Explore the stunning Lighthouse Atoll on this active 9-day Belize tour. Paddle the atolls by kayak and snorkel to your heart's content to dozens of world-class snorkeling and kayaking spots such as the famous Blue Hole. The Lighthouse Atoll is a 22 mile long by 5 mile wide shallow lake that is 6-20 feet deep composed of several Cayes like, Sandbore Caye, Northern Caye, Half Moon Caye, Saddle Caye, Long Caye, and Hat Caye. Visit an old shipwreck and soak up the sun as you relax on this island getaway. White sand beaches, comfortable hammocks, and tropical reefs are waiting.
Highlights
Snorkel the rich reef system of Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Visit the Ermlund, a 1971 ship wreck
Kayak to The Aquarium, a dive spot known for its abundance of fish & coral
View over a colony of over 4,000 red-footed boobies
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Arrive at the Belize International Airport and meet your guide. Transfer to the Bird's Eye View Lodge in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and check in to your room. Enjoy some time getting to know your fellow travelers and enjoy dinner. If time permits, explore Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s oldest Creole settlements. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, with its swamps, wetlands and four lagoons, provides an ideal resting place for thousands of migrating and
resident birds.
Enjoy a steaming mug of coffee at sunrise and, with binoculars in hand, watch as the surrounding wilderness and hundreds of birds wake for their day. After a healthy Belizean breakfast, embark by boat to explore the area. Throughout the sanctuary, hope to view iguana, turtle, parrot, ibis, and Morlet’s crocodile.
Later in the morning, drive along the old Belize Road to the sea, and meet a motorized charter which takes you through white sand caves and mangrove ranges, past the main Barrier Reef to Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Upon reaching Half Moon Caye, settle in to your new island setting and enjoy a late lunch before heading out for an afternoon snorkel or kayak around Half Moon Caye.
Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system which offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the Caribbean. To begin, the guides provide instruction; teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling, and safety in the tropics.
Over the course of several days, explore the area. Visit the Ermlund, a shipwreck that looms just north of the caye and wrecked in 1971. This 4000-ton wreck sits silently as a landmark, and is one of many shipwrecks in the area that serve as constant reminders of the hazards of navigating these waters. Another day, visit the renowned Great Blue Hole with a motor-supported kayak sailing excursion. Take the chance to learn from your guides about the marine reef ecology and the island’s mangrove habitat that spreads over the park’s 45 acres. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a 4,000 strong red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms to intimately observe the many nesting sites.
Each day, a variety of activities are offered, including beachcombing, kayaking to a shipwreck that has washed up on the reef, and snorkeling in the shallow waters around the aquarium.
Today's main excursion is the famous "Blue Hole" of Jacques Cousteau. We kayak and sail to a remarkable underwater sinkhole noted for its abundance of fish and soaring coral structures. One of our visitors' preferred activities is snorkeling at the "Blue Hole."
We pause at Half Moon Wall for a drift snorkel over an underwater wall on the way back to camp. On our departure night, we enjoy tropical cocktails, a special supper, and a lot of Garifuna drumming, dancing, and singing.
The choice is yours for your last morning at Lighthouse Reef. Snorkel your favorite patch reefs, walk the island trails, swing in a hammock or beachcomb along the immaculate island beaches. After lunch a motor charter arrives, and you’ll begin to prepare for your trip back to the mainland. This return journey takes you through Turneffe atoll across the Great Barrier Reef, and you’ll arrive at the Belize Biltmore Hotel usually by late afternoon. You can enjoy a fresh shower and swim in the hotel’s pool. Your final evening is reserved for relaxing at the hotel or exploring the local area.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,999
Notes
Select a Date
Price includes Gov't Fees & Taxes.
Alternative 6 day options available. Please contact us for details.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.