Explore the Belize Barrier Reef using your kayaking skills. Start with a three-night stay at our Glover’s Reef Basecamp and then a five-day self-guided kayak expedition.
Trip Highlights
Enjoy a four night fully guided stay at our basecamp at Glover’s Reef before setting off on your own for the adventure of a lifetime! Glover’s Reef Basecamp on Southwest Caye is located in a marine protected area and UNESCO world heritage site. At thirty-six miles off the shore of mainland Belize, the paddling and snorkeling here is unparalleled. Spend this time to brush up on your skills and learn about the local environment. Next, embark on your own self-guided kayak expedition around the waters of both the Tobacco Caye Range and South Water Caye Marine Reserve. We will provide the kayaks, gear and transportation to your starting point, as well as assistance and guidance with route and trip planning. This trip is ideal for experienced paddlers.
South Water Caye Marine Reserve: This area is inside the protected waters of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Paddle the turquoise waters, snorkel and camp on sandy Caribbean islands.
Glover’s Reef: The least populated of Belize’s atolls. This area is known to have some of the healthiest and biodiverse coral populations in the entire Caribbean. With over 800 accessible patch reefs, Glover’s offers a truly incredible experience in the marine setting.
Basecamping: Involves sleeping in wall-tented cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents have ample headroom to walk around, are on raised wooden floors, and have comfortable wood-framed beds (6-inch foam mattresses). Tents can be configured with either double or single beds. All bed linen is provided.
Package includes:
- 1-night Dangriga guesthouse standard room
- 3-night safari style “Basecamp” accommodations
- Meals (as per itinerary)
- Boats transfer to Southwest and Tobacco Caye
- Guided activities and equipment (as per itinerary)
- Park fees and taxes
Glover's Getaway & Kayak Rental Combo
$1549 USD Single Boat
$1529 USD Double Boat
Trip Itinerary
Meals: N/A
Start with a "provision day" to prepare for your paddling adventure. Arrive in Dangriga and take a short cab ride to your accommodation. After checking-in, head next door to the Island Expeditions' Operations Base. Our staff will help you prepare for your self-guided trip by reviewing your plans and making recommendations based on your interests. They will also offer shopping advice for dry goods and provide you with a fruit/vegetable order list to be delivered on the day your self-guided trip begins Wednesday, for your self-guided portion of the trip (days 5 to 9).
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Rise early and meet at 7:30AM for an 8:00AM departure from Dangriga. We travel 36 miles by boat to our private basecamp on Southwest Caye. Expect this ride to take 1-2 hours. Upon arrival, we give you an island orientation, and allow you to settle into your accommodation. Before lunch you will review snorkelling or kayaking fundamentals then test out your gear. After lunch, we get out on the water for a kayak tour or to snorkel one of our local house reefs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with an early swim or grab a mat and practice sunrise yoga by the beach. We keep our itinerary flexible to respond to the interests and abilities of the group and the current weather conditions. Most days will have 2 guide-led activities. Some options are paddling, snorkeling, sailing, hand-line fishing, spearfishing, and SUP. In between guided activities, we host informative sessions on the history of Belize, its unique marine ecosystem and the local culture.
All guided sessions are optional and laying in a hammock is considered an “official” activity.
Evenings at our basecamps are filled with happy hour gatherings, delicious dinners, beach games, star gazing, cold beverages, cultural presentations, and incredible Caribbean sunsets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Choose your own adventure for your last morning on Glover's Reef! Grab your gear for a final snorkel, go for a paddle or visit your favorite hammock before enjoying an early lunch. Our charter will drop you off at Tobacco Caye, a beautiful small island on the central barrier reef. Your gear, food, water, and kayaks await you here, and from this point, you begin your self-guided adventure.
Meals: N/A
The next few days are yours. You’ll have the freedom to paddle from island to island on your chosen route. Each day, use the sea conditions to dictate your path and distance. Paddle along the barrier reef, through mangrove ranges, to palm studded cayes. Drag a fishing line near a local patch reef to see what bites your hook - the choice is yours. No guides, meals, or lodging will be provided for this portion of your trip.
Meals: N/A
On your last day, you can either paddle back to Tobacco Caye and coordinate a water taxi service (most depart at 9 a.m) or pre-arrange for a motorboat charter to take you back to the mainland (extra fees apply)
Travel Notes: Our Dangriga Operations Base is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During these hours, we are available by VHF Radio (Channel. 73) and phone. Generally, cell phone service is available in the main areas . The base serves as a place to log itinerary changes and can provide daily weather reports. Please feel free to call if you require support.
Note: This combination trip is only suitable for those with previous kayaking experience and who are comfortable making route and safety decisions during their journey.
Contact our Trip Planners for hotel reservations in Belize City, Flight & Hotel Packages or to extend your Belize itinerary by combining this trip with another Island Expeditions adventure or extension.
The Places We Stay
On the water's edge, with dramatic views over the main reef wall and the open Caribbean Sea, is our dining area, with large raised verandah, lounge and resource library. The enclosed outdoor verandah is where your island guides give their fun and informative talks on the surrounding ecology each morning.
The camp is powered by solar generated electricity with freshwater showers, modern compost toilets and solar powered refrigeration. Guests sleep in comfortable wall-tent cabanas with beds, wooden floors, a night stand, lighting and can be outfitted for singles, doubles and family sizes.
Delicious meals featuring Creole and international cuisine are prepared and served buffet style in our open air dining area by our much beloved cooks.
On the sea we have established camps in remote wilderness settings under a canopy of coconut palms on white coral sand cayes. These spectacular camps give us access to some of the best kayaking and snorkeling destinations along the Southern Belize Barrier Reef. On our self guided trips, and kayak rentals, we will help you plan your route to access the best areas. Bring along your expedition camping gear, or rent a full set of gear from our Dangriga office.
Dates and Prices
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Extensions
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Rainforest Canopy Extension
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Fly through the rainforest canopy, descend a jungle waterfall, and explore he wonders of Mayflower Bocawina National Park.
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Cayo Caves & Temples Extension
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Descend ancient ceremonial caves, and climb towering Mayan temples, combined with exploring the beautiful town of San Ignacio and it's vibrant market.
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