"Very well organized tour. Everything was where it was supposed to be, and on time. The guides Omar and Dick were great. The accommodations was perfect for this kind of trip. When my luggage was lost by the airline, Ernie said he would look after it, and 2 days later it arrived by boat to Tobacco Caye. Your pictures on the web were exactly as it was."
Guy Lamoureux
Paradise Islands
Jan 25, 2009 |
"This was our honeymoon and it was just a wonderful week. Thank you for making the first days of our marriage ones we will always remember."
Gavin Duffy
Paradise Islands
Jan 25, 2009
"What a great time! The snorkeling and kayaking were beautiful and mind blowing. Encouraging to see healthy reefs and fish. Quite an extravaganza for a trout biologist. We had a fun group, made friends, and it was nice we were about the same energy."
Corey Sue Hutchinson
Paradise Islands
Jan 25, 2009
We will be going back! Everyone was extremely friendly and we lucked out with near perfect weather. I especially liked the fact that staying right on the water there was a breeze and so we didn't have to deal with bugs at all.
Karina Younk
Paradise Islands
Mar 6, 2010
I was very impressed with the professionalism of the reef guides especially; they were a lot of fun and really sociable. But they were also always intent on organization and, most importantly, on safety. I had never kayaked in the open ocean before and occasionally the weather was a little rough. I never felt anxious or concerned, however. The communication between the guides and your office regarding details and weather reports was stellar!
Joan Bauerly
Paradise Islands
Feb 20, 2010
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"Belize is beautiful. To visit the cayes in this way on a kayaking trip and for days at a time – a well organized tour is the way to go. I wasn't ready to kayak on my own or even in a small group. IEC took care of my safety concerns, logistics, and really allowed me to focus on kayaking, snorkeling, and the beauty of my surroundings. Thank you!"
Tina Loos
Paradise Islands
Feb 1, 2009
Overall, a really great experience. I did not have previous kayaking, sailing, nor snorkeling experience, so it was a great adventure. I found the trip very comfortable, challenging without being arduous.
The snorkeling was WOW! Karm and Omar were excellent guides when we were out on the snorkel. Accomodations exceeded expectations and the food - fresh, ample, and a nice variety without feeling that we were too full or wasting anything.
Christine McPhee
Paradise Islands
Mar 13 2010
"I loved the cabanas on the cayes, especially the charming single one on Tobacco Caye that goes right over the water. This was truly the trip of a lifetime. I loved everything about it - wouldn't change a thing. The staff in Canada and in Belize were helpful, professional, and caring; everyone seemed to go "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable adventure. I felt like I was in good hands from beginning to end. Thank-you so much! I hope to try another of your trips in the near future."
Elizabeth Lofgren
Paradise Islands
Dec 14, 2008
Look out - Belize is my new favorite place. The people were very friendly. The weather was amazing. My trip was at the end of the rainy season, but the rainy afternoons and the warm rain were actually a welcome addition to the trip.
Zachary Wood
Paradise Islands
Nov 20, 2009
Awesome! I think it's pretty rare to see a photo on a website and then actually end up in the place you saw. I'm speaking of the little houses over the water on Tobacco Caye. Wow. Then the next place we stayed overlooked the ocean in an equal but different gorgeous way! Wow. :)
How great is it to work up an excellent appetite and then get to dive into a wonderful array of local foods? We particularly appreciated the efforts made towards choosing local items and having them prepared by residents.
Well done! Oh my gosh - the people are so friendly. Of course it helps that English is spoken extensively - but I mean to tell you, random teenage boys said hi to us, older folks, little kids - everyone was so nice! And they weren't being at all gratuitous, you know? It's like they were happy to see us! How nice is that?!
Mike + Marti McGinnis
Paradise Islands
Mar 20, 2010
I had many anxious thoughts prior to the trip regarding the initial kayak bailout and these guys made the experience very comfortable-THERE WAS NEVER A WHITE-KNUCKLE MOMENT. You can pass this along to anybody who has never tried this before--they will be in good hands.
