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Water, Facilities & Sunscreen
Information on water infrastructure, basecamp facilities, and more
Water Treatment in Belize
-Unlike other Central American countries, the water system in Belize is normally potable and safe to drink in large towns and cities.
-Water in small villages is not considered safe to drink.
-Many of our guests prefer to drink filtered or bottled water which is readily available for purchase throughout the country.
-Island Expeditions provides access to filtered drinking water at all our locations including trips to Glover’s & Lighthouse Basecamps.
Washing & Bathing
-Each place you stay will have slightly different water systems and rules.
-Fresh water is at a premium out on the Cayes—most of the fresh water is from rain catchment systems.
-Everything we do, from washing to cleaning, is done in a way to conserve fresh water.
Washroom Facilities
-Many of the lodges we use have a mixture of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities.
-Toilets on the near cayes are generally flushing, but some islands will have composting toilet facilities.
-Our Adventure Basecamps have well-maintained composting toilet facilities with private stalls and sinks with running water.
-Private shower stalls are available and use the same low-impact water system utilized throughout Basecamp.
Soaps & Shampoos
-Our lodges and basecamps provide biodegradable hand soap only.
-Biodegradable personal hygiene products are highly recommended as a way to protect the delicate ecosystems we operate in.
-“CampSuds” & “Dr. Bronners” are both popular choices; however, a range of other products are available.
Sunscreen & The Reef
-Protection from the Sun is of utmost importance for any trip to Belize.
-The use of buffs (neck gaiters), SPF clothing, sun hats, and rash guards is our first line of protection against the sun.
-Biodegradable / “Reef Safe” sunscreens are MANDATORY for all Island Expeditions reef locations.
-The use of “Nano particles” of otherwise safe ingredients in “Reef Safe” formulations is a growing trend which is easy to overlook.
-Avoid formulations that list the following: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate Nano-Zinc oxide (not to be confused with regular zinc oxide), Nano- Titanium oxide, OD-PABA, Benzophenone-8 & Benzophenone-1, Octocrylene, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor