Reefs & Cayes *6 Day*

Glide silently among the cayes and coral reef while sea kayaking Belize\'s crystal Caribbean waters. Snorkel with blue parrot fish, neon blowfish, six foot eagle rays and harmless nurse sharks, and study delicate purple plume coral, brain coral and sea fans. Eat from the bounty of the sea, and pitch your tent each night under the clear starry sky. Most of all, enjoy the relaxed rhythm of this Caribbean escape - you’re sure to come to back to Belize again and again.

Day 1 Arrive Placencia (D)  

Arrive Belize City and take a connecting flight to Placencia. We’ll meet you at Placencia’s little airport to take you to your beachfront hotel to begin your Belize vacation. Enjoy your first taste of seafood at our welcome dinner, and spend some time exploring this charming seaside town. Overnight.

Days 2-5 Sea Kayaking (3B,4L,3D)

The second largest coral reef in the world lies a short distance from the Belize mainland. The reef is alive with hundreds of species of fish, corals, and sponges, and over 200 sandy islands rise above this natural wonder. We spend 4 days sea kayaking and exploring a half dozen of these tiny islands. We start from Little Water Caye, then visit the Silk Cayes, Pumkin Caye, Hatchet Caye, and Ranguana Caye. Stronger paddlers can go to Laughing Bird caye. Each of these islands has its unique character. Little Water is the largest island we visit. Sitting atop its own reef system, it offers great snorkeling right off the beach, and some of the best mangrove snorkeling in Belize. Silk Cayes, sometimes called Queen Cayes, may be the most beautiful islands in all of Belize. The white sand beaches and breezy palm trees of Silk Cayes create an idyllic Caribbean escape. The waters off of Ranguana Caye are filled with bonefish, making for excellent fishing opportunities. This is also one of the best places to see eagle rays, sea turtles, and dolphins. With dozens of islands within easy paddling distance, the exact cayes we visit can vary depending on local conditions. Our guides are expert naturalists and they know the very best places to snorkel depending on the season. We return to Placencia in the afternoon of Day 5 for hot showers and a chance to swap adventure stories at a local pub.

Day 6 Return Home

Transfer to the Placencia airport for your flight to Placencia and onward to complete your Belize vacation.

This tour starts and ends in Placencia, Belize. It’s up to each traveler to get to and from Placencia. We are happy, however, to arrange flights between Belize City and Placencia and to arrange hotels in either place before or after your trip.

Two-person sea kayaks are used, which means even novices will be paddling like pros in no time. A limited number of one-person kayaks are available too. We visit various islands each day, yet the distances are short enough to give you ample time to snorkel, fish, or lie in a hammock reading a book. Expect a total of 3-4 hours of paddling each day. Energetic kayakers can paddle along the reef to nearby islands to explore secluded coves. A support boat is at hand to carry our gear and even carry you if don’t feel like paddling. At night we sleep in tents, hammocks or under the clear Caribbean stars. Most meals come straight from the bounty of the sea, but vegetarians are easily accommodated too. After your trip, you’re invited to stay extra days in Placencia – spend a day exploring some of Belize’s magnificent caves or go on a jungle adventure to the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary. Inquire when booking about these options.
  

US$1460

J F M A M J J A S O N D
6 days starting and ending in Placencia, Belize. Sun-Fri
Tour Code: RC6
Single Supplement:  US$175

US$1945 - RC8-H
Interested in rainforest hikes and sea kayaking?






Travel Highlights 3N island camping
Sea kayaking
Snorkeling
Placencia

Accommodations:  2 nights simple beachfront hotel, 3 nights camping

Food Includes:  All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation:  kayaks, motor boat Group & Staff: Maximum 10; local naturalist/kayaking guide

Notes:  Internal flight Belize City-Placencia-Belize City not included. Flight cost is approximately US$185 (flight cost subject to change). You may buy this with your international ticket or we can bill you for this when you book.

Group & Staff:  Min 2, bilingual naturalist, local guides

Personal Budgeting:  Allow US$40 for meals/snacks not included, US$38 international departure tax

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:  Share US$90, Single US$180

Is it for Me?  A great trip for ocean lovers that is fairly active, yet with plenty of time for snorkeling and relaxing. No prior kayaking experience is required, and the support boat allows you paddle as little or as much as you like.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person
Start Dates 2008 : Nov 23, Dec 14, Dec 28* 2009 : Jan 17, Feb 8, Mar 15, Apr 5, May 17 Please note that because of inclement weather and the risk of hurricanes, we do not offer this trip from June through the end of October. Ask about our other great trips during these months!

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount