Come experience the tropical adventure of a lifetime by joining Island Expeditions CO (IEC) on the Glovers Reef and River of Caves trip, as part of your Belize vacation. Island Expeditions is celebrating 25 years specializing in Belize vacations, by offering 7 day/8 night trips to the Glovers Reef Atoll. Nestled 36 miles off the coast of Belize, beside the second longest barrier reef in the world, sits a small grouping of islands cradled within a turquoise lagoon and surrounded by a living coral reef. Considered one of the richest tropical marine environments in the entire Caribbean, Glovers Reef Atoll is a magnificent setting for a classic trip offered by Island Expeditions, Belize’s premier adventure tour company. All IEC Glovers Reef and River of Caves trips’ begin with an inland journey to the Tropical Education Centre (TEC), part of the Belize Zoo. While at the TEC guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding savannah forest through the network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms. A nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo with a senior Zoo Keeper is also a highlight. Wildlife viewing at the zoo includes jaguars, howler monkeys, parrots, macaws and many more, including reptiles. The following morning the group heads to the ‘River of Caves’ area of Belize. Here the group embarks on a 2-hour floating tour (using inner tubes) underground through a limestone cave system rich with classic formations, including spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. After the cave tour, the group enjoys a unique view of the Rainforest Canopy by traveling on a series of zip lines and treetop platforms, all prior to returning to the TEC for another evening within the forest listening the howler monkeys lull you to sleep. The following morning the tour heads to the coast of Belize to board the boat charter to the remote Basecamp on Southwest Caye, at Glovers Reef Marine Reserve. Here the group is introduced to their comfortable seaside safari-style ‘tented’ cabanas. Each cabana has its own deck and comes with a dramatic turquoise ocean view. While out at Glovers Reef Atoll guests will spend six days exploring with resident marine biologists and numerous local guides this pristine marine refuge, noted for the incredible clarity of the water and the remarkable profusion of sea life. Guests will paddle and sail the 82 square mile lagoon by sea-kayak, snorkel some of the atoll’s 700 patch reefs. A mile off the eastern shore of the atoll, where the reef wall rapidly drops to a spectacular 2,600 feet to the ocean floor below, is the perfect spot for certified divers to explore the giant corals, sponges and countless other species that make the reef their home. After each day’s escapades, guests are rewarded with a bounty of fresh seafood, chilled wines or beer, island baking, and a rich variety of tropical fruit. About Island Expeditions Co. (IEC) The best part of all IEC trips is that ‘no previous experience is necessary to participate’. All Island Expeditions Belize vacations begin with a pickup upon arrival at the International Airport in Belize City. Prices include all meals, accommodation, transportation within the country, guides, group equipment and all activities. All IEC trips are guided by professional North American and Belizean leaders. Other sea kayak and snorkel trips along the barrier reef and atolls are also offered. Glovers Reef & River of Caves Trip – 7 days/8 nights Departing April 4, 11, & 25, 2011 Regularly $1839.00, however Island Expeditions will put $200 towards your international flight costs when booked directly before the end of winter, March 22, 2011, when this article is referenced. For more information or to a receive free copy of the 25th Anniversary Island Expeditions Co. 36 page Belize & Yucatan Adventure Guide, please call 1-800-667-1630 or visit the website at: www.islandexpeditions.com.
March 16, 2011 – Belize City, Belize:
