Belize: Reefs, Rain Forests, and Ruins

10 days
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3.5/5 Great
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Group Tour
Belize is graced with more than 180 miles of coast, thick rain forest, and Maya ruins; and beneath its Caribbean waters lies one of the most extensive barrier reef systems in the world. Set out by kayak from our base at Half Moon Caye to explore mangrove islands and white-sand beaches, and snorkel in turquoise waters amid an astonishing diversity of marine li...
From$4,995
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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?

    Belize is graced with more than 180 miles of coast, thick rain forest, and Maya ruins; and beneath its Caribbean waters lies one of the most extensive barrier reef systems in the world. Set out by kayak from our base at Half Moon Caye to explore mangrove islands and white-sand beaches, and snorkel in turquoise waters amid an astonishing diversity of marine life. Head inland to the Sibun River Valley and experience the wonders of the rain forest on a river kayaking trip and an adventure into an extraordinary Maya cave system. Then travel to Guatemala to encounter the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tikal, where ancient Maya temples poke through the treetops. Along the way, stay in lodges and camps ideally situated for spotting birds and wildlife.

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Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityBelize
End CityBelize

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Belize
  • Guatemala

Attractions

  • Tikal
  • Tikal National Park

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkeling

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.

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Belize City/Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

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.

Day 2: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary/Half Moon Caye

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...

Days 3 & 4: Half Moon Caye

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...

Day 5: Blue Hole/Half Moon Caye

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...

Day 6: Half Moon Caye/Sibun River Valley

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...

Day 7: Actun Tunichil Muknal

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...

Day 8: Sibun River Valley

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...

Day 9: Tikal National Park

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...

Day 10: Belize City/U.S.

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,995
Price per day$500
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

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.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Meals on flights to/from the Trip.
    • International airfare
    • Optional gratuities
    • Personal items
Travel Insurance
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Meals Included

9 Breakfast, 8 Lunches and 8 Dinner

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-belref

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