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Diving among the reef and marine life

A Voyage to Belize: Wildlife, Reefs, and Rivers

Example 6 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Quest
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Discover the tropical wonders of Belize on a voyage along the country’s remote southern coast. Using the National Geographic Quest as your base for exploration, snorkel the coral of the Belize barrier reef, skirt the shores of white-sand islands by kayak and stand-up paddle board, and swim in turquoise lagoons teeming with marine life. Head inland to explore lush jungles on foot; and cruise coastal rivers in Zodiacs, seeking out howler monkeys and toucans in the surrounding rainforest canopy. The experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose, whether it’s light or moderate or a little of both. Your itinerary includes Zodiac cruises and easy hikes, with options each day for more physical activities such as longer hikes, kayaking, snorkeling, or biking. Scuba diving is offered at additional cost.
Life in an underwater worldKayaking in BelizeJaguar up in the treeSnorkel to find the blacknosed butterflyfish.Toucan in jungleDiving among the reef and marine life
Highlights
  • Cruise through the Belizean jungle, in search of toucans, green iguanas, and myriad bird species
  • Encounter sea turtles, swirling schools of tropical fish, and harmless nurse sharks
  • Enjoy a festive Garifuna Collective music performance
  • Snorkel, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and scuba dive on this adventure
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Guatemala City, Guatemala | Puerto Barrios | Embark

Arrive in Guatemala City and connect with your charter flight to Puerto Barrios, where you'll embark the National Geographic Quest.

Day 2: Monkey River, Belize | Laughing Caye National Park

Sail the southern coast of Belize to the mouth of Monkey River and board Zodiacs to cruise inland through the Belizean jungle, in search of toucans, green iguanas, and myriad bird species. This afternoon, anchor in Laughing Bird Caye National Park, home to idyllic sandy isles and a portion of the Belize barrier reef. Take to the water by snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. For scuba divers, incredible diving opportunities abound (additional cost).

Day 3: Belize Barrier Reef

Enjoy a full day to further explore the reef, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in terms of biodiversity. Don a mask and fins and dive into turquoise waters to encounter sea turtles, swirling schools of tropical fish, and harmless nurse sharks. Conditions permitting, Go ashore for a beach barbecue this afternoon or evening.

Day 4: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary | Manatee or Sittee River

Spend the morning discovering the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar reserve. Join your naturalists for a hike along one of the reserve’s many nature trails to photograph tropical plants, scan the treetops for winged wonders, and spot the tracks of tapirs and jungle cats. Visit a Maya handicraft center, then cruise the mangrove forests of the Manatee or Sittee River. Tonight, an internationally acclaimed drumming group, The Garifuna Collective, joins us on board for a festive music performance.

Day 5: Lighthouse Reef

Sail to Lighthouse Reef and go snorkeling, paddleboarding, diving, or kayaking inside its fringing reef. The shallow lagoon is dotted with hundreds of coral patches that harbor parrotfish, butterflyfish, octopus, and other marine species.

Day 6: Puerto Santo Tomas | Disembark | Guatemala

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Puerto Santo Tomas and catch your charter flight to Guatemala City, where you’ll connect with your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Quest

Guests explore by zodiac from the ship National Geographic Quest in Rudyerd Bay, Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness, Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Dining Area
Fitness Center

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Belize Tours & Cruises.
Category 1
Category 1
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Category 2
Category 2
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Category 3
Category 3
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and a large view window. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Cabin Category 4
Category 4
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door, and small, private balcony. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Category 5
Category 5
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available, but is subject to availability. 
 

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • 24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Private transfers (except when indicated as included)

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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