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"Belize Adventure Week" -- our ever-popular, action-packed tour -- explores this fascinating country using a multi-sport format. Our trend setting itinerary is the culmination of seventeen years of exploring Belize; on this trip we experience 12 sports in nine days!
Your adventure begins with a series of inland activities in the Maya Mountains. Each day overflows with a multitude of sport excursions: We hike through the jungle, bike on single-track trails, scramble through caves, climb Mayan ruins, and run three different rivers -- including one underground which we navigate by headlamp!
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| Mayan ruin. (Belize) |
Next we transfer by boat to the exclusive Water Sports Center on Long Caye at Glover's Reef, Belize's newest marine reserve. We base from our private island, surrounded by coral and shaded with palms. We use sea kayaks to access snorkeling sites, to visit other islands in the atoll, and, weather permitting, to paddle outside the reef ring of the atoll to experience the open sea. In addition to sea kayaking and snorkeling, we have numerous surf kayaks to take advantage of our "point break", and complete windsurfing rigs for beginner through advanced sailors. World-class scuba diving is provided by Off the Wall Dive Center, which offers PADI certified dives as well as beginner courses.
Our facilities on the island include tents under thatched palapas, a huge dining hall where you can enjoy cold drinks and peruse our extensive library, ecologically friendly composting toilets, and showers pumped by our solar system. Long Caye offers a backdrop few locations can match. Our partner is the only adventure tour operator in Belize with a private island! Lodging for the week ranges from tents on the beach to cabins in the jungle. Meals prepared by our lodges include a wide variety of foods, including fresh seafood, tropical fruit salads, and traditional Belizean fare. Cold beverages are always available.
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This trip is designed for those looking for an active vacation, and although no experience is required, some guests may find the activities very strenuous (particularly the portages on both the Caves Branch River and the Macal River). People who have no river experience but are in good physical shape and have a good attitude will do fine. Many of our past guests have commented that this is the best vacation they have ever taken!
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Arrive at Belize International Airport. Take a taxi to the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel for a 4:30 p.m. meeting in the lobby. We leave for Ian Anderson's Jungle Lodge no later than 5:00 p.m. Please note: it is important that your flight arrive before 4:30, and that you not miss our charter van ride to western Belize. Orientation, dinner, and overnight at Ian Anderson's Jungle Lodge.
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| Mountain biking. (Belize) |
Mountain bike eight miles along single track jungle trails and gravel roads through citrus groves to Footprint Cave, where we are met by our van to have lunch. The single track is newly created this year; it's a fantastic ride through the rainforest! After lunch, we enter the cave via inner tube to explore Mayan ceremonial chambers replete with altars and artifacts. We also view huge crystalline columns and a statue of the Mayan Monkey God. Leaving the cave, we return to the lodge by van or bike (guests' choice.) Dinner and overnight at Ian's.
Today we venture underground to float the Caves Branch River (Class I-II) in rafts and kayaks for five miles by headlamp! This unique trip combines caving and river running for an unusual, captivating ride. We begin by navigating a few miles of lazy jungle river before dropping into the first of four caves. We paddle in complete darkness, and our headlamps light the way. Stops include short hikes up tributaries and a visit to a Mayan "totem pole" carved into a stalagmite. We also negotiate a one-quarter-mile portage with all gear on a jungle trail. On our return to Ian's we visit Xunantunich Mayan ruins, home of Mayan rulers who controlled a large part of western Belize and Guatemala. Here we climb the Castillo, a 200-foot high pyramid that is one of the tallest man-made structures in the country. We then continue by van for dinner and overnight at Ian Anderson's Jungle Lodge.
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| Macal River rafting. (Belize) |
Whitewater! Choose your favorite river - the Macal or Sibun - depending on your ability and desires. We pioneered the Macal River run eight years ago and are still the only company to offer this exciting whitewater descent. This impressive canyon cuts through the Maya Mountains, where towering cliffs of white limestone jut out of the verdant rainforest. We run eight miles of Class III and IV (expert level) whitewater in rafts and kayaks over a granite riverbed that creates steep drops with intermittent pools. This steep, technical river is a constant challenge - it includes Class V and VI rapids, which we portage. The Sibun River run, by raft, sit-on-top or inflatable kayaks, is our Class II, (beginner) alternative to the Macal run. This remote stretch of jungle river allows you to see virgin rainforest and jungle birds, iguanas, and monkeys in their natural habitat.
The Sibun becomes our only run in March, when the Macal becomes too low to run (or even as early as January in dry years). Since the Macal is dam-controlled, other factors also influence the flow, and there is no way we can predict the flow for any given date. We then return by van to Ian Anderson's Jungle Lodge for dinner and overnight.
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| Dining hall at sunset. (Glovers Reef, Belize) |
Time to hit the Caribbean! After breakfast at Ian's, we drive to Dangriga, passing through jungle-covered peaks interspersed with citrus plantations. We arrive by 9 a.m. for a 35-mile, two-hour charter boat ride to our Water Sports Center on Long Caye at Glover's Reef, where we join the Sea Kayak Glover's Reef Full-Week group already on the island. After moving into our tents and having lunch, we snorkel amongst the coral right off shore and, if the surf is up, squeeze in a surf kayaking session before dinner.
Sea kayak orientation starts the day. Our guides are expert instructors and cover paddle strokes, entering and exiting the kayak from the water, and other basic techniques. After lunch we paddle to a patch reef to snorkel from the kayaks. Guests may also choose "island time," a.k.a. hammock surfing. Scuba diving is another option for certified divers or for those who want to try scuba for the first time.
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| Snorkeling from a seakayak. (Glovers Reef, Belize) |
We begin our last full day with windsurfing and surf kayaking instruction. Guests may choose between such activities as kayak rolling classes, scuba diving, kite sailing to nearby Middle Caye (home of the Marine Research Center), fishing, or snorkeling. Our Belizean cooks prepare fantastic feasts for us, which we enjoy in between this myriad of activities.
Island activities in the morning. After lunch we take a boat shuttle back to Belize City, arriving by 3 to 4 p.m. for dinner at our favorite restaurant. Overnight at the Biltmore.
Earliest day to fly home.
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We spare no effort to ensure that our tour is the best sea kayak trip in Central America, if not the entire Caribbean. In addition to the luxury of a secluded, private island, our equipment is top-notch: we have a fleet of over 40 sea kayaks, surf kayaks, and sit-on-top kayaks, which ensures that everyone has a choice of boats. We also have windsurfing gear for all ability levels. Our guides are carefully selected from the most experienced professionals in the business.
We receive rave reviews about our menu. Our Belizean cooks specialize in seafood feasts, such as poached grouper fillets in horseradish sauce, red snapper broiled in garlic, and Belizean conch stew. Nighttime activities vary from informative talks by staff to hermit crab races on the beach, and our cold beer and rum punch keep the action lively during volleyball tournaments. Cold beer and soda are included in the trip price. We charter private shuttle boats right out of Belize City for our guests' convenience.
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| Kayaks on the beach. (Glovers Reef, Belize) |
We drink collected rainwater, and we bathe with well water pumped by the sun (not heated, the showers are about 70 degrees). Composting toilets (odor-free!) complete this ecologically friendly set-up. Our spacious island (13.5 acres) and rustic facilities ensure your comfort without compromising the adventure of living on an undeveloped and uncrowded island. Best of all, a hammock with your name on it is waiting under the palms. Please visit our Long Caye page to view more photos of our island facilities.
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| Beach cabana. (Glovers Reef, Belize) |
In the rainforest, we stay at a jungle lodge where the jungle completely envelops the camp! Two-person cabanas sit on the banks of the Caves Branch River. Fantastic Belizean meals are served family-style. Flush toilets and hot showers ensure a comfortable stay at this remote location. Listening to the night sounds of the rainforest is an experience you will not forget!
Our facilities at Glover's Reef are rustic, private, and comfortable, featuring two-person, thatch-roofed cabanas perched right on shore and at some distance from each other. (For those who prefer single occupancy, we also have tents shaded by palm-thatched palapas.) Depending on your experience, our Water Sports Center is either the cushiest camp or the most rustic resort you have seen. We keep the island in as natural a state as possible, and there is no electricity or plumbing. Two-person cabanas are perched above the surf, and the ever-present breeze keeps the temperatures well below what they are on the mainland. Each cabana has beds with air mattresses and a porch with hammocks and lounge chairs. Our dining hall is the center of island life, complete with solar-powered lights, propane stove and refrigerator (for cold beer and soda!), and our ever-growing library.
In Belize City, the Biltmore is a full-service hotel located on the outskirts of Belize City, three miles from downtown and near the International Airport. The Biltmore has a business center, beautifully landscaped courtyard, swimming pool, great restaurant, bar, gym, gift shop, and tour desk. It's perfect for guests who are arriving early or staying late, or who have just a few extra hours in the city.
Your guide will first provide instruction in all sport activities before you try them. Each orientation will take between 30 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the sport. Regardless of your past experience and ability level, attendance in these instructional sessions is required if you plan to participate in the activity, since your guide has no way of knowing your experience level. This is a safety issue, and your well-being is our number one priority. Attendance at the orientation on the evening of Day 1 is also required.
