For my family this was a special trip. It was much more than an organized tour, it was truly an eco-adventure on an island close to paradise. What was most special was the warmth and sense of family developed over just 5 days. Truly extraordinary - one of our best trips ever - right down to the surprise birthday cake made by Philip!
Susan Ormiston
Lighthouse Reef
Mar 18, 2009
The people were great, the weather was perfect, the trip was A+.
Sandra Shewry
Lighthouse Reef
Apr 4, 2010
"I look forward to another trip to h
Halfmoon Caye only next time i would bring my grand children or friends. The facility was very clean and comfortable and the beauty in the sea is beyond what I had imagined it to be. I thank Island Expeditions for helping me fulfill my childhood dreams."
Howe Pam
Lighthouse Reef
Jan 25, 2009
"It was a very positive experience. We appreciated the cultural part of the trip on the mainland. The fact that Island Expeditions gives back to Belize by hiring Belizean people, working with the Belize Audubon Society on Half Moon Caye, and provided low impact facilities definitely enhanced the island adventure. Your staff are very professional, friendly, approachable, and successfully memorable. This was our first snorkeling trip - we chose well. The reefs were spectacular! The booby nesting area was an added bonus."
Greg Harling
Waterloo, ON
Lighthouse Reef
I have done many adventure tours and have never experienced such amazing organization in every detail - from exceptional food, to knowledgeable & friendly base guides to well planned activities. I have never gone anywhere twice, but Belize has been exceptional, this was my second Island Expeditions trip, and I am considering a third trip! What an island paradise Half Moon Caye is. it is like being in the back country in th tropics.
Corrina Marzoff
Lighthouse Reef
Feb 25, 2008
"Best trip organization I've encountered so far.
I really loved the way Phillip the cook would explain his creations before each meal! It had the 'wow' factor."
Walter Zielke
Lighthouse Reef
Mar 21, 2009
I was a little wary of an organized trip only because I've only ever travelled independently. But this trip was the perfect balance of time to myself and participation as a group. There was plenty of flexibility so each of us could decide how much or how little we wanted to do, and even when I was the only one who wanted to do more snorkelling or kayaking, a guide would always been happy to come out with me. There's a terrific laid back vibe to the trip, making it seem more like a big family learning and exploring together than a group of strangers taking a "tour". As soon as my daughter is old enough, I will take an IEC trip again with her without hesitation. I can't think of any way you could have made this experience any better for me, and thank you for a brilliant holiday!!
Joanna Goldberg
Lighthouse Reef
Dec 19, 2009
Great job! The perfect vacation, everything went off with out a hitch. The paddling instruction was excellent! The guides offered great tips for protecting the reef. We liked that. Great staff! Great trips!
Karen Roy
Richmond, CA
Lighthouse Reef
Mar 30, 2008
"The Lighthouse Reef Adventure was a paradise for us. We had a great group that truly enjoyed being together, and the guides. I really can't say enough about how great they were. Individually & as a team and how integral they were for us in making this trip ideal. The kayaking was loads of fun. I'd never sailed a kayak before & it was great. I've done open water kayaking before & was always a little worried about tipping over and not being able to get back into the kayak. The guides taught us how and now my comfort and confidence levels are where I want them. Lastly, the snorkeling was unbelievable - Breath-taking, absolutely incredible."
Denny Elston
Lighthouse Reef
I had an amazing time at Lighthouse Reef and appreciated all the hard work you guys put into it. I really enjoyed meeting all the staff and getting to know them a bit. Some amazing folks there; can't seem to pick one to single out without thinking of how another was just a cool or talented. I liked the general feeling of comraderie and openess--a small example would be the volleyball games and how the BAS guys and guests were equally welcome to join in.
Johnny Leuthold
Lighthouse Reef
Jan 1, 2010
"This is the best adventure trip I have ever had! Thank-you for introducing me to a tropical paradise I have only ever dreamt about. I was totally enthralled by the Belize coral reefs – the clarity of the water & the variety of corals & fish was outstanding & revealed new treasures every day. I learned so much about the country and culture as well as the exquisite natural environment. The guides were superb and ran the whole trip in an unassuming yet efficient manner with a high degree of professionalism. A huge amount of work must go on behind the scenes to achieve such a smooth operation."
Carlie Holland
Lighthouse Reef
Jack was the best guide I've ever had - energetic yet calm, curious and willing to share his vast store of information, encouraging in extending my abilities and always there to laugh at my lame jokes or to lend support. I also appreciated Jame's skills and quiet dignity, Mose's kindness and Glen's willingness to share his time and thoughts.
Barbara Fisher
Lighthouse Reef
Mar 8 2010
"Lighthouse Reef Belize is absolutely beautiful and the bird sanctuary was a delight, snorkeling and kayaking were fun, too."
