorkel as well as other activities in between.
--The people. Everybody (guides, travelers) seemed to really enjoy the opportunity to meet new people, learn from one another, and enjoy some adventure. They also had the greatest attitudes...not one complainer!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Had been to Belize before with REI and wanted to try another location. Based on our previous trip, we knew it was the type of warm weather vacation we were looking for...active but with plenty of time to relax in an idyllic setting.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The snorkeling and the people (guides and traveling companions). And the FOOD...it was wonderful.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- If you like being outdoors, and prefer rustic conditions to 5-star, this is the trip for you. Pack plenty of sunscreen and swimming gear...test your snorkeling mask BEFORE you get to Belize....and bring an open attitude to trying new things, meeting new people, and enjoying whatever each day brings regardless of weather.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
The snorkeling is amazing and we did it almost every day. We had many fun snorkeling and kayaking outings but also plenty of time to spend reading in the hammock! The food was EXCELLENT. I really appreciated the talks the guides gave about the sea life and Belizean culture-they were very knowledgeable and interesting
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Recommended by a Friend
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Fabulous snorkeling!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Water socks were useful because the beaches have a lots of coral and can be hard on your feet.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
We spent a total of three weeks in Belize and this was the highlight. The staff was wonderful. The food was amazingly good considering the remoteness. Plenty of fresh fruit, fish and shellfish.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- It was a chance to visit a remote atoll island. Besides a couple of Belizean Coast Guard and Belize Audubon Society employees, nobody else lives on the island. After 2pm, all the day-trippers are gone and you have the island to yourself. The Red-footed Booby/Magnificent Frigatebird colony was a plus.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Too many highlights to count; Snorkling on remote reefs and The Aquarium and the Blue Hole, sunrises and sunsets, the seabird colony, migrating North American birds, the food was fabulous!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Wear plenty of sunscreen and cover up! Not a problem for us, but some travelers may not appreciate the fact that there is no freshwater shower during the dry season.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
Our guides were fantastic! James, Andy and Glenn went out of their way to make each day unique and enjoyable. They were flexible with the itinerary based on the weather and our group preferences. We also had the option to start each day with yoga as the sun came up. In addition to activities such as snorkeling, sea kayaking, etc., we were treated to wonderful talks from the Belize Audobon Society, and from our guides regarding the Belizean culture, coconut palms, coral and fish. This trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I have always wanted to visit Belize, and was interested in camping on an island with rare birds (Red-Footed Booby).
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The snorkeling was fantastic!! Regardless of where you've snorkeled before, the coral and fish here are second to none. Our walk-off snorkels were the best and the visibility was perfect. However, I think the night snorkel was my favorite because I had never done it before and it was an amazing experience to see lobster walking on the ocean floor.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Unless you have special dietary needs, don't bother bringing any food or snacks...the meals are superb and the fresh-caught fish is such a treat. The sun is intense and I found that a long-sleeve rash guard worked to keep me from burning while kayaking and snorkeling. Also, a wide brimmed hat is key.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
This trip sold me on the REI experience since I had previously been an independent traveler.
We were a diverse group but had similar interests; concern for stewardship of nature and adventurous spirit seemed to be something we all shared.
All the guides were incredibly well informed and tirelessly enthusiastic.
Great food, facilities (gotta love those composting toilets), and lots of activites a la carte made for a comfortable and easy going itinerary. No rush, no fuss. Just my style.
Oh, and this island is known for being BUG FREE.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Looking to getaway.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Caving was challenging and rewarding, everyone helped each other. Camping on the beach and waking up to the sunrise on a pristine island was perfect
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- This is the best of Belize, and from what I have heard, the least exploited for the tourist industry now rampant on some other islands.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking:
O.K. there is no room service, but the food is great, locally grown, and plenty of it. The sand will rub your feet raw if it gets trapped in your shoes, so wear any footwear that allows it to escape. Bring an underwater / waterproof camera. This is an Audubon sanctuary and the island is self-sufficient, it can't be any more green for you eco-minded folks, there is electricity at night when they start the generator but only for a few hours, so bring a lot of batteries, or your charger. We were asleep by 9 p.m. and up with the sun, to hot coffee & breakfast.
Oh, No Bugs, the 10-20 mile an hour winds sweep them on there way, so I had no need for the 100% DEET I brought. Sun was hot but not unbearable in early April when I was there. Use the Neutrogena 70 spf, everyone burrowed mine! Wear a thin rash-guard shirt, Long Sleeve, when snorkeling. Speedo's or bikini's may be the fashion at some resorts, but if you don't want to spend a few days hiding in the shade due to sunburn, you will need to cover-up!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Quality Organization, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Always wanted to visit the Caribbean.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Blue Water, White Sand, Swimming in a real aquarium.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- If your looking for 8 days in another world, but the space shuttle is full, this is the place to be!
Displaying reviews 1-9
Belize Lighthouse Reef Kayaking
Maya World Extension
Activity: Wildlife viewing
Want more of Belize? The Maya World Extension is a great compliment to your Belize adventure. It provides a unique opportunity to see parts of the Mayan world that you may not experience. The extension can be added on before or after your island trip.
Highlights include:
- Exploring the Mayan city of Lamanai which was occupied for over 3,000 years and is one of the most charming of all Mayan sites in Belize. Current residents include howler monkeys and toucans.
- Boating through the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary which provides a special opportunity for viewing, close at hand, the astounding diversity of birds and wildlife for which Belize is renowned.
- Visiting the Mayan site of Altun-Ha and seeing the 54' high "Temple of the Masonry Altars".
- Finish your day star gazing from the patio deck of your comfortable Belizean lodge located on the shores of the Crooked Tree Lagoon.


















