9 Days / 8 Nights

This unique adventure package will take you on a fully guided excursion kayaking through lush jungle and pristine islands.  From your arrival to your departure a local naturalist guide will be with you revealing the many wonders you will encounter along the way.  The first part of your journet will take you through the Indian Creek Trail. This trail joins 3 protected areas: Monkey Bay National Park, Five Blues Lake National Park and Manatee Forest Reserve.  It forms part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, an ambitious effort to unite Central American protected areas across 7 countries to form one continuous stretch of jungle.  The 30 mile river stream along this trail will take you through a rich broadleaf forest environment, where encounters with birds and wildlife are very good.  You will also pass 7 caves with interesting geological formations and ancient Mayan artifacts within.  You will be camping along the trail so you will be completely immersed in this lush jungle environment. After your river kayaking adventure in the jungle, you will head to the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. This reserve is located in the southern tip of the Barrier Reef and covers 125 square kilometers and includes 14 islands.  The waters are crystal clear and because of the remoteness of these islands, the coral reef is very healthy.  Kayaking is a great way to explore this area by island-hopping, snorkeling and fishing. Your naturalist guide will teach you about the diverse ecology of these waters.  Hunting Caye and Lime Caye, which will be some of the islands you will visit, both have spectacular beaches.  You will be camping on the beach of one of these picturesque islands. You can dive for some lobster or catch some fish and make a fresh seafood dinner. At night you can share stories over the campfire and enjoy the stars. The sea kayaking is designed for all experience levels, even if you've never kayaked before. There is a support boat with you the entire time so you can paddle as much or as little as you like. This 9 day adventure will take you through some of the wildest areas of Belize.

Itinerary & What's Included:
-  You will be welcomed at the International Airport by a representative of DiscoveringBelize.com
-  Private Transfer from International Airport to Tropical Education Center to check in
-  Night Tour of the Belize Zoo
-  1 Night Stay at the Tropical Education Center
-  Next Morning, Tour of a small Mayan village
-  3 Days & 2 Nights Hiking, Kayaking & Camping along the Indian Creek Trail
-  Pick up at the end of the trail and transfer to the Tropical Education Center for 1 Night
-  Next Morning, Private Transfer to Belize City with a walking tour of the city & group lunch at a local Restaurant
-  Local flight from Belize City to Punta Gorda
-  Private Transfer from Punta Gorda Airstrip to Coral House Inn to check in
-  Group Dinner in Punta Gorda Town
-  1 Night Stay at Coral House Inn
-  Next Morning, Walking Tour of Puta Gorda Town
-  3 Days & 2 Nights Camping, Kayaking, Island Hopping, Snorkeling & Fishing on the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve with your base being on Lime Caye
-  Tour of the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve & Payne's Creek National Park
-  Back to Punta Gorda to Coral House Inn to check in
-  For your last night you will be entertained by a local Garifuna dancing and drumming group and be served a delicious barbecue at Coral House Inn
-  Next Morning, Local flight from Punta Gorda to the International Airport, Goodbye Belize : (
-  This itinerary includes an expert naturalist guide from your arrival to your departure. He will be your guide throughout this entire journey, following your every footsteps and sharing his deep knowledge of the country
-  Every Meal for the entire 9 Days including meals at Restaurants
-  All camping, kayaking, snorkeling and other equipment for the entire trip
-  All Transfers, by Land, Boat & Air within the Country
-  The smile on your face at the end of the trip is free

Doesn’t Include:
-  Departure Tax
-  International Flight

Rates are per person and in US Dollars
Price is valid year round
Diving is available off of Lime Caye on the Sapodilla Cayes for the Supplement Fee

Belize Zoo Tropical Education Center in Central Belize

This eco-tourism facility is situated on an 84 acre lush savannah adjacent to the renowned Belize Zoo.  It has hosted the late conservationist Steve Erwin (a.k.a. the Crocodile Hunter) and actress Cameron Diaz.  Several nature trails take you around the area and the Bird Deck is excellent for spotting the many types of birds native to this habitat.  The resort is environmentally friendly and promotes education and research.  Birds without Borders uses it as a base for many of its local studies on Belize’s bird life.  There is a dining area, classroom and library.  You will be staying in double occupancy Forest Cabanas with a shared bathroom and showers.  The entrance to the Indian Creek Trail is 1 hour away by car.

Coral House Inn in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is the main hub of southern Belize.  This vibrant little town beside the sea has great culture and much to explore along its streets.  Coral House Inn is located on the quiet end of Main Street.  The décor is a delicate combination of old and new, preserving some of the classic feel of this remodeled old building with great contemporary touches.  It’s surrounded by lush gardens and has a nice view of the sea.  The owners are great hosts and will insure a warm welcome to all visitors.  They also have a nice pool and complimentary bikes.  Overall it’s a comfortable and charming guesthouse in Punta Gorda.  From here you will take the boat ride out to the Sapodilla Cayes.

