Ultimate
Adventure
Duration: 9 Days / 10 Nights
Begin From: Belize City
End In: Belize City
Activities: Sea-Kayaking (Paddling & Sailing), Snorkeling, Fishing, Paddling the Incredible Moho river, Hiking, Caving, Exploring Mayan Ruins, Rainforest Trails, Canopy Walkway, Birding, Photography, Natural History Interpretation
Accommodation: Tropical Education Center, Camping,
Glover's Reef Field Camp, Blue Creek Lodge/Biltmore Hotel
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Group Size: 6-12
Guides: 2-3 North American and Belizean Leaders
2001
Dates: Dec 14, 21, 28,
2002 Dates: Jan 4, 25, Feb 8, 15, Mar 8, 15, 22, Apr 5
The
Setting...
On this adventure, we have a great taste
of the best that Belize has to offer. We begin our journey on the barrier reef and
Glover's Atoll and then continue to the remote regions of Belize's southern Toledo
District. We begin exploring the barrier reef, which runs 185 miles long and from 10 to 25
miles offshore, is the longest continuous reef in the Caribbean and the second longest in
the world. Along the barrier reef are over 225 cays, ranging from small sand fringed
islands perched along the reefs edge, to larger islands of partially submerged mangroves.
From here we travel by motor launch twenty miles east of the barrier reef to Glover's
Atoll - a pristine marine ecosystem unparalleled in the Caribbean, where we find the best
sea kayaking and snorkeling in Belize.
After our exploration of the barrier
reef and atolls we return to the mainland and then fly into the wild south of Belize. We
begin this leg of the adventure with a unique opportunity to walk, high above the forest
floor (Belize's only suspended walkway) through the canopy at the Blue Creek Wildlife
Sanctuary. From this same point we have the opportunity to explore the cathedral-like
caverns of the Hokeb Ha Caves where our local Mayan Guides introduce us this dark as night
underworld, revealing to us beautiful caverns, arches and flowstone formations. Then we
begin Belize's only multi-day whitewater paddle on the spectacular Moho River providing us
a complete immersion in the life-cycle of this diverse and fascinating environment. Our
adventure combines an exciting and challenging river run with a rich cultural experience
as we travel into the heartland of the Maya people with Kekchi and Mopan Mayan Guides.
Here, we also have a rare opportunity to experience both ancient ruins and the
contemporary village life of the Maya.
A Note about the Ecology...
Flora...
The ecology of the
Belizean coast is a complex combination of Coral Reefs, Sand Flats, and Mangroves. The
barrier reef, second largest in the world, extends 185 miles (300 km) along the coast.
This reef structure shelters the Belizean coast from the sometimes rough waters of the
Caribbean sea. The barrier reef acts as a huge breakwater to the incoming swells, holding
in the sand. From this action, we get beautiful sand covered islands and remarkable
protected reef structures. Also, this 'breakwater' protects the diverse ecosystem of the
mangroves and turtle grass, which cover much of the coast. These partially submerged
forests provide rich feeding and nursing grounds for hundreds of species of fish,
shell-fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds.
We begin our trip into the inland of Southern Belize, immersing ourselves into the magical world of the tropical rainforest. The broadleaf forest, or rainforest, covers approximately 70% of Belize's wooded area. The year-round grow season, huge amounts of moisture, and generations of evolution have yielded this area with the most complex and diverse range of plantlife. The forest floor is a spongy mass of roots, fungi, bacteria and micro-organisms, which is broken down with the assistance of insects and chemical decay. Each plant fulfils its own ecological niche, as the continuous recycling of the decayed plant matter fuels new growth. This rich soil, in turn, feeds the diverse range of plantlife, from the huge buttress-trunked Ceiba trees to the smallest of fungi. High above the forest floor is the enchanted world of the broadleafed canopy. This system has its own unique infrastructure, which supports much of the forest's birdlife and a diverse range of mammals. The canopy ranges from the tree-tops of Cecropias and Gumbo Lumbo trees to the many species of Epiphytes (air plants). This complex and diverse plant and animal life produces powerful biological compounds that are just recently being discovered and understood by the scientific community.
