The Setting...

The Barrier Reef, which runs the full length of the Belizean coastline, is considered one of the richest marine ecosystems on earth. The 185 mile long reef runs from 10 to 25 miles offshore, and is the longest continuous reef in Caribbean; the second longest in the world. Along the Barrier Reef are over 225 cayes, ranging from small sand-fringed islands perched along the reef's edge, to larger islands of partially submerged mangroves.

Historically, ships avoided this area of the Caribbean because of inaccurate charts and the difficulty of navigating the shallow reef-strewn waters. Teeming with brilliantly-colored fish, sea grass beds, and patch reefs, the reef systems have not seen nearly the level of human impact as witnessed in Mexico to the north and Honduras to the south. We travel in the less-developed southern regions of Belize's Barrier Reef which remains a near-pristine marine ecosystem and is unparalleled in the Caribbean. It is in this region that we find the best sea kayaking and snorkeling. Our base of operation, in the southern coastal community of Dangriga, is the ideal launching point for us to explore this spectacular region.

A Note About the Ecology...

Flora...

The ecology of the Belizean coast is a complex combination of coral reefs, sand flats with extensive turtle grass and mangrove ranges. The Barrier Reef, second largest in the world, extends 185 miles (300 km) along the coast. This reef structure shelters the Belizean coastline from the rougher open waters of the Caribbean sea. The Barrier Reef acts as a huge breakwater, holding in the sand and protecting the coastline from the incoming seas. From this action, we get beautiful islands forested with coconut palms, sea grape and coco plum and remarkable protected reef structures. Also from the 'breakwater' action of the barrier reef, we have protected waters which allow the diverse ecosystems of the mangrove and turtle grass to flourish. These tangled partially-submerged forests provide essential feeding and nursing habitat for hundreds of species of fish, shellfish, reptiles, marine mammals, and birds.

Fauna...

While traveling along the Barrier Reef, we have the opportunity to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds. Paddling from cay to cay in areas rich with patch reefs and sea grass beds we have many opportunities to view bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays, eagle rays,conger, moray eels, goatfish, just to name a few. Trailing a fishing line from our kayaks, we also may get a strike from a barracuda, or grouper or snapper. Over our heads, we will see bird-life, such as osprey (the Billy hawk), sea gulls, brown-footed & white-footed boobies, frigate birds, hawks, mangrove warblers, and white-crowned pigeons. Also, throughout the Barrier Reef and along the coast, there are nesting sites for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. If we're lucky, we may see them while out snorkeling. We will definitely sample one of the main staples for Belizean fishermen, the queen conch and spiny lobster(in season).

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, please contact us in advance), explore uninhabited islands, pristine coral reefs, rich fishing grounds and labyrinth like mangrove channels. Imagine a day of amazing adventures and then checking into your lodge by kayak, as we land on one of the little-known cayes that dot the southern barrier reef. While your guides and our Belizean hosts are preparing a delicious dinner, you can check into your comfortable seaside room and with a cold drink in hand enjoy the friendliness and warmth that are the hallmark of these small, yet-to-be-discovered lodges. Each trip begins with a thorough introduction to sea kayaking and snorkeling, so no previous kayak experience is required.

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 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.

Accommodation: (Lodge)
Meals: Dinner is included on this day

Day 1:

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 settle into our accommodations and then enjoy drinks and dinner.

Accommodation: (Lodge)
Meals: B,L,D

Day 2:

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 cayes. 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 snorkelling at (our first snorkelling session begins with a thorough instruction and demonstration and beginner through to advanced skills are taught) at the Tobacco Caye cut and the outer reef walls. In the afternoon we’ll paddle to nearby cayes to explore the sheltered lagoons and mangrove channels returning in the evening to Tobacco Caye.

Accommodation: (Lodge)
Meals: B,L,D

Day 3:

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 travelling to today– Southwater Caye. After packing our kayaks with our personal gear bag, 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 reef system. The waters are shallow and clear, and we’ll see a tremendous variety of marine life including southern stingrays, eagle rays, grouper, nurse sharks and more. As we make our way to Southwater Caye with it's coconut palms swaying in the wind, this is a day you'll wish could 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 even a nighttime snorkel session on Southwater cut.

Accommodation: (Lodge)
Meals: B,L,D

Day 4:

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.

Accommodation: (Lodge)
Meals: B,L,D

Day 5:

This morning, we turn west towards the inner islands of the Belize Barrier Reef system. Weaving north west through the Twin Cayes and the inner channel, with a lunch stop enroute, we make our way to the Coco Plum Range where we stay at lovely new lodge on the sandy shores of Coco Plum Cay. Here, with a backdrop of the sun setting over the sea and the Maya Mountains on the mainland we celebrate our final night together with a seafood feast and island festivities.

Accommodation: (Lodge)
Meals: B,L,D

Day 6 (fly-home day):

After an early breakfast our water taxi carries us back to the mainland and the town of Dangriga where the trip finishes. Any extra luggage that you have stored at our operations base, will be made available to you to repack and taxis can be arranged to your connecting flight to the Belize International Airport, or local bus stations to continue exploring Belize.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

While out on the cays we will be kayaking from cay to cay along the southern barrier reef and staying in small Belizean owned lodges on the cays. We stay two nights at each lodge on Tobacco Cay and Southwater Cay. Facilites include hot and cold running water and fully serviced bathrooms. As we are paddling our kayaks to each lodge we stay at we will be carrying our personal equipment and clothe in water tight hatches in the kayaks. We will also provide waterproof bags for your use.

On the final night we will be staying in Hopkins, a small Garifuna Village. Our accommodation is at a sea side, Belizean-style hotel on the edge of town. A great place to end your trip, and stay for a few extra days.

Getting back to Belize City

We 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 $56.00 USD per person or you can travel overland by bus (2-3 hours) for approximately $7.00 USD

RATES & DEPARTURE DATES 2010/2011

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

For further information or booking inquiries please contact Sacred Earth