|
|
Belize - Coral Islands
offered by supplier M14466 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 7
day(s)
Group Size: 6
- 12
people
Destination(s):
Belize
Specialty Categories:
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Cultural Journey
Season: December - April
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 1579 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1579 US Dollar (USD)
|
|
As we paddle and sail from cay to cay, traveling over 20 miles along the southern Barrier Reef of Belize, the itinerary will stimulate the active person yet still leave us ample time to relax and enjoy island life. Try world class snorkeling,camp on postcard-perfect tropical cayes and explore secluded mangrove islands, or kick back in a hammock while guides prepare delicious meals of seafood, Caribbean vegetables, tropical fruits and fresh baked bread. After six glorious days on the water, we cross back to the mainland returning to the village of Dangriga for an evening of camaraderie and fun, where the beat of skin drums, along with traditional dances and songs bring to life the history of the Garifuna people of Belize.
For added adventure value on the Coral Islands we have included a day at the beginning of the trip focusing on the Mayan Archaeology caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal. With guides specially trained by the Belize Department of Archaeology, we venture into the sacred underworld of the Maya on an incredible journey through time into the spirit world of the ancients. From the mouth of the cave we follow a subterranean creek bed to the entrance of a massive, cathedral-like sacrificial chamber. Once inside the chamber, our light beams illuminate an astonishing variety of artifacts; littering the cave floor are dozens upon dozens of ceramic vases, stone tools, and carved altars which have lain hidden for over a thousand years.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 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, we have a chance to 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. This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment. Transfers from the airport, dinner and lodging are included.
Accommodations: (Lodge)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: We rise early to start today’s extraordinary journey, which takes us deep into the Mayan underworld known as Xilbalba (shil-balba), a mythical realm inhabited by spirits and powerful gods, an underworld of untold fears and dreams where Mayan shaman, in supposition to the gods, ventured into darkness to conduct their secretive rituals. As we venture underground into the caves, we learn from our guides how the caves played an important role in the ancient Maya civilization and about ongoing archaeological research taking place underground in Belize.
After our jungle and cave adventure, we travel through the Maya Mountains along the Hummingbird Route to meet up with our motor boat charter awaiting to take us to the barrier reef from the coastal town of Dangriga. This 45 minute trip takes us to our island lodge perched on the eastern edge of the southern Barrier Reef. We arrive at in time to settle in, have dinner and plan our next days on the barrier reef.
Accommodations: (lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Perched north over the water, we rise early to the sounds of the sea. After breakfast and an island orientation your guides teach you beginner to advanced snorkelling and then the remainder of the morning is snorkelling from the caye. Then in the afternoon guides begin with kayaking fundamentals, and go over ocean touring techniques with the whole group, including how to pack our boats. After a short paddle, we arrive to our first camp already set-up, giving us time to settle into our accommodations, enjoy a fine meal cooked by your guides, and instruction on the finer points of horizontal hammock surfing.
Accommodations: (Camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4-6: We sail and paddle south along the barrier reef camping on idyllic tropical cayes, usually traveling five to ten miles each day along the reef (with some lay-over days). We have plenty of time to snorkel, fish and enjoy the scenery and marine life of the Caribbean. We explore many different regions of the reef including the inner and outer walls, patch and fringing reefs, mangrove ranges and protected lagoons. Our traveling 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. Each night we camp on small cayes along the barrier reef.
Accommodations: (Camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: We end our journey on an island along the inner channel of the barrier reef, and are transferred to the mainland by motor charter. Back in Dangriga, we settle into our accommodations, and have a chance to shower, dress and relax before our evening celebration at a local family’s house for dinner. Trip finishes in Dangriga the following day. Our office can help you make whatever travel arrangements you need from this point.
Accommodations: (Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Belize
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
|
|
|
, ext: 14466
