Lighthouse Reef Adventure
Visit Un-comparable Half-moon Caye National Monument - Tropical Wildlife & Hidden Coral Reefs!
On the furthest boundary of the Belize reef system, at world renowned Lighthouse Atoll, we have established the first ever Adventure Basecamp.
Here, we sea kayak, snorkel and scuba dive; learn about reef ecology enjoy incredible seafood feasts and all in all take in one of the most beautiful island and coral reef settings you can possibly imagine. Lighthouse Reef Atoll, located fifty miles offshore of the Belize mainland, shelters within the heart of it's lagoon, the 400 foot deep "Blue Hole", perhaps one of the most extraordinary underwater phenomena in the western hemisphere.
Developed along the lines of our hugely successful Glovers Reef trip, the Lighthouse Basecamp opens up, for the first time, over 50 miles of wilderness reefs and islands to explore by sea kayak. A one of a kind underwater marine trail, superb snorkelling from our beach, unique island forests and some of the best dive locations in the world all contribute to make this the most exciting new basecamp trip in Belize.
Here, we sea kayak, snorkel and scuba dive; learn about reef ecology enjoy incredible seafood feasts and all in all take in one of the most beautiful island and coral reef settings you can possibly imagine. Lighthouse Reef Atoll, located fifty miles offshore of the Belize mainland, shelters within the heart of it's lagoon, the 400 foot deep "Blue Hole", perhaps one of the most extraordinary underwater phenomena in the western hemisphere.
Developed along the lines of our hugely successful Glovers Reef trip, the Lighthouse Basecamp opens up, for the first time, over 50 miles of wilderness reefs and islands to explore by sea kayak. A one of a kind underwater marine trail, superb snorkelling from our beach, unique island forests and some of the best dive locations in the world all contribute to make this the most exciting new basecamp trip in Belize.
Price
From: USD1699 per person (7 Days)
Price Includes
- Comprehensive pre-trip information package
- All meals, accommodations and transfers described in the tour
- Unlimited use of our Equipment
- Accommodation on the day before the trip (‘Day 0’) and the final night
- Professional Guiding Services (both N. American & Belizean Guides)
- -Transfer back to the Airport after the trip Gratuities -International Flights & Airport Departure Tax -Snorkelling or Dive Gear & Scuba Diving Fees -Extra costs due to late Arrivals and other circumstances beyond our control
Day 0 :Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you will be met by an Island Expeditions representative and transferred to the Birds Eye View Lodge, in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. After checking into our accommodations we have a chance to
meet our fellow travellers and enjoy a fine meal and as time permits explore Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s oldest Creole Settlement. Transfers from the airport, dinner activities and lodging are included. This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travellers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment.
Meals: Dinner
Day 1: Coffee is served at sunrise, and with binoculars in hand, we enjoy the waking wilderness and many hundreds of birds feeding right in front of the lodge along the shores of the Crooked Tree lagoons. After a healthy Belizean breakfast we’ll embark by
boat to explore the area. Throughout the sanctuary we have tremendous birding and wildlife opportunities: iguana, turtle, parrot, ibis and Morlet’s crocodile are frequently seen. Later in the day, we’ll drive along the old Belize Road to the sea where we board
our motor charter that takes us through white sand cays and mangrove ranges, then past the main barrier reef to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, at the furthest edge of the Belize Reef System, 55 miles offshore of the mainland. On reaching Halfmoon Cay your guide
team will orient you to our new island setting and settle you into your accommodations and camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2,3,4: Due to it’s isolation from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean. To begin, the
guides provide instruction; teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkelling and safety in the tropics.Over the next few days we have many options to explore, including a shipwreck that looms just north of the caye. In 1971, a ship named the Ermlund lost power during a storm and was deposited on the reef by a large wave. This 4000 ton wreck sits silent as a landmark and is one of many shipwrecks in the area that serve as a constant reminder of the hazards of navigating these waters. We also have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology and the island’s mangrove and interior forest habitat spread over the park’s 45 acres. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a 4,000 red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms to intimately observe the many nesting sites. And, of course, we always have the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold drink!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: The "aquarium" is today’s big adventure. We pack a hearty lunch and our snorkel gear in our kayaks and paddle with motor support. This dive spot is known for its profusion of fish and towering coral formations. We return home, stopping at the Half-moon Wall for a spectacular drift snorkel over the undersea cliff of the atoll.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Today, we paddle along the protected waters of the southern reef to Long Caye where we have a chance to snorkel some of the atoll’s best patch reefs. After a full day of exploring, we return just in time for a wonderful seafood dinner prepared by our cooks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: For our last morning at Lighthouse, the choice is yours. Don a mask, snorkel and fins for a visit to a favourite patch reef enjoy walking the island trails or beach comb along the island beaches before the motor charter arrives to pick us up for the return boat trip back to the mainland. We transfer to the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel where we can enjoy a fresh shower and a swim in the pool.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner is not included on this day
meet our fellow travellers and enjoy a fine meal and as time permits explore Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s oldest Creole Settlement. Transfers from the airport, dinner activities and lodging are included. This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travellers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment.
