Explore Belize's Southern Barrier Reef on a standup paddleboard and snorkeling journey along Glover's Reef Atoll Southwater Caye Marine Reserve. Rated by Outside Travel as one of 'World's 30 Best Trips'
Trip Highlights
A one-of-a-kind tropical SUP adventure paddling both Glover's Reef Marine Reserve and the Southern Barrier Reef. Stand-up paddle boarding is one of North America’s hottest new sports, and the sheltered lagoons and turquoise waters of the Southern Barrier Reef are ideal for paddlers of varying abilities. SUP expert Norm Hann joins select departures as Guest Instructor and Trip Coordinator (www.normhann.com).
"Basecamping" involves sleeping in wall-tented cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents have ample headroom to walk around, are on raised wooden floors, and have real wood-framed beds (6-inch foam mattresses). Tents can be configured with either double or single beds. All bed linen is provided.
Package includes:
- 1-night standard accommodations in the jungle
- 3-night “basecamping” accommodations
- 2-night accommodation in beach cabana
- Meals (as per itinerary)
- Land and boat transfers between locations
- 1 domestic flight Belize City to Dangriga
- Guided activities and equipment (as per itinerary)
- Park fees and taxes
Trip Itinerary
Meals: Dinner is included on this night
Upon arrival at the Belize City International airport you’ll check in at the Maya Island Air desk and board a plane for a short scenic flight to Dangriga. Upon arrival, rendezvous with your driver and take the 30 minute journey to Bocawina Rainforest Resort in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Tonight where you can explore on your own. Tonight we dine in the rainforest at the Wild Fig restaurant and learn about the plan for the coming days.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for breakfast and transfer to Dangriga for an 8:00AM boat departure. We travel 36 miles by boat to our private basecamp on Southwest Caye. Expect the ride to take 1-2 hours. Upon arrival, we give you an island orientation and allow you to settle into your accommodations. Your trip leader begins by reviewing the fundamentals of paddle boarding and works with each individual throughout the trip to fine-tune existing skills.
Efficient forward stroke development, down winding, and touring techniques are all covered. We head out each day to explore Glover's Reef's wild beauty. The waters are shallow and clear, and you will see a tremendous variety of marine life, including southern stingrays, eagle rays, grouper, nurse sharks, and more.
Evenings at Glover’s Reef are filled with happy hour gatherings, beach games, star gazing, cold beverages, cultural presentations, and incredible Caribbean sunsets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take-in your final morning at Glover’s Reef and enjoy an early lunch before a 45 minute boat charter to Tobacco Caye Paradise. The next stage of your adventure continues from here. The 17,000-acre South Water Caye Marine Reserve on the southern Barrier Reef is your playground for the next two days. This is a fairy-tale setting with palm trees, coral islands, mangrove forests, and abundant coral reefs. Experience Belize's colorful, laid-back 'Island Culture' at this unique location and toast the sunset from your private beach cabana.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we return to the town of Dangriga via boat charter, where our trip finishes in time to make domestic or international flight connections.
Travel Notes: Travelers leaving Belize after this trip (day 7) require a short domestic flight from Dangriga to Belize International Airport (BZE). International connections require a departure after 1:30 p.m. This trip is one of our most adventurous. Weather conditions can significantly affect paddling conditions and may increase the level of difficulty. Because of the distances traveled on this trip, previous SUP experience is highly recommended.
Contact our Trip Planners for hotel reservations in Belize City, Flight & Hotel Packages or to extend your Belize itinerary by combining this trip with another Island Expeditions adventure or extension.
The Places We Stay
On the water's edge, with dramatic views over the main reef wall and the open Caribbean Sea, is our dining area, with large raised verandah, lounge and resource library. The enclosed outdoor verandah is where your island guides give their fun and informative talks on the surrounding ecology each morning.
The camp is powered by solar generated electricity with freshwater showers, modern compost toilets and solar powered refrigeration. Guests sleep in comfortable wall-tent cabanas with beds, wooden floors, a night stand, lighting and can be outfitted for singles, doubles and family sizes.
Delicious meals featuring Creole and international cuisine are prepared and served buffet style in our open air dining area by our much beloved cooks.
Looking over the Belize Barrier Reef, Paradise Lodge has private "over the water" beach cabanas on beautiful Tobacco Caye. The small, locally owned lodge is a perfect staging point to explore the many islands, mangrove ranges, and spectacular snorkeling in "Tobacco Cut" just south of the island.
This boutique lodge in the midst of a 7000 acre Bocawina National Park offers guests a quintessential tropical rainforest experience. Over 150 species of birds, howler monkey, wild peccary, jaguars and ocelots have been recorded in close proximity to the lodge. Enjoy the beautiful tropical landscaping on the property and dine in style at the acclaimed Wild Fig restaurant.