Fauna...
While traveling along
the barrier reef, we will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of sea-life and
tropical birds. Paddling from cay to cay and over the many patch reefs, we have many
opportunities to view bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays, conger, moray eels,
goatfish, just to name a few. Trailing a line from our kayaks, we also may get a chance at
a tug from barracuda, grouper, tarpon, or snapper. Over our heads, we will see bird-life,
such as osprey (the billy hawk), sea gulls, royal terns and brown-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 the hawksbill
turtles. If we're lucky, we may see them while out snorkeling. We will definitely have a
chance to see and sample the main staple for Belizean fishermen, the spiny lobster (in
season) and the queen conch.
While traveling in the
remote regions of Belize's southern rainforest, we have great opportunities to view all
sorts of animals. Whether we are startled by an iguana leaping from tree branch into the
river, or catch a glimpse of the tiny red-eyed tree frog jumping from limb to limb, we are
totally immersed into a strange and wonderful world. We will more than likely see toucans,
sitting high above us and watching our every move, or a flash of the Scarlet Macaw, with
its beautiful plumage. There are also an assortment of raptors, falcons, and hawks that
are scavenging and hunting the rich forest floor. Also, found in the southern Belizean
rainforest are a number of unique mammals, the largest being Belize's national animal, the
Baird's Tapir, or Mountain Cow. This is an animal unique to the tropical rainforest with a
large hippopotamus-like body and a long prehensile snout, much like the fabled aardvark.
This, along with the white-lipped peccary, the jaguar, and the puma are some of the larger
mammals unique to the area.
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 checking into our rustic
accommodations we enjoy a BBQ dinner and we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers. At
the Tropical Education Center, we are able to explore the surrounding savannah forest
through their network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms. There is
also a great 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 and lodging
are included
Accommodations
: (Hotel)
Meals
: Dinner is not included on this day.
Day 1
: We rise early from the Tropical
Education Center and travel the Hummingbird Route to meet up with our motor charter, just
outside of Dangriga. We launch our charter boat and head-out to the southern barrier reef.
We arrive to our first camp already set-up, so we can focus on getting everyone settled
into our boats, and get comfortable with our gear. We start by teaching those of us who
are new to kayaking, the fundamentals of sea kayaking and introduce everyone to ocean
touring techniques. At this point of the day, we will be able to enjoy an initial paddle
and snorkel before perhaps working on the finer points of horizontal hammock surfing. To
benefit from our location close to the barrier reef we will camp here for the next two
nights. During our time out on the cays we host evening informative sessions on a range of
topics providing an opportunity for guides to share their knowledge of Belize, the marine
environments and local culture.
Accommodations:
(Camping)
Meals
: B,L,D
Day 2
: A day to explore and discover the
main Barrier Reef of Belize. We test our new found skills with a paddle out to the main
reef to snorkel along the inner reef wall. Depending on sea conditions, a snorkel along
the outside reef edge may be possible. Our paddle back to our camp takes us past mangrove
ranges and protected lagoons, important nursing grounds for juvenile fish and marine
animals that inhabit the reef.
Accommodations:
(Camping)
Meals
: B,L,D
Day 3
: Today we charter by motor launch 20
miles east of the main Barrier Reef to our private island basecamp at Glover Reef Marine
Reserve. Surrounded by rich coral reefs and beautiful turquoise waters we begin by rigging
our kayaks with main-sails and sailing along the shallow reef flats to a superb snorkeling
site. Tonight we enjoy an island feast with mixed grill of seafood, fresh fish and
vegetables topped with Belizean coconut baking and tropical fruits.