Meals: Dinner
Day 1: Coffee is served at sunrise, and with binoculars in hand, we enjoy the waking wilderness and many hundreds of birds feeding right in front of the lodge along the shores of the Crooked Tree lagoons. After a healthy Belizean breakfast we’ll embark by
boat to explore the area. Throughout the sanctuary we have tremendous birding and wildlife opportunities: iguana, turtle, parrot, ibis and Morlet’s crocodile are frequently seen. Later in the day, we’ll drive along the old Belize Road to the sea where we board
our motor charter that takes us through white sand cays and mangrove ranges, then past the main barrier reef to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, at the furthest edge of the Belize Reef System, 55 miles offshore of the mainland. On reaching Halfmoon Cay your guide
team will orient you to our new island setting and settle you into your accommodations and camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2,3,4: Due to it’s isolation from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean. To begin, the
guides provide instruction; teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkelling and safety in the tropics.Over the next few days we have many options to explore, including a shipwreck that looms just north of the caye. In 1971, a ship named the Ermlund lost power during a storm and was deposited on the reef by a large wave. This 4000 ton wreck sits silent as a landmark and is one of many shipwrecks in the area that serve as a constant reminder of the hazards of navigating these waters. We also have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology and the island’s mangrove and interior forest habitat spread over the park’s 45 acres. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a 4,000 red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms to intimately observe the many nesting sites. And, of course, we always have the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold drink!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: The "aquarium" is today’s big adventure. We pack a hearty lunch and our snorkel gear in our kayaks and paddle with motor support. This dive spot is known for its profusion of fish and towering coral formations. We return home, stopping at the Half-moon Wall for a spectacular drift snorkel over the undersea cliff of the atoll.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Today, we paddle along the protected waters of the southern reef to Long Caye where we have a chance to snorkel some of the atoll’s best patch reefs. After a full day of exploring, we return just in time for a wonderful seafood dinner prepared by our cooks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: For our last morning at Lighthouse, the choice is yours. Don a mask, snorkel and fins for a visit to a favourite patch reef enjoy walking the island trails or beach comb along the island beaches before the motor charter arrives to pick us up for the return boat trip back to the mainland. We transfer to the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel where we can enjoy a fresh shower and a swim in the pool.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner is not included on this day
Accommodation Details
day 0, we overnight in our forest cabanas at the Tropical Education centre (TEC). Here we are able to experience first-hand the wondrous tropical wildlife of Belize at the Belize Zoo and at the TEC there is also a fantastic interpretative centre with a network of trails and wildlife viewing platforms, perfect for exploring the pine savannah setting.
Day 1 to 6 we are "base camping", sleeping in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents have ample headroom to walk around and are on raised wooden floors with double or single beds.
On the final night we will be staying at the Belize Biltmore Hotel in Belize City. This is a modern and comfortable hotel, located 5 miles north of Belize City, with a central courtyard and swimming pool to relax and unwind.
The Lowdown
Main Activity: Multi-ActivitySuitability: Moderate
Company: Island Expeditions
Location: Belize City
Region: Belize, Central America
Months Available: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December -
Activities Include: Sea Kayaking, paddling, sailing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Birding, Photography, Natural & Cultural History Interpretation
Destinations Visited: Belize
Price: From
USD
$
1699 (7 Days , Flights Not Included)
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