On arrival in Belize, before heading out to Glovers, we have an opportunity to experience the diversity of the rainforest and the rich Mayan culture of the interior. Working with guides from the Belize Tropical Education Center, our itinerary includes a rare chance to view the nocturnal wildlife of Belize, and then, in the jungle, we explore a fantastic limestone cave that was used by the Maya as a ceremonial center thousands of years ago.

Thirty six miles offshore of the Belize mainland lie a group of tropical islands cradled within a turquoise lagoon and surrounded by a living coral reef. Glover's Reef Atoll is considered to be one of the richest tropical marine environments in the entire Caribbean. Our private island base of over 13 acres is perched on the southern edge of the atoll with a dramatic view facing east over the main reef crest and the open Caribbean. Based from our comfortable field camp we are fully equipped to spend six and a half days sea kayaking and kayak sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing and windsurfing. After our adventures each day we like to reward ourselves with a bounty of fresh seafood, island baking, tropical fruits and yes, even rich, decadent deserts! Glovers is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the comforts of a well-appointed field camp yet want an active and flexible day-to-day schedule. Exclusive to Glovers, is our underwater Sea-Breathe System (TM) which provides air for divers and non-divers to depths of 25 ft. Also available are optional Scuba certification courses, resort courses and equipment rentals.

The Setting...

One of three atolls offshore of Belize, Glover's Reef was named after the pirate John Glover who used this remote offshore ring of islands and coral reefs as a base from which to raid Spanish merchant ships. The shallow waters offshore of Belize with innumerable coral reefs, mangroves and small islands were ideal waters for pirates and buccaneers to hide their raiding ships after plundering Spanish galleons laden with riches, destined for the Old World. Today, the attractions found within the atoll (20 miles long by 7 miles wide) are the clarity of the water and the remarkable profusion of marine life. In 1993, the atoll was declared a marine park, and 25% of the area and lagoon was protected from fishing and harvesting. To continue the conservation efforts to preserve this extraordinary environment, the site was designated as a World Heritage Site, in 1996. We travel and explore this area by sea-kayak, paddling and sailing the shallow 82 square mile lagoon with an unequaled variety of over 700 patch reefs. The reefs of Belize have long been known as the richest in the Caribbean, and Glovers is the best in Belize!

Day 0 :

Arrive at the Belize International Airport, where you will be met by an tour 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 checking into our rustic accommodations we are greeted with a Belizean dinner where we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers. 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 are included. Transfers from the airport are included.

Accommodation: (forest cabanas)
Meals: Dinner is included on this Day

Day 1 :

Today begins with 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 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 $10US)

Accommodation: Forest Cabanas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - 6 :

We depart early in the morning by charter boat out past the main Barrier Reef to our private Basecamp at Southwest Caye on Glover’s 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 snorkel sites that Glover's Atoll has to offer. Glover's 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, and learning to sail a kayak. 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 this 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.

Activities include: sea kayaking, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, learning to sail a kayak for both novices and experienced paddlers. For experienced snorkelers, guides can provide full instruction with our Sea-Breathe Diving System: a free floating air pump designed to provide air by hookah lines down to 20-25 feet.

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.

Accommodation: (Tent-Walled Cabanas)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Many 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. Trip finishes in Dangriga.

Accommodation: (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation...

On 'Day 0', we will be spending the night at the Tropical Education Center. The Education Center has comfortable, rustic accommodations in a beautiful pine savannah setting. The Center is right next to the Belize Zoo and has a interpretative center with Belize's largest collection of tropical animal specimens, and a network of trails and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring this unique tropical pine forest environment.

On Day 1 we will be staying at Banana Bank Lodge, located at the gateway to the Cayo District. This spectacular resort is spread over 4,000 acres, and houses a restaurant, a main lodge, and a number of small cabanas. Our accommodations for the evening are beautifully furnished, thatched, roofed cabanas, outfitted with ceiling fans and hot water showers. On the premises, there is also an Orchadia which houses more than 50 varieties of orchids and bromeliads, a swimming pool, night sky observatory, a two-story birding platform overlooking the lagoon, as well as an art gallery.

On Day 2 to 6 at Southwest Cay, 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 large dining area with bar, resource library and lounge area, a freshwater collection system for drinking water, access to freshwater showers, modern composting toilets and a fully equipped kitchen.

On the Final Night we will be staying in Dangriga. Our accommodation is at Chaleanors Hotel, a Belizean-style hotel in the heart of town. On this final night, we have a Belizean dinner on a roof top terrace with Dangriga musicians who introduce us to traditional Garifuna drumming and dance.

Equipment...

While at our private base-camp on Southwest Cay, our guests have unrestricted use of the following equipment: Double Kayaks (outfitted with special sails), Single Kayaks, Sit-on-Top Dive Kayaks, Sailboards, Sea-Breath Dive System, Complete Research Library, Field Marine lab including microscope and Hand Lenses. On the island, we are in communication with the mainland via VHF marine radio.

Scuba Divers...

There are some great opportunities to scuba dive at Glover's Reef. Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip. Single tank dives are available from $35 US, with further discounts for multi-tank dives. For first time divers we can offer, a Discover Scuba for a subsidized rate, or you may be able to take your Open Water Referral course. Please let us know in advance. We can also arrange a variety of dive packages before or after your trip. For further information please contact our office.

Important Travel Note:

This trip ends in Dangriga late morning on the last day of the trip. If you are flying out of Belize on this day (Sunday), please be sure to book your flight departing Belize after 2pm. We can book you a domestic flight from Dangriga to the International Airport to coincide with your international flight. The cost is US$75 per person. For those departing Belize the following day (Monday) we offer a Dangriga to Belize City Flight & Biltmore Hotel Package. Package Cost: Single - US$139, Double - US$99 per person, Triple - US$86 per person, Quad - US$79.00 per person.

RATES & DEPARTURE DATES 2011/2012

Tours run between December and April (dry season). There are no trips departing in May, June, July, August, September, October or November.

For further information or booking inquiries please contact Sacred Earth Travel.