Trek through the jungles and towns of this Caribbean paradise while cruising the Belize Barrier Reef. This enchanted eight-day voyage is the ideal introduction to this ancient world. Visit the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the world's second-biggestbiggest coral reef. Hike through the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Refuge, which was designated the world's first jaguar sanctuary. Skiff the Rio Dulce, which is flanked by limestone cliffs, and kayak through the mangroves.
Highlights
Observe indigenous Mayan and Garifuna spectacular ruins
Enjoy the colors and flavors of the Caribbean at Punta Gorda & Livingston
Snorkel, paddle, and swim at Carrie Bow, Laughing Bird, and Ranguana Cayes
Watch for manatees, crocodiles, howler monkeys and the trail of jaguars
Trek through savannah, jungle, and to tiered waterfalls
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to the Caribbean coast! Our local representative greets you at the airport for your transfer to our hospitality area. Later, head to the Safari Voyager—sweeping views and a happy-to-see-you crew are the perfect welcome to your time in Belize and Guatemala.
Start your adventure with a day of play at the beach. Explore Ranguana Caye, a private island of two acres prime for snorkeling, swimming, and paddle boarding. Take a spin around with your water toy of choice or kick back in a hammock under swaying palms and watch the fishermen off shore. Cruise to Laughing Bird Caye National Park named after Belize’s laughing gull. Head out in your kayak or go for a guided snorkel where angelfish, parrotfish, tangs, sea sponges, and elkhorn, staghorn, and brain coral flicker beneath the clear waters. As the sun sets, circle back to Ranguana Caye where an under-the-stars beach party celebrates all things Caribbean.
Beat the heat and head for land early. Get acquainted with this lush corner of Belize via a birdwatching skiff tour, hard charging hike through the park’s savannah, or kayak through the mangroves. Black howler monkeys, white tail deer, crocodiles, and over 300 species of birds may join you along your way. And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the ripples of a manatee. At Punta Negra, a class on coconut or baked goods acquaints you with the local culture in the most delicious way. Bellies full from snacks and lunch, spend the afternoon kayaking or snorkeling in Frenchman's or West Snake Caye.
Explore Guatemala by its “sweet river,” the Rio Dulce. Glide past limestone cliffs where North American and Caribbean plates meet and jungles of howler monkeys and toucans tower above. Take it all in or grab a kayak and cruise the mangroves of lily pads past thatch-roofed homes. Stretch your legs in charming Livingston, a town perched on a hill lined with palms and packed with bustling shops and Caribbean flair. Go for an amble or take it up a notch with an optional hike from town to The Seven Altars waterfalls. The cooling waters ripple and cascade, never letting you forget that you’re in paradise.
Good morning, Punta Gorda! It’s market day and there’s something for everybody—wooden and woven crafts, produce, chilies, and tamales. Try a ripe mango or taste the local cassava as you stroll past primary colored buildings and hear a jumble of languages and dialects from the locals. For lunch, sample Mayan flavors paired with a cacao or coconut demonstration. Delve deeper into history with a trip to Mayan ruins. When it’s time to cool off, the cayes call with white sands and from-the-beach or hop-off-a skiff snorkeling. Sergeant major, purple reef fish, and damselfish zip below as pelicans sweep by overhead.
A jungle like no other. This protected area offers a range of hikes from easy ambles to thigh burners—all boasting incredible wildlife. Hear the call of a Crested Guan, Red-capped Manakin, Black-headed Trogon, or Amazon kingfisher. Keep your eyes up to arching palms and heart-shaped leaves tumbling from the trees or to the forest floor where leafcutter ants are on the move. A smooshed patch of grass and paw print mean the elusive jaguar may have shared your path—rest assured he’s the hardest charger of them all and is far along his journey. After your trek, soak in a lazy river in an inner tube or further your studies at the park’s museum. Top off the day with a visit and cultural demonstration from the local Garifuna people.
Ring in your last full day in style. Sail through the outer reef with a brunch cocktail in hand on deck—this water is something to see. A blanket of turquoise is covered in giant, bright green polka dots, different in color because of the sand and seagrass beneath. Cheers to adventure and your final stop in the Belize Barrier Reef at Carrie Bow Caye. Observe scientists at work in this Smithsonian Marine Field Station, where coral, seagrass, snails, and sea turtles are up for study. But don’t forget to play. Paddle boards, kayaks, and a stellar deep water snorkel with schools of blue and black fish call. Back on the Safari Voyager relive your week with the Captain’s Dinner and slideshow treat.
Linger over one last fresh baked pastry as you bid farewell to the Caribbean. Hugs all around to your crew and fellow travelers before your transfer to the Belize City Airport.
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.
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Navigator Cabin
Queen or twin beds, desk & chair, view window, private bath with shower. #103-108
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Trailblazer Cabin
Queen or twin beds, desk & chair, view window, private bath with shower. #205-206, 209-212, 215-222
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy
- Children ages 8-13 are welcome on all sailings and will received a $500 per child savings
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