We use the buddy system for all sports so that no guest is alone in the event of an accident on the water. At any given moment, five different sport activities may be taking place -- once guests have completed the required orientation, they are free to pursue an activity on their own. Guests may paddle, snorkel, surf, or windsurf without a guide as long as they find a "buddy" to join them.
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| Underground river running. (Belize) |
We run three rivers by paddle raft and kayak (hard shell or inflatable). First, we paddle underground through five miles of caverns on the Caves Branch River. Our journey through the darkness is punctuated by views through collapsed windows into the surrounding rainforest. We take underground side hikes, as well as a portage through the jungle, during which everyone pitches in to get the gear to the opening of the next cave. Next, we choose between the whitewater of the Macal or the less turbulent waters of the Sibun. The Macal features many Class III-IV rapids, which we paddle raft or kayak. There are also four strenuous portages. Steep slopes are covered with virgin rainforest, and 1500-foot walls of limestone hem in the gorge. The Sibun River is offered for those who are unable or unwilling to run the Macal, and when the Macal's water level drops too low, we all run the Sibun. We run the Sibun in kayaks or rafts.
Although we have been running the Macal River for eight years with an excellent safety record, this run contains expert-level rapids and strenuous portages. We have instituted a guest screening process in order to prevent avoidable accidents. Portages and potential swims require that participants be able to scramble over rough terrain while carrying equipment and also be able to save themselves in the event of an unexpected swim. For those guests unable to meet these challenges, we offer an alternate run down the Sibun River, which provides a more moderate whitewater experience. (River photo by Jimmie C. Smith, Islands From the Sky.)
We reserve the right for the guides to assess guests' physical shape on Sunday and Monday, before allowing them to participate in the Macal run on Tuesday. Sunday and Monday are rigorous days, and if the guide and/or you believe that the Macal will be too challenging for you, you will be able to join the Sibun River run. The minimum age for joining the Macal run (expert level whitewater) is 15. Kids between the ages of 13-15 may join the Mopan run, one parent or guardian must accompany the child on the Mopan. Please see our kid's policy page for more information on guidelines for children on our trips.
Belize is famous for its extensive cave systems, many of which have been the focus of major expeditions. The crystalline drip stone formations found in Belize rival any in the world. We visit two caves, beginning with a swim into Footprint Cave to view hundreds of Mayan pots and an altar to the Mayan Monkey God. Then we traverse a second cave system in rafts and kayaks, following the Caves Branch River, which winds for nearly five miles underground.
The "dry" season is the ideal time to mountain bike the Belizean jungle. Our route is on dirt roads and single track trail. We traverse eight miles, passing through jungle and citrus orchards on our way to Footprint Cave.
Our jungle lodge is located in lush jungle. Guests may take jungle walks on their own in the morning or evenings. We also hike through the jungle during the portage on the Caves Branch River, which provides an excellent opportunity to see the flora and fauna of the rainforest. When exploring Xunantunich, we climb the Castillo, a hike which takes us to a viewpoint where we can see all the way to nearby Guatemala.
Our trip takes us through an area rich in Mayan archeology. In addition to visiting Footprint Cave with its array of undisturbed ceremonial relics, we also tour Xunantunich, which contains the second largest man-made structure in Belize. Perched high on a hill, this complex was a major ceremonial center during the classic period of the Maya. Beautiful stucco reliefs and carved stelae are on display, and excavation projects are on going.
The 80-degree waters of the Caribbean create an unbeatable setting to enjoy the thrills of sea kayaking. No experience is required for this or any of our other activities. Our guides provide instruction covering a full range of kayaking techniques, including paddling strokes, rolling, and rescues. We paddle every day to nearby islands, into the lagoon, or along the reef in search of new diving locations. Skimming over the neon blue water, our boats dodge patch reefs and startle spotted eagle rays, barracuda, and bonefish. We often see porpoise and sea turtles while paddling through the channels into the open sea, where we often stop to snorkel from the boats. Because we base from our private island, you are assured of getting in as much or as little paddling as you desire.
Of all the highlights of your visit to Long Caye, exploring the underwater world will be the most memorable. The pristine reefs of Belize are world-renowned, and those at Glover's National Marine Reserve are the best in the country. In addition to numerous patch reefs accessible by kayak, there is outstanding snorkeling on the reef wall just off our Eastern shore. The abundance and variety of sea life is astounding, and you could spend a lifetime exploring the coral formations at Glover's.
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| Scuba class. (Glovers Reef, Belize) |
The remarkable clarity of the water at Glover's makes this an ideal location for scuba, which is available from our associates at Off the Wall Dive Center. There are 54 miles of wall diving within a 12-mile radius of Long Caye. The top of the reef wall varies from 35 to 80 feet. Glover's is especially well known for its variety of sponges and gorgonians. It is not uncommon to encounter dolphins, sea turtles and as many as 50 species of creatures in one dive.
