"The Costa Maya Explorer was a trip into the world of native Mexico that most tourists never experience. We learned a lot about the Mayan culture and history and having our own personal guides was a real luxury.
The snorkeling in the cenote was a great experience, even my wife enjoyed it and she is a real novice when it comes to snorkeling. We had a lot of fun learning to surf in the kayaks, even though we tipped over just when you were taking our picture. I can't wait to try kayak surfing again.
We especially enjoyed the eco-lodge at Balamaku. The food and rooms were just terrific and my son really enjoyed the time when our hostess gave us a guided tour of the solar and wind systems.
Our guide was absolutely fantastic - he made great meals, instructed us on kayaking skills, kept us organized and informed, and seemed to enjoy the trip as much as we did. His willingness to answer any question we had made everyone feel special. Every member of our family loved the entire trip. Thanks for creating such a unique and fun adventure."
Gene, Sandy, Brett, and Matt Spadi
Costa Maya Explorer
Dec 29, 2011 |
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Trip
Summary: |
Begin
from: Cancun
End in: Cancun (dual country trips - we will help you with transportation into Belize)
Duration: 7 Days / 7 Nights
Trip Departures & Prices: See Trip Schedule at bottom of this
page
Group Size: 6-12
Guides:1- 2 Professional Guides
Accommodations:
Hotel Sotavento, Balamku, Hotel Laguna Bacalar
Activities:
Sea Kayaking (Paddling & Sailing), Kayak Surfing, Snorkeling, Fishing,
Birding, Hiking, Mayan Ruins, Photography, Natural History Interpretation
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New - Detailed trip itinerary
in
Google Maps & Google Earth!
Click on the map below to open a new window.
Then follow the trip elements along the left hand menu through the day to day details.
Trip
Route
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Typical
Daily Itinerary:
Day 0: Arrival day: Island Expeditions will meet on arrival Cancun International Airport and transfer to the Hotel Sotavento in Cancun, a small hotel, near the waterfront. From the time you pass through customs we will have you at your hotel within ½ hour. Transfers, Hotel, and Dinner included.
Day 1 : After Breakfast we travel south into the area of Yucatan Peninsula that takes us away from the mass tourism that characterizes the Cancun and Playa Del Carmen region. This day we stop at the Mayan ruins of Muyil a small and interesting site hidden away in the jungle. After exploring the ruins site with knowledgeable guides we stop enroute for lunch at Pueblo Felipe Carillio. A small traditional Mexican town for good food and a chance to experience the kaleidoscope of color and activity in the town market. Continue the journey to the remote coastline of southern Yucatan with our final destination on the shores of the Caribbean. We settle into our accommodations on the beachfront at an exquisite small lodge. B,L
Day 2: Wake to fresh coffee and sunrise over the Caribbean from our comfortable and spacious rooms. Our lodge at Balamku has achieved a reputation as one of the finest small boutique lodges on the Costa Maya and operates completely off the grid powered by solar and wind and fully environmentally sensitive composting and waste management systems ( we believe that our trips must support eco conscious businesses to protect the beauty and biological diversity of the areas we travel) . This day we begin with an introduction to sea kayaking and snorkeling and then we are able to paddle directly to the main reef just minutes from our beach front cabanas. Warm waters, rich and diverse coral reefs are the focus of this day as we learn to explore these waters by kayak and with snorkel and mask. B,L
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Day 3: Today we paddle south along the reef system snorkeling, kayaking and if weather permits we will hoist the sails on our kayaks to harness the power of the wind as we travel along the coast. Beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and the thrill of traveling by kayak are the memories of the day. We land on a quiet beach at the end of the day and enjoy a specially prepared dinner on the beach front prepared by our Mexican hosts. Return to Balamku by van after dinner. B,L
Day 4: Our days activities here include a paddle in protected lagoons where we are able to see the rich bird life have a chance to view myriad of wildlife that resides in these protected waters characterized by labyrinth like mangrove passages and clear water. With our experience of the sea and weather conditions in the area we have a number of different activities that we are able to do if we experience high winds including fabulous hiking along deserted beaches to protected snorkeling areas and your guides will organize which activities over these days are best suited to wind and weather conditions we encounter. On our last night we venture to a small restaurant in the village of Majahual for an excellent dinner, for this night we will guide you on an exploration of the range of tastes and flavors reflecting the cuisine of Mexico.. B, L
Day 5: After breakfast chance for a sunrise paddle or a relaxing morning at the lodge we leave the coast for a hidden gem in southern Yucatan near the border of Belize. Today we venture to little known Laguna Bacalar. Our hotel is located on the shoreline of an exquisite freshwater lagoon, that is known for it’s remarkable shades of turquoise blues also known as the "Lagoon of 7 Colors". We have lunch at a local Cenote, and enjoy an afternoon swim. We then tour the 17th century Spanish fort and unique museum within the ancient fort that profiles the history of piracy and colonial occupation of the area. B, L
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Day 6: Early morning breakfast with the sunrise over the lagoon. This morning we venture out by kayaks on the lagoon to soak in the beauty of this setting. After lunch in Bacalar, we drive about an hour to one of the more impressive Mayan ruin sites of Kohunlich. This extensive site is surrounded by beautiful rainforest, and hosts a number of plazas and temples. One of the more impressive sights in the southern Quintana Roo, Kohunlich is best known for it's Pyramid of the Masks, with 6 large masks each standing over 8 feet tall. We return back to our lake-side hotel for a final dinner and celebration of the trip. B, L
 Day 7: Enjoy the morning swimming in crystal clear pools. The lodge also has a fleet of sit-on top kayaks to paddle the lagoon independently. After kayaking we enjoy a lunch in town before driving to Chetumal. From this point you have the choice of returning to Cancun or continuing the adventure by traveling by boat across the border into Belize to connect with our array of trips in Belize to the outer coral atolls or the rich and diverse rainforests, rivers, caves and Mayan ruins of Belize. B, L
Note: To allow for each person to choose their own dining variety we have not included the cost of dinners on this trip so that you may explore on an individual basis the fine culinary traditions of Mexico. We suggest a budget of 20 USD per person for each dinner that is not included in the trip.
