Have questions? We're here.
Kayak the clear blue waters of Belize

Lighthouse Reef Adventure

Belize Small Group Tour - Example 9 Day Tour
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Belize trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Explore the stunning and most remote group of islands, Lighthouse Atoll, on this active, small group 9-day Belize tour. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll kayak the atolls and snorkel to your heart's content at dozens of world-class spots, including the famous Blue Hole. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, you'll stay on Half Moon Caye, where incredible coral reef systems await your exploration. Snorkel Jacques Cousteau's infamous Great Blue Hole or, for a moment of tranquility, observe the local colony of red-footed boobies and frigate birds. For a mix of activities and interests, the white sand beaches, comfortable hammocks, and tropical reefs await your arrival.
Snorkel along the Belizian reefAttach a sail to your kayak for peaceful driftingPristine Belizean atollsKayak the tranquil tropical waters of BelizeIsolated islands await your arrival on your Belize tourSnorkel the vibrant reef system in the pristine atollsKayak the clear blue waters of Belize
Highlights
  • Sea kayak & snorkel Lighthouse Reef’s pristine and clear waters
  • Discover the rich marine reef ecology and colorful coral reefs with knowledgeable guides
  • Visit the Great Blue Hole, a famous sinkhole formation with vibrant corals
  • View a colony of over 4,000 red-footed boobies
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive Belize

Arrive at Belize City International Airport and meet your local representative for a 20-minute transfer to the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel. Check in, settle into the new surroundings, and rest after your journey. Dinner is available at the hotel restaurant and is at your own expense. Prepare to meet fellow travelers in the lobby the next morning.

*This is a base camping experience. Accommodations consist of wall-to-wall tented cabanas, spacious safari-style tents set on raised wooden platforms. Each tent offers ample headroom and features real wood-framed beds with 6-inch foam mattresses. Tents can be arranged with either double or single beds, and all linens are provided.

 

Day 2: Arrive Halfmoon Caye

Meet a representative at 8:30 a.m. in the Biltmore Plaza Hotel lobby. After a quick stop at a local shop, transfer to a private motorboat and journey 56 miles offshore, passing mangrove ranges and white sand cayes en route to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize’s most remote island group. On arrival at Half Moon Caye, your guide team welcomes you with an orientation and helps you get settled into camp. Enjoy a late lunch, followed by an introductory session on sea kayaking and snorkeling before heading out onto the water.

Day 3-8: Activities at Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Due to its isolated location from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef offer exceptionally clear views, boasting abundant fish populations and colorful coral reefs, making it one of the best spots for sea kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving in Belize.

Throughout your stay, you'll have ample opportunities to learn from your guides about the marine reef ecology, local flora and fauna, and the island's coconut and littoral forest, which is unusual for a coastal area. Half Moon Caye, a stunning 45-acre nature preserve, is home to a colony of red-footed boobies and a rookery of magnificent frigatebirds. You'll visit viewing platforms built by the Belize Audubon Society to observe nesting sites on the island.

Over the coming days, you can also explore a disappearing shipwreck just north of the caye. Activities will be tailored daily based on weather conditions and group preferences. Alternatively, relax in a hammock with a good book and a cold beverage.

Later in the trip, journey to the world-renowned Great Blue Hole, a massive collapsed sinkhole adorned with soft and hard corals of various colors, which was made famous by ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. Travel the 6-mile (9.5 km) distance by motorboat or kayak to reach this perfectly circular formation within the Lighthouse Reef atoll.

Continue exploring deeper into the atoll with extended fishing trips, visits to new patch reefs, or downwind paddle trips on SUPs, all chosen by your guides to suit the day's conditions and your interests.

On the final night, enjoy a special dinner prepared just for you by the cooks. Following dinner, immerse yourself in a cultural presentation featuring drumming and dancing to celebrate your last night at Half Moon Caye.

*Due to the remote location of the Lighthouse Reef Basecamp, the activities on the reef portion of this trip are weather-dependent and are subject to change.

Day 9: Depart Lighthouse Reef

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
The choice is yours for your last morning at Lighthouse Reef. Snorkel your favorite reefs, walk the island trails, swing in a hammock, or beachcomb along the immaculate island beaches.

After lunch, a motor charter will arrive to take you back to the mainland. This journey will take you through Turneffe Atoll, across the Great Barrier Reef, and you'll arrive at the Belize City Biltmore Hotel by late afternoon.

For travelers leaving Belize after this trip, we strongly recommend spending a night in Belize City. International connections out of the country require a departure the following day. Talk to your Adventure Life Trip Planner about hotel reservations in Belize City or extending your Belize itinerary by combining this trip with another adventure. 

Accommodations

Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza

Biltmore Bar
Biltmore Plaza, Patio
Deluxe Room

Basecamp on Half Moon Caye

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Dec 19, 2025from $2,999
  • Dec 26, 2025from $2,999
  • Dec 30, 2025from $2,999
  • Jan 2, 2026from $2,999
  • Jan 9, 2026from $2,999
  • Jan 16, 2026from $2,999
  • Jan 23, 2026from $2,999
  • Feb 6, 2026from $2,999
  • Feb 13, 2026from $2,999
  • Feb 20, 2026from $2,999
  • Feb 27, 2026from $2,999
  • Mar 6, 2026from $2,999
  • Mar 13, 2026from $2,999
  • Mar 20, 2026from $2,999
  • Mar 27, 2026from $2,999
  • Apr 3, 2026from $2,999
  • Apr 10, 2026from $2,999
  • Apr 17, 2026from $2,999
<Dec 2025>
SMTWTFS
30123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031123
Per person starting at
$2,999

Notes

Price includes Gov't Fees & Taxes.

Alternative 6 day options available. Please contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • 8 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental
  • Park fees and taxes
  • Boat transfers between locations
  • Guided activities and equipment (as per itinerary)
  • 7-night safari-style "basecamp" accommodations
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Departure Transfer
  • Scuba Diving
  • Costs incurred by flight delays
  • Medical insurance
  • Snorkel/Scuba gear
  • Mainland accommodations

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

Popular Add-ons

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

Belize Travel Guide

Favorite Belize Belize All Trips

Top Belize Travel Destinations

Belize Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Belize

Belize Trips by Duration

Belize Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By