Loved Tobacco Caye and Dean's hospitality; the bar will not soon forget our group--that was fun for night time. South Water Caye was nice too--million dollar view when you wake up each morning.
I would follow Dave & Karm pretty much anywhere--they are laid back but instruct and lay down rules while everyone has a good time, relaxes, and takes from the experience what they want/need.
Roxanne Holtapp
Paradise Islands
Mar 20, 2010 |
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Paradise Islands - 5 Days / 6 Nights:
Featured in National Geographic Adventure Magazine's Best New Trips!
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Lodge-to-Lodge sea kayak journey in the Southwater Caye Coral Reef Reserve
If you’re looking for the adventure and excitement of a sea kayak journey with the comforts of a lodge, our Paradise Islands journey is a great choice!
This trip is for the sea, sun, and snorkeling enthusiast looking for an active and adventurous trip. We’ll travel with top-of-the-line expedition sea kayaks, paddling between small cayes in the recently formed Southwater Caye Marine Park. Each day we’ll kayak and snorkel (scuba divers can also dive
at select locations along our route), explore uninhabited islands, pristine coral reefs, rich fishing grounds, and labyrinth-like mangrove channels. Imagine pulling up to your lodge by kayak as we land on one of the little-known cayes that dot the Southern Barrier
Reef after a day of amazing adventures. While your guides and our Belizean hosts are preparing a delicious dinner, you can check into your comfortable seaside room and with a cold drink in hand enjoy the friendliness and warmth that are the hallmark of these small, yet-to-be-discovered lodges. Each trip begins with a thorough introduction to sea kayaking and snorkeling, so no previous kayak experience is required. |
Belize was amazingly welcoming, people speaking English and being so friendly helped a lot. We had a beautiful week, not too hot, almost no rain, great wind. It is so peaceful, you can just soak it up and bring beautiful memories. I recommend it to all my friends! AND I wanted to go sea kayaking but have no experience, this was perfect for me.
Dave really goes the extra mile to make you comfortable...outstanding! My camera broke down and Dave gave me his to take pictures during my trip. How can you top that? AND i really appreciated the Belizeans sharing about their country.
Caroline Dauby
Paradise Islands
Dec. 24, 2011
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Trip
Summary: |
Begin
from: Belize City
End in: Dangriga
Duration: 6 Days / 6 Nights
Trip Departures & Prices: See Trip Schedule at bottom of this
page
Group Size: 6-13
Guides: 2-3 Belizean Guides
Accommodations:
Tropical
Education Center, Rustic Lodges on the Cayes
Activities:
Sea Kayaking (Paddling & Sailing), Snorkeling, Fishing,
Birding, 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 |
Belize was amazingly welcoming - people speaking English and being so friendly helped a lot. We had a beautiful week - not too hot, almost no rain, great wind. It is so peaceful, you can just soak it up and bring home beautiful memories. I wanted to go sea kayaking but had no experience. This was perfect for me. I recommend it to all my friends!
Caroline Dauby
Paradise Islands
Jan 5, 2012 |
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| The
Setting...
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. Along the
Barrier Reef are over 225 cayes, ranging from small
sand-fringed islands perched along the reef's 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.
This was the best family vacation. We were able to travel and spend time together in a relaxed, beautiful environment that was filled with new things to see and do and experience and share. Belize's reef and cays were beautiful beyond imagination. The Paradise Islands trip included something for everyone whether they wanted to watch the sun set from a hammock on the porch, learn a little about marine research, or spend all day snorkeling among the fish, sea stars, rays, and corals of the reef. It was perfect.
Omar made huge efforts to make certain that we saw unusual things - like sneaking up on a sleeping turtle, gathering everyone to see an octupus and sea horse and pushing boats out of the way so that we coudl all see a 6 foot moray eel with a fish in its mouth. *They were patient when we were slow, excited when we found something new and helpful when masks broke or paddles cracked. It was a great trip with great guides.