Edna Boomars
Lighthouse Reef
"Lighthouse Reef is the ultimate vacation place!"
Shirley Coffee
Lighthouse Reef
"I can’t believe we had fresh made bread! Plenty of nutritious food, great quality."
Lorraine Hosford
Lighthouse Reef
"Halfmoon Caye really was idyllic. The kayaking & snorkeling was fantastic – the most luxurious tent I’ve ever been in. I really enjoyed the nature. What a privilege to have such an arrangement with the Audubon Society Park Service."
Laurel Jaques
Lighthouse Reef
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People were among the friendliest we have encountered in the sixty-plus countries we have worked and travelled in over the years. I do not recall a single negative (or even less-than-positive) encounter in the 9 days we were in Belize.
Amelia is an absolute delight and does an amazing job. We were constantly amazed by her baking-- different fresh-baked goods with every meal. Loved the fresh juices at breakfast too and the conch soup!
Overall it was a fantastic experience! It was such a pleasure to spend time with like-minded travelers. It was equally fun to get to know your excellent staff. They work very hard, make a genuine effort to make everyone happy, and do it in a natural and relaxed way.
Christine Nielsen
Lighthouse Reef
Apr. 1, 2012
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YOGA and LESLIE!!!!!!! Leslie the yoga instructor was absolutely wonderful. I can not emphasize enough, what a great addition her presence was to my holiday.
Christine Nielsen
Lighthouse Reef
Apr. 1, 2012
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We have certain departure dates with certified yoga instructors. Click here for details.. |
Lighthouse Reef
Adventure - 7 Days / 8 Nights:
A jewel of white sand cayes encircling Belize's richest Coral Reefs
Lighthouse Reef, made famous by legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, has become known amongst divers as the ‘Aquarium’, renowned for its sheer abundance of marine life, crystal clear waters and thriving coral reefs.
Beyond the Barrier Reef, past Turneffe Atoll – some fifty miles and more eastwards of the Belize mainland – a coral atoll rises from the sea. Shimmering with white-sand cayes and lush green with groves of coconut palms, the lagoon provides a rare underwater habitat for snorkelers, with miles upon miles of shallow waters rich with corals. Where the lagoon drops off to the open sea, precipitous walls, undersea ridges, and valleys brimming with life are the deeper realm of scuba divers. Long difficult to access and out of reach for kayakers and snorkelers, Island Expeditions has pioneered the first-ever basecamp at Lighthouse Reef. We sleep in spacious walk-in tents (every
window has an ocean view) and after each day's activities our open air dining pavilion is the perfect place to relax in comfort with fine meals and splendid company.
The
first of it’s kind on spectacular Half Moon Caye,
this trip is operated in partnership with the Belize Audubon
Society.
People were extremely friendly and open. Weather was amazing. Enjoyed spectacular setting next to turquoise sea and swaying palm trees. Guides went out of their way to meet each clients interests/needs. Fantastic group with great sense of adventure and camaraderie.
Jan Lunn Zelman
Lighthouse Reef Adventure
Jan 6, 2012 |
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Trip
Summary |
Begin
from: Belize City
End in: Belize City
Duration: 7 Days / 8 Nights
Trip Departures & Prices: See Trip Schedule at bottom of this
page
Group Size: 6-21
Guides: 2-6 North American & Belizean Leaders.
Accommodation:
Birds Eye View Lodge,
Half-moon Caye Basecamp,
Biltmore Plaza Hotel
Activities: Sea Kayaking (paddling & sailing), Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP), Snorkeling, Scuba
Diving (diving fees not included in the trip cost), Fishing, Birding, Photography, Natural & Cultural
History Interpretation, and now, Yoga!
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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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Scuba
Divers...
There are some great opportunities to scuba dive
at Lighthouse Reef. Optional diving is available for certified
divers on certain days of the trip. 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.
Scuba
Diving Rates |
Two Dive Package with BC and Reg |
$125 US |
Three Dive Package with BC and Reg |
$165 US |
Blue Hole Park Fee |
$30 US |
**Please be aware that prices, availability, and packages are subject to change.
Call to confirm, as prices listed are approximate only.
For more details on our Belize scuba diving packages and Belize scuba diving vacations, click here |
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The
Setting...
We begin our trip with an introduction to the inland waterways of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Here we experience, close at hand, the astounding diversity of birds and wildlife for which Belize is renowned. Located 33 miles northwest of Belize city the sanctuary provides both the abundant food sources and the safe resting areas necessary to support a large and diverse population of birds. The best time for viewing resident and migrant birds is December until June, during Belize’s dry-season.
