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Wilderness
Adventures.CA
http://wildernessadventures.ca/KayakingCoralIslandBelize.html
1-866-383-9453
adventurescanada@yahoo.ca
Belize Ultimate Adventure
Kayak: 9 Days / 10 Nights

"The
Ultimate adventure trip was first rate from start to finish. It offers
a great variety of activities and the organization of the various components
was impressive. Visiting the Mayan village and interacting with the local
people was an unexpected bonus. The guides were knowledgeable & friendly.
They definitely enhanced our experience. This was probably our best family
holiday. I would highly recommend this Belize adventure to anyone seeking
an active vacation that is both a lot of fun and educational."
David
Parratt
Ultimate Adventure
Departures 2012: Nov
29 Dec 6, 13, 20, 27
Departures 2013: Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Feb
7, 14, 21, 28 Mar 7, 14, 21 Apr
4, 11, 18
Group Size: 6-14
Guides: 2-3 North American and Belizean Leaders
Accommodations: Tropical Education Center, Island Camp, Glover's
Reef Base Camp, The Lodge at Big Falls, Moho River Jungle Camps, Belize
Biltmore Plaza.
| Activities |
Accommodations |
| Sea Kayaking
(paddling & sailing) |
1 night forest
bungalow |
| Snorkeling,
Scuba Diving, Fishing |
2 nights beach
camping |
| Whitewater
Paddling a Rainforest River |
2
nights Glover's Reef camp |
| Cave Exploration |
3 nights jungle
camping |
| Hiking, Birding |
1 night hotel |
| Photography |
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| Natural History |
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| Interpretation |
Trip
Fee: $2399.00 CAD
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The
Adventure
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On each stage of the
trip, youre teamed with the best guides in Belize individuals
whose knowledge and experience enable you to see and do what you
never thought possible.
We begin with two days
of sea kayaking in a remote island group along the southern barrier
reef, then on to our marine basecamp at Glover's Atoll for two more
fantastic days of snorkeling, kayaking, diving and board-sailing.
Returning to the mainland,
we now travel west from the coast deep into the Maya Mountains.
Here, the rainforest covers the land and the ancient traditions
of the Maya are still strong.
On this next series of
adventures, we descend into the Actun Tunichil Caves to explore
underground rivers, and astounding burial chambers, with pottery,
stone tools and carved altars that have lain as is, for thousands
of years. Then we embark on an exhilarating four day paddle trip
into the rainforest valleys of the Moho River in the Wild
South of Belize.
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| This
is an extraordinary
journey through Belize packed with adventure and excitement; youll
sea kayak, snorkel, dive, windsurf, hike through the rainforest, explore
Mayan ruins and ceremonial caves and descend an incomparable tropical
river through canyons and lush rainforest. |
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Although no previous
experience or special skills are needed to participate in the Ultimate
Adventure, you should be in good enough physical condition to paddle
up to 10 miles a day or hike with a light pack for three or four
hours.
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"I
am grateful to you for offering this wonderful trip, and grateful to all
the hard working people whos cooking, driving, and hauling made
our trip run smoothly. The skilled way that you partner with Belizean
institutions and individuals to further their goals as well as enhancing
your travelers experiences. Your choice of guides was another great
strength. They explained the technical aspects well and were able leaders
on the river and the reef. Amazing fauna and beautiful campsites on the
reef and on the river, crazy fun boats and excellent paddling companions.
Our
guides made sure we had a good time and felt safe. I wish every resort
was like the Glovers Reef camp, combining natural beauty with comfort.
I would love to travel with this company again. Your trips are infused
with a sensitivity to local ecology, heritage and culture and they
are a helluva lot of fun."
Nina
Cohen
Ultimate Adventure
March 16, 2006
The Setting...
| On this adventure,
we experience the very best that Belize has to offer. From the Belize
International Airport we take you directly to our accommodations situated
alongside the Tropical Education Center and Belize Zoo. From here
we journey into the Cayo to visit an ancient Mayan ceremonial cave,
then travel east to the main Barrier Reef and beyond to Glover's Atoll.
The Barrier Reef, which runs 185 miles (300 km) long, 10 to 25 miles
(16 to 35 km) offshore, is the longest continuous reef in the Caribbean
and the second longest in the world. Spread along the reef are over
200 cays, ranging from small sand-fringed islands perched along the
reefs edge, to larger islands of mangroves and coconut palms.
After two nights on the
main reef, we travel by motor launch twenty miles further offshore
to Glover's Atoll--a remote ring of corals and small islands rising
from the deep waters of the Caribbean. Glovers Atoll, with an unparalleled
diversity and abundance of marine life and with reef strewn waters,
offers some of the best snorkeling in Belize. Our island base camp
is the perfect setting from which to actively explore the surrounding
waters, which contains over 700 patch reefs. The waters of Belize
have long been known as the richest in the Caribbean, and Glovers
is one of the best in Belize!
After our exploration of the Barrier Reef and Glovers Atoll we return
to the mainland and travel into the deep south of the Toledo district
to luxuriate at one of the finer lodges in Belize-The Lodge at Big
Falls. The next day, we travel by van and four-wheel drive to our
river put-in. We begin our river journey by teaching river safety
and paddling techniques before paddling into some of Belize's most
remote and pristine wilderness. Once on the water, we are immersed
in the experience of traveling by day and camping at night in the
tropical rainforest. Our last night's accommodation is at Belize
Biltmore Plaza where we enjoy a dip in the pool, a comfortable room,
and a hot shower. The next morning you are free to make your way
back to the Belize International Airport, or travel further in Belize.
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The
Mayan archaeology cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone
Sepulcher), is set within lush tropical rainforest on the boundary
of the Cayo District. The region ischarac-terized by mature karst
geology carved by the flowing creeks and rivers in the area. The cave
contains large broken pottery, two slate stelae in front of which
Mayan elites cut themselves with obsidian blades to collect their
blood and offer it to the gods. Calcite from drip-water has encased
many of these finds over the centuries, including the calcified remains
of a young woman who researchers believe was sacrificed to the rain
god, Chac, during a prolonged period of drought. |
A Note About the Ecology...The
Flora
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ecology of the Belizean coast is a complex combination of coral reefs,
sand flats with extensive turtle grass and mangrove ranges. The Barrier
Reef shelters the Belizean coastline from the rougher open waters
of the Caribbean sea. It acts as a huge breakwater, holding in the
sand, resulting in the beautiful islands forested with coconut palms,
sea grape and coco plum, and in the remarkable protected reef structures.
The 'breakwater' action also enables the diverse ecosystems of the
mangrove and turtle grass to flourish. These tangled partially submerged
"forests" provide essential feeding and nursing habitat
for hundreds of species of fish, shellfish, reptiles, marine mammals,
and birds. |
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The Fauna
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including
Belize's largest herbivore, the Baird's Tapir. While traveling along
the Barrier Reef, paddling from cay to cay among the many "patch"
reefs, we will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of sea-life
and tropical birds, such as: bonefish,angel and parrot fish, stingrays,
conger, moray eels, goatfish, just to name a few. Trailing a line
from our kayaks, we also may get a chance at a tug from barracuda,
grouper, tarpon, or snapper. Over our heads, we may see various birds
including osprey (the billy hawk), sea gulls, brown-footed and white-footed
boobies, frigate birds, hawks, mangrove warblers, and white crowned
pigeons. |
| On our journey
to Actun Tunichil Muknal, we travel through broadleaf, semi deciduous
forest. All around us are signs of life, from the tropical birds high
in the canopy like the keel-billed toucan and mot-mots to the many
wild mammals that inhabit the forest floor, |
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Throughout
the reef and along the coast are nesting sites for loggerhead, green
and hawksbill turtles. If we're lucky, we may see them while out snorkeling.
We will definitely have a chance to see and sample the main staple
for Belizean fishermen-the spiny lobster (in season) and the queen
conch. |
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In the rainforests of
Belize we have great opportunities to view wildlife. Hiking or paddling
we see iguanas resting in the branches of fig trees, we may hear
the grunts and snuffling as a herd of peccary (wild pigs) passes
close by. Large tropical birds are frequently sighted. We see toucans
with their oversized bills, flying ungainly from one fruiting tree
to the next. High overhead loud, raucous squawking alerts us to
the presence of scarlet macaw in the river valley. Once in view,
the size of the bird and the splendor of their red and blue plumage
is unmistakable. There is also a multitude of falcons, hawks and
vultures scavenging and hunting from the sun-bright upper canopy
down to the mottled light of the forest floor. Also, found in the
southern Belizean rainforest are a number of often bizarre mammals,
the largest being Belize's national animal, Baird's tapir- locally
known as the mountain cow in Belize is an animal unique to the New
World tropics with a large hippopotamus-like body and a long snout,
much like the fabled aardvark. The tapir, along with the white-lipped
and collared peccary, the jaguar, and the puma are some of the larger
mammals that inhabit the river valleys and forests where we travel.
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Typical Daily Itinerary:
Day 0:
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After checking into
our accommodations we enjoy a welcome dinner and have a chance to
meet our fellow travelers. We are able to experience the surrounding
tropical pine Savannah habitat through a network of trails and raised
wildlife viewing platforms. We also have a unique and exclusive
nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo with one of the senior zookeepers,
which helps us understand the diverse ecology of Belize, and is
an ideal starting point for the adventure ahead. 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
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:
(Lodge) Meals: Dinner is included
on this night
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Day 1:
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We rise early to start
today's extraordinary journey which takes us deep into the Mayan
underworld known as Xilbalba (shil-balba). We enter a mythical realm
inhabited by spirits and powerful gods, an underworld of untold
fears and dreams where Mayan shaman, in supposition to the gods,
ventured into darkness to conduct their secretive rituals.
As we venture underground
into the caves we learn from our guides how the caves played an
important role in the ancient Maya civilization and about ongoing
archaeological research taking place underground in Belize. After
our cave visit we travel the Hummingbird Route to meet up with our
motor charter on the coast by the town of Dangriga. We head out
to the Southern Barrier Reef and arrive at Paradise Lodge on Tobacco
Caye in time to settle in, have dinner, and plan our next two days
on the Barrier Reef.
Accommodations:
(Island Lodge) Meals: B,L,D
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Day 2:
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We rise early for a breakfast
on the beach. We then focus on our introduction to sea kayaking
and get comfortable with the gear. We start by teaching and reviewing
the fundamentals of sea kayaking and introduce everyone to ocean
touring techniques. We test our new found skills with a paddle out
to the main reef to snorkel along the inner reef wall or patch reefs.
Aa snorkel along the outside reef edge may be possible depending
on sea conditions. Our paddle back to Tobacco Caye takes us past
mangrove ranges and protected lagoons. Out on the reef our guides
share their knowledge of Belize, the marine environments, and local
culture.
Accommodations:
(Island Lodge) Meals: B,L,D
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Day 3:
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After breakfast and a
morning of paddling and snorkeling, our motor charter returns to
take us 20 miles east of the main Barrier Reef to Glovers Reef Atoll,
a National Marine Park and designated World Heritage site. We land
at park headquarters on Middle Cay, with boats rigged and ready
to sail. We sail our kayaks along the eastern reef wall to our base
camp at Southwest Caye at the southern end of the atoll, surrounded
by rich coral reefs and beautiful turquoise waters. Tonight, we
enjoy an island feast of mixed grill of fresh seafood and vegetables
topped with Belizean coconut baking and tropical fruits.
Accommodation:
(Base Camp) Meals: B, L, D |
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Day 4 & 5 :
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Glovers is one
of only four atolls in the Caribbean Sea and is truly one of the
most spectacular marine environments in Belize. Due to its isolation
from the mainland the waters are exceptionally clear with an incredibly
rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling
and diving in the Caribbean. Our days are 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 kayak sailing. For those who are certified divers, we can also
arrange dives on the outer walls. If all this sounds a little busy,
you always have the choice of just kicking back in a hammock and
relaxing with a good book and a cold drink. On the afternoon of
Day 5, we transfer back to the mainland and continue south to our
jungle lodge in the Toledo district of Belize to begin the next
leg of our journey.
Accommodation:
(Field Camp / The Lodge
at Big Falls) Meals: B, L, D
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Day 6, 7 & 8:
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The Lodge at Big Falls
is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande river in Belize's southern
Toledo District, a region of isolated villages lying amongst an
unspoiled tropical wilderness. Our location is superb. The lodge
property is located on a meander of the river with almost a mile
of river frontage. There are views towards the Maya Mountains to
the north west while the south eastern bank faces the small village
of Big Falls. In the afternoon, we drive further south from Big
Falls to our put-in point on the Moho river, stopping for lunch
along the way at the traditional Maya village of Santa Theresa.
Here, we get a chance to meet your Mayan guides, tour their homes,
and experience the life of the modern Maya people.Once on the river,
our guides provide a brief boat and river orientation and we take
as much time as we need to learn and practice our new boat-handling
skills, enabling us to safely navigate the rapids and pour-overs.
We then begin our journey along one of Belizes most beautiful
rivers through some pristine rainforest to our first river camp.
For these next days we
break contact completely with the outside world and become a part
of the mist-shrouded rainforest as we follow the Moho River through
canyons and lush rainforest. Each bend reveals the dynamic nature
of the river-from calm, meandering water that reflects the intense
green of the jungle to stretches of rapids, pour-overs and spectacular
waterfalls as the river descends from the Maya Mountains to the
sea. Depending on water levels, some days we may reach our bush-camp
by mid-afternoon and switch to land-based activities. Hiking through
the forest, birding, plant and animal identification, and photography
are some of the many activities we engage in. During the trip with
our Mayan guides and North American leaders, we emphasize understanding
the ecology of the rainforest, learning about the habits of the
wildlife and gaining an appreciation for the rich Mayan folklore
which adds so much to our experience in the jungle.
Accommodation:
(Camping) Meals: B, L, D
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Day 9:
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We continue paddling
downstream and arrive to the river pull out in the afternoon, where
we are met by our staff ready to transport us back to Dangriga and
onto a Maya Airways domestic flight to our hotel accommodation to
enjoy a hot shower.
Accommodations: (Biltmore
Plaza Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner is NOT Included in this night
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Note: This
is one of our most adventurous trips. It takes place in a remote wilderness
region of Belize. Participants need to be in good physical condition and
ready to handle the unexpected. Weather conditions can greatly affect
water levels and hiking trails into the river and may increase the level
of difficulty. We also believe that the remoteness and variability of
conditions are what make this trip the best of its kind in Belize. Trip
itineraries may vary significantly depending on water levels.
What's Included...
1. All meals, accommodation,
and transfers described in the tour
2. Unlimited use of our equipment and facilities
3. Use of waterproof dry bags for river portion of trip
4. Accommodation on the day before the trip ('Day 0') and the night after
the trip ends
5. Professional Guiding Services (both North American Leaders and Belizean
Guides)
6. Transportation back to Belize City after the trip
7. Belize 9% Hotel tax
8.12.5% Belize Sales Tax
What's Not Included...
1. Alcoholic Beverages
2. Gratuities
3. International Flights and Airport Departure Tax
4. Personal Equipment
5. Extra costs due to late arrivals, lost baggage and other circumstances
beyond our control
6. Scuba Diving Fees
Please
Note: We are not a travel agency and
can not book transportation, accommodations or other travel related services
other than what is included in the itineraries which will be booked by
the Vancouver office.
Accommodation...
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On 'Day 0', we will be
spending the night at the Tropical Education Center, in cabanas
set amongst the pine forests. The Education Center and Belize Zoo
harbors Belize's largest collection of tropical animal, a fantastic
interpretative center, and has a great network of trails and wildlife
viewing platforms, perfect for exploring the pine Savannah setting.
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On Days 1 and 2 out
on the cays, we stay at Paradise Lodge, on Tobacco Caye, a small
Belizean owned lodge with a beautiful view over the central Belize
barrier reef. These rustic cabanas are clean and comfortable with
ensuite bathrooms. Each cabana is perched over the waters edge,
giving you unobstructed views of the Belize Barrier Reef, and unparalleled
access to kayaking and snorkelling.
On Days 3 and 4 Southwest
Caye on Glovers, we are "base camping" in tent-walled
cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents have ample headroom and
are outfitted with wood floors and wood-framed beds. On the island,
we have a fresh-water collection system for drinking water, access
to fresh-water showers, modern composting toilets, a fully-equipped
kitchen including refrigeration, with a large dining area complete
with resource library and a field marine lab including microscope
and hand lenses.
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On Day 5 we will
be staying at The Lodge at Big Falls, located at the gateway of
the Toledo District in the deep south of Belize.
This spectacular resort
is nestled in a unique bend in the Rio Grande River, and houses
a restaurant / main lodge, and a number of small cabanas. Our accommodations
for the evening are beautifully furnished, thatched, roofed cabanas,
outfitted with ceiling fans and hot water showers.
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On Days 6, 7, 8
we are camping in the remote wilderness of the Upper Moho River,
on the western boarder of the Toledo District. We will be keeping
our weight and volume to a minimum, carrying our gear in the kayaks
from camp to camp. We stay in three-person Mountain Hardwear tents,
which provide ample room for two people and gear. As we travel down
the river, we use established bush camps, but give ourselves the
flexibility to adjust our schedule for different conditions.
On the final night, we
will spend the night at the Biltmore Hotel. This is a clean and
comfortable hotel outside the city center. You have a chance to
get a good nights sleep after your adventure, maybe take a
dip in the pool and prepare to fly out or continue on independently.
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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
Book
this Trip
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*Prices and Itineraries subject to change notice on our
main Belize Kayak Adventure web page. No price increases are permitted
once a booking has been accepted and deposit received.
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