Lighthouse Reef Adventure - Belize
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 Adventures 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 Birds Eye View Lodge located in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. After checking into our accommodations, we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers and enjoy a fine meal and as time permits, explore Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize's oldest Creole settlements. Dinner included.
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Day 2
Coffee is served at sunrise, and with binoculars in hand, we enjoy the waking wilderness and many hundreds of birds feeding right in front of the lodge along the shores of the Crooked Tree lagoons. After a healthy Belizean breakfast we’ll embark by boat to explore the area . Throughout the sanctuary we have tremendous birding and wildlife opportunities: iguana, turtle, parrot, ibis and Morlet’s crocodile are frequently seen. Later in the day, we’ll drive along the old Belize Road to the sea where we board our motor charter that takes us through white sand cays and mangrove ranges, then past the main barrier reef to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, at the furthest edge of the Belize Reef System, 55 miles offshore of the mainland. On reaching Halfmoon Caye your guide team will orient you to our new island setting and settle you into your accommodations and camp. All meals included.
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Days 3-5
Due to its isolation from the mainland, Lighthouse Reef Atoll is exceptionally clear with a rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Our guides will begin our stay on Lighthouse by providing instruction in the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling and safety in the tropics. Over the next few days we’ll have many options to explore, including a shipwreck that looms just north of the caye. In 1971, a ship named the Ermlund lost power during a storm and was deposited on the reef by a large wave. This 4000-ton rusted wreck is one of many in the area that serve as a constant reminder of the hazards of navigating these waters. We also have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology and the island’s mangrove and interior forest habitat spread over the park’s 45 acres. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a colony of 4,000 red-footed boobies. The Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms for intimate observation of their many nesting sites. And, of course, we always have the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold drink! All meals included.
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Day 6
The "aquarium" is today’s big adventure. We pack a hearty lunch and our snorkel gear in our kayaks and paddle with motor support. This dive spot is known for its profusion of fish and towering coral formations. We return home, stopping at the Halfmoon Wall for a spectacular drift snorkel over the vertical outer edge of the atoll. All meals included.
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Day 7
Today, we paddle along the protected waters of the southern reef to Long Caye where we have a chance to snorkel some of the atoll’s best patch reefs. After a full day of exploring, we return just in time for a wonderful seafood dinner prepared by our cooks. All meals included.
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Day 8
For our last morning at Lighthouse, the choice is yours. Don a mask, snorkel and fins for a visit to a favorite patch reef enjoy walking the island trails or beach comb along the island beaches before the motor charter arrives to pick us up for the return boat trip back to the mainland. We transfer to the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel where we can enjoy a fresh shower and a swim in the pool. 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; 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 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 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 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.
Lighthouse Reef Adventure - Belize
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 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.