Travel Notes: On Day 7 of the the trip (night 8) we have left options available on how and where you would like to travel after the trip. For those who are continuing the adventure on to Belize the transport by land and water taxi into Belize is included in the trip cost under our two country Mexico and Belize itineraries.
Belize/Mexico Combined trips
If you are returning to Cancun to fly home this day your departure needs to be 6 pm or later out of Cancun, or scheduled for the following day. We can make extra hotel arrangements for you as needed
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What's
Included...
- Comprehensive pre-trip information package
- Meals, accommodation, and transfers as detailed in the
itinerary
- Unlimited use of our equipment
- Use of waterproof dry bags during kayak trip
- Accommodation on the day before the trip (Day 0)
- Professional Guiding Services
What's
Not Included...
- Gratuities
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International Flights and Airport Departure Tax
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Extra costs due to late arrivals, lost baggage, and other
circumstances beyond our control.
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A Note About the Ecology...
Flora...
The
ecology of the Mexican coast is a complex combination
of coral reefs, sand flats with extensive turtle grass
and mangrove ranges. The Maya 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 Maya 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 Maya Reef, we have the opportunity
to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds.
Paddling along huge stretches of beach 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 Maya 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) |
Thinking
about seeing parts of Belize with Island Expeditions
Co?
The Costa Maya Explorer is wonderful trip on its own. However, it has also been designed to match-up with most of our Belize trips as well. From Chetemal, we have a water taxi that carries passengers to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, then to Caye Caulker, and on to Belize City. We will help coordinate travel from Chetemal for those choosing to extend your travels into Belize. Please contact our office, for details.
Thinking
About Traveling Independently, Before or After Your Trip?
With over 2 decades of exploration in Belize and the Yucatan,
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!
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7 Nights |
$1789.00
incl $170 Gov't Fees & Taxes
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2012 Season |
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Day 1 -
Trip Start
Date
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Day 7 -
Trip End
Date |
Day 8 -
Fly Home Date |
11-Feb-12
18-Feb-12
03-Mar-12
10-Mar-12
17-Mar-12
24-Mar-12
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12-Feb-12
19-Feb-12
04-Mar-12
11-Mar-12
18-Mar-12
25-Mar-12
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18-Feb-12
25-Feb-12
10-Mar-12
17-Mar-12
24-Mar-12
31-Mar-12
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19-Feb-12
26-Feb-12
11-Mar-12
18-Mar-12
25-Mar-12
01-Apr-12
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Family Travel
At
IEC we enjoy traveling with families. Children lend a refreshing
perspective to the experience, which adults sometimes take
for granted. Knowing that travel budgets are especially important
we offer a price break to families with children. Not all
trips are suitable for younger children, however we find that
age is not a definite restriction; rather size and weight
of your children, experience and ability are the main determining
factors in choosing which trip is right for your family. Click here for our Children's pricing policy...
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When
Planning Your Trip...Think of "Day 0"
With
Island Expeditions Co. a seven day trip means seven days in the field - not 2 days
of airline travel and 5 days of vacation. With the exception of our "short trips", on all IEC adventures we meet you
the day before the trip is scheduled to begin. This is "Day 0" and has
been conceived for your convenience and comfort. "Day 0" is your day
to arrive in Belize before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers, and
acclimatize to your new tropical environment. From there, be it a short flight
or a boat charter, your transportation to meet up with your group on this day, your dinner,
and your accommodations on this night are included in the trip cost.
On the "short trips" we meet you on the day that trip begins at a pre-scheduled time and location coordinated by our sales and reservations office. Whether we meet you at the boat dock or in the lobby of a local hotel at a specific time, our reservation staff will make sure you have our contact information and appropriate rendezvous details. To see a list of IEC " short trips" simply click here to find out more information
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