"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 1st days of our marriage ones we will always remember."
Gavin Duffy
Paradise Islands
Jan 25, 2009
"What a great time! Snorkeling, kayaking beautiful mind blowing. Encouraging to see healthy reefs and fish. Quite an extravaganza for a trout biologist. We had a fun group, made friends and was nice we were about the same energy."
Corey Sue Hutchinson
Paradise Islands
Jan 25, 2009
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"Belize is beautiful. To visit the cays 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
"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 |
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Paradise Islands - 5 Days / 6 Nights:
Featured as National Geograhic Adventure Magazine's Best New Trips of 2009!
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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 cays in the newly formed Southwater Caye Marine Park. Each day we’ll kayak and snorkel (scuba divers can also dive
at select locations on our route), explore uninhabited islands, pristine coral reefs, rich fishing grounds and labyrinth like mangrove channels. Imagine a day of amazing adventures and then checking into your lodge by kayak, as we land on one of the little-known cayes that dot the southern barrier
reef. 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. |
All of your guides are very knowledgeable about Belize. They were energetic and obviously love their country and what they do. It is because of them this trip goes from just fun to awesome :)
I have been on adventure vacations before and when safety is taken seriously you can tell. Our guides did an excellent job of taking care of us in and out of the water.
Everyone was very helpful before the trip and were patient with my questions. I don't think until you do the trip you can really understand what you are getting into. I also don't think you can express only in words how awesome a trip like paradise islands is.
Ebby Varghese
Paradise Islands
Mar 13, 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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Trip
Summary: |
Begin
from: Belize City
End in: Dangriga
Duration: 5 Days / 6 Nights
Trip Departures & Prices: See Trip Schedule at bottom of this
page
Group Size: 6-12
Guides: 2-3 Local Guides
Accommodations:
Tropical
Education Center, Rustic Lodges on the Cayes
Activities:
Sea Kayaking (Paddling & Sailing), Snorkeling, Fishing,
Birding, Photography, & Natural History Interpretation |
View Paradise Islands in a larger map
Trip
Route |
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
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
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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 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.
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. My only regret was that I didn't book a week just on Tobacco Caye.
The snorkeling was WOW! Carm 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 |
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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 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, dinner and lodging are included.
Accommodations: (Lodge)
Meals: Dinner
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 nights accommodations. We’ll land our kayaks right in front of our lodge settle into our accommodations and then enjoy drinks and dinner.
Accommodations: (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 at (our first snorkelling session begins with a thorough instruction and demonstration and 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: (Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 bag, 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 it’s 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 nighttimes snorkel session on Southwater cut.
Accommodations: (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 inter-action we gain good company and an insight into a way of life that is very different from our own.
Accommodations: (Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day
5: Our last day on the cays we’ll have the choice to paddle to Twin Cays , the future site of the new Marine Reserve Interpretive Center and explore the diversity of
the islands or you can choose to stay and enjoy the island setting and snorkelling.
This evening we celebrate our final night together with a seafood feast and island festivities.
Accommodations: (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 and taxis can be arranged to your connecting flight to the Belize International Airport, or local bus stations to continue exploring Belize.
Meals: Breakfast
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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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 teen age 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
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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).
What's
Not Included...
- Transfer back to Belize City
- Gratuities
-
International Flights and Airport Departure Tax
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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 and 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 2 different islands along the southern barrier reef and stay in small Belizean owned lodges. Facilities include running water and fully serviced bathrooms where we stay. We stay a total of 5 nights along the eastern edge of the barrier 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.
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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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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 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 cay to cay 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 and spiny lobster(in
season) |
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 $60.00 USD per
person 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 close to 2 decades 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!
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5
Days / 6 Nights |
$1639.00 USD
incl $165 Gov't Fees & Taxes
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2010 / 2011 Season |
13-Nov-10
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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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