Accommodations:
(Field Camp)
Meals
: B,L,D
Day 4
: Glovers is our of only four atolls in
the Caribbean Sea and is truly the most spectacular marine environment in Belize. Due to
its isolation from the mainland the waters are exceptionally clear with an incredibly rich
reef system that offers the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Our day
is flexible in order to respond to both group and individual desires and abilities.
Activities include: sea kayaking, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, kayak
sailing and windsurfing for both novices and experienced boarders. For those who are
certified divers we can also arrange dives on the outer walls. If all this sounds a little
busy you always have the choice of just kicking back in a hammock and relaxing with a good
book and a cold drink. .
Accommodations:
(Hotel)
Meals
: B,L,D
Day 5
: This morning we fly into southern
Belize. The far south of Belize is a region of isolated villages lying amongst an
unspoiled tropical wilderness, this is Mayan Indian country - the homeland of the Kekchi
Maya. We begin with a visit to the Mayan ruins of Lubaantun. This ancient city is unique
within the Mayan world in that the temples were built without mortar using thousands of
masterfully carved and fitted stones. From the past to the present we then continue on to
the small Mayan village of Blue Creek. A short walk away is the Blue Creek Wildlife
Sanctuary, located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains and the Blue Creek Lodge. The
lodge used primarily by educational groups and research scientists, comprises a number of
rustic cabins with a central dining and meeting area situated on the banks of the Blue
Creek. The range of activities available from our location is extraordinary; surrounded by
pristine rainforest with a clear, cool natural swimming pool at our doorstep, we have not
more that a few minutes from our lodge to the Hokeb Ha cave system and also on site is the
only Rainforest Canopy Walkway in Belize.
Accommodations:
(Jungle Lodge)
Meals
: B,L,D
Day 6
: An early start this morning as we
head into the Upper Moho watershed. With pack horses to carry group gear and boats, we
hike for two to four hours along a Mayan footpath through the jungle to the river put-in.
Using two-person inflatable kayaks we begin our river and rainforest journey into one of
the most remote and pristine watersheds in Belize. We begin by traveling slowly; learning
different paddle strokes and getting a feel of how the boats handle. On this, our first
day on the water, we take as much time as we need learning and practicing new boat
handling skills enabling us to safely navigate the rapids and pour-overs.
Accommodations:
(Camping)
Meals
: B,L,D
Day 7-8
: For these next days we break contact
completely with the outside world and become a part of the mist shrouded rainforest as we
follow the Moho river through canyons and lush rainforest. Each bend reveals the dynamic
nature of the river-from calm, meandering water that reflect the intense green of the
jungle to stretches of rapids, pour-overs and spectacular waterfalls as the river descends
from the Maya Mountains to the sea. Depending on water levels some days we may reach our
bush camp by mid-afternoon and switch to land based activities. Hiking through the forest,
birding, plant and animal identification are some of the activities we engage in. During
the trip with our Mayan guides and North American leaders we emphasize understanding the
ecology of the rainforest, learning about the habits of the wildlife and gaining an
appreciation for the rich Mayan folklore, which adds so much to our experience in the
jungle.
Accommodation:
(Camping)
Meals
: B,L,D
Day 9
: Our last day on the river, we reach
our takeout in time to return to connect with our return flight back to Belize City. On
this day we have some flexibility in the itinerary. For those who must return to Belize
City on this day to connect with early morning flights, we will arrange to have you fly to
Belize City and stay at the Biltmore Hotel. For those with a little more time, they have
the option to stay on in Punta Gorda, in a lodge, and return back to Belize City the
following morning. The trip finishes in Belize City.
Accommodation:
(Hotel/Lodge)
Meals
: B,L, Dinner is not included on this
day
Note : This is one of our most adventurous trips. It takes place in a remote wilderness region of Belize. Participants need to be in good physical condition and ready to handle the unexpected. Weather conditions can greatly affect water levels and hiking trails into the river and may increase the level of difficulty. We also believe that the remoteness and variability of conditions are what make this trip the best of it's kind in Belize. Trip itineraries may vary significantly depending on water levels.
