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 an Island Expeditions representative and transferred to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo. After settling into our forest cabanas we 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. Transfers from the airport, dinner 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: (Tropical Education Center)
Meals: Dinner is included on this Day

Day 1:

After enjoying a healthy Belizean breakfast we spend the morning enjoying the Tropical Education Center trails and facilities. Throughout the TEC area we have tremendous birding and wildlife opportunities: iguana, turtle, parrot, ibis and toucans are frequently viewed and a Morlet's crocodile can be seen along the banks of the Lagoon. Next, we connect with our motor charter that takes us offshore to our Basecamp at Lighthouse Reef Atoll arriving in the late afternoon.

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 4,000 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 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.

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 2008/2009

* Departures on Mar 09, Mar 13 and Mar 17 are special 5day/6night options at a rate of $1299, please inquire.

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