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Day 1 Belize City/Burrell Boom

Arrive at any time in Belize City and transfer to our hotel, located just near the village of Burrell Boom.

Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to arrive at any time to the Belize City airport where you will be met and transferred to our hotel near Burrell Boom village, which is about 30 minutes from the airport.

Hotels vary greatly throughout Central America and even within Belize depending on the location. We do our best to pick comfortable accommodations, but in remote places, options can be limited. It also is important to remember that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Belize (even in upgraded hotels). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control. The heat and humidity of Belize may affect you upon arrival. You may have a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm; it is simply your body’s reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day.

Day 2 Burrell Boom

Enjoy a full day boat excursion to Lamanai—a Maya archaeological site dating from as early as 1,500 BC. Located on the wildlife-rich shores of the New River Lagoon and surrounded by dense jungle, Lamanai is one of the oldest known Maya sites in Central America. Explore the sprawling stone ruins with a local guide, and note the abundance of crocodile motifs at the site; the name “Lamanai” translates as “submerged crocodile” in the regional Maya dialect. Afterward, return to our hotel to relax at the patio bar and pool, or stroll the grounds to spot local wildlife.

Day 3 Burrell Boom/San Ignacio

This morning, we’ll visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, co-founded by National Geographic Grantee Dr. Robert Horwich. This community-run organization is dedicated to the conservation of the Yucatán black howler monkey, locally called a baboon. Tour the sanctuary with a guide and observe these endangered monkeys in the wild. Then head to the village of San Antonio to visit a G Adventures–supported women's cooperative. Try your hand at throwing clay in the cooperative’s pottery workshop, and learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Maya techniques. After lunch, continue to the bustling town of San Ignacio.

The town of San Ignacio is situated on the banks of the Macal River. It is a perfect location to visit the surrounding countryside. All activities here are optional, so the choice is yours: explore the Mayan cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal, containing relics dating back 1400 years, visit the butterfly gardens, or go tubing or canoeing through the natural limestone caves of the region.

Day 4 San Ignacio

Discover the stunning Maya ruins of Xunantunich, built over a thousand years ago on a hilltop above the Mopan River. Climb the steps of El Castillo, the site’s tallest structure, to enjoy panoramic views of the jungle; and wander amid intricately carved stelae and well-preserved temples and palaces. Spend the afternoon at leisure, choosing from a variety of optional activities.

Day 5 San Ignacio

Enjoy a free day to explore San Ignacio and the surrounding countryside. Opt to descend into the spiritual “underworld” of the Maya at the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, an ancient burial site where mysterious rituals took place; visit a butterfly garden to see the brightly coloured local species; or go canoeing or tubing through the region’s breathtaking limestone caves.

Day 6 San Ignacio/Caye Caulker

Drive back towards the coast and catch a ferry to Caye Caulker—one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful cayes or islands—located along the Belize Barrier Reef. Settle into your hotel in this breezy island paradise and choose to take a walk through laid-back Caye Caulker village, home to a small but diverse community of local residents and expats.

Caye Caulker is a long thin limestone caye off the coast of Belize. Fewer than 2,000 people live here full-time – an eclectic mix of Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonites, along with a few hippies and retirees. The main street is a sandy pathway and people get around on foot, by bike or golf cart. Apart from eating some sensational seafood (lobster is a local specialty), the main activity is snorkelling and boating along the nearby Belize Barrier Reef.

Caye Caulker is very small and has a limited number of accommodations available. For this reason, we often use different hotels, depending on the departure and time of year. Accommodations are a bit rustic, and rooms will have ensuite, electricity and hot water, but due to the remote location, there may be occasional interruptions to these services. The stunning location and natural beauty of this off-the-beaten-track island more than make up for a few minor inconveniences.

Day 7 Caye Caulker

Set out to explore the island on a leisurely bike tour with a local guide from the G Adventures–supported Bike with Purpose project. This afternoon, opt for a snorkelling excursion on the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef on the planet. Come face-to-face with sea turtles, manta rays, parrotfish, nurse sharks, and other fascinating creatures as you swim through the warm tropical waters. In the evening, choose to take a relaxing sunset cruise around the island.

The barrier reef off Caye Caulker is a true wonder of nature. Optional snorkel trips get you up close and personal with nurse sharks and rays, to name a few of the wondrous resident creatures.

Day 8 Caye Caulker

Spend the day at leisure, opting to join a full-day sailing and snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve—the first marine reserve in Belize. Swim alongside schools of tropical fish in this spectacular natural aquarium and visit the Coral Gardens, perhaps spotting a manatee or two among the vibrant coral formations. Cap off the day with a cruise back to Caye Caulker just before sunset. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

The barrier reef off Caye Caulker is a true wonder of nature. Optional snorkel trips get you up close and personal with nurse sharks and rays, to name a few of the wondrous resident creatures.