Camping & Equipment for the Indian Creek Trail Kayaking & Hiking Adventure & the Sapodilla Cayes Sea Kayaking & Island Hopping Adventure

On the Indian Creek Trail you will camp out 2 nights at designated camp sites along the trail.  You will sleep on Hennessy hammocks which are cool and comfortable and also come with mosquito netting and rain guards.  You will be beside the river and engulfed by the sounds of the jungle at night.  Food is done by campfire and includes rice, potatoes, canned beef, boiled eggs, cereal, pasta tuna and other such type of food.  Coffee is also served.  Ceramic water filters are used for purified water.  Bathroom is jungle-style.  Kayaking is done on inflatable kayaks with helmets.  On the Sapodilla Cayes you will be camping for 2 nights on the beach of Lime Caye on double occupancy tents.  Kayaking will be done on hard shell kayaks; snorkeling gear is included.  There is a kitchen on the island where you’ll have meals with lots of fresh seafood.  There are also bathroom/shower facilities on the island.

Day 1 & 2: Arrival, Night Tour of Belize Zoo, Tour of Maya Village & Start Indian Creek Trail Kayaking & Hiking Adventure

You will arrive at the International Airport where your guide will greet you and take you to the Tropical Education Center.  During dinner you will get to know all the members of the group and the guide will brief you on the Indian Creek Trail.  Next you will go on a Night Tour of the Belize Zoo, where not only will you see the animals of the zoo itself but also the animals in the surrounding trees that come alive at night.  Next day, after breakfast you will head to St. Margaret’s Village a small Mayan village where you will learn about their local culture.  You’ll then continue to the head of the trail and put in your kayaks in the river.  The guide will teach you various maneuvers on the kayak and then you’re on your way.  The broadleaf hardwood forest has a high canopy, a diversity of flora and fauna including tapirs, howler monkeys, wild cats and many birds.  First night camping beside the river.

Day 3 & 4: Finish Indian Creek Trail Kayaking & Hiking Adventure & Relax at the Tropical Education Center

Your guide is an expert naturalist and will reveal all manner of wonder beneath the continuous blanket of green.  You will learn to distinguish animal tracts, the medicinal uses of various plants, to identify birds, about various insects and fungi.  Through his interpretation you will learn about the incredible diversity of life that flourishes in the forest.  As you kayak down the creek you will go through calm water and some areas with a faster current and rocks which you have to maneuver around.  You will also make several stops while kayaking to explore jungle trails.  Along the entire trip there are 5 caves systems to explore, many with ancient Mayan artifacts within.  After your second night of camping you will finish the last part of the trail where you will be picked up by our driver.  You will head back to the Tropical Education Center to relax and take a much deserved shower!

Day 5: Belize City History Tour, Fly to Punta Gorda & Group Dinner

After breakfast at the Tropical Education Center you will drive to Belize City where you will get a tour of the city.  This is where the country was founded and it holds a rich history.  You will visit various sites and monuments like St. John’s Cathedral, built from bricks used as ballasts (weights) on the ships from Britain.  You will also get a chance to explore the downtown area.  After the tour you will have a lunch at a local restaurant renowned for its traditional Belizean dishes.  You will get a chance to say goodbye to your Indian Creek Trail guide before boarding your local flight to fly to Punta Gorda.  When you arrive you will be greeted by your guide for the second half of your trip.  You’ll settle into the Coral House Inn and have the afternoon to relax.  You’ll have a group dinner at a local restaurant where you guide will brief you on the Sapodilla Cayes trip.   

Day 6 & 7: Punta Gorda Town Tour, Start of Sapodilla Cayes Sea Kayaking & Island Hopping Adventure

After breakfast at the Coral House Inn you will take a walk around town and learn about its history.  Particularly fun is the market where farmers from surrounding villages come to sell their produce and fishermen come to sell their catch.  Then it’s off by boat to the Sapodilla Cayes.  You will set up camp on Lime Caye which will be your base for exploring the surrounding waters.  Do some island hopping by kayak to nearby island like Hunting Caye which has a beautiful halfmoon shaped beach.  It is also a nesting site for Hawksbill turtles.  The snorkeling is great with shallow fringe reefs around the islands and extensive spur and groove formations along the barrier reef.  There is even a shipwreck to be explored.  Certified divers have the option to dive too.  Other activities include fishing, relaxing and bonfires on the beach.  Two nights camping.

Day 8 & 9: End Sapodilla Cayes Sea Kayaking & Island Hopping Adventure, Tour of Port of Honduras Marine Reserve & Payne's Creek National Park, Entertainment by Garifuna Music Band, Group Barbecue & Departure

After packing up camp and an early breakfast you will explore the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve, covering 500 square miles south of the Sapodillas.  First stop is West Snake Caye where you can go look for snakes in the mangroves and relax on it’s beautiful beach.  Next you’ll go to Abalone Caye where a park ranger will brief you on the marine reserve and its conservation efforts.  Then you’re off to Paynes Creek National Park covering 39,000 acres of broadleaf forests, mangroves and savannahs.  You will maneuver around its many creeks spotting birds and wildlife.  This is an important breeding ground for Manatees.  Then it’s back to Punta Gorda to settle into the Coral House Inn.  For your last night you will be entertained by a group of Garifuna drummers and dancers and feast on a delicious barbeque by the pool.  Next day you’ll take your local flight back to the International Airport.