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Belize Glover's Reef Kayak & River of Caves Adventure : 7 Days / 7 Nights

" Selected as one of the top adventure trips by Outside Magazine in 2000 "

"This trip was one of the best vacations (if not the best) I have ever had. Each day was filled with terrific fun, challenging activities and wonderful food. Our group of 14 was from all over North America and we had great rapport. The guides were so knowledgeable and clearly love their jobs."
Patricia Evans
Keansburg, NJ
Glovers Reef & River of Caves

Departures 2012: Nov 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Departures 2013: Jan 6, 13, 20, 27    Feb 3, 10, 17, 24     Mar 3, 10, 17, 31   Apr 7, 14, 21

Group Size: 6-18
Guides: 2-4 North American and Belizean Leaders
Accommodations: Tropical Education Center, Banana Bank Lodge, Glovers Base Camp, Chaleanors Hotel.

Activities
Accommodations
Sea Kayaking (paddling & sailing)
Forest bungalow
Snorkeling (conventional & with Sea-Breath System)
Glovers Base Camp
Fishing, Birding
 
Rainforest River Float Trip
Rain Forest Hiking, Birding
Photography
Natural & Cultural History Interpretation
Trip Fee: $1829.00 CAD
Rainforest Canopy Zip Lining
(includes $200 Gov't Fees & Taxes)

The Adventure

 

On arrival in Belize, before heading out to Glovers, we have an opportunity to experience the diversity of the rainforest and the rich Mayan culture of the interior. Working with guides from the Belize Tropical Education Center, our itinerary includes a rare chance to view the nocturnal wildlife of Belize, and then, in the jungle, we enjoy a leisurely float down a rainforest river with inner large tubes, exploring a fantastic limestone cave.

Thirty six miles offshore of the Belize mainland lie a group of tropical islands cradled within a turquoise lagoon and surrounded by a living coral reef. Glover's Reef Atoll is considered to be one of the richest tropical marine environments in the entire Caribbean. Our private island base of over 13 acres is perched on the southern edge of the atoll with a dramatic view facing east over the main reef crest and the open Caribbean.

Based from our comfortable field camp we are fully equipped to spend six and a half days sea kayaking and kayak sailing, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. After our adventures each day we like to reward ourselves with a bounty of fresh seafood, island baking, tropical fruits and yes, even rich, decadent deserts! Glovers is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the comforts of a well-appointed field camp yet want an active and flexible day-to-day schedule. Exclusive to Glovers, is our underwater Sea-Breathe System (TM) which provides air for divers and non-divers to depths of 25 ft. Also available are optional Scuba certification courses, resort courses and equipment rentals.
 

The Setting...
Therte are 4 atolls in the Caribean Sea. Three are offshore in Belize and one in Mexico. Glover's Reef was named after the pirate John Glover who used this remote offshore ring of islands and coral reefs as a base from which to raid Spanish merchant ships. The shallow waters offshore of Belize with innumerable coral reefs, mangroves and small islands were ideal waters for pirates and buccaneers to hide their raiding ships after plundering Spanish galleons laden with riches, destined for the Old World. Today, the attractions found within the atoll (20 miles long by 7 miles wide) are the clarity of the water and the remarkable profusion of marine life. In 1993, the atoll was declared a marine park, and 25% of the area and lagoon was protected from fishing and harvesting. To continue the conservation efforts to preserve this extraordinary environment, the site was designated as a World Heritage Site. We travel and explore this area by sea-kayak, paddling and sailing the shallow 82 square mile lagoon with an unequaled variety of over 700 patch reefs. The reefs of Belize have long been known as the richest in the Caribbean, and Glovers is the best in Belize!

A Note About the Ecology...The Flora
Belize's Barrier Reef is the largest in the northern hemisphere, second largest in the world, extending 185 miles (300 km) along the coastline. Nineteen miles seaward from the eastern border of the Barrier Reef, lies Belize's most spectacular atoll - Glover's Reef. The oval shaped reef walls of the atoll climb from the ocean floor and surround a central lagoon. The surrounding reef is primarily made up of two kinds of coral, the hard hydro-coral (reef- forming coral), such as brain coral or elkhorn coral, and the soft corals, such as sea-fans and feather plumes. The sheltered lagoon at Glover's Reef harbors one of the world's most diverse sea environments; an extensive community of fish, shellfish, and patch reefs. One mile off the eastern shore of the atoll, the reef wall quickly drops 2600 feet to the ocean floor below. The interaction between the deeper open waters of the Caribbean Sea and the sheltered lagoons of the atoll results in a diversity and abundance of marine life which is unsurpassed for sea kayaking, snorkeling and diving.  
The Fauna
  From our base on Southwest Cay, we will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds. While exploring and snorkeling the atoll and the many patch reefs, there are opportunities to see grouper, bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays, eagle rays,conger, moray eels, goatfish, just to name a few. Some of the bird-life includes osprey (the Billy hawk), sea gulls, brown-footed & white-footed boobies, frigate birds, hawks, mangrove warblers, and white-crowned pigeons. Around the atoll and the barrier reef, there are nesting sites for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. If we're lucky, we may see them while out snorkeling or kayaking. We will definitely have a chance to see and sample the main staple for Belizean fishermen, the queen conch and (in season) the spiny lobster.

Typical Daily Itinerary:

Day 0:
 

Here we are able to explore the surrounding savannah forest through their network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms. There is also a great interpretive center, which details the diverse ecology of Belize, and is an ideal starting point for the adventure ahead. After checking into our rustic accommodations, we are greeted with a Belizean dinner where we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers. This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment. Transfers from the airport are included.

Transfers from the airport and lodging are included

Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you are met by one of our staff and transferred to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo.  

Accommodations: (Forest Cabanas) Meals: Dinner is included on this night

Day 1:

Today begins with short drive along the Hummingbird Highway toward the River of Caves area of Belize. We begin with an interpretive trail through lush Rainforest to the cave entrance and then using inner tubes we embark on an enjoyable 2 hour float underground through a limestone cave system rich with classic formations including soda straw, flow stone, stalactite and stalagmite.

After lunch we then head into the Rainforest Canopy for a unique opportunity to travel by a series of treetop platforms and zip-lines through the rainforest . In the evening we return to the Tropical Education Center to enjoy the evening in our beautiful tropical pine forest setting. After dinner we have a rare opportunity to have an exclusive nocturnal tour of the renowned Belize Zoo for an up close experience with the wildlife that inhabits the forests, wetlands and mountains of Belize. (please note this activity is by donation to the Belize Zoo and Conservation, we suggest $10 USD)

Accommodations: (Forest Cabanas) Meals: B,L,D

 

 

Day 2 - 6 :

We depart early in the morning by charter boat out past the main Barrier Reef to our private base-camp on Southwest Caye, at Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. We are introduced to our new environment and get settled into our accommodation. Once settled, the guides provide instruction, teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling and safety in the tropics. Then, we paddle out to a nearby patch reef and start to explore some of the 700 snorkel sites that Glover's Atoll has to offer.  
Glover’s is one of only four atolls in the Caribbean Sea, and is truly the most spectacular marine environment in Belize. Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. We spend the days exploring the atoll with both single and double kayaks (rigged for sailing!). Our itinerary is flexible in order to respond to both group and individual desires and abilities.  

Activities include: sea kayaking, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, and learning to sail a kayak. For experienced snorkelers, guides can provide full instruction with our Sea-Breathe Diving System: a free floating air pump designed to provide air by hookah lines down to 20-25 feet.

Accommodation: (Tent-Walled Cabanas)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

 

 

In the mornings and the evenings, we host informative sessions on a range of topics, providing an opportunity for guides to share their knowledge of Belize, the marine environments and local culture. Perhaps a high stakes game of Hermit Crab Racing to finish the day! If all this sounds a little too busy, you always have the choice of just kicking back in a hammock and relaxing with a good book and a cold drink.

Accommodations: (Tent-Walled Cabanas) Meals: B,L,D

Day 7:

Many choose to rise early this morning, enjoy a coffee on the dock and, for the last time, watch the sunrise over the atoll before enjoying a hearty breakfast. Our boat charter departs mid-morning back to the mainland with an estimated arrival around noon. Trip finishes in Dangriga.

Accommodation: (N/A) Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Important Travel Note:
This trip ends in Dangriga late morning on the last day of the trip. If you are flying out of Belize on this day (Sunday), please be sure to book your flight departing Belize after 2pm. We can book you a domestic flight from Dangriga to the International Airport to coincide with your international flight. The cost is $70 US per person. For those departing Belize the following day (Monday) we offer a Dangriga to Belize City Flight & Biltmore Hotel Package. Package Cost: Single - $139 US, Double - $99 US per person, Triple - $86 US per person, Quad - $79.00 US per person.

 

Scuba Divers...

