Reefs & Cayes

Arrive Belize City and take a connecting flight to Placencia. We’ll meet you at Placencia’s little airport to take you to your beachfront hotel. Enjoy your first taste of seafood at our welcome dinner, and spend some time exploring this charming seaside town. Overnight.

The second largest coral reef in the world lies a short distance from the Belize mainland. The reef is alive with hundreds of species of fish, corals, and sponges, and over 200 sandy islands rise above this natural wonder. You will spend 4 days exploring a half dozen of these tiny islands by kayak.

Each days paddling will take you to a different island, coral reef or marine habitat, where you will enjoy snorkeling amongst colorful corals and tropical fish. Each of these islands has its unique character and a little something different to offer. The inner cayes, sometimes referred to as The Range, offers not only snorkeling along coral patch reefs, but mangrove snorkeling as well. Because these islands are less trafficked by tourists, there is an abundance of marine life. Silk Cayes, sometimes called Queen Cayes, which lies directly on the Belize Barrier Reef, may be the most beautiful islands in all of Belize. The white sand beaches and breezy palm trees of Silk Cayes create an idyllic Caribbean escape. In addition to these spectacular islands, we have the opportunity to paddle in the unique habitat of the Placencia Lagoon - a nursery for reef fish and home to the manatee.

With dozens of islands within easy paddling distance, the exact cayes we visit can vary depending on local conditions. Our guides are expert naturalists and they know the very best places to snorkel and kayak depending on the season.

This trip departs about 8 a.m. in a powerboat for a 30 minute trip to Monkey River. Boat upriver searching the banks for howler monkeys, crocodiles, turtle, birds, etc. Coming back down the river we stop at a nature trail for a short hike to get a closer look at the monkeys. Returning to Monkey River Village, we have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch and a tour of the village, we head back to Placencia. On the way, weather permitting, we will stop at a location to spot manatees. Returns to Placencia around 3:00 p.m.

This tour departs at 7:30 a.m. for a little over an hour drive to the park. This park has great hiking trails throughout the beautiful jungle. The morning will be spent hiking trails, learning the natural history of the forest and birding. On rare occasion one might spot howler monkeys, tapir, peccary or other mammals. After lunch, there is the opportunity to hike up to the waterfall and take a cooling swim in the pool. Return to Placencia about 5:00 p.m.

Transfer to the Placencia airport for your flight to Belize City and onward.