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 identify different 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

Naturalist: TBA

2009 Dates:
8-Day Snorkel (Sat/Sat)
5-day Snorkel (Sat/Wed)
November 14-21*
November 21-28*
December 12-19*
December 19-26**
December 26-January 2**

2009 Cost: 8-day trip
$2,075 (8-day/Sat/Sat)**
5% discount for returning visitors

2009 Cost: 5-day trip
$1,675 (5-Day,Sat/Wed) **
5% discount for returning visitors

2010 Dates:
8-Day Snorkel (Sat/Sat)
5-day Snorkel (Sat/Wed)
January 2-9
January 9-16
January 16-23
January 23-30
January 30-February 6
February 6-13
February 13-20
February 20-27
February 27-March 6
March 6-13
March 13-20
March 20-27
March 27-April 3
April 3-10
April 10-17
April 17-24
April 24-May 1
May 1-8
May 8-15
May 15-22
May 22-29
May 29-June 5
June 5-12
July 10-17
July 31-August 7
August 7-14
October 30-November 6
November 6-13
November 13-20
November 20-27
November 27-December 4
December 4-11
December 11-18
December 18-25

2010 Cost: 8-day trip
$2,075 (8-Day,Sat/Sat) **
5% discount for returning visitors

2010 Cost: 5-day trip
$1,875 (5-Day,Sat/Wed) **
5% discount for returning visitors

Maximum group size: 12

Information & Reservations

Please fill out an APPLICATION to sign-up for the Blackbird Caye & Lighthouse Reef Snorkeling expedition.

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