HIGHLIGHTS KAYAKING AND SNORKELING BELIZE MARCH 10-16, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Kayak in warm Caribbean waters over reefs full of diverse marine life Snorkel among reefs teeming with brightly colored fish Try your hand at kayak sailing or stand up paddleboarding Learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit this unspoiled marine environment Stay in small, hospitable, locally run lodges Feast on freshly prepared Belizean cuisine Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Mar 10-16, 2018 Location: Paradise Islands, Belize Cost: $2,395.00 Activities: Kayaking Arrive: The Belize airport (BZE) any time before 2pm on Saturday March 10 Depart: March 16, it takes 2 hours to return to Belize City and get through the lines at the international airport so don't plan a flight before 11:30 am TRIP OVERVIEW The Paradise Islands of Belize, located in the less developed southern region of Belize's Barrier Reef, remain close to a pristine marine ecosystem. We'll kayak through the shallow reef-strewn waters, snorkel to our hearts content, go to sleep lulled by the sound of ocean waves breaking on the shore, and fill each day with lots of exercise, delicious food, and the kind of relaxation that stems from immersion in a very different world and way of life. Maximum group size: 12 RATING This trip is designed for women in good condition who want an active vacation in a warm winter environment. Our days are full, although there is time to relax built into each one and also the option to opt out of activities if you want more downtime. The most kayaking we do in one day is 6 miles, with 3-4 miles being more typical. You should have some prior kayaking experience and be comfortable on the water as you may be paddling in rough or windy conditions at times. If you have quite limited kayaking experience, Belize: Beaches, Jungles and Ruins, would be a better choice. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED An Adventures in Good Company guide A Belizean guide (male) for 8, 2 guides for more than 8 Six nights double occupancy lodging Meals from dinner on Saturday through breakfast the following Friday All kayaking and snorkeling equipment and instruction. Both single and double kayaks are available; depending on everyone's preferences, we cannot guarantee a single kayak for the entire time. All taxes and park fees Not included: Travel to and from Belize City or from Dangriga to Belize City (about $100 by plane or $5 by local bus), alcoholic beverages, snacks, optional activities, guide gratuities, and travel insurance. The Maya World extension is $649. The Rainforest Canopy extension is $539.
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. D A Y 1 MARCH 10, SATURDAY Arrive at the Belize International Airport by 2pm today; you'll be met and transferred to the Biltmore Hotel where the group gathers at 3pm. From there we go to the Tropical Education Centre, adjacent to the Belize Zoo and our lodging for the first night. We will be staying in Forest Cabanas, situated in the midst of idyllic tropical pine forest with a network of interpretative trails and wildlife viewing platforms at our doorstep. You can start getting ready for the adventure at the Interpretive Centre, which details the diverse ecology of Belize and is an ideal introduction. About 6 pm we'll gather for introductions and share a "Welcome to Belize Dinner." If you're not too tired, we highly recommend joining us for an optional nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo. Jaguars, ocelots, tapirs and other native species provide our first introduction to Belize's amazing wildlife. D A Y 2 MARCH 11, SUNDAY Our first day in the Tropics. We start the morning with a drive over the Maya Mountains, where a charter boat takes us to our first of the aptly named Paradise Islands on the Southern Barrier Reef. We'll meet our Belizean guide team who will give us an overview of tropical marine safety. We'll then begin with kayaking instruction: safety, group and self-rescues, and touring techniques with an emphasis on how to use our muscles most efficiently and how to get in and out of kayaks safely. If you've never received formal instruction, you'll be surprised how much a few basic tips can improve your kayaking. After a break for a swim, some time to explore the island shoreline, and a tasty Belizean lunch, we'll practice our new strokes and become familiar with the local waters. We'll return to our lodging, enjoy drinks and dinner, and be lulled to sleep by the sound of ocean waves. D A Y 3 MARCH 12, MONDAY For those who love the early morning, watching the sun rise is the perfect way to start your day. After breakfast we'll have our first snorkeling demo and instruction, learning both beginning and advanced skills as appropriate, at the Tobacco Caye cut and outer reef walls. In the afternoon we'll paddle to nearby reefs to snorkel and explore healthy and vibrant coral and brightly colored fish. Staying right on the Barrier Reef in the heart of the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, we are ideally situated to explore all the surrounding reefs and cayes.we'll return that night to our lodge on Tobacco Caye and another delicious dinner.
