Belize: Reefs, Rain Forests, and Ruins
Overview
Highlights
- Kayak, snorkel, and swim at Lighthouse Reef and snorkel the legendary Blue Hole.
- By special arrangement, gain private access to a subterranean Mayan cave and explore its cathedral-like chambers.
- Paddle through the jungle on a Sibun River kayaking excursion and spot tropical birdlife along the way.
- Discover the temples and pyramids of incredible Tikal, an ancient Maya city nestled in the jungles of Guatemala.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Pre-departure information
- Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing
- Ground transportation during the expedition
- Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
- Services of an adventure consultant, guides and any other staff, and on designated “Photography” departures, a National Geographic Photographer
- Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges.
- For itineraries that include camping, camp and cook staffs, tents, kitchen and dining tents and necessary Trip equipment (e.g., sea kayaks, rafts, personal floatation devices, etc.) are provided.
- Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in the itinerary.
Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Bird’s Eye View Lodge
Arrive in Belize City and transfer to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a lush habitat of lagoons, creeks, and tropical forest. Gather for an orientation and welcome dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venture out by boat to explore the lagoons of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in the early morning. The rich vegetation that lines these waterways teems with wildlife and tropical birds, and we can expect to see species such as k...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend two days at Lighthouse Reef, discovering a fascinating coastal ecosystem and Belize's world-renowned coral reefs. On a variety of sea kayaking excursions, glide past white-sand beaches and thick mangroves. Take to the sea i...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, experience the Great Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau who first explored it in the early 1970’s. Located within Lighthouse Atoll, this vast, circular sinkhole measures nearly 1000 feet across. Don your mas...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Sleeping Giant Lodge
Spend a final morning immersed in the serene beauty of Belize's coral atolls. If you wish, rise early for a sunrise yoga session or fishing expedition. Or go snorkeling at your favorite...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Sleeping Giant Lodge
Enjoy a relaxing morning amid the lodge’s stunning surroundings—there are more than 100,000 acres of rainforest wilderness on our doorstep. Then set out for an adventure at Actun Tunich...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Sleeping Giant Lodge
Hop into specially designed inflatable kayaks and set off on a guided excursion on the Sibun River. As we paddle through jungle, spot colorful birds, wildlife, and bright tropical flowe...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Windy Hill Resort
Travel into Guatemala to explore the legendary Maya city of Tikal, a World Heritage site. Marvel at the magnitude of this sprawling city built on the backs of Maya laborers, and delve into this fas...
Meals: Breakfast
Begin the day at the Belize Zoo, getting better acquainted with endemic wildlife including jaguars, tapirs, and toucans, and participate in a unique Jaguar Rehabilitation project. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
National Geographic Expeditions Reviews & Ratings
Other National Geographic Expeditions Reviews
Inconsistent information, No Refund
We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marke...
How to Ruin a Trip to Norway
My husband and I took the Norway "Trains and Fjords" tour because neither of wanted to drive the twisty roads to see the majestic areas and wanted to avoid a cruise ...
TOO MUCH TOO FAST
Firstly, it was my understanding, and confirmed in a phone conversation with the company’s representative prior to our departure, that the schedule of events would g...
Tour Operator
National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.
An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration
National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.
Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.
As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.
National Geographic Adventures
National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.
National Geographic Student Expeditions
National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.
National Geographic Difference
Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.
The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.
Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.
Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.
We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.
Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.
We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
What's excluded
- Meals on flights to/from the Trip.
- International airfare
- Optional gratuities
- Personal items
Accommodation
9 Breakfast, 8 Lunches and 8 Dinner
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations