Reefs, Ruins & Wildlife

On this 7-day expedition we visit Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe Atoll both known for their abundance of marine wildlife. We then venture inland exploring the environs of the Belize River visiting to the Community Baboon Sanctuary and Lamanai Mayan Ruins set in a beautiful tropical forest.

We begin with four days at the Blackbird Caye Oceanic Society Field Station enjoying daily snorkeling and natural history excursions. Over 25 species of birds are found around the island including the magnificent osprey. The surrounding habitat serves as a feeding and resting area for dolphins, which we often spot enroute to our snorkeling sites. A highlight will be a full day excursion to Lighthouse Reef, where we snorkel along the coral perimeter of the Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau.

Half Moon Caye is a natural monument created primarily to protect the thousands of nesting Red-footed Boobies. Floating along the inner coral rim of the Blue Hole, you can enjoy a panoramic view of this natural wonder while the outer rim reveals a profusion of shallow sea fans and colorful fish communities.

The Field Station offers comfortable beachfront cabanas, each with an open porch to the sea, in double occupancy rooms with private baths.

Our inland journey begins with a visit to the renowned Community Baboon Sanctuary where howler monkeys are habituated to humans and can be observed easily in the treetops throughout the sanctuary. One day full day to visit one Belize’s largest and most interesting Mayan ruins at Lamanai. The Lamanai Reserve is also sanctuary for many species of colorful birds and troops of monkeys.

On our final day we visit Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary established for the protection of manatees. This is the best place in Belize to observe manatees from a boat in clear water. We stay at comfortable Belize River lodge offering free time opportunities to kayak and canoe along the river.

ITINERARY

8-DAY Trip

Day 1:
Belize City/Blackbird Caye. Arrive in Belize City and 90-minute boat transfer to Blackbird Caye, Turneffe Atoll.

Day 2 thru 4:
Snorkeling and natural history exploration. One day dedicated to visiting Lighthouse Reef.

Day 5 thru 7: Belize River Lodge. Visit Community Baboon Sanctuary, Lamanai Reserve, Swallow Caye Manatee Sanctuary.

Day 8:
Blackbird Caye/Belize City. Return to Belize City and fly home

Click for large Interactive Map

Trip Leader: TBA

2009 Dates:
January 10-17
February 21-28
April 18-25
June 6-13
October 10-17
November 7-14

2009 Cost:
$2,350

Maximum group size: 10

Information & Reservations

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