Alison Fryer
Paradise Islands
Dec. 25, 2011 |
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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 Tropical Education Center, adjacent
to the Belize Zoo. After settling into our forest cabanas
we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers over dinner.
At the Tropical Education Center we have a chance to explore
the surrounding savannah forest through their network of interpretative
trails and wildlife viewing platforms. There is also an Interpretative
Center, which details the diverse ecology of Belize and is
an ideal starting point for the adventure ahead. This is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow
travelers, and acclimatize to your new tropical environment.
Transfers from the airport, dinner, and lodging are included.
Accommodations: Forest Cabana
Meals: Dinner
You guys do a great job. I am so impressed. From my contact with Leif in your office who made travel suggestions for airlines, to your staff in Dangriga, everything was professional and top notch. I can't say enough good things about your company!
Belizian people are amazing - warm, welcoming, open and friendly. It was a rude, rude awakening to come home.
Linda McCann
Paradise Islands
Jan 2, 2012 |
Day 1: Waking up to the sounds of the tropics is a pure delight with the chatter of parrots and parakeets flying overhead, the fresh morning air scented with tropical blossoms, and the expectation of an exciting adventure filled day ahead. After breakfast we travel the Hummingbird Route through the Maya Mountains to meet up with our motor charter waiting to take us to our first island on the Southern Barrier Reef. We’ll introduce you to safety in a tropical marine environment and then begin with teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, including safety, group and self rescues, and touring techniques. Enjoy a swim, explore the island shoreline, and then after a tasty Belizean lunch, we begin our journey paddling over top submerged coral reefs , turtle grass beds, and through narrow mangrove channels to reach our first night's accommodation. We’ll land our kayaks right in front of our lodge, settle into our accommodations, and then enjoy drinks and dinner.
Accommodations: Island Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 2 : Situated right on the Barrier Reef in the heart of the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve we are ideally positioned to explore the surrounding reefs and cayes. Start with a steaming mug of coffee and fresh tropical fruits, then enjoy an early morning swim or paddle before breakfast. Our focus for the morning will include snorkelling (our first snorkelling session begins with thorough instruction and demonstration - beginner through to advanced skills are taught) at the Tobacco Caye cut and the outer reef walls. In the afternoon we’ll paddle to nearby cayes to explore the sheltered lagoons and mangrove channels, returning in the evening to Tobacco Caye.
Accommodations: Island Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trip was fantastic from start to finish. Well organized, he best guides and a first class location.
The guides were very caring and had plenty of time for all of us.
Bertie Wood
Paradise Islands
Jan. 21, 2012
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Day
3: Looking south with our gaze following the line of breaking waves along the Barrier Reef crest we can see the next island we ‘ll be travelling to today– Southwater Caye. After packing our kayaks with our personal gear bags and wishing fond farewells to our hosts, we’ll start our day on the water with an introduction to kayak sailing. From here we’ll paddle and sail our kayaks along one of the most beautiful sections of the entire reef system. The waters are shallow and clear and we’ll see a tremendous variety of marine life including southern stingrays, eagle rays, grouper, nurse sharks, and more. As we make our way to Southwater Caye with its coconut palms swaying in the wind, this is a day you’ll wish could go on forever. We’ll land our kayaks on the beach, check into our accommodations, enjoy an ice cold drink, and explore the island before dinner - then maybe try a little bone fishing action on a fly rod or even a nighttime snorkel session on Southwater cut.
Accommodations: Island Lodge
Meals: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 4 : We have plenty of time to kayak snorkel, fish, and enjoy the scenery and marine life of Belize. We explore different regions of the reef including the inner and outer walls, patch and fringing reefs, mangrove ranges, and protected lagoons. For divers we can arrange dives as requested and for those who’d like to try out diving we can arrange Discover Scuba courses with prior notice. As we explore by kayak, our 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.
Accommodations: Island Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our trip in 1998 set the Gold Standard by which we have judged all of our trips since. We knew they would provide an outstanding experience.
Rosemary McDonald
Paradise Islands
Feb. 20, 2012 |
Day
5: Our last day on the cayes we will paddle to Billy Hawk Caye (in the Blue Ground Range), a Garifuna fishing camp, for lunch and an afternoon of snorkeling. This evening we celebrate our final night together with a seafood feast and island festivities.
Accommodations: Island Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 (fly-home day):After an early breakfast our water taxi carries us back to the mainland and the town of Dangriga where the trip finishes. Any extra luggage that you have stored at our Operations Base will be made available to you to repack. Taxis can be arranged to your connecting flight to the Belize International Airport or local bus stations to continue exploring Belize.
Meals: Breakfast
For those departing Belize the following day 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.
NOTE: You will be carrying your personal equipment and clothing in waterproof bags which go into the hatches of each kayak. Island Expeditions will supply each person with a number of 20 litre bags for this purpose.
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I know it sounds 'over the top' but I enjoyed everything about this trip from the terrific guides to the workout of kayaking and snorkeling. I learned alot and have great memories of the experience and my fellow travelers.
A night visit to the Zoo was another unexpected treat. Just a memorable adventure. Thank you to all who helped make this a great time.
Elizabeth Poulin
Paradise Islands
Mar. 17, 2012
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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 (Belizean Guides).
- Belize 9% Hotel tax
- 12.5% Belize Sales Tax
What's
Not Included...
- Transfer back to Belize City
- 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 overnight in our forest cabanas at
the Tropical Education Center (TEC). Here we are able
to experience first-hand the wondrous tropical wildlife
of Belize at the Belize Zoo. At the TEC there is also
a fantastic Interpretative Center with a network of trails
and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring
the pine savannah setting.
While out on the cayes we kayak from two different islands along the Southern Barrier Reef and stay in small Belizean owned lodges. Facilities include running water and fully serviced bathrooms. We stay a total of 5 nights along the eastern edge of the Reef and the next morning after breakfast we take a water taxi back to the mainland in time to make your flight connections home or connect with the next stage of your trip.
For those departing Belize the following day we offer a Dangriga to Belize City Flight & Biltmore Package. Package Cost: Single - $159US, Double - $119US Per Person, Triple - $106US PP, Quad - $99.00US PP.
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I had a wonderful time-I learned a great deal, stretched my boundaries (night snorkel - wow!) and met some terrific people. By far, though, our Marine Tour guide and trip leader Karm, made the experience what it was. He is a very valuable member of your team and an outstanding ambassador, not only for your business, but for marine ecology and for the country of Belize.
Margo Hunnisett
Paradise Islands
Apr. 28, 2012 |
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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 Mesoamerican Coral 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 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 Barrier Reef, we have the opportunity
to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds.
Paddling from caye to caye 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 Barrier 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. |
Getting
back to Belize City...
We can make arrangements for you to return to Belize City the day after the trip ends, by booking a domestic flight from Dangriga to Belize City (20 minutes). The cost of this flight back to Belize City is $61.00 USD per person. A flight to the International Airport is $85.00 USD. Or you can travel overland by bus (2-3 hours) for approximately $10.00 USD.
Thinking
about seeing other parts of Belize with Island Expeditions
Co?
The Paradise Islands combines well with an inland
exploration. The Maya World
Extension offers an exploration of the rainforests, wildlife,
rivers and Mayan ruins of the interior of Belize.
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 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!
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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5 Days / 6 Nights |
$1699.00
incl $200 Gov't Fees & Taxes
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| 2013 / 2014 Season |
| Departing International flight reservations should be made for after 12:00pm on Day 6 (Departure Date) |
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Arrival
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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
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