What's Included...
All meals, accommodation, and transfers described in the tour
Unlimited use of our equipment and facilities.
Use of waterproof dry bags for sea and river portion of trip
Accommodation on the day before the trip ('Day 0') and the night after the trip
ends.
Professional Guiding Services (both North American Leaders and Belizean Guides)
Transportation back to Belize City after the trip
One Scuba Dive for certified divers (at Glovers or on the barrier reef)
What's Not Included...
Meal on 'Day 0'
Alcoholic Beverages
Gratuities
International Flights and Airport Departure Tax
Personal Equipment
Extra costs due to late arrivals, lost baggage and other circumstances beyond our
control
Accommodation...
On 'Day 0', we will be
spending the night at the Tropical Education Center, spending one night in our rustic
lodge accommodation. The Education Center harbors Belize's largest collection of tropical
animal specimens, a fantastic interpretative center, and has a great network of cut trails
and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring the pine savannah setting.
On day 1 and 2 out on
the cays, we are practicing minimum impact camping, to ensure the pristine state of the
wilderness remains for future visitors. We stay in three person Walrus Zia tents, which
provide more than enough room for two people and gear. We explore from our island camp the
surrounding reef flats, islands and patch reefs with an itinerary that is flexible to
adjust our activities to different conditions we encounter.
On day 3 and 4 at Southwest Cay, we are "luxury camping", sleeping in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents are have ample headroom, and are outfitted with wood floors and wood framed beds. On the island, we have a fresh-water collection system for drinking water, access to fresh-water showers, modern composting toilets, a fully equipped kitchen including refrigeration, with a large dining area complete with resource library, and a field marine lab including microscope and hand lenses.
On day 5 we are spending
the night at the Blue Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the foothills of the Maya
Mountains. The accommodation consists of a number of small cabins and a central dining,
and meeting area, built along the banks of Blue Creek. Although our accommodations in the
jungle are rustic, our location is superb. This is a great jumping off point for adventure
as we have easy access to the Rainforest Canopy Walkway, the Hokeb Ha cave system, and the
Mayan ruins of Lubaantun.
On days 6, 7, 8 we are
camping in the remote wilderness of the Toledo District. We practice minimum impact
camping to ensure the pristine state of the wilderness remains for future visitors. We
will be keeping our weight and volume to a minimum, carrying our gear in our kayaks from
camp to camp. We stay in three person Walrus Zia tents, which provide more than enough
room for two people and gear.
As we travel
down the river, we use pre-determined camping areas to minimize our impact on the forest
floor, but give ourselves the flexibility to adjust our schedule for different conditions.
On the final day, we
have some flexibility in arranging accommodation. For those who are interested, we can
arrange a stay in the village of Punta Gorda, at a local lodge. For those who wish to
return to Belize City, to meet up with connecting flights, we will arrange for you to stay
at the Biltmore Hotel This is clean and comfortable hotel outside the city center. You
have a chance to get a good nights sleep after your adventure, maybe take a dip in the
pool and prepare to fly out or continue on independently.
Thinking about seeing other parts of Belize with
Island Expeditions Co.?
Ultimate Adventure
combines well with a trip into Guatemala. The Tikal Extension gives you a great
opportunity to visit one of the largest excavated Mayan ruins site and explore the ancient
world of the Mayan people.
Thinking About Traveling Independently, Before or
After Your Trip?
With over 13 years 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!
Recommended Tourbooks:
Eltringham, Peter. 1999.
Belize: The
Rough Guide
.London. Penguin Publishers.
Perottet, Tony. 1997.
Belize:
Insight Guide
Singapore. Houghton Mifflin Publishers.- Great photographs and written
by a Belizean!
Island Expeditions Co –
1-800-667-1630