All guests must be physically fit to dive. If there is any reason for doubt, bring a release form from your doctor. Areas of concern for diving fitness include respiratory conditions, such as asthma; circulatory conditions (such as heart trouble); diabetes; and recent major surgery. There is a minimum age limit of 12 for scuba unless already certified. Kids under 12 may not dive, nor join divers on the boat or snorkel from the boat while divers are diving. Therefore, single parents of younger children may not scuba dive unless another adult in their party will supervise their kids while they dive. There is a Bubblemaker course for kids 8-11 years of age, which has a 6-foot depth limit, and takes one-half day. Please visit our scuba page for more information on courses and dive sites.
Located just down the beach, Off the Wall is a full-service PADI scuba shop. Guests often take time off from our activities to go diving. In addition to serving certified divers, the shop also provides classes that permit novices to train and continue to dive.
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| Surf kayaking. (Glovers Reef, Belize) |
Our guests may join our local guides when they spear fish for our dinner. Swimming from your kayak or trolling from the skiff, you witness the hunting techniques of the locals. Serious fly fishermen should bring their gear for bonefish, jack, and barracuda that live on the sand flats near our shore. (Visitors fish catch-and-release only.) Please visit our sport fishing page for more information on this popular sport.
The east shore of Long Caye is exposed to the prevailing trade winds, which create ideal conditions for surf. The waves break on shoals of coral rubble, which generate a perfect "point" break and a great ride for our surf kayaks. Watching the action from the beach is a sport in itself as the surfers provide hours of entertainment for those who choose to relax with a cold soda or beer.
We offer beginning to advanced windsurfing with six complete rigs and a land trainer on the island. The calm waters of the lagoon are an ideal place to learn. For experts our short boards provide big action in the channel surf. Steady winds are almost always present, and the 80-degree water means you get to windsurf in your bathing suit! We also often sail to Middle Caye using kayak parafoil kites when the wind permits. No paddling, and you travel the 3 miles in under an hour! Please request our information sheet on windsurfing, which gives more information on conditions and equipment. Please visit our windsurfing page, which gives more information on conditions and equipment.
Many birds make their home on Long Caye, including osprey, frigate birds, pelicans, turnstones, terns, plovers, herons, and falcons. At certain times of year, Long Caye also plays host to a multitude of migrating birds. In April, you may see more than 40 species, including summer tanager, chestnut-sided warbler, rose-breasted grosbeak, yellow-billed cuckoo, indigo bunting, and Baltimore oriole.
This trip is perfect for families. Because we are island based, guests may paddle as much or as little as they please, and there is plenty to do right on the island. Parents should remember that this is a sports-oriented trip and our primary focus is on instructing and guiding sport activities. Guides are not able to assist in supervising children, as they are already busy guiding, and all other staff members have work duties as well. We do not provide child-care services, although we can arrange for a full-time sitter to come out to the island at an additional cost of about $20/day.
Parents MUST supervise their children at all times. Also, parents must be fit enough to paddle their children in a double kayak if they plan to go kayaking. One adult must accompany each child -- single parents may not bring more than one child, although couples may bring up to four children as long as one adult stays with the kids at all times. Single parents who wish to kayak alone must travel with another adult to supervise their child while they kayak.
Long Caye is located 35 miles off shore and 65 miles from Belize City. Our charter boat ride to the island leaves each Saturday and takes two - three hours. About 45 minutes of this ride (12 miles) is an open sea crossing between the Belize Barrier Reef and Glover's Reef.
It is common to experience rough seas over this stretch, with large swells, high winds and spray. We travel only with professional, licensed captains who have spent their careers handling boats in all conditions, and we are confident in their skills and the safety of all our passengers. Yet some guests, while safe, may become concerned if they are not accustomed to traveling on the open sea, and those susceptible to seasickness should take precautions, such as using an anti-seasickness medicine. Be assured that we do monitor weather conditions and boat safety, and our captains always retain the right to cancel the boat trip if conditions are deemed dangerous. In this eventuality, we would provide other activities.
Our boat out of Belize City is 35 - 45' in length, depending on the group size. The Dangriga boat (on which the Half-Week guests leave) is smaller -- usually 29 feet -- because it does not carry any supplies. If you arrive late for any reason, you must charter a boat to catch up with us. The quoted price (see "If Late or Delayed") is for a smaller boat than either of the boats listed here. We strongly recommend you fly in a day early to avoid arriving late and having to make an open-sea crossing in a small skiff. Local Belizeans do this crossing in almost any conditions, but most guests are not used to traveling in a small boat in rough seas.
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