Coral Islands
Duration: 7 Days / 8
Nights
Begin From: Belize City
End In: Dangriga
Activities: Sea-Kayaking
(Paddling & Sailing), Snorkeling, Fishing, Birding,
Photography, Natural
History Interpretation, Garifuna Drumming Night
Accommodation: Tropical Education Center, Camping, Chaleanor's Hotel
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Group Size: 6-13
Guides: 2-3 North American
and Belizean leaders
2001 Dates: Dec
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
2002 Dates: Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 24, Mar 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr 6,
13, 20, 27, May 4
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 cays, ranging from small sand fringed islands perched along the reefs 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 that 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 will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds. Paddling from cay to cay and over the many patch reefs, we have many opportunities to view bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays, conger, moray eels, goatfish, just to name a few. Trailing a line from our kayaks, we also may get a chance at a tug from barracuda, grouper, tarpon, 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 the hawksbill turtles. If we're lucky, we may see them while out snorkeling. We will definitely have a chance to see and sample the main staple for Belizean fishermen, the spiny lobster (in season) and the queen conch.
Typical
Daily Itinerary:
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 checking into our rustic accommodations we are greeted with a BBQ
dinner and we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers. At the Tropical Education
Center, we are able to explore the surrounding savannah forest through their network of
interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms. There is also a great 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 and lodging
are included
Accommodations:
(Lodge)
Meals:
Dinner is not included on this night
Day
1: We rise early from the Tropical Education Center and travel the Hummingbird Route
to meet up with our motor charter, just outside of Dangriga. We launch our charter boat
and head-out to the barrier reef. We arrive to our first camp already set-up, so we can
focus on getting settled into our boats, and get comfortable with our gear. We start by
teaching those of us who are new to kayaking, the fundamentals, and go over ocean touring
techniques with the whole group. At this point of the day, we will be able to enjoy an
initial paddle and snorkeling session before concentrating on the finer points of
horizontal hammock surfing and a fine meal.
Accommodations:
(Camping)
Meals:
B,L,D<-6: We sail and paddle south along the barrier reef camping on idyllic tropical cays,
usually traveling five to ten miles each day along the reef (with some layover days). We
have plenty of time to snorkel, fish and enjoy the scenery and marine life of the
Caribbean. We explore many different regions of the reef including the inner and outer
walls, patch and fringing reefs, mangrove ranges and protected lagoons. Our traveling
routes often cross those of the fishermen who make their living from the sea and with this
interaction we gain good company and an insight into a way of life that is very different
from our own. Many of the cays we visit are completely wild, including one cay, which is
not even on the marine charts!
Accommodations:
(Camping)
Meals:
B,L,D
Day
7: We end our journey along the mainland where we load up the boats and equipment and
return overland to Dangriga. Once we arrive, settle into our accommodations, have a chance
to shower, dress and relax before our evening celebration. Over the town of Dangriga, we
have a rooftop barbecue prepared, to celebrate our trip. Here, we invite Dangriga
musicians to perform their traditional Garifuna drumming and dance.
Accommodations:
(Hotel)
Meals: B,L,D
What's
Included...
Comprehensive pre-trip information package
All meals, accommodation, and transfers described in the tour
Unlimited use of our Equipment
Use of waterproof dry bags during kayak trip
Accommodation on the day before the trip ('Day 0') and the final night.
Professional Guiding Services (both North American Leaders and Belizean Guides)
What's
Not Included...
Meal on 'Day 0'
Gratuities
International Flights and Airport Departure Tax
Extra costs due to late Arrivals, lost baggage and other circumstances beyond our
control
Accommodation...
On 'Day 0', we will be spending the
night at the Tropical Education Center, spending one night in our rustic lodge
accommodation. The Education Center harbors Belize's largest collection of tropical animal
specimens, a fantastic interpretative center, and has a great network of cut trails and
wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring the pine savannah setting.
While out on the cays, we are practicing
minimum impact camping, to ensure the pristine state of the wilderness remains for future
visitors. We will be keeping our weight and volume to a minimum, carrying our gear in our
kayaks from site to site. We will be staying in three person Walrus Zia tents, which
provide more than enough room for two people and gear (some single tents are available on
each trip). As we travel from cay to cay, we
use pre-determined camping areas to minimize our impact on the islands. However, we also
give ourselves considerable flexibility to adjust our schedule to different conditions
encountered as we travel.
On the final night we will be staying in
Dangriga. Our accommodation is at Chaleanors Hotel, a Belizean-style hotel in the downtown
core. On this final night, we have a barbecue on their roof top terrace prepared for us to
celebrate our trip and invite some local musicians to join us, and perform their
traditional Garifuna drumming and dance.
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 $45.00 USD per person or you can
travel overland by bus (2-3 hours) for approximately $7.00 USD
Thinking
about seeing other parts of Belize with Island Expeditions Co?
The Coral Islands combines well with an
inland exploration. The Tikal Extension gives you a great opportunity to visit Central
America's largest excavated Mayan ruins site. Or, the Wild South trip gives you a rare
chance to travel into the remote regions of southern Belize, combining caving, visiting
Mayan ruins, and a multi-day whitewater expedition into your adventure.
Thinking
About Traveling Independently, Before or After Your Trip?
With over 13 years of exploration in
Belize, our knowledgeable office staff can offer you a wealth of travel information.
However, we do recommend that you read up on Belize and find what interests you. Once you
find an area of interest, give our office a call, and we can help you plan the best
vacation possible!
Recommended
Tour-books:
Eltringham, Peter. 1999. Belize: The
Rough Guide .London. Penguin Publishers.
Perottet, Tony. 1997. Belize: Insight
Guide Singapore. Houghton Mifflin Publishers.
-Great photographs and written by a Belizean!
Island Expeditions – 1-800-667-1630