On the furthest boundary of the Belize reef system, at world renowned Lighthouse Atoll, we have established the first ever Adventure Basecamp. Here, we sea kayak, snorkel and scuba dive; learn about reef ecology enjoy incredible seafood feasts and all in all take in one of the most beautiful island and coral reef settings you can possibly imagine. Lighthouse Reef Atoll, located fifty miles offshore of the Belize mainland, shelters within the heart of it's lagoon, the 400 foot deep "Blue Hole", perhaps one of the most extraordinary underwater phenomena in the western hemisphere. Developed along the lines of our hugely successful Glovers Reef trip, the Lighthouse Basecamp opens up, for the first time, over 50 miles of wilderness reefs and islands to explore by sea kayak. A one of a kind underwater marine trail, superb snorkeling from our beach, unique island forests and some of the best dive locations in the world all contribute to make this the most exciting new basecamp trip in Belize.

The Setting...

We begin our trip with an inland introduction and journey to Tropical Education Center and Belize Zoo. The TEC is situated in savannah habitat close to the Sibun river. This region provides both the abundant food sources and the safe resting areas necessary to support a diverse population of birds. We spend an evening and morning here.

Next, we catch our motor charter to spectacular Lighthouse Reef, one of only four coral atolls in the Caribbean, and home to the famous Blue Hole. In 1972, Capt. Jacques Cousteau and the intrepid crew of the Calypso explored and filmed this incredible atoll, showing its amazing underwater diversity to the world for the first time.

In partnership with the Belize Audubon Society, Island Expeditions Co. has established an Adventure Camp on the Half-Moon Caye Natural Monument, opening up for the first time this spectacular wilderness to adventurers.

Day 0:

Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you will be met by a 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 and enjoy a fine meal and as time permits explore Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s oldest Creole Settlement. Transfers from the airport, dinner activities and lodging are included. This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment.

Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Dinner is included on this Day

Day 1:

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 morning, 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, 60 miles offshore of the mainland. On reaching Halfmoon Cay your guide team will orient you to our new island setting and settle you into your accommodations and camp and enjoy a late lunch and an afternoon snorkel or kayak around Halfmoon Cay.

Accommodation: (Halfmoon Basecamp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2-4:

Due to it's isolation from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. To begin, the guides provide instruction; teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling and safety in the tropics.

Over the next few days we 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 sits silent as a landmark and is one of many shipwrecks 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 4000 red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms to intimately observe the 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!

Accommodation: (Half-moon basecamp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

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 it's profusion of fish and towering coral formations. We return home, stopping at the Halfmoon Wall for a spectacular drift snorkel over the undersea cliff of the atoll.

Accommodation: (Half-moon basecamp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

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.

Accommodation: (Half-moon basecamp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

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.

Accommodation: (hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner is not included on this day

Accommodation...

On day 0, 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. Over top of the hotel there is a deck and bar, which is a perfect place to catch the evening breeze and reminisce over your recent discoveries.

On Day 1 to 6 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 final night we will be staying at the Belize Biltmore Hotel in Belize City. This is a modern and comfortable hotel, located 5 miles north of Belize City, with a central courtyard and swimming pool to relax and unwind.

Scuba Divers...

There are some great opportunities to dive at Lighthouse Reef. Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip. Single tank dives are available from approximately $49 US. Also one day Discover Scuba for those who are not certified but want to try Scuba is available. For further information please inquire.

Equipment...

While at our base-camp on Half-Moon Caye, our guests have unrestricted use of the following equipment: Double Kayaks (outfitted with special sails), Single Kayaks, Complete Research Library, On the island, we are in communication with the mainland via satellite phone and VHF Marine radio.

*NOTE: Due to the remoteness of the Lighthouse basecamp, the activities on the reef portion of this trip are weather dependent and the itinerary is only a 'guide', and will remain flexible and open to any changes at the trip leaders' discretion.

RATES & DEPARTURE DATES 2011/2012

Scuba Diving Rates:

• Gear Rental:US$15
• Single Tank Dive:US$55
• Two Tank Dives:US$99
• Three Tank Dives:US$132
• Night Dive:US$75

Dive Packages

3 Day Dive Package: US$319

Includes:
8 dives (1 night dive & blue hole dive), Snacks and drinks, use of dive light during night dives

5 Day Dive Package: US$435

Includes:
11 dives (1 night dive & 3 blue hole dives, snacks & drinks, use of dive light during night dives

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