Belize & Guatemala - Rivers, Reefs & Culture

Arrive independently to Belize City and join your transfer from the airport to the designated meeting area from where you will embark your vessel. After boarding and settling into your cabin we will set sail as you enjoy a cocktail and dinner with your new shipmates.

Your first full day of adventure is likely to be a memorable one as we spend the day discovering the Belize Barrier Reef, both above water and below. A day of fun and activities will begin in Ranguana Caye, a private island, where you can take a snorkelling trip, jump on the paddleboards or just take a leisurely swim. Alternatively you can simply lie back on a hammock on the golden sands and soak up the beautiful surroundings of this tropical paradise.

Next up is the equally beautiful Laughing Bird Caye National Park for a guided snorkel where angelfish, parrotfish, tangs, sea sponges, and elkhorn, staghorn, and brain coral flicker beneath the clear waters.

Skipping across to Guatemala, our first adventure here will bring us to Las Escobas Tropical Rainforest Park where we can enjoy a guided hike through this birder’s paradise that is home to more than 400 bird species including toucans and parrots to name just a couple. You will visit refreshing pools and waterfalls before sitting down with your guides to learn about the Garifuna culture firsthand through stories, song, and snacks.

In the afternoon we will make our way to Tapon Creek Nature Reserve, covering more than 1,600 acres of Guatemala's lowland forests, where you can enjoy a guided jungle walk in search of sightings of the area’s protected endangered species including jaguars, howler monkeys and tapirs.

Today will be spent exploring more of Guatemala on foot and by sea. Kayak, skiff, paddleboard, snorkel and hike your way through some iconic spots. Areas we visit will include the beautiful town of Livingston, and the Rio Sarstun and Rio Dulce.

We will arrive back in Belize and the colourful fishing town of Punta Gorda in time of market day. The town will be bustling as we step ashore for a wander through the stalls. We may also visit some nearby Mayan ruins to delve deeper into the Mayan history and culture. In the afternoon there will be time for more snorkelling and skiffing as we make our way to the white sands of the secluded nearby cayes. Keep your eyes peeled for pelicans sweeping overhead!

Staying in Belize, early this morning we make our way to the lush and verdant Payne's Creek National Park. Here you can enjoy a special skiff tour in search of the abundance of birdlife that can be found here (over 300 species), a memorable kayak excursion through the mangroves, or a strenuous hike through the park’s savannah in search of sightings of crocodiles, white tail deer, black howler monkeys and manatees. A relaxing afternoon will be spent on a nearby private island where you can snorkel or kayak in Lime Caye.

Welcome to the jungle! Today will be mostly about hiking, with a choice of gentle rambles or strenuous treks all geared up to allow you to spot as much wildlife as possible. This area is recognised as the world’s first jaguar sanctuary and although we will keep our eyes peeled for sightings and follow their tracks, owing to their stealth it is unlikely that we will actually spot them. We will however, be on the lookout for the rich birdlife that includes Red-capped Manakin, Crested Guan, Amazon kingfisher, Black-headed Trogon and much more.

In the afternoon there will be time to visit the park’s museum or soak in a lazy river in an inner tube before we get back onboard to enjoy our last night together with a special farewell dinner and slideshow presentation.

Arrival back in Belize City signals the end of your voyage and after breakfast you will disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward or homeward flights. If you wish to extend your stay, please enquire for options.