Next, we catch our motor charter to spectacular Lighthouse Reef, one of only four coral atolls in the Caribbean and home to the famous Blue Hole. In 1972, Capt. Jacques Cousteau and the intrepid crew of the Calypso explored and filmed this incredible atoll, showing its amazing underwater diversity to the world for the first time.
In partnership with the Belize Audubon Society, Island Expeditions Co. has established an Adventure Camp within the Half Moon Caye Marine Reserve, opening up for the first time this spectacular wilderness to adventurers.
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All of the guides and other staff were amazing. This reflects very well on how your company does business, hiring mostly local people. It also provided a somewhat unexpected enhancement to our experience. All the guides had tremendous knowledge of their country's natural history and culture, and were willing to share parts of their personal backgrounds with us. These informal interactions with native Belizeans was a very important aspect of the overall experience, and left a very positive impression of Island Expeditions and the people of Belize.
Eric Smeltzer
Lighthouse Reef
Apr. 22, 2012 |
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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 Bird's Eye View Lodge, in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. After checking into our accommodations we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers and enjoy a fine meal and, as time permits, explore Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s oldest Creole settlements. Transfers from the airport, dinner, activities, and lodging are included.
This is your day to arrive before the trip
starts, meet your fellow travelers, and acclimatize
to your new tropical environment.
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals:
Dinner
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Day
1: Coffee is served at sunrise, and with binoculars in hand we enjoy the waking wilderness and many hundreds of birds feeding right in front of the lodge along the shores of the Crooked Tree lagoons. After a healthy Belizean breakfast we’ll embark by boat to explore the area. Throughout the sanctuary we have tremendous birding and wildlife opportunities: iguana, turtle, parrot, ibis, and Morlet’s crocodile are frequently seen.
Later in the morning, we’ll drive along the old Belize Road to the sea where we board
our motor charter that takes us through white sand cayes and mangrove ranges, past the main Barrier Reef to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, at the furthest edge of the Belize
Reef System, 60miles offshore of the mainland. On reaching Halfmoon Caye your guide
team will orient you to our new island setting and settle you into your accommodations
and camp. You can then enjoy a late lunch and an afternoon snorkel or kayak around Halfmoon Caye.
Accommodation: Half-moon Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day
2-4: Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the Caribbean. To begin, the guides provide instruction; teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling, and safety in the tropics.
Over the next few days we have many options to explore, including a shipwreck that looms just north of the caye. In 1971, a ship named the Ermlund lost power during a storm and was deposited on the reef by a large wave. This 4000 ton wreck sits silent as a landmark and is one of many shipwrecks in the area that serve as a constant reminder of the hazards of navigating these waters. We also have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology and the island’s mangrove and interior forest habitat spread over the park’s 45 acres. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a 4,000 red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms to intimately observe the many nesting sites. And, of course, we always have the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold drink!
Accommodation: Half-moon Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
I had a back injury going into the trip and the guides took such great care of me. And they paddled in the kayak with me to make sure I was able to still do everything! They were amazing.
Chef Bol was AMAZING. And such a nice person, too. He made me a birthday cake on my birthday. I still cannot get over that everything was made from scratch!!
Liz Bienstock
Lighthouse Reef Adventure
Apr. 22, 2012 |
Day 5: The "aquarium" is today’s
big adventure. We pack a hearty lunch and our snorkel
gear in our kayaks and paddle with motor support. This
dive spot is known for it's profusion of fish and towering
coral formations. We return home, stopping at the Halfmoon
Wall for a spectacular drift snorkel over the undersea
cliff of the atoll.
Accommodation: Half-moon Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Today, we paddle along the protected
waters of the southern reef to Long Caye where we have
a chance to snorkel some of the atoll’s best patch
reefs. After a full day of exploring, we return just in
time for a wonderful seafood dinner prepared by our cooks.
Accommodation: Half-moon Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day
7: For our last morning at Lighthouse, the
choice is yours. Don a mask, snorkel, and fins for a
visit to a favorite patch reef, enjoy walking the island
trails, or beach comb along the island beaches before
the motor charter arrives to pick us up for the return
boat trip back to the mainland. We transfer to the Belize
Biltmore Plaza Hotel where we can enjoy a fresh shower
and a swim in the pool.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
is not included on this day
*NOTE: Due to the remoteness of the Lighthouse Basecamp, the
activities on the reef portion of this trip are weather
dependent and the following itinerary is only a ’
guide’ and will remain flexible and open to any
changes at the trip leader's discretion.
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Equipment...
While at our Basecamp on Half Moon Caye, our guests
have unrestricted use of the following equipment: Double
Kayaks (outfitted with special sails), Single Kayaks,
Complete Research Library. On the island we are in
communication with the mainland via satellite phone
and VHF Marine radio.
Super spot. A little piece of heaven on earth.
