Bring the whole family! They’ll all love our Lighthouse Reef Basecamp located on the beautiful island of Half Moon Caye. This tropical island paradise is located 55 miles off the Belize mainland and offers endless adventure for young kids, teens, adults and grandparents alike. There’s something for everyone at this designated UNESCO world heritage site.
What is the top activity on Lighthouse Reef? The beach and ocean of course and it will keep the entire family happy for days. The reef provides many activities including kayaking, snorkeling, diving, stand-up paddle boarding and kayak sailing. Staying at the Lighthouse Reef Basecamp gives families the flexibility and freedom to do things together or separately. Do whatever you want. Mom and Dad can relax or choose their own adventure while the kids explore the diverse marine ecosystem with our knowledgeable guides.
Here we look at the range of guided activities that are available for your Belize family vacation on Lighthouse Reef:
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is by far one of the most popular activities at the Lighthouse Reef Basecamp. Lighthouse Atoll is home to a number of world-renowned dive and snorkel sites, including the Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and the Aquarium. A snorkeling excursion to these legendary sites is a favourite activity and one the entire family can enjoy. Make sure you check out the Octopus Garden and the Coral Garden reef locations. Want to have a real adventure? Why not try some night snorkeling. Many sea creatures are out feeding at night that are not around during the day at all. This will be your chance to experience eels and octopus, lobsters and shrimp which are all much more active at night.
Snorkeling at the Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Kayaking
The guides at the Lighthouse Reef Basecamp will provide professional instruction teaching your family the fundamentals of sea kayaking. Kids and teens will love the paddling adventure to a shipwreck, which looms just north of the Caye. In 1971, a ship named the Ermlund lost power during a storm and was deposited on the reef by a large wave. Other sea kayaking excursions from the Basecamp include a paddle along the protected waters of the Southern Reef towards Long Caye. At this location, your family will have a chance to snorkel some of the atoll’s best patch reefs.
Kayak Sailing
Set sail in Belize with your family! The double sea kayaks are equipped with custom-designed sails to take advantage of the trade winds. Children and adults will find the sails easy-to-handle after instruction from the guides. Sea kayaking in the tropical warm waters of Belize is a memorable activity that everyone will love.
Kayak sailing on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll
SUP
Whether you are new to the sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding or a seasoned pro, we offer guided SUP and instruction at the Lighthouse Reef Basecamp. SUP is always a fun and relaxing way to play on the water and is suitable for all ages.
Paddleboarding in Belize
Diving
The Lighthouse Reef Atoll is a home to the world-famous Blue Hole, a perfectly circular sinkhole that measures approximately 1000 feet around and 400 feet deep. This is one of Belize's advanced dive sites and offers a unique and challenging scuba diving experience. If you are looking to check off scuba diving in the Blue Hole on your bucket list, we can arrange this with a local dive company for an additional fee.
Relaxing
Vacations offer the perfect opportunity to take some ‘me time’ and unplug. While the kids are exploring the reef or beach combing, hang out in one of the hammocks on Half Moon Caye with a good book and a cold beverage!
The perfect place to relax on Half Moon Caye, Belize
Yoga
Complimentary yoga sessions are available on most departures at the Basecamp. A morning yoga sun salutation sequence is a great way to wake up, stretch out, and prepare for a day of exploring the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.
Yoga on the dock at Half Moon Caye, Belize
Birding
Take time to walk the trails on Half Moon Caye. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a 4000 red-footed booby colony. The Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms so the family can observe the many nesting sites and get some great pictures.
Staying at our Lighthouse Reef Basecamp
The Lighthouse Reef Basecamp consists of a central pavilion, which acts as the social hub of the camp. Make sure you listen for the Conch Shell horn. Here you will eat meals, freshly prepared by the Belizean cooks and chat with the guides about the day's plan.
The camp is powered by a small generator in the evening, and there are fresh water showers, modern compost toilets and solar powered refrigeration. You will sleep in comfortable wall-tent cabanas outfitted with either single or a double bed.
The tent cabanas at the Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye
If you go:
We have four trips that include a stay at our Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye in Belize.
Check out the trips here:
Then, call 1.800.667.1630 or email info@islandexpeditions.com and one of our Travel Specialists will help you plan your Belize family vacation. We also offer a price break to families and are pleased to extend a 30% discount for children under 16 when the family is sharing accommodation.
