Upon arrival at the Belize International airport, rendezvous with your driver 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 before enjoying a dinner at the resort restaurant.

After an early breakfast, you 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 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 the Rio On natural pools. Here, you can 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, 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 for breakfast and transfer to Belize City for our awaiting motor boat charter. You will have a chance to stop for snacks and provisions along the way. 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. Expect the ride to take 2-3 hours. 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.

Over the course of the next few days, we will give you the chance to discover all of our local walk-off snorkel sites. In between snorkels we host information sessions on the history of Belize, its unique marine ecosystem and the local culture. We will also travel to the famous snorkel site “The Aquarium” and world renowned “Great Blue Hole”. A huge collapsed sinkhole that was discovered and made famous by ocean explorer, Jacques Cousteau. This perfectly circular formation is 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.

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.

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 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.

Marine Activity Notes: This itinerary is designed to be “Snorkelling Focused". Kayaks and SUP’s are available for use; however, our guides will be utilized mostly for snorkelling sessions. If you’d like more guided kayaking and SUP activity, check out our Lighthouse Reef 5 Night, Lighthouse Reef 8 Night, Double Atoll Adventure, or any of our Glover's Reef itineraries. 

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.