Explore the rich coral reefs and white sand cayes of Lighthouse Atoll plus the Maya World of Lamanai and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Overview
Trip Highlights
The Maya Reef Explorer combines three days of inland adventure with five days at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a remote tropical marine park fifty-five miles offshore of the Belize mainland.
- Stay in the heart of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, habitat for thousands of tropical birds.
- Visit the quaint village of Crooked Tree, Belize’s oldest Creole settlement.
- Immerse yourself in the world of the Maya as we explore two ancient Cities - Lamanai and Altun Ha.
- Paddle and snorkel renowned Lighthouse Reef Atoll, with five days at our all-inclusive Half-Moon Caye Basecamp.
- Snorkel ‘the Aquarium,’ as well as Jacques Cousteau’s legendary Great Blue Hole.
Trip Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Belize! Upon arrival at the Belize International Airport, you will be welcomed by an Island Expeditions representative and whisked away to the Bird's Eye View Lodge in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. This area is renowned for its extensive wetlands, and four main lagoons which are home to hundreds of species of birds and other fauna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we immerse ourselves in tropical nature and ancient history. In the morning, from our verandah you can view hundreds of tropical birds feeding in the lagoons . After a leisurely Belizean breakfast we travel on the New River to the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai. Monkeys, toucans and parrots inhabit the riparian forest and the temples, courtyards and sacred altars of the ancients are revealed as we venture deeper into the jungle. After lunch, we continue to the colonial sugar mill built at the Mayan site, before we depart Lamanai by riverboat; stopping for wildlife along the way, and return to toast a spectacular sunset over the lagoon at Bird’s Eye View Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We travel by boat on the protected lagoons and wetlands in search of rare birds like the massive jabiru stork -one of the world's largest flying birds then travel inland to the ruins of Altun Ha. Altun Ha is considered one of the major Mayan ceremonial centers of Belize, and functioned as an important trading center between the people of the interior and the coast during the Mayan Classic Period 250-900 AD.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we travel back to Belize City, make a quick stop at a local shop and head to our waiting motor boat charter. We travel by boat 56 miles out to sea, passing through mangrove ranges, white sand cayes, arriving at Belize's furthest island group, on Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Upon arriving at Half Moon Caye, your guide team will orient you to the island and camp to settle you into your accommodations. You will then enjoy a late lunch and and then a session of sea kayak and snorkeling instruction before heading out on the water.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
“If there’s a heaven on earth, then this must be it” one guest wrote of Halfmoon Caye. You’ll find empty beaches, a rare bird colony, untouched coral reefs and sleep with breathtaking views of a billion stars stretching over the ocean. Over 3 perfect days we explore the barrier reef, snorkel the Great Blue Hole and Aquarium, paddleboard, sail our kayaks and venture outside of the reserve for Belizean style fishing expeditions.
The guides will present activities each days based on the weather conditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
For your last morning at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the choice is yours. Snorkel your favorite patch reefs, walk the island trails, or swing in a hammock and watch the frigate birds patrol in the sky. After lunch a motor charter takes us back to the mainland.
Meals: n/a
This day is yours to enjoy at your leisure before you fly home or continue on your travels. Relax by the pool or investigate the optional tours offered by the hotel activity desk.
The Places We Stay
We are privileged by special arrangement to stay within the Halfmoon Caye Natural Monument. Our basecamp within this pristine marine park is designed to provide maximum comfort with a minimal ecological footprint.
Sleep in seaside tent-cabanas furnished with wood-framed beds, nightstand, lighting and room to store your personal gear. Tents can accommodate singles, doubles and families.
Meals are served in our comfortable dining room with spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. Our central bathhouse has modern eco-sensitive composting toilets, running water and solar warmed showers.
A special location on the shoreline of the Crooked Tree Lagoons, Birds Eye View lodge offers a stunning encounter with nature matched with heartfelt Belizean hospitality. Superb local naturalist guides, clean and comfortable accommodations and the historic nearby Creole Village of Crooked Tree combine to make this a favorite lodge we have partnered with for close to 30 years.
The Belize Biltmore Plaza, close to the Municipal and International airports is the perfect jumping off point in Belize City. Located just north of the city center, the Biltmore has modern rooms, restaurant, bar and a lovely inner courtyard with inviting pool.
Dates and Prices
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Extensions
Add to your trip experience with these trip extensions
Caracol Ruins & Sacred Caves Extension
4 Days - 3 Nights
Ascend the mighty Mayan ruins of Caracol, swim in the Rio On Pools, and then descend into the incredible caves of Rio Frio, and Actun Tunichil Muknal.
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Rainforest Canopy Extension
3 Days - 2 Nights
Fly through the rainforest canopy, descend a jungle waterfall, and explore he wonders of Mayflower Bocawina National Park.
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Cayo Caves & Temples Extension
3 Days - 2 Nights
Descend ancient ceremonial caves, and climb towering Mayan temples, combined with exploring the beautiful town of San Ignacio and it's vibrant market.
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