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Wilderness
Adventures.CA
http://wildernessadventures.ca/KayakingCoralIslandBelize.html
1-866-383-9453
adventurescanada@yahoo.ca
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.
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Activities
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Accommodations
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Sea
Kayaking (paddling & sailing)
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Forest
bungalow
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Snorkeling
(conventional & with Sea-Breath System)
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Glovers
Base Camp
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Fishing,
Birding
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Rainforest
River Float Trip
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Rain
Forest Hiking, Birding
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Photography
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Natural
& Cultural History Interpretation
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Trip
Fee: $1829.00 CAD
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Rainforest
Canopy Zip Lining
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(includes
$200 Gov't Fees & Taxes)
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The
Adventure
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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.
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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.
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The Setting...
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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! |
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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. |
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The Fauna
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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:
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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
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| 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. |
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Accommodations:
(Forest Cabanas) Meals: Dinner
is included on this night
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Day 1:
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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
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Day 2 - 6 :
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depart early in the morning by charter boat out past the main Barrier
Reef to our private base-camp on Southwest Caye, at Glovers
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. |
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| Glovers
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. |
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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
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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
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Day 7:
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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.
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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.
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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 |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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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