Glover's Reef & River of Caves - 7 Nights:

Jaguar Rescue, Crystal Cave Float and the White Sand Cayes of Glover's Reefl

On arrival in Belize, before heading out to Glover's, we have an opportunity to experience the diversity of the rainforest and the rich Mayan culture of the interior. Working with guides from the Belize Tropical Education Center, our itinerary includes a leisurely float down a rainforest river with inner tubes, exploring a fantastic limestone cave.

New for this season, you now have a chance to be part of the Belize Zoo's first-ever wild cat rescue program. Through its unique Wildlife Conservation program, the Zoo rescues jaguars that would otherwise be killed for predating on livestock. You will get an insiders tour and up-close encounter with the jaguars, as you wind your way through the jaguar tunnels with a senior Zookeeper.

Thirty six miles offshore of the Belize mainland lie a group of tropical islands cradled within a turquoise lagoon and surrounded by a living coral reef. Glover's Reef Atoll is considered to be one of the richest tropical marine environments in the entire Caribbean Sea. Our private island base of over 13 acres is perched on the southern edge of the atoll with a dramatic view facing east over the main reef crest and the open Caribbean Sea. Based from our comfortable Basecamp we are fully equipped to spend five and a half days sea kayaking and kayak sailing, snorkeling, diving, and fishing.  After our adventures each day we like to reward ourselves with a bounty of fresh seafood, island baking, tropical fruits, and yes, even rich decadent deserts! Glover's is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the comforts of a well-appointed field camp yet want an active and flexible day-to-day schedule. 

Begin from: Belize City
End in: Dangriga
Duration: 7 Nights
Trip Departures & Prices: See Trip Schedule at bottom of this page
Group Size: 6-20
Guides: 2-4 North American and Belizean guides

Accommodations: Tropical Education Center, Glover's Basecamp

Activities: Rainforest Hiking, Caving, River Float Trip, Sea Kayaking (Paddling & Sailing), Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Jaguar Encounter, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving (optional - cost not included in trip price), Fishing, Birding, Photography, Natural and Cultural History Interpretation, and now Yoga!

Make sure to check out our current discounted Belize vacations and Belize trip specials too!

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Trip Route

Scuba Divers...
There are some great opportunities to scuba dive at Glover's Reef. Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip. Single tank dives are available from approximately $75US, with further discounts for multi-tank dives. For first time divers we can offer a Discover Scuba for a subsidized rate or you may be able to take your Open Water Referral course. Please let us know in advance. We can also arrange a variety of dive packages before or after your trip. For further information please contact our office.

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. Here we are able to explore the surrounding savannah forest through their network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms. There is also a great Interpretive Center which details the diverse ecology of Belize and is an ideal starting point for the adventure ahead. After checking into our rustic accommodations we enjoy a Belizean dinner where we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers. 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 are included.
Accommodation: Forest Cabanas
Meals: Dinner

Day 1: We start our day with a tour the River of Caves area of Belize. Hike along a trail through lush rainforest to the cave entrance where we float and hike underground through a limestone cave system rich with cave formations including massive crystallized flow stone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.

In the afternoon you will be one of a few to participate in a unique wild cat rescue program that involves rescuing jaguars that would otherwise be killed for predating on livestock. At the Belize Zoo a senior Zookeeper leads us through the jaguar tunnel and shares his insights on the program. After an up-close encounter with Buddy (trained as the ambassador), you will get a much different jaguar experience when Fieldmaster (dog killer) is let out of the tunnel!

While the rescued jaguars cannot be returned to the wild, they can be retrained for a new life overseas. These reformed jaguars are placed as ambassadors in US zoos, where they generate awareness and support for big cat conservation and habitat protection. We see this program as an excellent example of travel choices supporting worthwhile conservation initiatives

Accommodation: Forest Cabanas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - 6: Depart early in the morning by charter boat to our private Basecamp on Southwest Caye at Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. Upon arrival, receive an introduction to your new environment before settling into your ocean view tent cabana. Participate in professional instruction provided by our guides
and learn the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling and water safety in the tropics. After the instruction, enjoy a paddle to a nearby patch reef and start exploring some of the 700 snorkel sites Glover’s Atoll has to offer. Glover’s is one of the most spectacular marine environments in Belize and offers the best kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the Caribbean. Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters are exceptionally clear with a fabulously rich reef system. We spend the days exploring the atoll with both single and double kayaks rigged for sailing. Our itinerary is flexible to respond to individual and group preferences and abilities. Activities include sea kayaking, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, and learning to sail a kayak. In the mornings and evenings we host informative sessions on a range of topics, providing an opportunity for guides to share their knowledge of Belize, the marine environments, and the local culture. Those guests that prefer a more leisurely pace can always take time to kick back in a hammock and relax with a good book!
Accommodation: Glover's Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Many choose to rise early this morning, enjoy a coffee on the dock and, for the last time, watch the sunrise over the atoll before enjoying a hearty breakfast. Our boat charter departs mid-morning back to the mainland with an estimated arrival around noon. Trip finishes in Dangriga.
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Important Travel Note:
This trip ends in Dangriga late morning on the last day of the trip. If you are flying out of Belize on this day (Sunday), please be sure to book your flight departing Belize after 2:15pm. We can book you a domestic flight from Dangriga to the International Airport to coincide with your international flight. The cost is $85US per person.

For those departing Belize the following day (Monday) we offer a Dangriga to Belize City Flight & Biltmore Hotel Package. Package Cost: Single - $159US, Double - $119US per person, Triple - $106US per person, Quad - $99.00US per person.

We truly had an amazing trip. Woke up each morning with a big smile and had the same one, or bigger smile, when we went to bed. We had never been on a trip that was educational as well as fun, it was both. Over the top - EXCELLENT adventure. We will be back.

Suzie Abbott
Glover's Reef & River of Caves
Apr. 15, 2012

Accommodation...   

On Day 0 to 1 we spend the night at the Tropical Education Center. The Education Center has comfortable, rustic accommodations in a beautiful pine savannah setting. The Center has a fantastic interpretative center and harbors Belize's largest collection of tropical animals, with a great network of trails and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring this rare forest environment.

On Day 2 to 6 at Southwest Caye we are "base camping", sleeping in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents are have ample headroom to walk around and are on raised wooden floors with double or single beds. On the island we have a fully equipped kitchen, fresh-water collection system for drinking water, access to fresh-water showers, and modern composting toilets, We also have a large dining area, resource library and lounge.

On Day 7: This trip ends in Dangriga late morning on the last day of the trip. If you are flying out of Belize on this day (Sunday), please be sure to book your flight departing Belize after 2:15pm. We can book you a domestic flight from Dangriga to the International Airport to coincide with your international flight. The cost is $85US per person.
For those departing Belize the following day (Monday) we offer a Dangriga to Belize City Flight & Biltmore Hotel Package.
Package Cost: Single - $159US, Double - $119US per person, Triple - $106US per person, Quad - $99.00US per person.

A Note About the Ecology...

Flora...

The Mesoamerican Coral reef stretches from Cancun, Mexico through Belize to Honduras. It is the largest reef in the western hemisphere and second largest in the world. In Belize this reef is a well formed wall and extends 185 miles (300 km) along the coastline. Nineteen miles seaward from the eastern border of the Barrier Reef lies Belize's most spectacular atoll - Glover's Reef. The oval shaped reef walls of the atoll climb from the ocean floor and surround a central lagoon. The surrounding reef is primarily made up of two kinds of coral, the hard hydro-coral (reef- forming coral), such as brain coral or elkhorn coral, and the soft corals, such as sea-fans and feather plumes. The sheltered lagoon at Glover's Reef harbors one of the world's most diverse sea environments with an extensive community of fish, shellfish, and patch reefs. One mile off the eastern shore of the atoll the reef wall quickly drops 2600 feet to the ocean floor below. The interaction between the deeper open waters of the Caribbean Sea and the sheltered lagoons of the atoll results in a diversity and abundance of marine life which is unsurpassed for sea kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.

Fauna...

Getting back to Belize City...
This trip ends in Dangriga late morning on the last day of the trip. If you are flying out of Belize on this day (Sunday) we can book you a domestic flight to the International Airport. Please be sure to book your flight departing Belize after 2:15pm. Cost is $85US per person. For those departing Belize the following day (Monday) we offer a Dangriga to Belize City Flight & Biltmore Hotel Package. Package Cost: Single - $159US, Double - $119US per person, Triple - $106US per person, Quad - $99.00US per person.

Thinking about seeing other parts of Belize with Island Expeditions Co.?
The Glover's Reef and Mayan Caves combines well with an inland adventure. The Maya World Extension is a popular addition to the Glover's trip. Explore the ancient world of the Mayan people and the wildlife-rich habitats of the interior and enjoy a great opportunity to visit some of the ancient ruins of Belize and the Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary. Or, experience both of Belize’s spectacular Atolls in one trip to Belize! The Lighthouse Reef trip itinerary takes you even further offshore on beautiful Half-moon Caye National Monument.

Thinking About Traveling Independently, Before or After Your Trip?
With over 25 years of exploration in Belize our very knowledgeable and experienced office staff can offer you a wealth of travel information to help you plan the best vacation possible! However, we do recommend that you read up on the country and find what interests you. Once you find an area of interest give our office a phone call.

Single Traveler Pricing Many of our guests travel on their own. Our style of trip is ideal for single travelers combining the benefits of group camaraderie and group security with lots of individual flexibility in what you want to do each day. Single supplement options vary by trip style. Standard trip pricing is based on double occupancy. Solo guests can request either to share twin accommodations with another traveler or request single accommodations for an additional fee. If you are willing to share and we are able to match you up - no problem and no extra cost. If we cannot match you up then we have a simple, affordable $99 supplement fee for trips of 6 nights and longer and $45 for shorter trips. This fee will be applied at the time of booking, but will be reimbursed just before your departure if we are able to match you up. Should you prefer private accommodations, we can provide you with your own room and the following charges apply. Costa Maya Explorer - $275 Glover's Reef & River of Caves - $220 Lighthouse Reef - $250.00 Paradise Islands - $322 Ultimate Adventure - $368 Glover's Getaway -$65 Lighthouse Getaway - $65 Glover's Getaway & Kayak Rental Combo - $60 Maya Reef Explorer - Glover's - $160 Maya Reef Explorer - Lighthouse - $195 Rainforest Canopy Extension - $75 Maya World Extension - $130 NOTE: The number of single rooms available on most departures is limited, and may not be available at each location. If we are not able to provide your own room throughout the trip, we will pro-rate the supplement fee.

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 age is not a definite restriction - rather the size and weight of your children as well as their 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...

What is "Day 0"?

With Island Expeditions Co. a seven day trip means seven days in the field - not two days of airline travel and five 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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