fbpx Lighthouse Reef - 8 Nights | Island Expeditions
Lighthouse Reef Atoll Basecamp and kayaking on Half Moon Caye

Lighthouse Reef - 8 Nights

A safari-style Basecamp adventure exploring the coral reefs, Great Blue Hole and white sand cayes of Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

A safari-style Basecamp adventure exploring the coral reefs, Great Blue Hole and white sand cayes of Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

Overview

8 Days / 8 Nights
$2599 USD
When: December through May
Starts: Belize International Airport
Ends: Belize City
Activities: Swimming Stand-up Paddle Boarding Snorkeling Sea Kayaking (Paddling) Sea Kayak Sailing Scuba Diving Archaeology Mayan Ruins Hiking Fishing Birding Yoga

Trip Highlights

  • Snorkel, dive and paddle amongst the best reefs in the Caribbean on this signature trip to Lighthouse Reef Atoll.
  • Spend six nights at Half Moon Caye, voted in 2019 the most beautiful caye in Belize!
  • Paddle and snorkel the ‘Aquarium’ and Jacques Cousteau’s legendary ‘Blue Hole’, the largest undersea sinkhole in the world.
  • Outstanding walk-in snorkeling from the beaches of Half Moon Caye.
  • Contribute in a meaningful way to the conservation and protection of tropical coral reefs.
  • An overnight at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, with a sunrise boat tour and birding in the wetlands.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Stay: Bird’s Eye View Lodge
Meals: Dinner is included on this night


Arrive at the Belize International Airport where an Island Expeditions’ representative will meet you and welcome you to the country. You’ll be taken to the Bird’s Eye View Lodge in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary harbor tens of thousands of birds and is one of the most important protected wetlands in Central America.

Day 2
Stay: Half Moon Caye Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


In the morning, from the lodge verandah one can typically view several hundred birds feeding on the Crooked Tree lagoons. Mid-morning we embark on a boat journey beyond the main Barrier Reef to Lighthouse Reef Atoll and our basecamp on Halfmoon Caye. To begin, guides provide professional instruction - teaching you sea kayaking, snorkeling, and safety in the waters of the tropics.

Days 3-5
Stay: Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

“If there’s a heaven on earth, then this must be it” one guest wrote of Halfmoon Caye.  You’ll find empty beaches, untouched coral reefs and sleep with breathtaking views of a billion stars over the ocean. Fifty miles from the mainland, the protected waters of Halfmoon Caye Marine Reserve are exceptionally clear with abundant fish and colorful corals.

Day 6
Stay: Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Each day presents a variety of activity choices; sea kayak or paddleboard to a shipwreck washed on the reef, snorkel the shallow waters of the ‘Aquarium’ and in the evening beachcomb along the deserted western beaches of Half Moon Caye.

 

Day 7
Stay: Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


The great ’Blue Hole’ of Jacques Cousteau fame, is today’s big adventure. We sail and paddle our kayaks to this extraordinary underwater sinkhole  known for its profusion of fish and towering coral formations. Snorkeling at the ‘Blue Hole’ is a top favorite among our guests.

On our way back to camp we stop at Half Moon Wall for a drift snorkel over an undersea wall. Our farewell night features tropical drinks, a special dinner and lots of Garifuna drums, dance and songs. 

Day 8
Stay: Belize Biltmore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

For your last morning at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the choice is yours. Snorkel your favorite patch reefs, walk the island trails, or swing in a hammock and watch the frigate birds patrol in the sky. After lunch a water taxi arrives to take us back to the mainland.

Day 9
Stay: n/a
Meals: n/a

This day is yours to enjoy at your leisure before you fly home or continue on your travels. Relax by the pool or investigate the optional tours offered by the hotel activity desk. 

The Places We Stay

Image
Lighthouse Reef Basecamp
Halfmoon Caye Basecamp, Lighthouse Atoll

We are privileged by special arrangement to stay within the Halfmoon Caye Natural Monument. Our basecamp within this pristine marine park is designed to provide maximum comfort with a minimal ecological footprint.

Sleep in seaside tent-cabanas furnished with wood-framed beds, nightstand, lighting and room to store your personal gear.  Tents can accommodate singles, doubles and families.

Meals are served in our comfortable dining room with spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. Our central bathhouse has  modern eco-sensitive composting toilets, running water and solar warmed showers.

Image
Bird's Eye View Lodge
Bird's Eye View Lodge

A special location on the shoreline of the Crooked Tree Lagoons, Birds Eye View lodge offers a stunning encounter with nature matched with heartfelt Belizean hospitality. Superb local naturalist guides, clean and comfortable accommodations and the historic nearby Creole Village of Crooked Tree combine to make this a favorite lodge we have partnered with for close to 30 years.

 

 

 

Image
Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel
Belize Biltmore Plaza

The Belize Biltmore Plaza, close to the Municipal and International airports is the perfect jumping off point in Belize City.  Located just north of the city center, the Biltmore has modern rooms, restaurant, bar and a lovely inner courtyard with inviting pool. 

 

Dates and Prices

Start Date   -

End Date

Mar. 23   -
Mar. 31
Apr. 06   -
Apr. 14
Apr. 20   -
Apr. 28
Dec. 25   -
Jan. 02

Start Date   -

End Date

Jan. 04   -
Jan. 12
Jan. 18   -
Jan. 26
Feb. 01   -
Feb. 09
Feb. 15   -
Feb. 23
Mar. 01   -
Mar. 09
Mar. 15   -
Mar. 23
Mar. 29   -
Apr. 06
Apr. 12   -
Apr. 20

Start Date   -

End Date

Check back soon for 2026 departure dates.
$2599 USD
Includes taxes and fees. Per person based on double occupancy.
8 Days / 8 Nights
$300 Deposit to secure your space

Extensions

Add to your trip experience with these trip extensions

Maya World

Maya World Extension

3 Days - 2 Nights    
A three day inland adventure into the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary,the New River and Mayan ruins of Lamanai.
More...

Rainforest Canopy Extension Zipline

Rainforest Canopy Extension

3 Days - 2 Nights
Fly through the rainforest canopy, descend a jungle waterfall, and explore he wonders of Mayflower Bocawina National Park.
More...

Cayo Caves & Temples Extension

Cayo Caves & Temples Extension

3 Days - 2 Nights
Descend ancient ceremonial caves, and climb towering Mayan temples, combined with exploring the beautiful town of San Ignacio and it's vibrant market.  
More...

Lighthouse Reef 8 Night Itinerary

PDF Itinerary

Check Availability & Confirm Your Vacation

Learn More

Trip Planning

Everything you need to know to plan your trip