For Immediate Release
*PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*
Contact:
Tim Boys/Paul Kamon
(604) 452-3212
LIGHTHOUSE
REEF ADVENTURE
Dangriga,
Belize, October, 2004 — Looking for a unique tropical
sea kayak adventure, paddling and snorkelling in the legendary
wake of a world famous ocean explorer? In 1972, Capt. Jacques
Cousteau and the intrepid crew of the Calypso explored and
filmed the incredible beauty of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, helping
make it known as a world class diving and snorkelling
destination.
Entering
their 18th season of adventure, Island Expeditions Co. of
Vancouver has partnered with the Belize Audubon Society to
establish the first Adventure Camp on Half-Moon Caye Natural
Monument within Lighthouse Reef Atoll. This trip opens up
over 60 kilometres of coral reef and island wilderness for
the first time to exploration by sea kayak!
The
adventure begins with an inland journey into the remarkable
Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary consists of a large
network of inland lagoons, swamps, and waterways, which provide
both the abundant food sources and the safe resting areas
necessary to support a large and diverse population of birds.
There are literally hundreds of species within the sanctuary,
including, snail kites, tiger herons, snowy egrets, ospreys,
black collared hawks, and of course the reserves most famous
resident, the massive jabiru stork.
Next,
the tour travels by a large motor-boat to spectacular Lighthouse
Reef, one of only four coral atolls in the Caribbean. This
circular shaped reef system climbs from the ocean floor and
surrounds a central lagoon, a truly amazing sight to behold
from the sky! The sheltered lagoon harbors one of the world's
most diverse sea environments with an extensive community
of fish, shellfish, and patch reefs.
Based
on Half-Moon Caye for the next 7 days, the group practices
minimum-impact camping to maintain the pristine state of the
park’s natural environment. The day’s activities
are flexible, yet active, as the guides organize daily sea
kayak and snorkel trips exploring the many surrounding patch
reefs within the atoll. While snorkeling you are likely to
see grouper, bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays, conger,
moray eels, goatfish and 3 different species of turtle, just
to name a few. Around the island there is ample opportunity
to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds. Many
species of birds nest on the caye, including a 4,000 strong
red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has
built a series of viewing platforms to intimately observe
the many nesting sites.
Island Expeditions Co. is proud to offer this one-of-a-kind
sea kayak
basecamp trip on Half Moon Caye on Lighthouse Reef Atoll for
the 2003-2004 season.
Lighthouse
Reef 8 days / 9 nights
2004 Dates: Dec 4, 11, 18, 25
2005 Dates: Jan 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
Mar 5, 12, 19, 25 Apr 2, 9, 16, 23
Cost: $1799 USD *
*Call
1-800-667-1630 for Canadian dollar pricing.
No
previous experience is necessary to participate. The trips
begin in
Belize City and are fully catered; meals, accommodation, and
transportation within the country are inclusive. All IEC trips
are guided by professional North American and Belizean leaders.
Other sea kayak and snorkel trips along the barrier reef and
atolls are also offered.
For
more information and a free copy of the Island Expeditions
Co. 28 page Belize Adventure Guide, please call 1-800-667-1630
or visit their website at: www.islandexpeditions.com
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