Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary & the Mayan Ruins of Lamanai
Overview
Trip Highlights
The Maya Reef Explorer combines three days of inland adventure with five days at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a remote tropical marine park fifty-five miles offshore of the Belize mainland.
- Stay in the heart of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, habitat for thousands of tropical birds.
- Visit the quaint village of Crooked Tree, Belize’s oldest Creole settlement.
- Immerse yourself in the world of the Maya as we explore two ancient Cities - Lamanai and Altun Ha.
- Paddle and snorkel renowned Lighthouse Reef Atoll, with five days at our all-inclusive Half-Moon Caye Basecamp.
- Snorkel ‘the Aquarium,’ as well as Jacques Cousteau’s legendary Blue Hole.
Trip Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Belize! Your guides will whisk you away from the airport and into the heart the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, an area of tropical lagoons and wildlife-rich wetlands. In the evening stroll into the quaint Creole village of Crooked Tree. For the next three nights we stay at Birds Eye View Lodge on the waters edge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we immerse ourselves in tropical nature and ancient history. In the morning, from our verandah you can view hundreds of tropical birds feeding in the lagoons . After a leisurely Belizean breakfast we travel on the New River to the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai. Monkeys, toucans and parrots inhabit the riparian forest and the temples, courtyards and sacred altars of the ancients are revealed as we venture deeper into the jungle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We travel by boat on the protected lagoons and wetlands in search of rare birds like the massive jabiru stork -one of the world's largest flying birds then travel inland to the ruins of Altun Ha. Altun Ha is considered one of the major Mayan ceremonial centers of Belize, and functioned as an important trading center between the people of the interior and the coast during the Mayan Classic Period 250-900 AD.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we embark on a boat journey beyond the main Barrier Reef, through Turneffe Atoll to Lighthouse Reef and our basecamp on Halfmoon Caye. You'll be enchanted by the beauty of Half Moon Caye! After settling in to your seaside tent- cabanas and a delicious lunch with tropical fruits and freshly baked Creole breads, guides provide professional instruction - teaching you sea kayaking, snorkeling, and safety in tropical waters before we head out for our afternoon adventures.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
“If there’s a heaven on earth, then this must be it” one guest wrote of Halfmoon Caye. You’ll find empty beaches, a rare bird colony, untouched coral reefs and sleep with breathtaking views of a billion stars stretching over the ocean. Over 3 perfect days we snorkel the Blue Hole and Aquarium, paddleboard, sail our kayaks and venture outside of the reserve for Belizean style fishing expeditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
For your last morning at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the choice is yours. Snorkel your favorite patch reefs, walk the island trails, or swing in a hammock and watch the frigate birds patrol in the sky. After lunch a motor charter takes us back to the mainland.
Meals: n/a
This day is yours to enjoy at your leisure before you fly home or continue on your travels. Relax by the pool or investigate the optional tours offered by the hotel activity desk.
The Places We Stay
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.
A special location on the shoreline of the Crooked Tree Lagoons, Birds Eye View lodge offers a stunning encounter with nature matched with heartfelt Belizean hospitality. Superb local naturalist guides, clean and comfortable accommodations and the historic nearby Creole Village of Crooked Tree combine to make this a favorite lodge we have partnered with for close to 30 years.
The Belize Biltmore Plaza, close to the Municipal and International airports is the perfect jumping off point in Belize City. Located just north of the city center, the Biltmore has modern rooms, restaurant, bar and a lovely inner courtyard with inviting pool.
Dates and Prices
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Extensions
Add to your trip experience with these trip extensions
Caracol Ruins & Sacred Caves Extension
4 Days - 3 Nights
Ascend the mighty Mayan ruins of Caracol, swim in the Rio On Pools, and then descend into the incredible caves of Rio Frio, and Actun Tunichil Muknal.
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Rainforest Canopy Extension
3 Days - 2 Nights
Fly through the rainforest canopy, descend a jungle waterfall, and explore he wonders of Mayflower Bocawina National Park.
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Cayo Caves & Temples Extension
3 Days - 2 Nights
Descend ancient ceremonial caves, and climb towering Mayan temples, combined with exploring the beautiful town of San Ignacio and it's vibrant market.
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