Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean Sea on a 10-day cruise aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville. Visit hidden gems like Guanaja and La Ensenada, experiencing their unique ecosystems and meeting welcoming communities. Enjoy performances by the Garifuna people and learn about Mayan civilizations. Dive into the wonders of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System at Water Caye, forging memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Explore the stunning natural setting of sea, lagoons, and mangroves
Discover La Ensenada and its local community
Enjoy crystal clear and blue waters of the Caribbean
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Belize City, the former capital and the country’s largest town is located on the Caribbean Sea. This lively little town symbolizes the fusion of British, Spanish, and Maya cultures. The departure point for flights over the Great Blue Hole and the barrier reef, it also serves as the ideal gateway for discovering the treasures of Maya architecture. In the heart of the jungle, the grandiose and mysterious ruins of temples and palaces await visitors at the Lamanai and Xunantunich sites. Another unmissable experience is a trip to the mouth of the Belize River, where, with a little luck and care, visitors can catch a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas, and many aquatic bird species.
Located in the municipality of Tela, Punta Sal National Park stands as a tribute to the late environmental activist Jeannette Kawas, renaming the park in her honor. Nestled between a coral reef and lush green jungle, the park reveals a series of white sandy coves along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters in a magnificent array of blues. In the inland areas, the tropical forest stretches out, serving as a protected sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Exploring this remarkable reserve, visitors can embark on a Zodiac dinghy adventure, navigating through mangroves, lagoons, and rivers.
The island of Guanaja stands as a little-known paradise, one of Honduras' genuine treasures, and it will reveal its wonders amid lush vegetation, idyllic deserted beaches, and unique encounters with the local population of Bonacca (also known as The Cay). Off the coast, the wildest and most remote of the Bay Islands unveils its coral reefs, attracting diving enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. This jewel of the Caribbean Sea also harbors a mangrove, with its hidden secrets waiting to be discovered during a Zodiac outing. Exploring the island's rainforest on guided hikes, accompanied by a team of naturalist guides, visitors will delve into the heart of this biodiverse ecosystem adorned with majestic waterfalls and inhabited by various bird species, such as macaws. Within this enchanting setting, the Caracoles people extend a warm welcome, eager to share their traditions on the small key of Bonacca (also known as The Cay). This extraordinary encounter is not to be missed!
Lying northeast of La Ceiba, the Bay Islands harbor certain treasures that grace the surface with shades of turquoise, dark, or celadon blues. Among them is Les Cayos Cochinos, an archipelago comprising two islands, Cayo Menor and Cayo Grande, along with thirteen coral cays. Situated on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System within a marine reserve established in 1994, the underwater scenery showcases coral gardens teeming with a multitude of tropical fish, creating a captivating visual spectacle. In this idyllic setting, swimming becomes an endless pleasure, while other water-based activities provide delightful interludes within the heart of this extraordinary nature..
In the heart of the Central American isthmus, Honduras unveils a little-known paradise, characterized by its rich biodiversity, exemplified by the Cuero y Salado National Park. This remarkable wildlife sanctuary was established in 1987 and is situated on the estuaries of the Cuero, Salado, and San Juan rivers. Within this magnificent reserve, there are exceptional opportunities to observe the diverse fauna and plant life. While traversing the mangrove in a boat, accompanied by the melodic calls of birds echoing in response, one will be captivated by the vibrant plumage that enlivens the dense green forest with bursts of color. The playful dance of monkeys leaping from branch to branch will leave visitors enthralled, as they find themselves immersed in a captivating spectacle. With luck, glimpses of turtles and caimans gracing the surroundings may even be caught.
Lying on the Honduran shores, the small community of La Ensenada will charm its gentle way of life and breathtaking landscapes. Make the most of a timeless moment to go and meet the local population and learn more about their day-to-day lives and their customs. The mangrove, a unique ecosystem teeming with life, will also reveal itself with the possibility of a river cruise aboard a local boat.
The Bay Islands archipelago is home to stunning cays, sheltered coral islets with warm, crystal-clear turquoise waters. Off the island of Utila, the white-sand beaches lined with palms and coconut trees and the reefs of the deserted islet called Water Caye offer a picture-postcard setting that will delight fans of swimming and snorkeling.
Placencia beckons travelers with the opalescence of its idyllic beaches and the blue hues of the Caribbean Sea that edges it. Lying in the south of Belize, in the Stann Creek District, this former fishing village exudes an Afro-Caribbean atmosphere in an unspoiled paradise combining brightly-colored traditional houses and enchanting scenery. A veritable nature sanctuary both on land and at sea, Placencia has become an increasingly popular eco-destination in the Caribbean, particularly with diving and marine life enthusiasts. Its stunning lagoon is home to manatees, saltwater crocodiles, and dolphins, among others, as well as numerous species of tropical fish. In addition to an excursion into the mangrove and some snorkeling, discover the Mopan and Kekchi Mayan civilizations.
The tropical green crescent of Half Moon Caye is a natural monument of Belize stretching out over crystal-clear waters. The appeal of the oldest protected marine and ornithological area in Central America stems from its beaches lined with coconut trees, but most importantly from its incredible underwater world, explore with fins, mask, and snorkel. Corals, sponges, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, eels, and groupers live in the turquoise waters, while on land the coastal forest is home to amusing geckos and a large colony of red-footed boobies, spectacular divers that penetrate the water at high speed to feed on small fish and squid.
Day 10: Belize City | DIsembark
1 Breakfast
Belize City is the former capital and the country’s largest town. Located on the Caribbean Sea, this lively little town symbolizes the fusion of British, Spanish, and Maya cultures. The departure point for flights over the Great Blue Hole and the barrier reef, it’s also the ideal gateway for discovering the treasures of Maya architecture: in the heart of the jungle, the grandiose and mysterious ruins of temples and palaces at the Lamanai and Xunantunich sites awaits. Another unmissable experience: a trip to the mouth of the Belize River: with a little luck and care, get a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas, and many aquatic bird species.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Deluxe Suite
Area: 27 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m²
Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Jessica was wonderful! She made every effort to ensure our trip was just what we wanted.
Celine Krafft
2 days ago
Erin was easy to work with and very helpful. She was patient and helped us figure out the adventure tour we were hoping for in Belize. Can’t wait to go on this trip!
Sam Wedll
1 week ago
Belize adventures
I've worked with Adventure Life before in planning trips and appreciate the quality of trips they put together. They use knowledgeable local guides, comfortable lodgings, and assist with transportation. I find trip planning stressful, so am happy to turn it over to them. They work within our parameters of time, budget, activity level, and types of activities to give us great experiences!
Kaesa Footracer
2 months ago
Jess was so helpful in talking me through some of the trip options I'd told her I was interested in, and then also bringing up similar alternatives with more flexible dates. Now that everything is booked I realize all the extra things she figured out for us as well, besides booking the transfers from and to each location, she realized that we wouldn't make it to my desired flight time on three departure date and was able to easily add another day so that even our departure day is stress free!
Wendy
3 months ago
Good candid advice and suggestions; prompt replies.