Joanne Bee
Lighthouse Reef
Mar. 3, 2012
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What’s
Included…
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Comprehensive pre-trip information package
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All meals, accommodations and transfers described in the
tour
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Unlimited use of our Equipment
- Accommodation on the day before the trip (‘Day 0’)
and the final night
- Professional Guiding Services (both N. American & Belizean
Guides)
- Belize 9% Hotel tax
- 12.5% Belize Sales Tax
What’s
Not Included…
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Transfer back to the Airport after the trip
- Gratuities
- International Flights & Airport Departure Tax
- Snorkeling or Dive Gear & Scuba Diving Fees
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Extra costs due to late Arrivals and other circumstances
beyond our control
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Accommodation...
On Day 0, we will be staying at Bird's Eye View Lodge, situated on the water's edge of the Crooked Tree Lagoon. This comfortable Belizean-style hotel offers private bath and lakeside views. Over top of the hotel there is a deck and bar, which is a perfect place to catch the evening breeze and reminisce over your recent discoveries.
On
Day 1 to 6 we are "base camping", sleeping
in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style
tents have ample headroom to walk around and are on
raised wooden floors with double or single beds.
 On
the final night we will be staying
at the Belize Biltmore Hotel in Belize City. This is
a modern and comfortable hotel, located 5 miles north
of Belize City, with a central courtyard and swimming
pool where you can relax and unwind.
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Jack is an incredibly gifted speaker and teacher. He possesses a storehouse of knowledge regarding ocean and wildlife and has a very clear way of explaining and making science come alive. He also has a fantastic personality - quick with jokes, stories and making everyone feel comfortable. All three guides were clearly very well educated and dedicated.
Lan Carpenter
Lighthouse Reef Adventure
Jan. 29, 2012
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Notes
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. Approximately 35 miles seaward
from the eastern border of the Barrier Reef, lies one
of Belize's most spectacular atolls – Lighthouse
Reef. These circular shaped reef systems 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 harbors
one of the world's most diverse sea environments; 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.
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Fauna...
While
on Half Moon Caye, we will have the opportunity to view
a diverse range of sea life and tropical birds. While
exploring and snorkeling the atoll and the surrounding
patch reefs, there are opportunities to see grouper, bonefish,
angel and parrot fish, stingrays, eagle rays, conger,
moray eels, and goatfish; just to name a few. Some of
the bird-life includes osprey (the billyhawk), royal terns,
brown-footed, red-footed and white-footed boobies, frigate
birds, hawks, mangrove warblers, and white-crowned pigeons.
Around the atoll there are nesting sites for loggerhead,
green and hawksbill turtles. If we're lucky, we may see
them while out snorkeling or kayaking. We will definitely
have a chance to see and sample the main staple for Belizean
fishermen - the
queen conch.
Recommended
Tour Books:
Eltringham,
Peter. 2003. Belize: The Rough Guide .London. Penguin Publishers.
Perottet, Tony. 2002. Belize: Insight Guide. Houghton Mifflin
Publishers. - Great photographs and written by a Belizean! |
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Thinking
about seeing other parts of Belize with Island Expeditions
Co?
The Lighthouse Reef combines well with an adventure traveling
inland. Our Maya World Extension
is an exciting rainforest and Mayan ruin add-on into the
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and ruins of Lamanai. Call
our office for details.
Thinking
About Traveling Independently, Before or After Your Trip?
With over twenty-five years of exploration in Belize, our knowledgeable
office staff can offer you a wealth of travel information.
However, we do recommend you read up on Belize and find
what interests you. Once you find an area of interest, give
our office or your travel agent a call, and we can help you
plan the best vacation possible!
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. |
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8 Days / 8 Nights |
$1899.00
incl $270 Gov't Fees & Taxes
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Day
1
Trip Start Date |
Day
7
Trip End Date
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Day
8
Fly Home Date |
Dec 17-13
Feb 01-14
Feb 15-14
Feb 21-14
Mar 01-14
Mar 15-14
Mar 21-14
Apr 04-14
Apr 12-14
Apr 18-14 |
Dec 18-13
Feb 02-14
Feb 16-14
Feb 22-14
Mar 02-14
Mar 16-14
Mar 22-14
Apr 05-14
Apr 13-14
Apr 19-14 |
Dec 24-13
Feb 08-14
Feb 22-14
Feb 28-14
Mar 08-14
Mar 22-14
Mar 28-14
Apr 11-14
Apr 19-14
Apr 25-14 |
Dec 25-13
Feb 09-14
Feb 23-14
Mar 01-14
Mar 09-14
Mar 23-14
Mar 29-14
Apr 12-14
Apr 20-14
Apr 26-14 |
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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 execption 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 to
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 accommodation 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
We would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave us a comment or question!
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