Belize: Coral Jaguar Multisport

Coral Jaguar Multisport Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Belize City, Belize. Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you will be met by an Island Expeditions representative and transferred to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo. After settling into our forest cabanas, we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers over dinner. At the Tropical Education Center, you can 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. Dinner included.

• Day 2

  After breakfast our guides take us on a morning walk along the wildlife viewing platforms at the center, and then we travel across the road to the Belize Zoo to learn about the rehabilitation programs for jaguars. This experience allows a very rare opportunity to watch and spend time with the elusive master of the neo-tropical jungle. Part of the proceeds for this trip help fund programs at the Belize Zoo.
  
  After lunch at the TEC, we meander down one of Belize’s most spectacular drives, the Hummingbird Highway, into the Maya Village of Maya Center. Here we are greeted by a local Mayan family that hosts us for the night, and talks to us on how the village helps manage the park, and about the life of the modern Maya. We also enjoy a traditional Belizean dinner with our Belizean guide, discuss how to pack for the river portion of the trip, and talk details of the next days hike to the river. All meals included.

• Days 3-5

  Early in the morning, we leave the lodge and head to the Cockscomb Park headquarters, where we tour the small interpretive center, load our backpacks, and begin our journey into the river put-in and our first camp in the Cockscomb. Stopping along the way to learn of the many plants and animals of the rainforest, we travel down a wide trail through the center of the park before veering off the main path into the Mexican Branch junction of the South Stann Creek River. For this portion of the trip, we use two-person inflatable kayaks which combine the stability of a raft with the maneuverability of a kayak. We begin by traveling slowly, learning different paddle strokes and getting a feel for how the boats handle on the water. Traveling down river, we experience all the luxuriance and beauty of the tropical rainforest. Each bend in the river holds the promise of something new. As the trip progresses, we learn how to navigate through small rapids, becoming proficient with reading the water and choosing the right channels.
  
  Arriving at our established bush-camps in the afternoon, we have time to explore and learn more about the plants and wildlife in the surrounding forest, and can take advantage of the afternoon light for photography. At night, we have the chance to go for a night-walk to try and see some of the nocturnal animals. This is the premier trip for encountering wildlife in the rainforests of Belize. All meals included.

• Day 6

  Our last morning in the rainforest, we travel downstream through an exciting boulder garden and rapids section, before we are met at the pull-out point. After lunch in Maya Center, we drive overland to the coastal town of Dangriga, where we take a motor to our first camp on the Belize Barrier Reef. Moving from the green, lush jungle to the waving palms and turquoise waters of the Caribbean is an exceptional contrast. Throughout, we will gain an appreciation of the similarities of the ecosystems on the coral reef and that of the rainforest. We begin with the fundamentals of sea kayaking; we learn and practice paddle strokes, as well as self-rescue and group-rescue techniques, before heading out in the evening for a paddle. Time permitting, we can also enjoy some snorkeling and exploration at one of the nearby patch reefs. All meals included.

• Days 7-10

  Expect an adventure of a lifetime as we explore south and east of Dangriga along this wild section of the Barrier Reef. Our days are a blend of paddling and sailing our kayaks, swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters and camping amongst the hundreds of tropical islands along the reef. We engage in a variety of activities as we travel each day. We learn new paddling skills, hone our kayak-sailing skills and try our hands at navigating with a marine chart and compass. A big part of each day is spent exploring the many coral reefs encountered along the way. We also travel through productive fishing grounds with bonefish, tarpon, snapper, grouper and barracuda providing excellent sport fishing, as well as a wonderful variety for the dinner table. For those who savor the simple pleasures of life, you can master the art of relaxing in a hammock with a good book while your guides prepare a fresh seafood dinner. All meals included.

• Day 11

  Enjoy our last day on the cays snorkeling, paddling and fishing. In the afternoon, 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. All meals included.

• Next Day

  Fly home. (Our office will make arrangements for you to return to Belize City, unless you have made other arrangements with us. We will book a domestic flight from Dangriga to Belize City. The cost of this flight back to Belize City, 25 minutes, is approximately $75.00 USD per person.)

Trip accommodations are based on double occupancy. We try to pair up single travelers based on their gender and profiles. We will do everything possible to accommodate a request for a single tent based on available equipment. If a single room is requested during a lodge stay, the guest will be required to pay a nominal surcharge (typically $40-$75), locally at the hotel.

All accommodations; all meals as noted in the daily itinerary; airport transfers; transportation within Belize; local English-speaking guides; kayaks and gear (life vests, paddles, dry bags, etc.); all park and camping fees; government taxes.

Airfare to Belize, transfer from Dangriga to Belize City; departure taxes; guide gratuities; items of a personal nature; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.

This trip is rated Moderate [3].  This trip takes place in a remote wilderness region of Belize. There is a 6 mile hike into the put-in point on the river. Participants are expected only to carry their personal gear to the river, and need to be ready for the unexpected.  Weather conditions can greatly affect water levels and access into the river, and may increase the level of difficulty. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you condition your upper body and legs prior to the trip.  Exercises that strengthen your arms, shoulders, stomach and back muscles include push-ups or pull-ups, bench presses and abdominal curls.  You don't have to be exceptionally strong, but increased flexibility and good overall conditioning will result in your enjoying the trip more.

The climate of Belize is sub-tropical. Although we will be traveling during the dry season, the infrequent “northerly” can blow down from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing with it cooler temperatures and rain. Inland conditions can change quickly with afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rainfall commonly occurring. Typically, temperatures range from 70 - 100° F with high humidity during the day, dropping at night to 70 - 80°F. From December to May, conditions are usually clear, sunny and warm. December is generally cooler.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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