Our sea to rainforest expedition is for many the adventure of a lifetime. On this, our most active tour, we sail, paddle and dive our way along the southern barrier reef, camp on idyllic tropical islets, explore coral reefs resplendent with multicolored tropical fish; paddle among dolphins, sea turtles and the magnificent manta ray.

Late at night we listen as our guides weave a tapestry of stories from their native Belize. Photographic opportunities are exceptional as we journey from the turquoise blues of the Caribbean to the verdant rainforests of the interior.

Only 200 miles long and 63 miles wide from east to west, Belize supports a fantastic diversity of bio-geographic regions for such a small area. In the far south of the country the Maya Mountains receive upwards of 180 inches of rain annually. Much of this region is characterized by rugged terrain with fast flowing rivers, box canyons and dense rainforest.

As we travel north and west from here we encounter an uplands plateau that is drier and cooler with predominantly pine forests. In the north-east, there are expansive areas of freshwater lagoons and mangrove and in the north, close to the Mexican border, we find a dry savannah-like environment that receives only 50 inches of rainfall in a year! This wide range of environments is suitably complemented by the diversity of wildlife.

The isthmus of Central America is often referred to as an "evolutionary laboratory". This narrow strip of land between the North American and South American continents has been a migratory bridge where the evolutionary path of South American and North American species intersect.

With over 70% of its forest lands still undisturbed and with an impressive network of parks and ecological reserves, Belize is perhaps the best place to experience this tropical splendor. Over 500 species of birds, one of the largest concentrations of jaguars anywhere in the world and a total of five species of wild cats are just some of the natural attractions you have the opportunity to experience in the interior of Belize.

This trip is well complemented by the addition of the Tikal Extension.

For further information on any of Island Expeditions' tours, contact us using the feedback form on the "Notes" page, call 1-800-667-1630 toll-free in the U.S. or Canada, or e-mail info@islandexpeditions.com

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