D A Y 4 MARCH 13, TUESDAY This morning we'll pack all our clothes into our personal gear and head south along the Barrier Reef crest to Southwater Caye and our lodge for the next 3 nights. We'll start with an introduction to kayak sailing - nothing like letting the wind do some of the work for you! We'll paddle and sail our kayaks along one of the most beautiful sections of the entire reef system. The clear, shallow waters reveal an abundance of marine life: southern stingrays, eagle rays, nurse sharks (they're safe, don't worry), grouper, and more. Landing on the beach near our lodge, we'll be glad for a cold drink, a chance to relax, and a swim to cool off. In the afternoon we take a short paddle to a nearby island that is home to the Smithsonian Institute, here we are treated to a tour of the research lab. As the sun sets it's time to enjoy a well earned dinner that will recharge us after our full day. We'll spend tonight and the next two nights at Southwater Caye. D A Y 5 MARCH 14, WEDNESDAY We're staying at the same lodge tonight so we have lots of flexibility today and lots of time to kayak, snorkel, fish, enjoy the marine life of Belize and - dare we say it - even relax if we choose. We'll explore both the inner and outer walls of the reef, follow wandering paths through mangrove ranges, and dip into protected lagoons. We gain insight into the lives of the fishermen who make this area their home and their living from the sea. Ho Hum, just another day in Paradise. D A Y 6 MARCH 15, THURSDAY Today we spend our last full day kayaking to Billy Hawk Caye, formerly a Garifuna Fishing Camp, located in the Blue Ground Range. Arriving in time for lunch, we'll have time to relax in the most idyllic hammock setting and recharge for an afternoon of snorkeling. Sadly we leave our kayaks on this island and enjoy a fun boat ride back to South Caye. This evening we'll celebrate our final evening together with a feast and a chance to enjoy island festivities.
D A Y 7 MARCH 16, FRIDAY After an early breakfast our water taxi carries us back to the mainland and the town of Dangriga, where the trip finishes. We'll collect and repack any clothing/suitcases we left at the Operations Base and arrange taxis for those who have the short connecting flight to the Belize International Airport or local bus station. It is safe for women to take the local buses by themselves so if this is your preferred mode of transportation, don't hesitate to try it. If you are making an international connection that day, be sure to book your flight after 11:30am if you fly from Dangriga and after 4:00pm if you take the bus.
EXTENSIONS: If you think it's way too soon to head home, don't. Instead, join us on one of two optional extensions. MAYA WORLD MARCH 16-18, 2018 / COST: $649 The Maya World Extension is a three day inland adventure to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, home to some of the best birding and wildlife viewing in Belize. By boat we explore Spanish Creek, Revenge Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands where we can see many birds including northern jacanas, white ibis, wood storks and the huge jabiru stork. We visit one of Belize's oldest Creole settlements, then journey into the world of the ancient Maya. This extension is a great way to experience Belize's astounding diversity of birds and wildlife, as well as its ancient Mayan culture. This optional extension includes: Two nights in Crooked Tree, a wildlife sanctuary managed by the Audubon Society. Relax or explore Crooked Tree Village. (D) Tour the ancient city of Lamanai. Return by boat along New River Lagoon, with tremendous birding and wildlife viewing along the shores. (B, L, D) Enjoy the waking wilderness and hundreds of birds feeding along the lagoon shore. Morning lagoon boat tour. Afternoon visit to the Mayan site of Altun Ha, returning to Belize City approximately 4:00pm. (B, L) RAINFOREST CANOPY MARCH 16-18, COST: $539 The Rainforest Canopy Extension is a three Day Eco-Lodge Adventure in the Rainforests of Southern Belize. The Rainforest Canopy Extension travels off-the-grid to a jungle lodge and eco-resort in the southern Maya Mountains. Situated in 7000 acre Mayflower Bocawina National Park and adjacent to the world famous Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve, your location is superb for adventure. This three day trip is ideal for those wanting to experience the essence of this untouched, tropical rainforest while vacationing in Belize. This optional extension includes: Travel from our Operations Base in Dangriga to our eco-resort in Bocawina Park. Settle into your lodge, then choose from the guided Bocawina Rainforest trail walk or the longest rainforest canopy zipline in Central America! (L, D) Experience early morning in the rainforest, and the cacophony of sounds in the waking wilderness. After breakfast, go on the Antelope Falls Waterfall Adventure or the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Cultural Village tour. (The Cockscomb option is an extra $60 per person and requires a two person minimum.) (B, L, D) Time at Leisure. Relax at the lodge or explore one of the local trails. Return to Dangriga by van either before or after lunch. (B)
