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
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.
$2,399
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
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.