Reefs & Cayes

8 days starting and ending in Placencia, Belize. Sun-Sun
$1775

Glide silently among the cayes and 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. Each night we return to our mainland hotel located right on the edge of the Caribbean waters. Our last days include a visit to Monkey River and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary where we'll take an unfortgettable hike into the beautiful Belizean jungles. Enjoy the relaxed rhythm of this Caribbean escape - you’re sure to come to back to Belize again and again.

Full Itinerary Additional Details
Aaron on a snorkeling trip to Hol Chan in BelizeBeth on a snorkeling tour in Belize

Summary

  • Day 1 : Arrive Placencia
  • Days 2-5 : Sea Kayaking
  • Day 6 : Monkey River Tour
  • Day 7 : Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Day 8 : Return Home
Request a Custom Quote
  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Travel Highlights
  • Placencia
  • Monkey River
  • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Belize Barrier Reef
  • Paddling
    PaddlingIncludes paddling activity such as sea kayaking or rafting.
  • Nature Viewing
    Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
  • Snorkeling
    SnorkelingIncludes opportunity for snorkeling or possibly SCUBA.
  • Hiking
    HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.

Details

Day 1 Arrive Placencia lodge

(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. 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 lodge

(4B,4L,4D)

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. You will spend 4 days exploring a half dozen of these tiny islands by kayak.

Each days paddling will take you to a different island, coral reef or marine habitat, where you will enjoy snorkeling amongst colorful corals and tropical fish.  Each of these islands has its unique character and a little something different to offer.  The inner cayes, sometimes referred to as The Range, offers not only snorkeling along coral patch reefs, but mangrove snorkeling as well.  Because these islands are less trafficked by tourists, there is an abundance of marine life.  Silk Cayes, sometimes called Queen Cayes, which lies directly on the Belize Barrier Reef, 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. In addition to these spectacular islands, we have the opportunity to paddle in the unique habitat of the Placencia Lagoon - a nursery for reef fish and home to the manatee.  

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 and kayak depending on the season.

Day 6 Monkey River Tour lodge

(B,L)

This trip departs about 8 a.m. in a powerboat for a 30 minute trip to Monkey River. Boat upriver searching the banks for howler monkeys, crocodiles, turtle, birds, etc. Coming back down the river we stop at a nature trail for a short hike to get a closer look at the monkeys. Returning to Monkey River Village, we have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch and a tour of the village, we head back to Placencia. On the way, weather permitting, we will stop at a location to spot manatees. Returns to Placencia around 3:00 p.m.

Day 7 Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary lodge

(L)

This tour departs at 7:30 a.m. for a little over an hour drive to the park. This park has great hiking trails throughout the beautiful jungle. The morning will be spent hiking trails, learning the natural history of the forest and birding. On rare occasion one might spot howler monkeys, tapir, peccary or other mammals. After lunch, there is the opportunity to hike up to the waterfall and take a cooling swim in the pool. Return to Placencia about 5:00 p.m.

Day 8 Return Home

(L)

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

Accommodations:

7 nights beachfront hotel

Single Supplement: $590

Meals Included:

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

Transportation:

kayaks, motor boat Group & Staff: Min 2 Max 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$140 for meals, US$40 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

Weekly Departures
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!

Map

Custom Quote

Request a Custom Quote
Mayan arch at Cahal Pech
Belize BoundWe chose the 8 day Hamanasi Adventure for our first eco trip into Central America. Adventure Life has been wonderful from the first stages of planning to the limo trip back home from the airport!
- Carol Libey and Jean Hoard
More Belize Travel Journals
The local guide was the very best. He went above and beyond. He was very, very knowledgeable, caring and thoughtful. I loved the kayaking and snorkeling. But the best part was that our ...
Kathy Riley
More Belize Testimonials