Upon arrival at the Belize International Airport, you will be welcomed by an Island Expeditions representative and whisked away to the Bird's Eye View Lodge in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. This area is renowned for its extensive wetlands, and four main lagoons which are home to hundreds of species of birds and other fauna.  After checking into your accommodations, meet your fellow travelers for dinner and discuss the days ahead.

You will have a full day of exploration as you travel north by road, then west by river to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai. We travel down the New River by riverboat, making stops for chances to glance at wildlife and birds. Iguanas, parrots, toucans, aracaris, and Morelet's crocodiles are frequently seen. Once we reach the shores of Lamanai, we explore the many temples, plazas and palaces within the park's boundaries. We have lunch at the site, and continue to the colonial sugar mill built at the Mayan site. In the afternoon, we depart Lamanai by riverboat, stopping for wildlife along the way, and return to toast a spectacular sunset over the lagoon at Bird’s Eye View Lodge.

Today's adventure starts with a morning birding boat tour on the lagoon, with some down time at the lodge.  After lunch, we head to the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, then return to the lodge for an evening sunset over the lagoon and our final dinner in Crook Tree Village.  We will chat about the following day and prepare for the boat journey in the morning.  

After breakfast, we travel back 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 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 then enjoy a late lunch followed by an introduction to one of the many marine activities we offer.

Over the next few days you will have many options to explore and discover everything this area has to offer. The guides will present activities each day based on the weather conditions, and the group's desires. Hammock surfing is an official activity for those looking to relax with a book and a cold beverage.

Guided marine activities will be offered in both the mornings and afternoons on both 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 5 and 6 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, 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 when you'll come 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.