Snorkeling & Coral Reef Ecology

An exquisite maze of coral reefs set in turquoise waters is the focus of this land based, snorkeling expedition to Turneffe Atoll with a visit to Lighthouse Reef. This expedition is one of the best ways for non-divers to discover Belize's spectacular coral reef systems.

Our trip begins with a 90-minute boat ride from Belize City to Blackbird Caye on the eastern side of Turneffe Atoll. We stay at The Oceanic Society's Field Station offering comfortable beachside cabanas, each with an open porch to the sea. The atoll is exceptional for its warm shallow water, which permits snorkelers easy access to an extraordinary underwater paradise. Magnificently adorned with huge yellow tube sponges, and myriad tropical fish, the reef offers unmatched snorkeling opportunities.

Snorkeling sites include our own Blackbird Reef, located directly in front of our private beach, Calabash Cut, and Soldier's Caye reef. Over 25 species of birds are found around the island including the magificent osprey. We often spot dolphins en route to our snorkeling sites.

A highlight will be a day-trip to Lighthouse Reef to visit the Blue Hole made famous by a Cousteau documentary for its unique stalagmites. Nearby Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, a bird sanctuary whose dense vegetation provides habitat for thousands of red-footed boobies and frigate birds, is a naturalist's dream.

Your naturalist will help-Modntify the manold;fferent fish species and explain the ecology of the reef and natural history of the islands.

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:
Snorkel check out and beach snorkeling. Afternoon boat trip to nearby Soldiers Reef.

Day 3 thru 7:
Snorkeling and natural history exploration. One day dedicated to visiting Lighthouse Reef.

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

5-DAY Trip

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

Day 2:
Snorkel check out and beach snorkeling. Afternoon boat trip to nearby Soldiers Reef.

Day 3 thru 4:
Snorkeling and natural history exploration. One day dedicated to visiting Lighthouse Reef.

Day 5:
Blackbird Caye/Belize City. Return to Belize City and fly home

OPTIONAL BELIZE EXTENSIONS

XUNANTUNICH OR TIKAL MAYAN RUINS

Click for large Interactive Map

Trip Leader: TBA

2008 Dates:
5-day Snorkel (Sat/Wed)
8-Day Snorkel (Sat/Sat)
July 12-19
August 2-9
October 4-11
October 11-18
October 18-25
November 1-8
November 8-15
November 15-22
November 22-29
December 6-13
December 13-20
December 27-January 3

2008 Cost:
$1,940 (8-Day,Sat/Sat)**
$1,640 (5-Day, Sat/Wed)**

2009 Dates:
5-day Snorkel (Sat/Wed)
8-Day Snorkel (Sat/Sat)
January 10-17
January 17-24
January 24-31
January 31-February 7
February 7-14
February 14-21
February 21-28
February 28-March 7
March 7-14
March 14-21
March 21-28
April 4-11
April 11-18
April 18-25
April 25-May 2
May 2-9
May 9-16
May 16-23
May 23-30
May 30-June 6
June 6-13
July 4-11
July 11-18
August 1-8
August 15-22
August 22-29
October 3-10
October 10-17
October 17-24
October 24-31
October 31-November 7
November 7-14
November 14-21
November 21-28
November 28-December 5
December 5-12
December 12-19
December 19-26

2009 Cost: 8-day trip
$2,075 (8-Day,Sat/Sat) **

2009 Cost: 5-day trip
$1,875 (5-Day,Sat/Wed) **

Maximum group size: 12

Information & Reservations

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