There are some great opportunities to scuba dive at Glover's Reef. Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip. Single tank dives are available from $35 US, with further discounts for multi-tank dives. For first time divers we can offer, a Discover Scuba for a subsidized rate, or you may be able to take your Open Water Referral course. Please let us know in advance.

  Scuba Diving Rates...
BC and Reg Rental
$15 US
Single Tank Dive $50 US
Two Dives $75 US
Discover Scuba...
Discover Scuba Course $125 US

 

Equipment...
For the inland portion of the trip all caving and zipline safety gear is provided. While at our Basecamp on Southwest Caye, guests have unrestricted use of the following equipment: Double Kayaks (outfitted with special sails), Single Kayaks, Sit-on-Top Dive Kayaks, Complete Research Library, Field Marine Lab including microscope and Hand Lenses, and Weather Station. On the island we are in communication with the mainland via VHF marine radio.

Fly-fishing...
There is now a $25 bz ($12.50 USD) fishing licence for fly-fishing within the reserve at Glovers Reef. New regulations require that all fishing is catch and release, and that anglers use barb-less hooks.

What's Included...

1. All meals (fully catered) while you are at our Southwest Cay basecamp
2. Selection of chilled wines and rum are served with dinner, or as cocktails on some evenings
3. Unlimited use of our Equipment and facilities
4. Professional guide and sports instruction services with Belizean and North American leaders
5. All accommodations including lodge on 'Day 0'
6. Glovers Reef Marine Park user fee of $15.00 USD per person
7. Belize 9% Hotel tax
8. Belize 12.5% Sales Tax
9. Cave Entrance Fees
10. Financial Support for Conservation and Education programs in Belize

What's Not Included...

1. Gratuities
2. Donation for Belize Zoo Tour
3. International Flights & Airport Departure Tax
4. Snorkeling or Dive Gear & Scuba Diving fees
5. Extra costs due to late Arrivals and other circumstances beyond our control  
6. Charter flight from Dangriga to Belize City after the trip

Accommodation...
On Day 0, Day 1, we spend the night at the Tropical Education Center. The Education Center has comfortable, rustic accommodations in a beautiful pine savannah setting. The Center has a fantastic interpretative center and harbors Belize's largest collection of tropical animals, with a great network of trails and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring this rare forest environment.

On Day 0, Day 1, we spend the night at the Tropical Education Center. The Education Center has comfortable, rustic accommodations in a beautiful pine savannah setting. The Center has a fantastic interpretative center and harbors Belize's largest collection of tropical animals, with a great network of trails and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring this rare forest environment.  

 

On Day 2 to 6 at Southwest Caye, we are "base camping", sleeping in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents are have ample headroom to walk around and are on raised wooden floors with double or single beds. On the island, we have a fully equipped kitchen, fresh-water collection system for drinking water, access to fresh-water showers and modern composting toilets, We also have a large dining area, resource library lounge.


For the optional stay on the final night we will be staying in Belize City. Our accommodations are at the Belize Biltmore Plaza www.belizebiltmore.com, a comfortable, modern hotel with a inviting pool-side courtyard and bar. The Belize International Airport is a short cab ride from the hotel, which can be arranged through the front desk. The hotel also has a tour desk that can help you arrange activities if you are planning on staying longer in the Belize City area.

We offer a Dangriga to Belize City Flight & Biltmore Hotel Package. Package Cost: Single - $139 US, Double - $99 US per person, Triple - $86 US per person, Quad - $79 US per person.

 

 

Recommended Tour-books:
Eltringham, Peter. 2002. Belize: The Rough Guide .London. Penguin Publishers.
Perottet, Tony. 2000. Belize: Insight Guide Singapore

. Houghton Mifflin Publishers. -Great photographs and written by a Belizean!

Recommended Reading:
Rabinowitz, Alan. 2000 Jaguar, One Man's Struggle to Establish the First Jaguar Sanctuary New York. Island Press.

Getting to Belize City:

American Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-433-7300 website: http://www.aa.com

Continental Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-523-3273 web site: http://www.continental.com

US Airways: Toll Free: 1-800-622-1015 website: http://www.usairways.com

Delta Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-221-1212 website:http://www.delta.com

United Airways: Toll Free: 1-800-421-4655 website: http://www.united.com

Expedia: website: (Canada) www.expedia.ca (US) expedia.com www.expedia.com

Still have questions? Please give us a call toll free in North America at: 1-866-383-9453 or email us at adventurescanada@yahoo.ca

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