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Snorkeling the Coral Atolls of Belize

Double Atoll Adventure

An exceptional trip, spanning two of Belize's coral jewels. Visit both Glover's Reef and Lighthouse Reef in one trip. The very best of Belize.

An exceptional trip, spanning two of Belize's coral jewels. Visit both Glover's Reef and Lighthouse Reef in one trip. The very best of Belize.

Overview

12 Days / 11 Nights
$3999 USD
When: December through May, each year
Starts: Belize City
Ends: Belize City
Activities: Swimming Stand-up Paddle Boarding Snorkeling Sea Kayaking (Paddling) Sea Kayak Sailing Scuba Diving Rappelling Archaeology Hiking Fishing Birding Zip Line
Coral Atoll in Belize

Trip Highlights

A unique opportunity to visit two of Belize’s coral atolls in one visit. Start with a stay at our Glover’s Reef Basecamp on Southwest Caye- located in a marine protected area (MPA) and UNESCO world heritage site. Next, explore Bocawina Rainforest Resort in the heart of the Mayflower National Park where you’ll swim pristine jungle pools, zip-line through the rainforest and rappel a waterfall. At last, travel to Belize’s most remote island group at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, also a UNESCO world heritage site and MPA. Stay at our exclusive Half Moon Caye Basecamp, home to Belize's oldest protected area, a nesting site for Red-footed booby and Magnificent frigatebirds. 

Lighthouse Reef: Due to its isolated location from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef are exceptionally clear with the most abundant fish populations in Belize. This rich ecosystem offers access to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean.

Glover’s Reef: The least populated of Belize’s atolls. This area is known to have some of the healthiest and biodiverse coral populations in the entire Caribbean. With over 800 accessible patch reefs, Glover’s offers a truly incredible experience in the marine setting.

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 comfortable wood-framed beds (6-inch foam mattresses). Tents can be configured with either double or single beds. All bed linen is provided.

 

Package includes:

  • Round trip domestic flight 
  • 1-night accommodations at Pelican Beach Resort
  • 3-night safari-style “basecamp” accommodations at Glover’s Reef
  • 3-night accommodations at Bocawina Rainforest Resort
  • 4-night safari-style “basecamp” accommodations at Lighthouse Reef
  • Meals (as per itinerary)
  • Boat transfers Dangriga/Southwest Caye - Belize City/Half Moon Caye
  • Guided activities and equipment (as per itinerary)
  • Park fees and taxes

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Stay: Pelican Beach Resort
Meals: None

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. We overnight at the Pelican Beach Resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Day 2
Stay: Glover's Reef Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early and meet at 7:30AM for an 8:00AM departure from Dangriga. We travel 36 miles by boat to our private basecamp on Southwest Caye. Expect this ride to take 1-2 hours. Upon arrival, we give you an island orientation, and allow you to settle into your accommodation. Before lunch you will review snorkelling or kayaking fundamentals then test out your gear. After lunch, we get out on the water for a kayak tour or to snorkel one of our local house reefs.

Days 3-4
Stay: Glover's Reef Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start your day with an early swim or grab a mat and practice sunrise yoga by the water. We keep our itinerary flexible to respond to the interests and abilities of the group and the current weather conditions. Most days will have 2 guided activities. Some options include paddling, snorkeling, sailing, hand-line fishing, spearfishing, and S.U.P.

All guided sessions are optional and laying in a hammock is considered an “official” activity.

Evenings at our basecamps are filled with happy hour gatherings, delicious dinners, beach games, star gazing, cold beverages, cultural presentations, and incredible Caribbean sunsets.

Day 5
Stay: Bocawina Rainforest Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Choose your own adventure for your last morning at Glover’s Reef. Grab your gear for a final snorkel or soak up the sun in your favorite hammock. After lunch, your boat charter will take you to Dangriga where your adventure continues with a short 30 minute drive into the southern Maya Mountains.

Situated in the middle of Mayflower Bocawina National Park, our jungle lodge is the perfect place to experience Belize’s unique rainforest ecosystem. Upon arrival we’ll settle you in by orienting you to the property and the experiences that lie ahead. You may want to sign up for the afternoon activities or a nocturnal hike, both optional.

Day 6
Stay: Bocawina Rainforest Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise with the first light of day and experience the sounds of the jungle. Finding a quiet spot to sip a coffee is a sure way to soak in the morning and watch the resident Toucans. After a hearty breakfast, the choice is yours! For the thrill seekers in the group, Belize’s best zip-line awaits. Another great option is the exhilarating hike to Antelope Falls for stunning views and a 250 foot waterfall rappel. For those preferring a gentler pace - enjoy the views and waterfalls, explore the jungle trails, and swim in natural jungle pools. Guided hikes are an option as well.

Note: Antelope Falls is a 2 pitch, 250 foot drop. A minimum of 100lb per participant is required. An alternative for families with children and those looking for a less strenuous experience is the Bocawina Falls hike and rappel.

Day 7
Stay: Bocawina Rainforest Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day seven is completely flexible. You can stay close to the lodge or follow a trail to a favorite waterfall or pool. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, offering a captivating network of trails for all skill levels. The park features the family-friendly Bocawina Falls Trail or the Bird Loop, ideal for a leisurely hike. Adventure seekers can test their limits on the strenuous Big Drop Falls trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall. Off-site tours are available to book on this day at an extra fee.

Day 8
Stay: Half Moon Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We rise early to transfer to the Dangriga municipal air strip and fly to Belize City where our 10:00AM boat charter awaits. We travel by boat 56 miles out to sea, passing through mangrove ranges and white sand cayes before arriving at Belize's furthest island group. Upon arriving at Half Moon Caye, your guide team will orient you to the island and settle you into your accommodations. You will enjoy a late lunch and then an intro session of walk-in snorkeling at one of our local reefs.

Days 9-11
Stay: Half Moon Basecamp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Over the coming days, you will have many options to explore, including a quickly disappearing shipwreck just north of the caye. The guides will present activities each day based on weather conditions and the group's desires. In between activities at both our basecamps, we host information sessions on the history of Belize, its unique marine ecosystem and the local culture.

On this trip we also travel to the famous snorkel spot “The Aquarium” as well as world renowned Great Blue Hole. A huge collapsed sinkhole formation that was discovered and made famous by ocean explorer, Jacques Cousteau. We motor boat, paddle or sail the 6-mile journey to this perfectly circular formation bejewelled with an array of hard and soft coral and a wide variety of colorful reef fish. This is a great place to practice more advanced snorkeling techniques or observe others doing so from the surface.

Much like our basecamp at Glovers Reef, evenings at Half Moon Caye are laid back and include everything from beach games and music to night snorkels and star gazing.

Day 12
Stay: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The choice is yours for your last morning at Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Snorkel your favorite patch reef, walk the island trails, and swing in a hammock or beach comb along the island shores.

After lunch, a motorboat charter picks everyone up for the return trip to the mainland. This return journey takes you back through Turneffe Atoll across the barrier reef, and arrives in Belize City. Expect to be back at the Biltmore Hotel by late afternoon.

Travel Notes: For travellers leaving Belize after this trip, we also strongly suggest spending a night in Belize City. International connections out of the country require a departure the next day.

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

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Lighthouse Reef Basecamp
Halfmoon Caye Basecamp, Lighthouse Atoll

We are privileged by special arrangement to stay within the Halfmoon Caye Natural Monument. Our basecamp within this pristine marine park is designed to provide maximum comfort with a minimal ecological footprint.

Sleep in seaside tent-cabanas furnished with wood-framed beds, nightstand, lighting and room to store your personal gear.  Tents can accommodate singles, doubles and families.

Meals are served in our comfortable dining room with spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. Our central bathhouse has  modern eco-sensitive composting toilets, running water and solar warmed showers.

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Ocean View from Bed
Glover's Reef Marine Basecamp

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.

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Bocawina Rainforest Lodge & Adventures
Bocawina Rainforest Lodge & Adventures

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.

Dates and Prices

Start Date   -

End Date

Dec. 20   -
Dec. 31
Dec. 27   -
Jan. 07

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End Date

Jan. 10   -
Jan. 21
Jan. 24   -
Feb. 04
Feb. 07   -
Feb. 18
Mar. 07   -
Mar. 18
Mar. 21   -
Apr. 01

Start Date   -

End Date

Check back soon for 2027 departure dates.
$3999 USD
Includes taxes and fees. Per person based on double occupancy.
12 Days / 11 Nights
$300 Deposit to secure your space

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