Rendezvous with your driver in Belize City, and transfer west to the village of Cristo Rey. From here, we follow a meandering road to Crystal Paradise Resort, which is in a picturesque setting and perched on a hill above the Macal River. You have time to settle in and explore the property.

After an early breakfast, the drive deep into the most remote rainforest location in Belize, to the ancient Mayan city of Caracol.  Today’s drive takes us through breathtaking scenery through the Mountain Pine Ridge, over a series of creeks and rivers, and descending into the lush tropical rainforest of the Chiquibul Rainforest Reserve. The ancient Mayan city of Caracol dates back to the classic period and is believed to be one of Belize’s largest Mayan settlements of that era.  The city walls contain over 35,000 known structures, including five plazas, four palaces, three temples, 24 stelae, two ball courts, reservoirs, causeways, and an astronomical observatory. Upon our return from Caracol, we stop at Rio Frio Caves and a refreshing dip into the Rio On Pools for a swim. Here, you can immerse yourself in the refreshing waters, swim in the serene pools on the edge of the mountain pine ridge. 

Today’s extraordinary adventure takes us deep underground and into the Mayan underworld known as Xibalba, a mythical realm inhabited by spirits, powerful gods and sacred rituals. We hike, wade, ford, swim, and climb into the sacrificial chambers to witness first-hand artifacts deep in the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves system.  We find evidence of ceremonial offerings, and sacrifice.  As we climb the underground river system to the high chamber, it ends at the top with the Crystal Maiden, skeletal remains that have been calcified into the flowstone.

We rise early to get a quick breakfast and head to Belize City, make a quick stop at a local shop and 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  snorkeling instruction before heading out on the water.

Due to its isolated location from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef are exceptionally clear with the most abundant fish populations and colorful coral reefs in Belize. This rich ecosystem offers access to some of the best sea kayaking and snorkeling (as well as scuba diving) in the Caribbean.

You will have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology, the local flora and fauna, as well as the island's coconut and littoral forest (more common to the interior of the mainland). Half Moon Caye is a beautiful and rich 45-acre nature preserve, hosting a red-footed booby colony as well as a magnificent frigate bird rookery. We tour the viewing platforms built by the Belize Audubon Society to observe the many nesting sites on the island.

Over the next few 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 the weather conditions, and the group's desires. And of course, we always give you the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold beverage!

On our last couple of days, we travel to the world renowned Great Blue Hole. A huge collapsed sinkhole formation that was discovered and made famous by ocean explorer, Jacques Cousteau. We motor boat or paddle the 6-mile journey to this perfectly circular formation bejeweled with soft and hard corals of many different colors. After a full day of exploring, you'll return just in time for a wonderful dinner prepared especially for you by our cooks. After dinner, we have a cultural presentation of drumming and dancing to celebrate the last night at Half Moon Caye.

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

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 Great Barrier Reef, and you'll arrive at the Belize City Biltmore lobby, usually by 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.