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Kayak the clear blue waters of Belize

Lighthouse Reef Adventure

Belize Small Group Tour - Example 8 Day Tour
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Explore the stunning and most remote island group, Lighthouse Atoll on this active small group 8-day Belize tour. In this UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll paddle the atolls by kayak and snorkel to your heart's content to dozens of world-class spots such as the famous Blue Hole. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, you'll stay on Half Moon Caye where incredible coral reef systems await your exploration. Snorkel Jacques Cousteau's infamous Great Blue Hole or for a moment of tranquility, observe the local colony of red-footed boobies and frigate birds. For a mix of activities and interests, the white sand beaches, comfortable hammocks, and tropical reefs are waiting for your arrival.
Snorkel along the Belizian reefAttach a sail to your kayak for peaceful driftingPristine Belizean atollsKayak the tranquil tropical waters of BelizeIsolated islands await your arrival on your Belize tourSnorkel the vibrant reef system in the pristine atollsKayak the clear blue waters of Belize
Highlights
  • Sea kayak & snorkel Lighthouse Reef’s pristine and clear waters
  • Discover the rich marine reef ecology and colorful coral reefs with knowledgeable guides
  • Visit the Great Blue Hole, a famous sinkhole formation with vibrant corals
  • View over a colony of over 4,000 red-footed boobies
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive at Crooked Tree Village

Early in the morning, an Islands Expeditions representative will meet you at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel lobby in Belize City. After a quick stop at a local shop, you'll head to the waiting motorboat charter. Travel 56 miles (90 km) by boat out to sea, passing through mangrove ranges and white sand cayes, until you reach Belize's furthest island group, Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Upon arriving at Half Moon Caye, the guide team will orient you to the island and camp, ensuring you're settled into your accommodations. Enjoy a late lunch and receive sea kayak and snorkeling instructions before heading out onto the water.

Please note: 
"Basecamping" involves sleeping in wall-tented cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents have ample headroom to walk around, are on raised wooden floors, and have real wood-framed beds (6-inch foam mattresses). Tents can be configured with either double or single beds. All bed linen is provided.

Because of the early morning check-in time, we recommend arriving in Belize City one day before starting your adventure.

Day 2-7: Activities at Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Due to its isolated location from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef offer exceptionally clear views, boasting abundant fish populations and colorful coral reefs, making it one of the best spots for sea kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving in Belize.

Throughout your stay, you'll have ample opportunities to learn from guides about the marine reef ecology, local flora and fauna, and the island's coconut and littoral forest, which is unusual for a coastal area. Half Moon Caye, a stunning 45-acre nature preserve, is home to a colony of red-footed boobies and a rookery of magnificent frigatebirds. You'll visit viewing platforms built by the Belize Audubon Society to observe nesting sites on the island.

Over the coming days, explore options such as a visit to a disappearing shipwreck just north of the caye. Activities will be tailored daily based on weather conditions and group preferences. Alternatively, relax in a hammock with a good book and a cold beverage.

Later in the trip, journey to the world-renowned Great Blue Hole, a massive collapsed sinkhole adorned with soft and hard corals of various colors, which was made famous by ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. Travel the 6-mile (9.5 km) distance by motor boat or paddle to reach this perfectly circular formation within the Lighthouse Reef atoll.

Continue exploring deeper into the atoll with extended fishing trips, visits to new patch reefs, or downwind paddle trips on SUPs, all chosen by guides to suit the day's conditions and your interests.

On the final night, enjoy a special dinner prepared just for you by the cooks. Following dinner, immerse yourself in a cultural presentation featuring drumming and dancing to celebrate your last night at Half Moon Caye.

Due to the remote location of the Lighthouse Reef Basecamp, the activities on the reef portion of this trip are weather-dependent and are subject to change.

Day 8: Depart Lighthouse Reef

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
The choice is yours for your last morning at Lighthouse Reef. Snorkel your favorite reefs, walk the island trails, and swing in a hammock or beach comb along the immaculate island beaches.

After lunch a motor charter arrives, and you’ll begin to prepare for your trip back to the mainland. This journey will take you through Turneffe Atoll, across the Great Barrier Reef, and you'll arrive at Belize City Biltmore Hotel by late afternoon.

For travelers leaving Belize after this trip, we strongly recommend spending a night in Belize City. International connections out of the country require a departure the following day.  Talk to your Adventure Life Trip Planner about hotel reservations in Belize City or extending your Belize itinerary by combining this trip with another adventure. 

Accommodations

Basecamp on Half Moon Caye

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,799 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Price includes Gov't Fees & Taxes.

Alternative 6 day options available. Please contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 7 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental
  • Park fees and taxes
  • Boat transfers between locations
  • Guided activities and equipment (as per itinerary)
  • 7-night safari-style "basecamp" accommodations
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Departure Transfer
  • Scuba Diving
  • Costs incurred by flight delays
  • Medical insurance
  • Snorkel/Scuba gear
  • Mainland accommodations

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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