Day 9 Caye Caulker

Depart at any time. Please book any departing flights no earlier than 11:30 am to ensure you will have ample time to travel to the airport.

Should you wish to have additional post nights in Caye Caulker or Belize City, please ask your sales CEO.

Please book any departing flights no earlier than 11:30 am to ensure you will have ample time to travel to the airport. This trip finishes on Caye Caulker, which is located one hour by water taxi from Belize City (an additional 30 minutes by taxi to the airport). There are frequent ferry departures between 7:30am and 5:00pm. You can purchase your return ferry ticket easily once you get to Caye Caulker.

Day 1: Arrival in Belize

Afternoon

• Arrive at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) by 1:00 pm.
• Your Trip Leader will meet you at the airport and where you'll take included transportation to the ferry dock in Belize City for our water taxi to the lovely island of Caye Caulker.
• Enjoy the scenic 45 minute water taxi to Caye Caulker as you glide across crystal blue water and gaze at other small islands in the distance.

Evening

• After getting settled into your hotel that is just steps away from the ocean, take a stroll around the beautiful island of Caye Caulker and catch your first Belizean sunset.
• Enjoy your first dinner on the island at a local restaurant steps away from your hotel.
• Rest after a day of travel or hit the town for a local beer or cocktail.
• *If your flight is delayed and you miss the shuttle* You are responsible for your own transportation.  Find a licensed taxi to drive you to the ferry dock and take the ferry to Caye Caulker. In Belize, a GREEN license plate means the vehicle is a licensed taxi.  Expect a $25 taxi fare and $15 ferry fare.
• *If your flight is delayed and you miss the 5:30 pm ferry* Please take the 8:00 am San Pedro Express Water Taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker.  We suggest staying the night at the Radisson Fort George for a safe room close to the ferry. Expect a $25 taxi fare, $15 ferry fare and the cost of your hotel stay.  Your travel insurance may reimburse you so save your receipts.*

Day 2: Snorkeling Trip

Morning

• Wake up to watch the sunrise over the ocean from the comfort of your hotel.
• Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant a short walk from the hotel.
• Gear up for a day of exploration at sea as you prepare to snorkel the most famous marine reserve in the country.

Afternoon

• Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the second largest barrier reef, shark and ray alley, and more.
• Have lunch right on the boat with your new friends and keep your eyes peeled for even more marine life.
• Take a scenic boat ride back to the island and maybe even enjoy some local rum punch.

Evening

• Relax after a day at sea or head down to the Lazy Lizard before sunset.
• Enjoy a Caribbean dinner at a local restaurant and maybe even try the famous hot sauce.
• Hit the town for a night out or relax poolside at your hotel and stargaze with friends.

Day 3: Cave Tubing

Morning

• Have breakfast at a local restaurant and grab a fresh coffee from the local coffee house on the island.
• Prepare for another adventure as you will be floating underground on the Sinbun River. (~45 min boat ride to Belize City & 1.5 hour ground transportation to cave tubing site)

Afternoon

• Get ready to enter the exciting world of rivers disappearing into the underworld as you float on inner tubes with only your headlamp to light your way.
• Your local guide will walk you down our jungle track, pointing out the various medicinal trees and other flora, before splashing into the cool, easy flowing waters of the Sibun branch. (Lunch is included)
• Back in Caye Caulker, enjoy some downtime to relax at the beach or explore more of Caye Caulker before dinner.

Evening

• Watch the sunset at the Lazy Lizard while you play cornhole with the locals or hang out poolside at the hotel.
• Have dinner at a different local restaurant and try some fresh seafood or  more Caribbean dishes.
• Hit the town for another night out, hang at the pool, or stargaze on an ocean dock.

Day 4: Caye Caulker

Morning

• Enjoy a perfect Caribbean island sunrise, or sleep in after a long night out – it's your trip!
• Eat a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant and then relax in the island.
• Rent a bike to explore the island or get a beachfront massage to relax.

Afternoon

• Shop for souvenirs, visit the local shops, or rent jet skis.
• Spend the rest of the afternoon lounging on inner floats over perfect turquoise waters.

Evening

• Watch the sunset on the other side of the island or go out for a happy hour drink.
• Enjoy another delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
• Spend your last night going out in the town or relax at the hotel as you reflect on the week's adventures.

Day 5: Relaxation & Departure

Morning

• Catch your last Belizean sunrise before eating a delicious breakfast and reminiscing about your time on this incredible island.
• Check out of your ocean view hotel and take a scenic boat ride back to Belize City where you'll take included transportation to Belize City International Airport.
• Be sure your flight departs after 12:00 pm.
• ‍For those doing the 9 day trip to Mexico, we will have breakfast to go and then take the water ferry to Chetumal, Mexico.
• We look forward to welcoming you into our close-knit travel community.