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Paradise Islands - Belize
If you’re looking for the adventure and excitement of a sea kayak journey with the comforts of a lodge, our Paradise Islands adventure is a great choice. This trip is for the sea, sun and snorkeling enthusiast looking for an active and adventurous trip. We’ll travel with top-of-the-line expedition sea kayaks, paddling between small cays in the newly formed Southwater Caye Marine Park. Each day we’ll kayak and snorkel (scuba divers can also dive at select locations on our route), explore uninhabited islands, pristine coral reefs, rich fishing grounds and labyrinth like mangrove channels. Each trip begins with a thorough introduction to sea kayaking and snorkeling, so no previous kayak experience is required.
REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with our travel partner, Island Expeditions Co.
Paradise Islands 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
Waking up to the sounds of the tropics is a pure delight with the chatter of parrots and parakeets flying overhead, the fresh morning air scented with tropical blossoms and the expectation of an exciting adventure filled day ahead. After breakfast we travel the Hummingbird Route through the Maya Mountains to meet up with our motor charter waiting to take us to our first island on the southern Barrier Reef. We’ll introduce you to safety in a tropical marine environment and then begin with teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, including safety, group and self rescues and touring techniques. Enjoy a swim, explore the island shoreline and then after a tasty Belizean lunch we begin our journey paddling over top submerged coral reefs , turtle grass beds and through narrow mangrove channels to reach our first nights accommodations. We’ll land our kayaks right in front of our lodge on Tobacco Caye settle into our accommodations and then enjoy drinks and dinner. All meals included.
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Day 3
Situated right on the barrier reef in the heart of the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve we are ideally positioned to explore the surrounding reefs and cays. Start with a steaming mug of coffee and fresh tropical fruits then enjoy an early morning swim or paddle before breakfast. Our focus for the morning will include snorkeling (our first session begins with a thorough instruction and demonstration with snorkeling techniques, beginner to advanced) around Tobacco Caye cut and the outer reef walls.
In the afternoon we’ll paddle to nearby cays to explore the sheltered lagoons and mangrove channels returning in the evening to Tobacco Caye. All meals included. -
Day 4
Looking south with our gaze following the line of breaking waves along the barrier reef crest we can see the next island we‘ll be traveling to today– Southwater Caye. After packing our kayaks with our personal gear, wishing fond farewells to our hosts we’ll start our day on the water with an introduction to kayak sailing. From here we’ll paddle and sail our kayaks along one of the most beautiful sections of the entire system. The waters are shallow and clear, and on clear days we’ll see a tremendous variety of marine life including southern stingrays, eagle rays, grouper, nurse sharks and more. As we approach Southwater Caye with it’s coconut palms swaying in the wind, this is a day you’ll wish to go on forever. We’ll land our kayaks on the beach check into our accommodations, enjoy an ice cold drink and explore the island before dinner, then maybe try a little bone fishing action on a fly rod, or an evening snorkel session on Southwater cut. All meals included.
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Day 5
We have plenty of time to kayak, snorkel, fish and enjoy the scenery and marine life of Belize. We explore different regions of the reef including the inner and outer walls, patch and fringing reefs, mangrove ranges and protected lagoons. For divers we can arrange dives as requested and for those who’d like to try out diving we can arrange discover Scuba courses with prior notice. As we explore by kayak, our 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. All meals included.
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Day 6
This morning, we turn west towards the inner islands of the Belize Barrier Reef system. Weaving northwest through the Twin Cayes and the inner channel, with a lunch stop enroute, we make our way to the Coco Plum Range. Here we celebrate our final night together with a seafood feast, and well appointed accommodations to take in the evening sunset over the mainland Maya mountains. All meals included.
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Day 7
After an early breakfast our water taxi takes us back to the mainland and the town of Dangriga where the trip finishes. (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.) Breakfast included.
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 transfers; transportation within Belize; local English-speaking guides; kayaks and gear (life vests, paddles, dry bags, etc.); Southwater Caye 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.
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. While out on the cayes we kayak from 3 different islands along the southern barrier reef and stay in small Belizean owned lodges. We stay two nights along the eastern edge of the barrier reef at Tobacco Caye for two nights, and two additional nights at beautiful Southwater Caye to the south. Our final night is on the western edge of the barrier reef zone in the Coco Plum Range. Facilities include running water and fully serviced bathrooms. We celebrate our final night of the trip at Coco Plum Range and the next morning after breakfast we take a water taxi back to the mainland in time to make your flight connections home or connect with the next stage of your trip.
Our office will make arrangements for you to return to Belize City the day after the trip ends, 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.
The Maya World Extension, which explores the ancient world of the Mayan people and the wildlife-rich habitats of the interior, is a popular addition to the Paradise Islands trip.
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.
Paradise Islands - 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 (for sea and river)
- 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)
- Protective water booties/shoes for swimming and shore walks (coral sands can harm bare feet)
- Sandals/watershoes for kayaking
- Comfortable walking shoes
- 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
- 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 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.
Paradise Islands - Belize
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.