Wilderness Adventures.CA
http://wildernessadventures.ca/KayakingCoralIslandBelize.html
1-866-383-9453
adventurescanada@yahoo.ca

Belize Coral Islands 6 day / 7 night Kayak Adventure

The Barrier Reef, which runs the full length of the Belizean coastline, is considered one of the richest marine ecosystems on earth. The 185 mile (300 km) long reef runs from 10 to 25 miles offshore, is the longest continuous reef in the Caribbean, and the second longest in the world. Along the Barrier Reef are over 225 cays, ranging from small, sand-fringed islands perched along the reef's edge, to larger islands of partially submerged mangroves. Historically, ships avoided this area of the Caribbean because of inaccurate charts and the difficulty of navigating the shallow reef-strewn waters. Teeming with brilliantly colored fish, sea grass beds and patch reefs, the reef systems have not seen nearly the level of human impact as witnessed in Mexico to the north and Honduras to the south. We travel in the less developed southern regions of Belize's Barrier Reef, which remains a near-pristine marine ecosystem that is unparalleled in the Caribbean. It is in this region that we find the best sea kayaking and snorkeling. Our base of operation, in the southern coastal community of Dangriga, is the ideal launching point for us to explore this spectacular region.

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.

The 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.

		wild mammals that inhabit the forest floor, 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		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.

Typical Daily Itinerary:

		After settling into our forest cabanas we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers over dinner. At the Tropical Education Center, we have a chance to explore the surrounding savannah forest through their network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms. There is also an interpretative center, which details 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, dinner and lodging are included.
Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you are met by a company representative and transferred to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo.		Accommodations: (Lodge) Meals: Dinner is included on this night

Day 1:

We rise early to start today's extraordinary journey, which takes us deep into the Mayan underworld known as Xilbalba (shil-balba), 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 jungle and cave adventure, we travel through the Maya Mountains along the Hummingbird Route to meet up with our motor boat charter awaiting to take us to the barrier reef from the coastal town of Dangriga. This 45 minute trip takes us to our island lodge perched on the eastern edge of the southern Barrier Reef. We arrive at in time to settle in, have dinner and plan our next days on the barrier reef.
In our experience the cave of the Stone Sepulcher is one of the most profound archaeological experiences in the Americas.		Accommodations: (Lodge) Meals: B,L,D

Day 2:

		Perched north over the water, we rise early to the sounds of the sea. After breakfast and an island orientation your guides teach you beginner to advanced snorkelling and then the remainder of the morning is snorkelling from the caye. Then in the afternoon guides begin with kayaking fundamentals, and go over ocean touring techniques with the whole group, including how to pack our boats. After a short paddle, we arrive to our first camp already set-up, giving us time to settle into our accommodations, enjoy a fine meal cooked by your guides, and instruction on the finer points of horizontal hammock surfing.
		Accommodations: (Camping) Meals: B,L,D

Day 3-5:

We sail and paddle south along the barrier reef camping on idyllic tropical cayes, usually traveling five to ten miles each day along the reef (with some lay-over days). We have plenty of time to snorkel, fish and enjoy the scenery and marine life of the Caribbean. We explore many different regions of the reef including the inner and outer walls, patch and fringing reefs, mangrove ranges and protected lagoons. Our traveling routes often cross those of the fishermen who make their living from the sea and with this inter-action we gain good company and an insight into a way of life that is very different from our own. Each night we camp on small cayes along the barrier reef.

Accommodations: (Camping) Meals: B,L,D

Day 6:

We end our journey on an island along the inner channel of the barrier reef, and are transferred to the mainland by motor charter. Back in Dangriga, we settle into our accommodations, and have a chance to shower, dress and relax before our evening celebration at a local family's house for dinner. Trip finishes in Dangriga the following day. Accommodations: (Hotel) Meals: B,L,D

Getting back to Belize City …
You can book a domestic flight from Dangriga to Belize City (25 minutes) for approximately $60.00 USD per person or you can travel overland by bus (2-3 hours) for approximately $10.00 US.

Accommodation...
On 'Day 0 and Day 1', we will be spending the night at the Tropical Education Center, spending one in a rustic lodge accommodation. The Education Center harbors Belize's largest collection of tropical animal specimens, a fantastic interpretative center, and has a great network of cut trails and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring the pine savannah setting. While out on the cays, we are practicing minimum impact camping, to ensure the pristine state of the wilderness remains for future visitors. We will be keeping our weight and volume to a minimum, carrying our gear in our kayaks from site to site. We will be staying in three person Sierra Design tents, which provide more than enough room for two people and gear (some single tents are available on each trip). As we travel from cay to cay, we use predetermined camping areas to minimize our impact on the islands. However, we also give ourselves considerable flexibility to adjust our schedule to different conditions encountered as we travel. On the final night we will be staying in Dangriga. Our accommodation is at Chaleanor's Hotel, a Belizean-style hotel in the downtown core, where we celebrate our final night with a rooftop barbecue and a night of Garifuna drumming and dance with local musicians.

What's Included...

1. All meals, accommodation, and transfers described in the tour
2. Unlimited use of our Equipment
3. Use of waterproof dry bags during kayak trip
4. Accommodation on the day before the trip (' Day 0 ') and the final night.
5. Professional Guiding Services (both North American Leaders and Belizean Guides)
6. Southwater Caye Marine Park Fees
7. Belize 9% Tour Tax
8. Belize 10% Sales Tax

What's Not Included...

1. Gratuities
2. International Flights and Airport Departure Tax
3. Extra costs due to late Arrivals, lost baggage and other circumstances beyond our control.
4. Return transportation from Dangriga to Belize international Airport on Fly-Home Date. Please book your flight directly with Tropic Air: http://www.tropicair.com or Maya Air or http://www.mayaairways.com Its about a $60 US and 25 min flight back to the Belize international airport and you can book this flight for anytime after 9:15 am. Or you can travel overland by bus (2-3 hours) for around $10.00 US.

Recommended Tour-books:
Eltringham, Peter. 1999. Belize: The Rough Guide .London. Penguin Publishers.
Perottet, Tony. 1997. Belize: Insight Guide Singapore. Houghton Mifflin Publishers. -Great photographs and written by a Belizean!

Recommended Reading:
Rabinowitz, Alan. 1986 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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*Prices and itineraries subject to change without notice