Kayaking & Snorkeling
Discover Belize's remote tropical islands in a way few people have a chance to experience. Turneffe Atoll has the highest biodiversity in the entire Caribbean with a well-developed reef encircling the entire island chain plus a resident population of dolphins.
Kayakers stay at the Blackbird-Oceanic Field Station in comfortable double occupancy beachfront cabanas with private baths. Coral gardens are found in the protected waters within the atoll, all within easy paddling distance of the Field Station.
For this specialty program, we are pleased to partner with Sea Trek, a California kayak outfitter founded in 1982. Sea Trek has introduced thousands of individuals to kayaking, and has operated week-long guided kayaking trips to trips to Baja and Alaska.
Guide Michael Morgan is a Senior Instructor for SeaTrek, and has worked as kayaking guide in the Bay Area for the last 12 years. For nine of those years he seasonally migrates south, paddling and exploring his favorite Central American country Belize. This will be his third year at Turneffe Atoll.
Katherine Cure is the Oceanic Society's on-site marine biologist. Katherine specializes in tropical coral reef ecosystems. She received her Master's of Science from James Cook University in Australia where she studied fish growth and it's relation to rising sea temperatures. Katherine will be on hand to provide evening presentations and discussions.
No previous kayak experience is needed to participate. This adventure can be enjoyed by beginners, as well as offering skilled paddlers relished challenges. All snorkelers, from novice to expert can enjoy this program.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
U.S./Belize City/Blackbird Caye.
Arrive at the Belize City International Airport. Transfer by taxi to the Princess International Hotel marina, located behind the hotel. (meet and greet can be arranged.) Afternoon transfer by 46-foot boat to Blackbird Caye (about 90 minutes). Welcome and settle into cabanas. Evening briefing and dinner.
Day 2 - & 7:
Breakfast at 7:30am, followed by a group orientation given by the sea kayaking trip leader that focuses on safety protocol, group management, and the week's agenda.
After breakfast we meet trip leader at sea kayaks for Intro Class in sea kayaking that addresses on water safety, boat safety, paddling clinic, self-rescue, assisted rescue, cowboy/cowgirl entry for exiting and re-entering kayaks during snorkeling outings. Break for lunch!
Afternoon:
Lunch is followed by a shake down paddle and snorkel to the north end of the caye to explore local patch reefs.
Afterwards, we retire to our cabins for a little relaxation. Dinner is normally followed by a short presentation, then you are free to roam the beaches , star gaze, and feel the trade winds tantalize their spirits.
Morning:
Meet at kayaks; gear up for a longer paddle north along the atoll, stop for a patch reef snorkel, paddle to Soldier caye, and back for lunch
Afternoon:
Paddle to Blackbird Scuba diving lodge, and then portage kayaks across a small narrowing of caye to the central Lagoon where we begin our search for the Bottlenose dolphin.
Morning and Afternoon:
Destination is Little Calabash Caye where we find the "Upside- down" jellyfish. We land on Little Calabash for lunch and snorkel. After the snorkel, we paddle over to Calabash Caye to visit the University of Belize Marine Biological Research facility. Before departing for Blackbird Caye, we swim and play off the white beach in the crystal cllear sea in front of the research facility...pure unadulterated relaxation!
Morning:
Paddle to extensively explore the Central Lagoon searching for dolphins. Enroute we will stop at the "Old Fisherman's home' for a traditional warm Belizean greeting from a very fine high spirited being that will be delighted to sell us his "hand made coconut oil" made behind his home! Afternoon: First free period where you go and do what you want within certain safety parameters. During this free period, sea kayaking classes in Advanced paddling Techniques available.
Optional Full Day trip out to snorkel and explore the Bluehole and Lighthouse Caye...a real must for everyone( not included in trip cost). For those that stay behind on Blackbird Caye, we continue with more kayaking, classes and free time.
Day 8: Depart early morning for Belize City (about 3 hours.) Transfer to airport and fly home. Or continue with inland extensions.
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