Island Expeditions Co. (IEC) offers two unique Belize Basecamp trips located on Half-Moon Caye and Southwest Caye in Belize. Both Island Expeditions Basecamp adventures offered are located on remote and secluded atoll situated within a local Marine Reserve and are 7 days/8 nights in length. Each Basecamp offer spacious walk-in safari-style ‘tented’ cabanas with wooden floor, beds, linens and a deck with its own dramatic ocean view. The tented-cabanas are rustic yet are a comfortable alternative to traditional camping. Each Basecamp also offers a dining pavilion where guest will have the opportunity to enjoy fabulously prepared local foods by local chefs, including fresh caught seafood.
With each IEC Belize Basecamp trip one will find an active and open itinerary that suits many who enjoy a relaxing yet dynamic Belize vacation. Both tours begin and end in well chosen lodges and hotels. Each day’s activities include kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, swimming, exploring the island or relaxing in a hammock amongst the palm trees with a good book – the choice is yours. Scuba diving is also an option on both of these trips. Lighthouse Reef Adventure: All IEC Lighthouse Reef Belize vacations begin with an inland journey to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary allowing time to explore Belize’s oldest Creole Settlement. Upon departing the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, this tour heads to the coast of Belize to board the boat charter to Lighthouse Reef, located 60 miles off shore within the Half-Moon Caye Marine Reserve. The sheltered lagoon at Lighthouse Reef harbours one of the world’s most diverse sea environments with an extensive community of fish, shellfish and patch reefs. While snorkeling you are likely to see grouper, bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays, conger, moray eels, goatfish and 3 different species of turtle, just to name a few. While on the island there is ample opportunity to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds. Many species of birds nest on the Caye, including a 4,000 strong red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms to intimately observe the many nesting sites Glovers Reef and River of Caves Adventure: All IEC Glovers Reef and River of Caves Belize vacations 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. 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. Upon departing the TEC, this tour heads to the coast of Belize to board the boat charter to Glovers Reef, located 36 miles off shore on Southwater Caye. While at Glovers Reef Atoll 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. About Island Expeditions Co. All fully guided Island Expeditions’ Belize trips 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. This private small group tour is open to everyone, including families with children, while no previous experience is required to participate. For additional information on fully guided Belize vacations or to receive a free copy of the 25th Anniversary Island Expeditions Co. Belize & Yucatan Adventure Guide, please call 1-800-667-1630 or visit the website at: www.islandexpeditions.com.