Belize travel

Swim, Scuba, and Play in the Tropical Waters of Belize

A Work in Progress...

Our trips in Belize are the culmination of a decade of research and exploration. As we search for new paddling routes along the barrier reef, trek into the headwaters of a remote river, or join an archaeology team mapping recently discovered Mayan ruins, our constant goal is the improvement of our existing trips and the development of new and inspirational adventures.

Being observant and learning about the life around us is an important part of this process. One of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel is learning, and we recognize that when we provide in-depth knowledge about the environments in which we travel, your experience is greatly enriched.

With Island Expeditions Co. an 8-day trip means 8 days in the field. So 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 O' is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers, and to acclimatize to your new tropical environment. Be it a short flight or a boat charter, your transportation to meet up with your group on this day and your accommodation on this night are included in the trip cost.

To offer you the widest choice of experiences, trips are designed (and departure dates organized) so that you can combine different reef and inland trips together.

What you'll learn...

We'll teach you the skills to become proficient in paddling and sailing a sea kayak. We can get you up on a windsurfer for the first time, tune your eye to read whitewater and teach you the techniques to safely navigate your inflatable kayaks through rapids.

Map reading skills, how to set compass bearings, scuba certifications, kayak surfing, snorkeling, and the basics of saltwater fly-fishing are some of the many areas of expertise our guides bring to enhance your experience.

Our Guides...

Each Island Expeditions trip is led by professionals who have an intimate knowledge of the lands and waterways you will travel. Their care and skill are complemented by a knowledgeable and thoughtful interpretation of the environments and cultures visited.

Entry Requirements

Passports are required for entry into Belize. Visas are not required for US or Canadian citizens.

Currency

The Belize Dollar has a fixed rate of $2BZ = $1US. US currency and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Credit cards can be used in most tourist facilities.

Electricity

The current is the same as Canada and the US - 110V AC

Taxes

All passengers are required to pay an international departure tax of $15US ($30BZ) and a domestic airport tax of $1.50US ($3BZ).

Time Zone

Belize is located within the Central Time Zone and does not observe daylight savings time.

Water

Generally the water is drinkable right from the taps in most towns, lodges and hotels. Bottled water is available in most shops.

Taxis

Taxis are identifiable by their green licence plates. They are non-metered, and fares are standard. Be sure to negotiate the price before starting your journey.

Health

There are no endemic diseases. No inoculations are required for entry however, gamma globulin or havrix injection for hepatitis and anti-malaria tablets (if travelling into the rainforest) and an up to date tetanus are recommended. Contact your doctor or travel clinic prior to travelling to Belize.

Our Belizean leaders - of Maya, Creole and Garifuna origin - are the most experienced in the country. Our American and Canadian leaders are not only professional guides, but also biologists and teachers. Many guides have been with us from the start, serving not just as leaders and navigators, but also as teachers, naturalists, and companions. Guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid and respond with care and skill. Perhaps most important, trip leaders are fun to be with, and encourage you to discover the wonder and beauty of Belize.

All Belizean guides are now required to be certified by the Belize Tourism Board. Guide Associations have been established in Belize to promote training in hospitality, interpretive skills, and environmental stewardship. Island Expeditions Co. has been expediting guide training camps in Belize since 1987 and we are honoured to have been selected to the Board of Directors by the Belize Guides Association Stann Creek Division.

Below are profiles of some of the exceptional people who have made Island Expeditions the leader in adventure travel in Belize.

Dick Bauer

Dick's lifetime work as a research biologist, naturalist, and teacher has taken him to the Antarctic, Russia and remote islands throughout the South Pacific. When he is not guiding in Belize, Dick lives in Oregon where he can be close to his daughter and grandchild.

Andrea Graham

Andrea's experience ranges from leading expeditions in the Canadian Arctic to the rainforests and coral reefs of Central America and the Caribbean. With a natural talent for teaching and a real love for Belize. Andrea brings an infectious enthusiasm to her guiding.

Caroll Kaya Polonia

A leader of great enthusiasm and energy, Kaya has the rare ability to combine an unfailing sense of humour with remarkable skill and knowledge on and beneath the sea. With nine years experience, Kaya is one of the top sea kayak guides in Belize.

Dwayne Roberge

An accomplished divemaster and kayaker, Dwayne has also gained a reputation as an exceptional teacher in the field. Presently, Dwayne spends as much time exploring the rivers and rainforests as he does kayaking and diving on the Belize Barrier Reef.

Alex Sabal

One of Island Expeditions' most respected guides, Alex is a masterful seaman and fisherman who has been a captain in Belizean and Honduran waters for well over a decade. As a leader in the Garifuna community, Alex brings to his trips a unique perspective of his country and people.

Greg Sho

Greg, a Mopan Maya, leads scientific expeditions and adventure trips throughout Belize, and is known as one of the most knowledgeable rainforest guides in the country. Travelling and learning with Greg in the 'bush' is a lifetime experience.

Marjo Vierros

Born in Finland, Marjo shares her time between guiding in Belize completing her PHD in Marine Biology and working with the United Nations Caribbean Environment Programme. Marjo has an exceptional understanding of the marine life of Belize and enjoys nothing more than being out in the field sharing her knowledge and insights.

For further information on any of Island Expeditions' tours, contact us using the feedback form on the " Notes " page, call 1-800-667-1630 toll-free in the U.S. or Canada, or e-mail info@islandexpeditions.com

For feedback, comments, or problems with the Island Expeditions website, e-mail webmaster@islandexpeditions.com