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE The trip officially starts on March 10. Plan to arrive not later than 2pm. You will be met at the International Airport based on your flight arrival time and transported to the Biltmore Plaza Hotel, a pleasant and comfortable place to wait for those who have arrived on earlier flights or arrived before March 10. There is a lovely inner courtyard with a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool (so have your swimsuit handy). Typically, everyone will have gathered by 3:00 pm and we will be heading on our way to the Tropical Education Center. If you have the time, it is a good idea to arrive in Belize one day before the trip begins, particularly if your international flight connections are tight or you are departing from a region where it is likely that bad weather will cause flight delays. If you do arrive early, transportation from the Belize international airport will not be included. You should plan to meet us at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel by 3:00pm before we depart for the Tropical Education Center. Departure Information: On March 16, after breakfast, a charter boat will bring you back to the mainland, usually arriving around 9am, and you will then get taken to the Operations Base. Here you can pick up the luggage you did not take with you, change, and then make your connections for further travel in Belize or your international flight home. If you are connecting with a return flight home later in the day, or continuing on the Mayan extension, we will arrange a 20 minute flight from Dangriga to BZE. In this case, your international flight home can be scheduled for March 16 of the trip after 11:30am (the time you can actually depart). This is to ensure you have adequate connection time from Dangriga to the International Airport. You can also take a bus from Dangriga to Belize. (approximately. $5 and 3 hrs. in length). If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call 206-395-7836. ACCOMMODATIONS We'll spend the first night at the Tropical Education Center in Belize City and five nights at small Belizean owned lodges with running water and fully serviced bathrooms. WEATHER The climate of Belize is sub-tropical. Temperatures range from 70-105 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity during the day, dropping at night to 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Although we are traveling during the dry season, there can be the infrequent "Northerly" winds which blow down from the Gulf of Mexico bringing with it cooler temperatures and rain. These rarely last more than a few days. Inland conditions can change quickly with afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rainfall common in some parts of the country. From December to May conditions are usually clear, sunny and warm.
TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST Don't bother buying fancy new gear for your trip. Comfortable clothes and used gear is best for saltwater kayaking. Light colored clothing is also preferable to keep you cooler in the sun. FOOTWEAR: 1 pair Teva/Chaco sandals, river shoes, or dive booties for loading and unloading kayaks in water. 1 pair comfortable shoes to wear around the lodges 2-3 pairs of lightweight wool or synthetic equivalent socks such as Smartwool, Thorlo, or Darn Tough (neoprene socks are too thick for inside the fins) CLOTHING 1-2 pair of comfortable supplex/nylon lightweight pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 1-2 pairs of shorts (quick drying nylon is recommended) 1-2 loose skirts/sarongs - great for the island 3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts 1-2 lightweight long-sleeved shirts (a surfing shirt, called a "rash guard" is great for snorkeling and kayaking; a button up long sleeve shirt with collar is great for protection from sun and bugs) long synthetic underwear or nylon leggings to prevent burn while snorkeling 1 lightweight fleece jacket, sweatshirt, or other warm layer 1 lightweight waterproof rain jacket with hood and rain pants. "Water resistant" rainwear is not recommended (see Notes on Packing). Underwear / nightwear 1 wide-brimmed hat for sun and rain (a string tied to the hat will keep the wind from blowing it away) 1-2 bathing suits (nylon shorts and a running bra also work as swimwear) 1-2 changes of comfortable clothes to