Upon arrival at the Belize City International airport, you check in with the Maya Island Air desk and board a plane to Dangriga.  We overnight at the Pelican Beach Resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

An 8am boat charter from the town dock in Dangriga takes us beyond the main Barrier Reef to our private Basecamp on Southwest Caye, Glover's Reef. Upon arrival, your guides will introduce you to your new environment, give you a camp orientation, and allow you to settle into your tent cabana. Before lunch you can expect to partake in an introduction to one of the many marine activities that we offer.  After lunch, we get out on the water where you'll receive professional instruction and take part in a local kayak tour and/or snorkeling adventure. 

Start your day with an early swim or grab a mat and practice sunrise yoga by the beach. We keep our itinerary flexible to respond to the interests and abilities of the group and the current weather conditions. Activities include sea kayaking, snorkeling the lagoon and outer walls of the reef, Belizean-style hand line fishing, kayak-sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, spear-fishing, and a range of other surprises. “Hammock surfing” with a good book and a cold beverage is an official island activity. In the mornings we host informative sessions on the history of Belize, its unique marine ecosystem and the local culture. 

Evenings at Glover's Reef are filled with happy hour gatherings, games, music, cold beverages, cultural presentations and incredible Caribbean sunsets.  

Choose your own adventure for your last morning on Glover's Reef! Grab a mask, snorkel, and fins for a final visit to your favorite coral reef spot or fly fish on the flats. Our boat returns 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, Bocawina Rainforest Resort is the perfect location to experience the broadleaf tropical rainforest and the amazing flora and fauna.

You'll start your trip by settling in and learning about the property and the experiences that lie ahead in the surrounding mountains and rainforest. You may want to sign up for the optional afternoon activities or even a guided nocturnal hike.

Rise with the first light of day emerging through the jungle mist, and experience the sounds of the jungle, with the chatter of parrots and parakeets flying overhead. Finding a quiet spot to sip a coffee with binoculars close at hand is a sure way to soak in the essence of the rainforest.

After a hearty breakfast, we will make a quick stop to the adventure center and get outfitted with a harness. This exhilarating and invigorating hike to Antelope Falls carries us deep into the national park, past an unexcavated Mayan Ruin and up steep rainforest trails. We make a slow and steady pace up towards the falls, stopping to learn about the jungle flora and fauna from the guides.

At the crest of the hike, there is a rewarding cool off in the refreshing emerald pools at the top of the falls. From the top of the hill, we can see past the lowland savannah to the Caribbean sea. A breathtaking view.  After a break, the guides set us up to rappel down Antelope Falls. This is optional and highly recommended for those looking for a thrill. Guests are welcome to hike back down rather than rappel down. We hike back to the restaurant for our pre-ordered lunch.

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

Day seven is completely flexible. You can stay close to the lodge or follow a trail to a favorite pool or waterfall.  The Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, offering a captivating network of trails for various 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.

 We rise early to transfer to the Maya Air terminal in Dangriga and fly to Belize City to head to our waiting motor boat charter. We travel by boat 56 miles out to sea, passing through mangrove ranges, white sand cayes, arriving at Belize's furthest island group, on Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Upon arriving at Half Moon Caye, your guide team will orient you to the island and camp to settle you into your accommodations. You will then enjoy a late lunch and then a session of sea kayak or snorkeling instruction before heading out on the water.

Guided marine activities will be offered in both the mornings and afternoons on these days. Local snorkels, kayaking, kayak-sailing, stand up paddle-boarding and fishing are some of the activities offered. In the mornings we host informative sessions on the history of Belize, its unique marine ecosystem and the local culture. Days 9-11 are the most likely days for our snorkelling trips to the Great Blue Hole and the Lighthouse Aquarium. 

Our evenings at Half Moon Caye are filled with happy hour gatherings, games, music, cold beverages, cultural presentations and incredible Caribbean sunsets.  

The choice is yours for your last morning at Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Snorkel your favorite patch reefs, walk the island trails, or swing in a hammock- all while quietly planning your next trip back.

After lunch, a motorboat charter picks everyone up for the return trip to the mainland. This return journey takes you through Turneffe Atoll across the Belize Barrier Reef, and back to Belize City in the late afternoon. 

Travel Notes: For travelers 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.