wear at end of day TOILETRIES (small everything) Biodegradable soap and shampoo, toothbrush, paste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, lotion, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, benadryl, foot powder, seasick medication (if tendency to motion sickness), any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. ESSENTIALS Passport and photocopy of passport Insect repellant (20-100% DEET) 1 one-quart water bottle Headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries Sunscreen and lip protection (see Notes) Bandanna Small day or fanny pack for day use Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Travel snacks (no chocolate - it melts) 1 towel (light camp towel or thin beach towel) Sunglasses - 100% UV protection w/ retention strap (see Notes) 2 to 3 garbage bags - serves as extra waterproofing protection and keeps wet gear separate OPTIONAL PERSONAL GEAR (if you want it, bring it personal preference and not required for the trip) Binoculars Small drybag for daytrips in kayak Watch - water resistant Gloves for paddling - (bike gloves work well) Extra sunglasses Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen Wet bath wipes (for camping) Swim goggles for exercise Camera - film/memory card and an extra camera battery (see Notes) Powdered hydrating drink mix (Gatorade, Crystal Light, lemonade, etc.) Snorkeling gear (if you have your own snorkel mask, we recommend bringing it; otherwise the mask and fins will be provided by the outfitter)
NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. CLOTHING: The Caribbean is typically warm and dry, but when it rains, it can rain for several days. Bring clothing that can get wet (synthetics are best). Clothing will get salt stains, do not bring new clothing. BIODEGRADABLE SUNSCREEN: One of the most harmful things to the natural underwater environment is sunscreens, oils, and sun-block worn by people. While swimming, these oils come off and settle on the coral reefs and other marine life, and in volume can act like an oil slick in water, creating damage to the delicate ecosystems. The reefs are suffocated, and sunscreens are one of the biggest causes of bleaching to our reefs, and the death of much of the world's coral. Biodegradable sun-block is environmentally friendly sunscreen that lacks the harmful ingredients that are destroying the world's coral reefs. These sunscreens are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally in the environment, and eco-friendly, meaning that they minimize damage to the environment. We strongly encourage using only biodegradable sunscreen anytime you are going to be in the water. If it doesn't say it is on the package then it isn't. None of the major brands (Coppertone, Banana Boat, No-Ad) are biodegradable. An interesting article on the subject can be found here: https://www.ecotourlinq.com/blog/archives/08-2016 Raw Element and/or Badger are both reef safe and available at Amazon or REI. Not all sunscreens work well for all people. If you have a sunscreen that you know works well for you, bring that also for times that you are not snorkeling. RAIN GEAR: Typically we recommend rubberized rain gear for sea kayaking trips, since they are warm, work best in steady downpours, and their effectiveness is not diminished by salt water. Since this trip is in the Caribbean we are recommending a jacket made of waterproof/breathable fabric or coated nylon. This layer will most likely be worn more often as a wind-proof layer than a rainproof layer on this trip, so having it be breathable is a good addition, but Gore-Tex (and other brand-identified waterproof materials) can be quite expensive and saltwater may damage. Coated nylon is not very breathable, but it is lightweight, waterproof, and can be relatively inexpensive. If you have any questions about raingear, please call us. WATERPROOF BAGS: If you choose to bring waterproof bags for your day bag, several companies make vinyl bags with good closures (Phoenix, Outdoor Research, Cascade Designs). Wide-mouthed plastic jars are good for first aid supplies and the like. Ziploc bags are handy for many uses. BRINGING YOUR CAMERA ON A SEA KAYAKING TRIP: Ocean water is highly corrosive to camera equipment. To protect your camera from the salt, pack it in a waterproof sports bag. Many outdoor retailers and most camera shops have inflatable bags that are waterproof, float, and cushion your camera against bumps. Phoenix, Basic Designs, and manufacturers of whitewater equipment make inflatable camera bags. SUNGLASSES: In addition to strongly recommending 100% UV resistant sunglasses to protect your eyes, we also recommend Polarized lenses to reduce glare on the water. This allows you to see into see into the water from the kayak, thus seeing rays and nurse sharks and fishies.